As Summer Comes to a Close

Whew!  Up early this morning - MUCH earlier than I like.  Fixed the kids a good breakfast, packed them up and sent them out the door with Daddy for their first day of school.  Jarod is in the 6th grade this year and my Anne Girl is in 1st.  Goodness, where does time go?

Just so you know - Jarod was not real excited this morning and Anne was a bit nervous.  Praying they have an AWESOME first day.

So with the kids off to school and Russ to the office - the house is so quiet!  I had almost forgot what that sounds like.  I should be doing important things around the house but I have decided to blog first.  Besides - I have lots of fun photos to share with you from our vacation.

Besides our summer in Oregon, I think this may have been the busiest summer yet.  Before it began, I had every intention of taking the kids to the beach - A LOT!  We didn't go once!  Not one time!  And I can see the ocean from our church parking lot.  Between Scout Camp, Youth Camp, Dance Camp, VBS, my best friend moving away and my busier than usual Calligraphy for the summer - we barely had time to think.  The four of us went in different directions all summer so Russ finally said, "ENOUGH - plan something for the family.  We have to get away."

Usually, we love to go to the mountains in the summer.  But, having waited too long to book anything, we went south.  To our other home - Orlando.  We quickly remembered why we don't go that direction in the summer.  Very busy!!!  But - we didn't go to any of our beloved theme parks - we just hung around the condo and relaxed.  Did a few things we have always wanted to try but have been to busy doing the parks.

All in all it was a great week.  We shut off our brains, stayed up late, slept even later, watched really crazy shows on T.V. - Russ is totally addicted to Billy the Exterminator!  And I think Storage Wars is pretty neat.  Wow - did I just admit that publicly!?  You can tell we do not have cable television in our home.  Anyway - we spent lots of time by the pool, when it wasn't raining and sat on our balcony and watched the Epcot Fireworks.

Here is our week in photos:

 We started our week off with a trip to Ikea.  I had never been and was dying to check it out.  Russ settled right into relaxation!

 Arriving at our Condo

Our view from the balcony

They each had their own bed, but I walked in to this one morning.  Just chillin out, watching TV - waiting for the rain to stop.

 We went to the Pirate Dinner Adventure one night!  Sooooo much fun!!!!

ARRRGH!!!!

Very cool show!

We took the kids to Disney Quest

5 stories of virtual, gaming fun!

Our first Virtual Game Experience - Riding the Comix!  We went inside the comic books to help fight.....ummmm.....the bad guys.  Ya - that sounds right!

 Russell and Jarod became human pin balls - that was crazy to watch!

 This was the BEST!  We all had to work together to fight the pirates!  I drove the ship and Russ and the kids shot the cannons.  All while standing on a moving boat, wearing 3-D glasses with water, pirate ships and islands all around us.  Totally fun!

Anne getting set up for another virtual game - this time we were on Aladdin's Magic Carpets.

Now let me take a moment and tell you that we are NOT gamers!  This whole thing was a totally new experience for us.  We bought our first Wii console a year and a half ago and it's not a major distraction in our house.  While this was a great learning experience - Disney Quest will not be added to our Seasonal Passes.  Once was enough.  This was a great thing to do on a rainy day in Orlando - but we prefer the REAL rides at Disney.

We finished our fun day off with Ice Cream!  Can't beat that!

Carrying his sister back to room after a long day of video games.

I'm seeing a theme for the week - something about our family and Pirates.  Hmmmmm........

 Waiting to go on the slide!

Even Daddy had a turn!  I did too - but whacked my elbow coming through.  Nice bruise on my funny bone - once was enough for me!

 This was more my speed for the week!

 

And this was Russell's

Of course, we had to stop by our favorite pizza place!  Giordanos!  Because if you are going to have pizza - have PIZZA!!!!  Yummmmmm!

We finished every night, sitting on our balcony - watching this!  How cool!

We were very thankful for the opportunity to go and let our brains be mush for a week.  You just have to do that occasionally.  We came back relaxed and ready to face the world again - well..... maybe.  It's easy to say that sitting in an empty house while everyone else is at work and school!

I did come home to this!

 

Marc laid tile in my kitchen!  I'm so excited!  I was so tired of the linoleum - just could not keep it clean.  The tiles were given to us and because we did not have enough of each - Marc did a great pattern in the middle of the floor.  I'm so happy with it.

