Happy Birthday, Scott

We celebrated Scott today. We celebrated with lots of his favorite foods and tons of family fun. His mom, dad and sister came to Durham for the day. We were so tickled to have them here and visit our new home. They had helped us move all the stuff here, but didn't see the finished product.

If the Morrison family is good at anything, we are good at spending time together. There were lots of games played, meals eaten, prayers said, kisses and hugs given, music played, and laughter bouncing off of every wall.

Scott told me his favorite meals and that is just what I cooked up today. Man, did we eat well. I think the King was pleased.

Just now he is taking a royal bath. All in all, I believe today was a huge success in his book.

I am so very thankful for Scott. His life is an amazing gift to all who know and love him.

Quote of the day

"If you would be loved, love and be lovable."

~Benjamin Franklin

Bikes

I don't know about you but I can almost remember exactly when bikes were given to me as a child. What a thrill it is to have that first look at it and then ride.

Our boys have been needing new bikes. Julian was outgrowing his and Kalen was testing out Madelyn's big bike almost daily. Madelyn is still good with her big girl purple bike with training wheels.

Scott found a good deal on a bike in Durham for Julian. He snatched it up and came home for the big surprise. Kalen would, in turn, get a new bike as well. Scott also picked up some bells for Jules and Kalen.

The kids took instantly to their bikes. Julian's new bike only has hand brakes, but he really got the whole thing quickly. He also has the manuel gear shift. What a thrill! Kalen is Mr. Speedy on his new big boy bike. Madelyn just took it all in. She is, of course, happy for her brothers.

The boys got their bikes two days ago. For the past two mornings, I go outside with my coffee and watch my boys ride their bikes before 8am.

We just returned from a huge family adventure. We ventured up the road to the American Tobacco Trail. All the kids rode their bikes and Scott and I walked with Brady in the jogging stroller. We went so far. I have not sweat like that in years. The kids did an amazing job.

Fishing

My mom fished a lot when she was growing up. My grandparents loved it and went to the beach just to fish. So, my mom was itching to get my kids to try. She and Annette bought a couple of small rods so they could have a go at it.

Early one morning, each of my older kids went out with Grandma to fish. Kalen and Julian were successful. Kalen caught a small white fish and Julian, later, caught a bigger fish. They just did a little surf fishing, but it meant a lot to my mom.

The kids were able to put their fish back in the water, so they could continue their little fish lives.

Kites

One of the evenings we were at the beach, the kids were able to fly kites. I was especially delighted to watch my children do this. There is something very freeing about flying a kite. I believe that it takes courage and independence.

They all did great and really enjoyed the experience.

The Aquarium

We were able to visit a North Carolina Aquarium which is near Emerald Isle. We saw tons of creatures. The kids loved it. Juilan's favorite part was seeing the otters. They were very lively. He also like the eel (creepy to me). Kalen liked the jellyfish. Brayden liked the turtles. Madelyn really enjoyed the sea turtle and the gift shop:) . My favorite was probably the lion fish, such an amazing fish.

There were several tanks filled with various fish. We were able to get real close to big and little fish. We did see sharks, horseshoe crabs, lobsters, an octopus, beautiful tropical fish, and many others.

Emerald Isle

Last week, my mom called and asked if we could come to the beach with her and Annette. They were already down there. Scott had classes to teach on Tuesday and Thursday, so I talked with him about going to the beach during this week. Of course, it would be hard to go without him but the beach was sure tempting. I knew Scott would enjoy some alone time as well.

We took off Monday. It took us only 3 hours and a half to get there. I was amazed that I live so close to the beach. I love the beach.

The kids had a ball. We all enjoyed being with Mom and Annette. It meant a lot to them that we would ( I should say, I would) pack us all up and come join them.

We stayed till this morning. I am sure glad to be back home with my Scottie. I missed him so much. Being without him was like I was holding my breath. We are not apart from each other much.

I am posting some pictures now and there will be more from our trip soon. I am trying to unpack and love on the family.

Limericks

While Anna and the kids are at the beach, I decided to post in her absence. The other day as the children were drawing I began writing some limericks. They liked them.

There once was a boy named Julian
Who loved to play the computer. Then
He'd sit and read
Until he'd need
To fill up his hungry tummy again.

Our daughter we like to call Maddie
She's quite a delightful young laddie.
Every day she will dance,
Hop, skip, or prance.
She gets her good looks from her daddy.

Kalen just loves to throw rocks.
He'd rather wear shoes than his Crocs.
So happy and proud
He lives life real loud
And loves to play Bugs in a Box.

Stay tuned for Brayden's...

He is . . .

. . . an unsung hero.
He is their daddy.
He is intentional.
He is thoughtful.
He is inspiring.
He is bold.
He is loving.
He is handsome.
He is positive.
He is adventurous.
He is different.
He is available.
He is caring.
He is silly.
He is a doer.
He is a thinker.
He is attractive.
He is encouraging.
He is a teacher.
He is funny.
He is sensitive.
He is musical.
He is fun loving.
He is intellectual.
He is athletic.
He is authentic.
He is their daddy.

