Our {NEW} Sandbox

The Kings Cake!

2012-01-22T21:30:00.005+01:00

One of my most favorite things about living in different places around the world is taking on different cultural traditions, like the King's Cake! Early January marks the time when where the wise men went to visit Jesus and took their gifts to him. So, we have the "Kings Cake" (Galette des Rois)!!

At EVERY bakery and store in France, they have rows of these specific cakes and on them have little paper crowns. A friend brought us one and it had 2 crowns, and so this means there are 2 surprises inside!
So, my teacher taught us... how the French "do" the Kings Cake. The youngest child in the room gets under the table that the cake is being served on. (Under the table so not to see which piece is being cut). The mother (or whoever) cuts the first piece and asks who each piece goes to. (First piece goes to dad, second to sister.... etc. or whoever the child chooses.) In each cake there is 1 (or more) little pieces (token like figures). Whoever has the token in his piece gets to wear the hat and is "KING!" Our kids loved it... (granted, they just wore the hats), but as they grow, we'll have to do the normal tradition!

This is (part) of our cake... but it was basically this in a circle!
This is one of the little tokens in our cake! (Plastic wise man)

Top 10 Favorite Pics of 2011

2012-01-02T20:26:00.007+01:00

So I started going through pictures the other day and looking at all that 2011 held for our family. So many changes, unexpected happenings, life turns... and it's fun to catch it on the camera. I wish I could post a Top 100 photos...

Most of these pics would not qualify as a "great picture", but for me... it's what's behind the picture. What was going on, and the treasured memory it holds. Not in any particular order... here are my top 10 favorite pics of 2011...

Stephen telling Sadie Mac about the cross (Albertville, France)

Noah starting to eat solid food... and making a mess (Boone, NC)

Fun family times at a 3D film (Atlanta, GA)
Planting a garden with my mom ("Our Yellow House", NC)
The Cascade Waterfalls with Grandma and Poppie (The Blue Ridge Pkwy)
Noah, catching some shade (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
My two treasures (my heart will always smile at this pic)... (Boone, NC)
Daddy and his princess at her 3rd birthday party... (Valle Crusis, NC)
An amazing sunrise (near Albertville, France)
God's amazing creation (France)

Christmas Morning!

2011-12-28T22:07:00.004+01:00

We have a family tradition to read the Christmas Story in Luke 2 with our families before we go out and open presents. We had a special time this year because we were doing it with our friends AND they had a really cool nativity to play with as we talked about the story! Each child opened a piece of the story (Mary/Joseph/Jesus)... (the Shepherds/angel)... (wise men) as the part of the story was read. We really enjoyed doing this and it was good to help keep the kids focused on the real meaning of Christmas!

The kids waiting at the door way as we got all the last minute things set up... "can we come now? can we come now?"
Stocking FUN...Sadie Mac's "Rapunzel hair"!

In the afternoon we went to a park that is near their house and enjoyed playing and taking pics...
Zip line, that even Noah tried! ;-)

Bubbles!

Two little princess friends
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas like we did!

An Italian Christmas

2011-12-27T20:40:00.007+01:00

Being away from family during the holidays can be hard. Skype and pictures on Facebook can be great... but it can also remind you how far far away we really are. We have some friends who we have known since before we were married. We were there the day they had their first child and have walked through life many transitions together... through the good and hard.

Well, we're blessed that God has placed these friends just two hours away from us... in Italy. We feel like they are our family-away-from-family. We all understand what it's like to like to live in 4 different countries in 3 years... what it's like to have babies where they don't speak English... the joys and trials of living overseas... (even if it is in France or Italy)... and we're thankful we can be so close.

They live in Torino (Turin) Italy and so we were able to see some sights in their town one day.

Sadie Mac running from Micah in one of the town squares
A large art stage in the center of town with Christmas decorations and a large nativity
Our 5 kiddos in front of the nativity
Stephen counting with the kids the metro stops until "ours"

Merry Christmas... 2011

2011-12-26T21:49:00.001+01:00

From our family to yours...

Some of Our Christmas Crafts

2011-12-18T19:47:00.009+01:00

I have mentioned before that I'm trying to be a crafty mom for my little treasures. Sadie LOVES projects and so I'm learning more ideas, things to use, and how to engage my children in the real meaning of Christmas. So... this year as my project portfolio grows, here are a few things we have done to get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus!! Some are Christ centered (our goal...) and others are just ideas I found.

Here are my two little angels (and their coffee filter wings glued onto milk bottles)... all "blinged up" with stars and stickers!
The angel appeared (to the Shepherds) and the Glory of the Lord shown around them... Lk2:9
Fun ornament making... (thank you KG for your recipe)!!