Each time a turn a corner and get a glimpse of the new floor, I smile!  First time I've had tile in my kitchen ever!  I feel so grown up!  Ha!!!!  It really does add a nice touch to our home.  

Thanks Marc for doing such a great job!!!!  

(He's for hire - if anyone is interested. Let me know and I'll give you his info)

Now, I'm off to finish putting my kitchen back together......

Until next time........

Chloe Comes for a Visit

Marc and Sam went to Virginia last week to teach at the National Fellowship of Christian Puppetry Festival.  Seeing as how it would be a very busy week for them, Chloe came to stay with us!  What fun we had.  It was a real joy to have her.  She's so good and so funny.  I thought I would share a little of our week in photos....

She spent a lot of time playing with the cousins

 Wearing their matching Tangled PJ's - how fun is that?

 Eating

 Sleeping - (just waking up from a good nap)  I call this my "Red headed bed head"  LOL!

 More eating - spaghetti is a favorite

 Wearing Anne's t-shirts while her pj's were being washed

 She helped Jarod and Anne play Monopoly - they were not always happy about that.

 We watched old Muppet Show reruns - her favorite!

 

 And cooked in the kitchen

 And she spent a whole lot of time just being plain cute!

 And sucking on limes - to our defense - she asked for it!  And kept licking it.  Weird child.

And then there's just plain sweetness.....

Thanks Marc & Sam for allowing us to watch Chloe while you were off having fun with puppets!

 We love you guys!!!

Happy Birthday Russell!

One of his spontaneously fun moments while shopping with me.  LOVE IT!

Two weeks ago, he made a big fuss about my turning 40.  I mentioned that he was just excited that he was no longer alone in that journey.  But today - he continues being ahead of the game.

He stays that way around here.  Always has everything figured out before the rest of us.  But that's the way it's supposed to be, right?
Right. 
I love him for that.
Most of the time.


I admired Russell's qualities long before we were ever serious.  I even told him one night on the phone, in an effort to encourage him, that he was going to make someone a wonderful husband someday.  And I really believed that!  I just had no idea it would be me!  Turns out that I'm the lucky one that got this man and all of his wonderful qualities. 

I can't even begin to tell you what I like most about him.  He is everything I ever prayed for and more.  Even before he was born - 43 years ago - God knew he was my husband.  God has great plans.

Russell - today I celebrate you!

• I am so thankful that your parents were surprised by your presence because God had to add one more to  their family. 

• I'm thankful that you moved to Orange Park and had the passion to start a Bible Study in our High School where you and I would meet.  

• I'm thankful for the 10 years of solid friendship we shared before we ever began dating.  

• I'm thankful that I am that woman that benefits from all of your wonderful qualities. 

• I'm thankful for your passion, your sense of humor, your serious side, your sensitivity, your complexity, your easiness.  

• I'm thankful for you spontaneity, your sense of adventure and your desire to sit at home and do nothing.  

• I'm thankful for your leadership, for your quirks, for the way we can finish each others thoughts. 

• I'm thankful for the way you love people, for your compassion and your mercy. 

• I'm thankful for your doubts and your fears because I know you are real. 

• I'm thankful that you are always three steps ahead of me and are ever so patient while the Lord works in my life to get us back on the same page. 

• I'm thankful for the two beautiful children you have given me and for the way that you love and lead them. 

• I'm thankful that you love our Lord more than you do me because then you love me even better. 

• I'm thankful for your prayers, your faithfulness and your trustworthiness.

• I'm thankful for your restlessness and your desire to just be.

• I'm thankful for your tenderness, your listening ear and your desire to do whatever it takes to provide for us.

I'm just thankful for you.  Everything about you. The good, the not so good - the entire package. 

You were meant specifically for me.  I know this is your birthday - but many people have been blessed because you were born.  Thing is - I made out the best!

I love you, Russell.  Here's to celebrating many more years of "you".......

Russell's Birthday Dinner

Okay - Okay!  Everyone on Facebook has been asking for this recipe so I thought I would put it on the blog so it would be in one central location.  My mom found this recipe years ago and it's probably become Russell's official "Birthday Dinner" for the last 10 years!  It's an absolute favorite around here - along with the dessert recipe I will share as well.

Enjoy!