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing father in the world! We adore you!

Morning out in Carrboro

This morning we went out to the Carrboro Farmer's Market. We have heard from many people (thanks Mr. Kruidenier) about it. I spoke with one of my dearest friends, Laurie, last night and she met us there with two of her three boys.

Little side note here . . . Laurie and I go way back. We met in college and we were both each other's maid of honor. She has moved several times, but we have remained very close. She was in town visiting with family, as her husband Chad has been in Mexico with missions.

We were very impressed by this farmer's market. It was so nice. There were tons of beautiful plants and flowers, as well as brightly colored vegetables. The boys bought themselves a few cucumbers again. We bought some fresh rainbow chard, beans, and lettuce.

We followed Laurie out to her family's farm. They have several acres in the country. It is country living on a grand scale. There are cows, dogs, a pond, big ranch home with porch, lots of tall trees, playground, and blackberry bushes.

Laurie's boys names are Owen, Griffin and baby Tate. They are all beautiful and full of life. It was so special to be with her and her children, as I am not able to very much. The last time we were together they visited us in Boone just before Tate was born.

The kids just played and played. We had a wonderful time. I am so thankful for her family. She is living a sweet life in Tennessee now. They are living for the Lord with joy and purpose.

Recipe for Brayden's favorite muffins

~ not actual photo~ but I caught your eye didn't I? ~

Banana-Nut or Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients
2 c unbleached white flour
¼ c cane sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 c soymilk
1 egg substitute (1 tbsp soy flour + 1 tbsp water)
1/3 c canola oit
3 mashed bananas
½ c chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preheat oven 400F. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan. Put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl.
Mix egg substitute, add milk, mashed bananas, oil and nuts.
Mix batter just until moistened; do not over mix.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for about 12 – 15 minutes.

* My family likes to buy vegan chocolate chips and add them to the mix and leave out the nuts. These are great treats for dessert or breakfast.

No more

This is the response I got when I said, "no more chocolate chip muffins, Brayden."

Gandhi says it well

The quote on this bumper sticker is from M. Gandhi. I was folding and organizing Scott's clothes today and ran across a shirt that I had bought him years ago with this same phrase on it. I paused for a moment and recalled an incident that occurred yesterday with one of our neighbors.

I was minding my own business in my new home with my children at hand, when a lady appeared at my front door. Madelyn followed me as I answered the door. This lady begins introducing herself as the owner of the house right beside us. This seemed strange to me at first because we figured this family moved out of town because the house was empty. The rumor of the neighborhood actually is that they won the lottery and skipped town. Anyhow, she went on to describe how upset she was that we used her trash cans. Yes, Scott and I thought it would be fine to use her trash cans since we had some extra with moving in and cleaning up the yard. We even spoke with another neighbor about doing so. She, very angrily went on to tell me I had better get that stuff out or she would call someone. She said she needed to get something out of her trash that was left in there. I was in shock.

After being fussed at, I quickly put my shoes on and told my children to stay in the house. I ran down to the back of the house to get a wheel barrel to put our trash in. She watched as I worked on her assigned task. Many neighbors drove by as I was coughing from the dirt that was flying up. Needless to say I was not happy about this. My honey was at Carolina and I had to do this on my own. This lady continued to talk on the phone as I emptied one can. After that I showed her that can and asked if that was the one she needed to go through. She said she didn't know, so I needed to do both. She said she would talk to me after she finished her cell phone conversation, with hand on hip. I was appalled!!!

I finished my job and marched in my garage and shut the door. I stunk to high heavens and I was spitting mad. I could not believe what had just happened. I don't recall being so mistreated.

I was much calmer when Scott arrived home. He really had hoped the neighbor was still home but she had fled.

Now, the phrase from Gandhi speaks of being the change we want to see. This quote could speak of many things; taking care of the environment, having a healthy lifestyle, or doing to others as we would want to be done to us. As I think of the situation yesterday, I really did not want to be treated that way. I despised going through the trash. I was mad that my children had to witness such a scene. However, I was sorry that we went onto her property to use her trash cans. I could understand her frustrations. In a similar situation I would hope that I would rise above the anger and speak the truth in love. I would hope that I would give the other person at fault, the benefit of the doubt and hear them out.

All that to say, I am challenging myself to be a kind person today.

My Handy Man

What a cutie! Scott has been making some serious home improvements. Jen and Daniel, you would be so proud. Outside and in this guy has been working his little tail off to make things just right. Home improvements are nice but they take time and work. I am thankful for a guy that sees a job that needs to be done and is on it right away.

Kin from Kentucky!!

My Dad and Sally surprised us and visited us last evening. They were on the way to the beach and decided to take the long route so they could come see us and the new house. We were thrilled!!

We enjoyed half of the evening out at the Mellow Mushroom in downtown Durham. We ate at the Mellow Mushroom in Boone a lot. It was such a treat to be out with them at our new Pizza haven. I highly recommend going to this place.

We stayed up late but it was so worth it. We all had full tummies and happy hearts from being with "Papa and Mimi".