1 C. applesauce + 1 C. cinnamon + 1 tsp. glue... roll out into 1/4 inch thickness... cookie cutters or trace hands. Cook on low temp or let dry for a week.

More ornament making... which is better to decorate, or eat the decorations? (These ornaments are cookies, thank you IKEA)

Christmas wreath made of my favorite little hands
Playing Nativity with play mobile figurines
Colored nativity glued onto a pizza cardboard circle
Face painting (at a friend's house)...

Snow Finally Comes to the Alps!!

2011-12-18T19:23:00.005+01:00

After weeks (seemingly) of rain we were thrilled that we could finally put our snowflake stickers on our calendar! And it was the perfect snow... a little wet, good for packing... but not too wet so it was still fun to play in. Yesterday and today Sadie Mac had adventures playing out in it.

Snow Angels!!!
Fashions her little snowman very carefully...
Then kicks him over in one swoop!

We learned to make and throw snowballs (our favorite part of the day!!!)
We even saw some other snowmen that were about her size that she wanted to sit on! We had a great day!!!
All the while Noah was at home eating smurfs!

Christmas Parade... Lighting the City Lights!

2011-12-13T21:52:00.005+01:00

Everybody loves a good Christmas parade! I was excited l to be able to take Sadie Mac and have a special (surprise) friend join us from out of town!! It was really neat as the parade brought in by music, bubbles, stick-men, Père Noël himself (!!) and fire breathers... (which Sadie continues to talk about all the time!). These festivities all led up to the lighting of the town lights! (In all actuality, this part took too long for us and we headed home before the lights came on! Long day + tired mom with toddler on her shoulders= short night of festivities!) We had a great time... enjoying the cold of winter here in France and all the festivities that go with it.

The man that breathes fire!!!!
"Stick-men" (on stilts!)

Père Noël so close we can touch him!!

*Special thanks to my friend who took the pics and let us use them!!!

Père Noël!!!

2011-12-10T21:00:00.005+01:00

I LOVE the Christmas season!! So thankful for it's meaning and love all the festivities that go on! This week we received a flyer from Sadie Mac's school that there was going to be a "small festival" at a park that is near our house. We had gone to a friend's house for a play date and all decided to go find the festival. (So thankful for these friends whose little girl and Sadie play great together and the mom helps me learn French. We talk in French, but when I don't know a word, she has enough English to help me!! What a blessing!)
Anyway... we go to the park and nothing is there! We saw some red tape that was up, with some balloons, but no people and no festival in sight. So, we just decided to let the girls play for a little while when out from around the corner comes Santa! Sadie and her friend both start screaming (with excitement): "Père Noël!!! Père Noël!!!!" My heart was happy because on her own, Sadie was speaking French... and it was with a friend! So precious. So we found a small little festival behind a building that is beside the park! We had a great time and heard some Christmas music by an old time music box... wind up kind, and got to take a ride with a donkey drawn sleigh (? maybe that is how the story goes here in France! ;-)!) Great day. Very thankful for time with friends and for a ride with Père Noël!

My sweet friend, her daughter, and Sadie Mac... waiting for the sleigh ride!

2 Sleeping Beauties... and a kid brother

2011-11-30T14:27:00.004+01:00

So, look very closely and you will see a tiny sleeping beauty on the pillow with my own sleeping beauty. I went in one night to check on Sadie Mac and this is exactly how I found her. Aurora is her favorite of the princess' right now... and so I guess she decided to sleep with her this night! I just thought it was too cute not to pass up the pic (and of course show the grandmothers) here on the blog!
Sadie's kid brother... is my little, "I'll share my crib with you." Apparently he's not one to stretch out... but leaves plenty of room for a friend. Cuddles up against the edge I suppose. Again, cute and couldn't pass up the photo opp!

Exploring the Alps

2011-11-25T21:46:00.005+01:00

A few Fridays ago we had the day off from school and so we enjoyed taking the kids up into the mountains (Les Alpes). There is a castle behind us and just beyond the castle is a cool path that use to be a village. There are still some remains from the village and so we hiked around and then ended up at a beautiful waterfall. It was pretty cold, but we all enjoyed the sights!

Notice: Sadie singing!!
Daddy's Girl...
Mama's Boy...

Oh MY... How he has GROWN!!