Seafood Stuffed Shells

1 box pasta shells

5 T Butter

1 onion, chopped fine

1 cup mushrooms, chopped fine

1.5 lbs cooked crab (I use the imitation crab meat) - chopped fine

1 cup Ricotta Cheese

1 egg

pepper

2 T Flour

1 cup half & half

2 cups chicken broth

2/3 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook shells, rinse and drain

Melt 1 T butter - Saute onion, mushrooms - cool

Blend crab meat, ricotta, onion, mushrooms, egg & pepper

Stuff each shell, place in lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish (I use my large lasagne pan)

Heat 4 T Butter and Flour for 2 minutes on low seat in sauce pan.  Add half & half and chicken broth - thicken. (This takes a while - keep stirring)  Add Parmesan and simmer 2 minutes.  Pour sauce over shells - bake at 350 for about 20 minutes.

Yummmmmm!

Ice Cream Dessert

This is also a favorite - I make it the night before!  It will be a HUGE hit - I promise!!!!!  Recipe compliments of Sasha!  It's been in her family for over 30 years!  Thanks for sharing - it will be in ours forever too!

1 Box Vanilla Waffer or Oreo Cookies (our favorite - but both a great!)

3 - 4 bananas

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

1 stick butter

1 cup Chocolate chips

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Small Cool Whip

chopped peanuts

Crush cookies and place in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan

Layer sliced bananas on top of that

Top with ice cream

Place in freezer while to make the chocolate:

In sauce pan mix butter, chocolate chips, powdered sugar and evaporated milk

Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 8 minutes - stirring continually so it doesn't burn

Remove from heat - add vanilla

Let cool completely

Put on top of ice cream

This is where I put everything back in the freezer over night

Before serving add cool whip and chopped nuts.

Will keep in freezer for several days but I promise it won't last that long!

I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

Until next time.....

Friendship: A Special Gift From God

I am a firm believer that everything in our life has a purpose.  Every event, every obstacle, every person, every friend. 

I have been very blessed that during specific times, God has placed very special women in my life to help encourage, challenge and support me.

Growing up, it was my friend Stacy.  We both moved to Florida when we were in the 6th grade and connected immediately.  We were both in a new state, a new school and the Lord brought us together.  We were inseparable until we married.  Still friends, almost 30 years later, she will always be a vital part of my life.  Friends that have that kind of history with you are a jewel.

After Russ and I married, we moved to Opelika, Alabama so he could serve a church as Student Minister.  I was terrified leaving my home and my family.  I begged God for a friend.  When we arrived in Alabama, many of the people from our new church stopped by our house to help us unload our U-Haul.  Karesa came by that night.  I didn't know it then, but God had already chosen her to be my friend and to love and encourage me while I lived so far from home.  We connected in such a way that I can only explain as a God thing and to this day, we can get on the phone and pick up like we were together yesterday.  Not only was she an answer to prayer for me, but she came with a husband that connected with Russ.  Chuck and Karesa quickly became the couple that you can go on vacation with and still be sad to leave at the end of the week.  Now that is a special gift from God!!!!

Another special gift is when you find a true friend in one of your family members.  My Aunt Marcia is that for me as well.  Affectionately known as "Sasha" around here by my children, she has been in my life since I was a child.  Only 14 years older than me - in the last several years, we have discovered a friendship that goes beyond family.  A connection that I can again only explain as a God thing.  She too knows me, challenges me, encourages me and she loves me and my family.  She is such a gift and I am so thankful for her!

Then about 6 1/2 years ago, God brought Emily into my life. She and her family began attending our church. They accepted Christ and Russell baptized them.  I can't really explain how or when we connected.  I wasn't looking for a friend - it just happened. And now it feels like she has been my friend for my whole life.  I have watched her step out in faith time and time again with everything from leaving work to become a stay at home mom - to the adoption of her 3 youngest boys.  It is an honor to be her friend.  Like the others, she has encouraged me, loved me, supported me, challenged me, laughed with me and cried with me.  We have gone shopping together, had meals together, we have carpooled with our children to and from school.  We have spent countless hours on the phone together.  Sometimes trying to solve all the problems of the world - other times being silly and talking about nothing important at all.  Our husbands roll their eyes when we get together knowing that our family secrets will be exposed and that they will probably be the brunt of some of the conversations.  But, they don't say much because they also know that it makes us better wives and moms when we are done.

Everyone needs a friend who you can have a "Brat Moment" with.  You know, the kind where you can call them up and completely vent and be ugly and say all the things you wanted to say about a current situation in your life - but didn't.  You can totally let your guard down and know you are completely safe and will not be judged or condemned because of your feelings.  Because they know your heart and know that what is being said really isn't meant deep down.  But they are there to listen, encourage, love and sometimes yell at you and straighten you out and point you back in the right direction.  Emily is that kind of friend.  She sees me as me - not as Cami the "Calligrapher" or Cami the "Pastor's Wife".  She knows I don't have it all together and doesn't expect me to.

She is also the friend who has encouraged my "girly" side and has taught me how to accessorize with fun jewelry!  I've never been real great with that.  I tend to find a favorite piece and wear it all the time.  But not with Emily around!  She is so good and mixing and matching and finding the perfect jewelry to go with the outfit.  I have more "bling" because of her - again, our husbands roll their eyes!  For my birthday, she gave me a whole bag full of many new and fun pieces.  I was so excited because she is moving and I can no longer borrow hers.  Ha! Ha!

God has done so many wonderful things in the Bennett family.  Back in November, Bruce accepted a new job in New Hampshire and the Lord blew all the doors wide open for them to go.  Emily stayed behind while the adoption of Carter was finalized.  Each month, she went to court and things would be postponed a little.  She would call me so upset.  This was hard on her - their family was separated and she was caring for 3 little ones by herself.  I would comfort and encourage her although being secretly happy that this meant she would be staying her a little longer.  At last they were given a final court date for the adoption.  This long time of separation for their family was over. But now the count down for our separation had begun.  I'd known for 9 months that moving day was coming but it was always "out there" - never finalized.  I wouldn't let my mind wrap around it.

The movers came and  everything became real.  We spent as much time together last week as possible.  Going to lunch, getting our nails done.  All the while  ignoring the inevitable. Not wanting to go there just yet. I drove to her house on Friday for one last goodbye and passed the moving van in the neighborhood.  I burst into tears.  This was really happening.  I walked into an empty house.  So many memories for us.  Small groups, birthday parties, the kid's sleepovers, my babysitting the boys, game nights, Halloween parties, New Year's parties, baby showers, ugh!  The list goes on.

Saying good bye to a friend is hard.  Knowing that your relationship will change - but also knowing that you were blessed to have it to begin with.  Friends like this are a gift from God. I have no doubt about that.  He always knows exactly what I need, when I need it.  For the past 6 1/2 years - I've needed Emily in my life. 

I realize that as I typed that - it sounded like our friendship is over. But it's not.  Like the other friends that I have listed, it's only just begun.  It will take on a new shape - a new form - but it will always be there.  When you connect with someone like this - you connect for life.

Know that you are loved deeply, Emily.  You have been an answer to prayer and my special gift from God.  You will always hold a special place in my heart. You will be missed greatly - but thank God for cell phones and computers.  We WILL stay connected and in the mean time - I'll be online shopping for flights!

I love you, my sweet friend!

Turning 40

It's been approaching all year.  Sneaking up on me.  Sometimes quietly - sometimes loudly.  Mentioned often by my husband.  He's just excited that it finally came.  He's been jealous of my still being in the 30's for the last 3 years.  There is no stopping time.  It came.  I rolled into a new decade this past Saturday.

Russ allowed me to sleep late.  Because we all know that you need more sleep when you get older, right?



Then I had lunch with my best friend, Emily, who is moving away FOREVER.  But we won't go there yet.  Nope.  Not yet.  There will probably be a blog about that later - but not today.  Not ready to go there yet.

Anyway - we were only going to be gone a little while as they are moving after all and she left her husband home with the 4 kids and a list of things to do.

We were able to sit and talk almost uninterrupted for about 3 hours. We only received one phone call.  I won't tell you which husband it was - but I will tell you that it had something to do with not being able to find the list. 

But we forgive him because that's what us girls do. 

 I came home in time to change and get ready for dinner out with my wonderful hubby!

We took the kids to stay with Nana and Papa (a.k.a. Russell's parents) and we drove to St. Augustine for the evening.  One of our favorite places to escape to.