2011-11-20T20:34:00.003+01:00

When I think back to one year ago when I brought home this baby boy that could easily fit into Sadie Mac's baby clothes... I look at him today and think... I am so blessed. He is healthy... strong... active... crawling everywhere... starting to want to walk on his own... He is a treasure. He was so tiny...
The only way I could get him to actually lay down still beside "Molly" was to give him a bottle... then he still wouldn't stretch out his legs... but you get the picture... he is much much bigger... and the Lord has been so gracious to us over the past year! Thank you Lord!

**Special Note from Noah's father: This is NOT Noah's doll... only a mere comparison from the week he was born!!! ;-) Sadie's doll... Noah size!

His First Haircut

2011-11-19T22:39:00.002+01:00

My children will both have curls. Sadie's will get curly if we don't brush it out... it looks just like mine when I was little. I tell her, "do not fear... those straight locks will curl up before you know it!"Well, Noah's is getting a bit long and we thought the "hippy look" is out for now... so tonight... snip, snip...
The Before...

The During...

The After... (Mom, what did you just do to me?)

I was thankful... he really did do great. Sadie Mac "entertained" him with "Look here Buddy" (making funny faces at him!) What a clown! Anyway... my little baby boy is looking more like a little boy and not a baby every day... hmmm... sad.

How one little person can change your entire life....

2011-11-08T22:15:00.004+01:00

Happy Birthday to my precious son... whom I love with all my heart...

A year ago today, I went in for my normal weekly appointment at the doctor as we still had a few weeks before Baby Rhyne's due date. Because he seemed small and wasn't moving a lot... the doctors decided I needed to be monitored... then be moved to the hospital for more monitoring... then they decided to induce me. I wasn't expecting to have a baby that early!!! Several hours later, with family in the waiting room... Noah arrived... a little bitty 4 pound baby boy... and we prayed for his breathing, we prayed for his blood sugars, we prayed for his little life. All the nurses that came in and doctors as well, called him a miracle baby. Two doctors told me that if my appointment would have been a day later, he would have most likely been still-born. Through all of the complications... God was good and faithful, as always, and Noah did great and has continued to do well over the past year.
When he was two months old, our lives changed drastically. We found out that due to his hypothyroidism we could not return to our home in the sandbox... now, a few months later, we are learning French, not Arabic... we eat croissants, not fava beans and falafel. Each day brings new things with these two little treasures... trials, joys, this is life I suppose. You think you are going in one direction and the Lord can change it in a moment. We are learning each day and being transformed into the Lord's likeness.This life that I live, it's not my own... it's His. He can do with it as it pleases Him. I'm thankful He has me on this journey... to know Him. It's hard, but worth it.

French Castles & Grenoble

2011-11-03T21:58:00.004+01:00

Well, we're on fall break (hence the traveling!) and are taking full advantage of enjoying the sights our region. The Rhone Alps are amazing and we don't want to let this time pass us by. Stephen was wanting to see a castle and there seem to be several alongside the "motor ways" (interstate).

This castle we wanted to visit... and it's about 15 min. from our town... This was my favorite pic from the several we took. Sadly, almost all the castles close for the season in mid-October. (Didn't know that until we were already on break!) Oh well, there is spring! We just really liked this pic because it shows how grand the mountains really are behind a 15th Century Castle.

After the short visit to a closed castle, we ventured to the city of Grenoble. It is a beautiful city with parks and IKEA (!!!) so we spent sometime at both of those!
They also have gondola rides up to the top of the mountain and they were really enjoyable for us... Here is what they look like from the outside...

And here is what they look like on the inside! (Sadie is working on her smiles!)

And a view from the top!! Again... Sadie and her smiles... (me, rolling my eyes!)

Happy Halloween...

2011-10-31T21:58:00.007+01:00

Oh the fun of Halloween I remember as a child... trick or treating... costumes... pumpkins. We have really enjoyed lots of different kinds of pumpkins with Sadie Mac and now with Noah. Kids are so fun. So, we set off this year for another great pumpkin adventure. We couldn't find a pumpkin patch anywhere, but thankfully Stephen found a little pumpkin this weekend at the market.

The kids getting ready for the excitement... Noah, more excited about the paper than the pumpkin...

Sadie Mac, quite dramatically distraught over Noah ripping the paper- Noah enthralled at this point...

And the planning and carving begins...

Our three little pumpkins, all in a row...
Sadie trying to protect the "hat" of the pumpkin...
Then giving in to her little brother who only wanted to eat the hat of the pumpkin...
And as for costumes for today...