Russ took me to Creekside Dinery and the weather was so nice we were able to sit on the patio.  That NEVER happens for my birthday!  Florida - in JULY?  Hello?  Keep me in the a/c please.  I'm all dressed up and do not want to wilt.

But we had some rain during the day and it stayed overcast.  With the nice breeze coming off the creek - we had an enjoyable dinner outside - and didn't even get sticky!  That's awesome!!!

Not sure why this photo looks blurry.  I think the lens on my phone was smudged.  Russ thinks it's a filter.  Now that I'm 40 I need that Dorris Day thing to help me out.  Humph.  It does add a softness though, don't you think?

Ahem.....Continuing with my weekend - we went for a leisurely stroll through downtown St. Augustine.  Stopped and had dessert and drove home.

We eat out every Sunday.  Mainly because we are all the way at the beaches for church and it's silly to drive home and then back again for the evening activities.  So we just stay there.  Because it was my birthday - I got to choose.  I love Cruisers Grill.  Marinated Chicken Chunks.  That's all I have to say.  Love them.  I think they remind me of my mom.  Regardless that's what I wanted on Sunday.



Marc, Sam and Chloe joined us.  The other really fun thing about Cruisers is that they bring everyone Tootsie Pops when they bring you your bill.  How cool is that?

Loved this picture of Chloe enjoying her Tootsie Pop!  How cute is she????

We have a wonderful couple in our church who travel during the summer.  We miss them terribly when they are gone as they are always such a huge encouragement to both Russ and I.  Big supporters.  But they allow us to crash at their house on Sundays when they are away.  Russ can study - take a nap.  The kids and I enjoy the pool.

This past weekend - since it WAS my birthday - Marc, Sam and Chloe joined us at the pool.  Our schedules have been so crazy for the past several months that it had been a while since we were all able to hang out and enjoy one another.  It was so much fun!  And it created photos like this:

 This was an attempt to throw Jarod - he's just too big now.  LOL!

 

 Taking a break.  Love it - Russ is reading "Lord of the Rings" for the bazillionth time and Jarod is reading "The Hobbit"   That's my boys!!!!

I love hanging out with friends and family.  It was a nice weekend.  Many have made a big deal about "turning 40" but I have to say that it's been fun.  This past year has been a really great year for me.  I've learned a lot about myself.  My business has grown and so has my confidence.  I am somewhat content with my life.  I say somewhat because you can always be growing and learning.  I always want to be willing to do what God calls me to.  Being too content can be dangerous.  But I do feel as though I have "arrived".  Now please don't take that as an "I've got it all together" comment.  More like an "I'm on the verge of something really big and I'm ready to move forward" comment. Or an "I'm right where God wants me" comment.  I've let go of a lot of the "stuff" that has been keeping me from moving forward.  Besides, isn't 40 supposed to be the age of wisdom and experience in life? That's what Russ keep telling me. 

The last few years have been difficult.  Lot's of changes, lot's of busy-ness.  It took a big toll on me.  I often felt very out of control.  Once things calmed down and we found a good routine that fit our family, things started to fall into place.  Ya know, when you are running like that, it's very hard to hear God.  It's very hard to take your focus off the next thing.  You just keep doing the next thing and the next thing but then you find that none of it is getting done well because you are so busy and so focused on doing the next thing.  UGH!  It makes me tired to just think about it.  

Back in December, when God was really working in my life about Haiti and the ApParent Project, he was also working on getting me out of the "next thing" cycle.  Slowing down, making goals, looking beyond myself to the future.  He has humbled me in many areas, he has shown me life beyond me and my family again.   He helped me to find a balance. I set a goal then to loose 40 pounds by my Birthday and on Saturday when I got on the scale, it said 41 pounds were gone!  How awesome is that?

For the first time in a really long time - I like me.  I feel good about myself.  I feel confident as a person.  I know that God still has great plans for me.  He's not finished with me yet.  In some ways I feel like I'm just beginning.  I have experience and my "stepping stones of faith" behind me and I am ready to move forward to the next thing.  I have a wonderful marriage, an awesome husband, two beautiful children who know the Lord and a God who loves me beyond my understanding.  I feel like I am sitting on the edge of something great!  I don't know what or when or how - I only know that I don't want to miss out!  Being in God's plan is the absolute best place to be!  Turning 40 - BRING IT!!!!  I'm excited!