Glenda, the good witch- turning her little brother into a frog!
The Frog Prince

Chamonix and Mont Blanc

2011-10-26T19:27:00.009+02:00

So, Stephen and I have made a wonderful sweet friend here who loves our kids and was willing to spend a few extra hours with them so we could go out for the day. After two weeks of sickness and frustrations with learning a new language... we needed some time, just the two of us! So, our sweet friend came to spend the day with our two little treasures and we ventured off to Chamonix, which is at the foot of Mount Blanc- the highest mountain in the Alps and in Western Europe. It separates France and Italy and is absolutely amazing.
It was nice to NOT take the kids because Sadie gets car sick sometimes and this is a REALLY curvy road going there from our town! I even felt a little woozy! The roads ARE beautiful and I was thankful I wasn't missing out on all the changes of fall that are going on in the mts. of NC!!!

We were amazed by the drive and thankful for the beautiful sights

I laughed at this... sausage for goats horns!!! Oh the French and their sausages!!!

Thanks Mr. Statue for pointing out the peek of the Mountain!

And at the end of the day... we were very thankful and all smiles for a little QUIET time together!

Birthday Cupcake Fun... (and seasonal!!)

2011-10-23T17:02:00.012+02:00

Noah's birthday is just around the corner and I'm always looking for a little time to create some kind of birthday cake fun. One of my newest favorite hobbies is cake decorating!!!

We just started a school break so I thought what better time for me to do some (much missed) cooking from scratch! So, I bought a large piece of pumpkin at the Thursday market and... started thinking....
After the smoke cleared- I realized we had some friends coming into town this weekend and their son just celebrated his first birthday! With Noah's coming up I was excited about a dual birthday party for our LITTLE MONSTERS!! I was also excited about pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing!!
So... my first stop was trying to figure out how to make pumpkin puree from scratch.... Thank you Pioneer Woman for all your experience and HELP!! She too has pics, so enjoy hers as well!
I started out cutting my piece of pumpkin in slices and cooked at 350 for almost an hour....

After I pulled it out, it was tender and easy to separate from the skin...

I started smashing with both fork and hands...This is Sadie ("The Princess') face when I asked her to smash with her hands and I could take a picture... sheer disgust. You want ME to touch... THAT... and SMASH? Ugh... no thanks (with some whining in there!)

So, this is my beautiful puree after some elbow grease and finger smashing.... (no electricity needed!!!)

Nice, I only needed 3/4 cup so I am excited to make some pumpkin bread this week too!!!

One of our projects this week from Sadie and Noah being sick was to glue eyes on these little "thingies"(??) for monster eye balls...

And "VOILA..." (trying to practice French, even on the blog...)

Happy (almost) birthday to my little monster... and his little monster friend!!!

Stay tuned for the birthday party pics, coming soon!!!

Stay Home From School Days

2011-10-21T23:14:00.003+02:00

We all know what it means to be missing school: SICK DAYS!! Yes, we feel like the black plague has hit the Rhyne house in France and it's been a very rough two weeks around these parts. Noah brought in the illness we think... about 4 days later it hit Sadie Mac... then me... then Stephen... then it went back to Noah (photo above!)... poor little guy. So, if they can't go to school... mom and dad get to take turns going to class. It's nice that we're in the same class so we can easily share notes... but, it's still not the same as being IN class... but we're adjusting.
Since we can't watch movies ALL day long... we have a new favorite place in our house- the (inside) of the door for the laundry! It's just a little closet that we open up and now leave the newspaper up to do art projects. Sadie LOVES to paint and "make projects." So, this is our latest... she's got her very own artist's palette. So easy... so fun... so helpful to me for time to get other things done.
Thankfully, now... we're all on medicine and on the upswing!

Paper plate+ hole for the thumb+ paint= success!!!

Daddy was very pleased with his new artwork that hangs in the hallway!

And thankfully... my little drool bug (who is getting 2 new teeth) is back to his old tricks of playing pots and pan drums!

Hard to Be Away...

2011-10-17T22:30:00.006+02:00

As exciting as it seems to live overseas... there are many a times, we really want to be back in the States with family, friends, and familarity.

This past weekend, two big things happend with our families that was hard not to be a part of. First, my sister Avee was a gold metal winner in the State Fair for showing off her cow, "Motsy". She did great I hear... and this is a pic of her with our niece, nephew, Motsy, Motsy's owner, and the gold metal girl herself!!! I really wish we could have been there to cheer her on! Great Job Avee... we are sooo proud of you!!!
The other was on a much more sad note. Stephen's grandmother and Noah and Sadie Mac's great grandmother who was just shy of 93 years old passed away. She lived a full life and has 5 children and loads of grandchildren and great grand children to show for it. She was a very special lady and we are thankful she is in Heaven today with Jesus... dancing I'm sure! We both so wish we could have been there to support family... we love you all and celebrate her life with you.... Here is a photo of Grandma and Sadie Mac and Noah, just last December.

Thursday Market

2011-10-16T19:51:00.003+02:00

On Thursdays, just behind our house and around the corner... is the big local market. From the wee hours of the morning until the French lunch time we see loads of people and traffic flocking to this little market. It's really fun to go people watch, listen to French, TRY to speak a little, and learn more about our new country. Meat, cheese, and fruit vendors, along with many others selling almost anything. One of our favorite vendors is the fresh ravioli guy. That is a fun once a week treat. They also have live animals, which Sadie and Noah really like.

My first trip was an adventure. I was excited about buying fresh bread... always a treat in France. I also wanted to get some bananas to balance out the bread! But... what I really wanted was flowers. So, I made my way over and after talking (very very briefly) to the man, I pointed to what I wanted and waited. He asked me a question and I felt like I had that "deer in headlights" look. I had no idea what he said, so I politely answered "oui" (yes). As he started wrapping the flowers as if I were giving them in a present... I realized what he had asked. So, quickly before he wrapped the second one for me to take home as a "gift" for Stephen, I said, "only one"... and the other one was not wrapped. Oh the adventures in learning a new language!!! But, I was still happy to have my flowers, bananas, and fresh bread!!

Cultural Lessons...

2011-10-10T21:10:00.006+02:00

One of the best things about living overseas is learning so much about other cultures. Sometimes things can be strange to us, different, or even down right weird. Other things can be wonderful... and something you treasure and will always keep as a part of you.

While we were living in the sandbox and in the land of the pyramids, we learned something that is very "cultural" to Arabs... or at least the ones we know. When you are given a plate of (some kind of food) to take home... you ALWAYS return it with something else on it, as a gesture of "thank you" so it seems to me.
I have met one of my neighbors who is from Morocco and I LOVE HER. She is kind and we try to speak French to each other. She is very helpful and encouraginng of my French... but the other day, I couldn't get out what I wanted to say, she says to me (in Arabic), "Just say it in Arabic!!" We laughed, and I did answer her as she wanted... and there was clarity!!!
So, I decided to make her a small tray of pseudo rice krispy treats. (Pseudo because they were with corn flakes instead because I can't find rice krispy cereal here!) When she returned the dish, she returned it with a tray of homemade dessert "yummies". (I have no idea what they were, but they were good!)
I'm so thankful for little lessons like this... thankful for friends who help me to learn... and for good food I enjoy in the mean time.

My Child Prodigy

2011-10-06T14:45:00.007+02:00

Well, we've been in school about a month or so now... it took the teachers long enough. Long enough for what... you ask? To discover my child's amazing talents. We call her Sadie Picasso ... sometimes Little Da Vinci. Yes, she is an extremely talented artist. I know she doesn't get it from me... it could be Stephen. Could be.
Anyway... last week we went in to pick her up and I saw her first French artwork hanging in the hall beside her classroom. I wanted to show you some pic, so you TOO could enjoy her art. Proud mom? YES... I am. Her picture is beside the description that reads in French: "Sadie Rhyne, artist extradinaire. Will soon join the ranks of those who have gone before her. Much like Monet and Renoir." (For those of you who can't read French... just trust me. For those of you who can... ignore me.)
In all seriousness... I'm a proud mom, whose daughters pics were on the hall of her school. The only way YOU can see them, is if I blog about it... enjoy! ;-) Her pic is the one with the orange background... She was the only one wearing a smock... I wasn't surprised! Also, this is a pic of her and her cubby!! ;-)

Chick-Fil-A Night!

2011-10-06T14:39:00.005+02:00

We are SUPER excited that we now live in a place where we can receive MAIL!!! We have taken full advantage of this from family and were so thankful to get a BIRTHDAY PACKAGE from my mom which included an essential life need: Chick-Fil-A sauce!! So, one night we decided to do a little friend chicken nuggets and dippin' in the good stuff!!! It was a great night!! (Thanks MOM!!!)

A Fun Birthday Trip...

2011-09-25T14:18:00.001+02:00

I celebrated my birthday this past week and so we enjoyed a little exploring adventure to a neighboring town, that is only about a 45 minute drive from where we live. It's to the beautiful town of Annecy. They call it the "Venice of France" because there are streets of water and little canals down several little areas. It is a beautiful town nestled into the Alpes Region with Lake Annecy at the foot of the mountains. (Often I say to myself... I can't believe we live here!!) Now, please remember, it's not all beautiful all the time... and when I walk out my door, I have to speak (or at least try to) speak a language that is (still) foreign to me and meet and live with people whose customs are different than my own! So, while this may seem picture perfect ... there are still day in and day out struggles here too! ;-)
We started off the day with a carosel ride and then ventured back into an art show that was going on. Then we stumbled upon some people selling antiques (I think they were)... but we saw lots of cool things! We heard lots of French and are learning more and more daily about the culture, customs and people of our new home. Stephen surprised me with a new camera for my birthday, so I'm enjoying "trying it out" and taking lots of different things... bare with my photo taking!!! And, just let us know when you want to visit!!! ;-)

Beautiful canals...

Antique Road Show, French style...

My two favorite little people...

Setting Up House and Home...

2011-09-24T19:42:00.000+02:00

Here are a few pics of our house... it's a small flat, but we're thankful to call it home. I only have a few, but hope you enjoy taking a look around...

I took pics of the kids while they were sleeping. Noah and Sadie Mac share a room and their beds are at the same end of the wall...

The "two sides of my kitchen"...

Stephen, working hard in our den (which also doubles as our dining room) where you can't see...

My Big Eater...

2011-09-23T22:17:00.000+02:00

Eating is serious business to my Noah. The nursery workers tell us how he LOVES to eat! We're thankful, because after being so little at birth, we'll take all the appetite he can handle! He's doing great now... and loves food. The other day... a funny thing happened... after his big smile....

Lets take a break from the eating... and do a dance!!!....

(All I can think of is the song....) Everybody say, "Hip-hop-horay-ho-hey-ho!!!"

Starting School...

2011-09-23T21:59:00.000+02:00

Starting school for any child is a bit scary... but think about a three year old, who doesn't speak the language, and just arrived two weeks prior to the start... no friends, not even an acquaintance. My little girl is brave...
A few days before the start of school we went to explore. I was thankful we could meet her teacher, who speaks a little English and was very kind to Sadie. Her classroom is full of fun toys that any child would enjoy. Kitchen set or "cuisine" in French, baby doll area, painting, puzzles, blocks... it's great!

Of course we had to do a bit of shopping before the big day... she wore her first school outfit from NanNan and her little bookbag was from Grandma! We also had to go and buy little house shoes for her to wear in her classroom... I thought they were really cute! She also needed a little pillow and blanket for their rest time... so I stitched her name in a pillow just her size...

She was excited and ready, with a few butterflies on the inside, I'm sure! She has done great! Yes... it's been a bit rocky, but all things considered, I'm so proud of her!! After a few days, we were walking home talking about her teacher and she stops us and says, "mom, dad... I call her MADAME!!" It was so cute!!

Taking a Look Around Our Town

2011-09-03T18:04:00.000+02:00

So, we thought we'd share with you some of the beautiful and amazing things that we pass by, some every day. We laugh at how we NEVER thought we would have lived in a place like this... my dream was an African hut... but I guess the Lord has other plans for this season of our journey. Enjoy taking a look around....

We pass by this area walking to Sadie's school...

Went up on the mountain a few days ago and got this pic of our town, nestled into the mountains...

From our grocery store parking lot...

Sadie Mac and the Muffin Man, who lives on Drewery Lane...

Catching Up with Old (and new little) Friends...

2011-09-02T11:15:00.000+02:00

A few days after we arrived, we were so excited to welcome some friends from a neighboring country! We have lived together in America, Sudan, Egypt, and even spent some time together in Jordan! We've known them for a while and so it's fun to watch our famillies grow together. They now live just about 2 hours from us and so they came (through) the mountians for a few days of catching up.
It was also an extra special visit because in the past year of being apart, we added to our families with two little boys. Here are some pics of our reconnecting and playing...

Yes, this is our favorite new park!!!

The Three Musketeers!!! (watching a movie!)

Noah, this is Ezekiel... Ezekiel, this is Noah. (and your milks)

Princess TEA PARTY!!!

Slumber party!!!!

This is why they call it a "passie leash"

First Impressions

2011-08-28T11:32:00.000+02:00

Well, we have a new home… it’s in the Alps Region of France in a small sleepy, quaint town. It was quite a journey getting here but a good one. We left NC on Monday evening and arrived into our new town on Tuesday afternoon… very jet lagged, but thankful to be here. Our flights were great… and I’m thankful that God has blessed me with good travlin’ children who sleep when they need too and are pleasant on flights.
We were welcomed in by friends at our new school and thankful to arrive in our new apartment that is a few blocks away from school. We’ve been learning our way around and many more pics to come… but here is a start.

Our apartment building... we're in the middle on the 4th floor (behind the trees!)

Our school... (yes, what a view!)

We definitely felt our share of jet lag… as did the kiddos. For the first few nights, they woke up right around 11pm and were wide awake. We had a bed picnic (because we were all hungry…) then decided to decorate their rooms with glow stars!!! Noah was a trooper too… playing, crawling, just hanging out…

Glow Stars!

Play time!

Sadie Mac and I ventured out to a little park that is a block or so away from our flat. I was so proud of her the way she has taken in all the French around her. Lots of fun to be had, in any language…

Sadie Mac thinking... here goes nothing

Sadie Mac giving me "thumbs up" that it was all going to be ok... (melt my heart)

A normal day at a French park

Weeeeee!!! (Bonus, she has a new little friend for the day!)

Well, stay tuned for more adventures...

Saying Good Bye is Hard To Do...

2011-08-16T03:48:00.000+02:00

As we start packing and getting ready to move back overseas... it comes with a roller coaster of emotions. There is a lot of excitement about moving to France, for sure! However, there are a lot of unknowns that come with moving to a new place too. A new culture, a(nother) new language, new friends, new schools, new everything... that can be hard. But before all the exciting "new-s" happens... there are a lot of hard good byes we have to say.
When we came back almost a year ago, Sadie Mac had never met her cousins... and she is quite fond of all of them now. The past two weekends have been rather hard as we have had to say "see you (in a few years)" to them. Sadie Mac and Noah both have bonded with them and WE LOVE them all so much. We love what we do, but it's hard at times too. This is one of those times. Thanks for a wonderful year of loving on us all!!!

Here are some pics of time with our New Bern cousins...

Last week, she spent the week with Grandma Jannie for some bonding and cousin time. Here are pics with the Ellerbe Girls... (Sorry, no pics with Kinnley... glad you were there for the fun though!! LOVE YOU!)

Sadie Mac... The Birthday Girl!

2011-08-06T02:57:00.001+02:00

I shake my head in disbelief that I have a three year old daughter. It's crazy to me. Somehow... it just doesn't seem real. I told Stephen we no longer have a baby girl, but she really is growing up. (I know... that is what kids do!) We have real conversations now. Yes, they are 3 year old in context... but she responds with more than just a "no" and asks "how", "where", "when" and "why" questions... she amazes me.
To celebrate HER... we had a wonderful party celebrating her 3 years of life! Her first American Birthday with friends and family from far and near. We were so thankful for good weather as thunderstorms had been forecasted. Never would we have thought we would be here this long... but it was a blessing to be able to enjoy tastes of America for her birthday this year.
Family and friends from hours away came... even if it was only for an hour to give the birthday girl a hug. Everyone made the day very special for us. We know we'll be leaving for France soon... so each day and hour is a treasure. Here are some of our captured memories...

Cake. Dora & Diego. She loves them. I told her I couldn't find Diego things (several weeks prior) and she said, "But mom... you can make one." Her confidence challenged me and encouraged me. I had to make a special cake for her. And that... I did. I did a cupcake cake. Lots of cupcakes piled together with a scene on top... lots of work... but she deserves the best. ;-)

Dipping in the cool mountain water. Lots of fun and swimming. So thankful to my sister who was the "life guard" and official dipper of the kids to the water!

Stephen made her a pinata... packed with candy, whistles, jewelry, and bouncy balls!

Tea Party... for the birthday princess and cousin princesses after the birthday party! (Tea Parties are a daily occurrence at our house!)

Sadie Mac had her first hair cut on her 3rd birthday. Thank you Aunt Dot for giving it to her!

My Little Crafty Girl

2011-07-27T03:25:00.001+02:00

I have a little crafty one on my hands. Every day she is wanting to do arts and crafts. On a daily basis I get the question, "Mom, can we do a project?" It makes me smile and also is making me learn to be super creative. I'm learning from lots of other blogs... THANK YOU OTHER MOMS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE ME (and blog about it!!!)*** I'm working on new ideas, especially for the plane ride to France (8 some odd hours!)
We have also been working on spelling her name. She gets super excited when she sees "S" because she KNOWS that one!! She has actually gotten to where she can recognize each letter (usually!) We had fun working on each of the letter... using painting, stickers, feathers, and learning other words that start with that letter! What an adventurer... What a joy. This is her jumping and throwing a feather because she knew all the letters!!!

And this is my Noah. I just think he's super cute and wanted to show him off...

***To Other Mom's who look at my blog... here are some of my favorite crafty blogs:
thinkliz.com
familyfun.go.com
makeandtakes.com
chasingcheerios.blogspot.com
... and others.

If you know of a good one, PLEASE leave it for me as a comment!!! Blessings and happy toddler mom-ing!

Hot 'Lanta!!!

2011-07-27T03:04:00.000+02:00

We headed down to Atlanta to work on getting our visas for France. We live in the mountains of NC where the weather is what you'd call "really nice"... not too hot, not too cold... "just right" as Goldie Locks would say. Well, we learned they don't call Atlanta, "HOT 'Lanta" for nothing!! It was quite warm while we were there. Our hotel was right near Centennial Park so we enjoyed seeing that area. They even had a couple of little tot lot parks right around there so Sadie Mac had a ball!

Since it's a good little drive, we thought we'd enjoy at least one tourist stop, so we went to the World of Coca Cola!! We all had a great time and even enjoyed seeing the BIG Polar Bear and got a pic with him. Noah wasn't that impressed as he slept through the meeting! We also got to see a 4-D movie and Sadie Mac LOVED it! She enjoyed meeting a statue of the Coke Man too! Thankful for a fun little family adventure before we head back overseas!!

It's Birthday Week!!!!

2011-07-22T03:51:00.000+02:00

In our family, we don't just get a birthday day... we get a BIRTHDAY WEEK!! I mean, why just get a day to celebrate?!? Sadie Mac will be 3 in a week (which I can't believe!) and we have had some struggles with her understanding when her birthday was. You see, Stephen's birthday was May 18th and we told her, that she was next to celebrate... (in OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY). But, what she doesn't understand is that cousins, aunts, and Father's day were all reasons to celebrate too... she has been waiting and waiting!! So, we decided to make a birthday chain!!! We rip one down every night! And boy is she excited! We started it at the beginning of July and "birthday week rings" have special jewels and feathers, glitter and stickers! Here are our supplies...

And here are 3 rings for birthday week!!!! (This was the start of the chain!)

Oh Brother....!!!

2011-07-22T03:45:00.000+02:00

So we were taking pics the other day of "Big Sister" and "Little Brother" in their tshirts having lots of fun with that. Sadie Mac is not enjoying taking pics right now, so I basically have to bribe her. Well, in the midst of taking the pics, we were laying down on the ground and I feel like I can see a conversation in these pics between the two of them.... what do you think??...

Noah... "Sadie Mac, I'm going to get you... (makes baby growl sound)... here I come."
Sadie Mac thinking, "Really little brother, is that all you got?"....

Sadie Mac, "(BIG SISTER GROWL) I'm gunna get you... ROAR...!!!!! This brother is how you "get someone"!!!
Noah, (all laughs)!!!!

Well, here is one of those bribed pics... she probably enjoyed some M&Ms after... it was fun. I just love these two!
(Noah thinking: I'm not smiling until I get some M&Ms!!!)

Party at the Park!!

2011-07-12T02:58:00.001+02:00

My sister Avee recently celebrated her 19th birthday!! We went to Price Park and had a great time... sadly Judd and family weren't able to be there... but we celebrated the bday girl in true summer fun! We had a great picnic and then played in the creek for a good while! We loved letting the little cousins play together and enjoy the warm weather, splashing around in the creek! While we all played and splashed, NanNan enjoyed special time with Noah, and he enjoyed special time with her.
As much as we are ready to move to France, we're really enjoying the blessing of being around family while we wait for visas.

Chocolate on chocolate... just what the birthday girl ordered

Our Week With Grandma... by Sadie Mac & Noah

2011-07-08T03:31:00.000+02:00

Last week our grandma came to visit us. She says it is hot and dry where she lives so she needed a break from the heat and dryness... and from all the chores our Poppie makes her do. So, we invited her to stay with us for a little while. We are sure glad she came to stay as we had lots of fun. She is really good at taking pics and takes lots of them so we can all remember the fun things we have done while we're in America.
One of my favorite things was dressing up in fancy clothes and having tea parties... we did this a lot!! Grandma is a really pretty princess and I love it when she wears funny crowns on her head. One day we even had a tea party on our porch. The weather was very nice the week she was here... hot some days, but not like down in the sandhills!

Grandma teaches school so she is really good at reading. She loves to read to me and Noah. Here is a book she was reading to Noah one day... He likes to be with her.

Sometimes we went out to eat too!

Noah's favorite thing to do with Grandma was snuggle... and I think that was probably one of her favorite things to do with Noah too...

As you can see... more snuggling

Grandma grows her own vegetables in her garden, so she was teaching me to grow my own garden. We planted tomatoes together!!!

This is when mom got caught up in my tent and tunnel...

Then chased me around our yard!!!!

And after all that fun... this is all we have to say...

Thank you Grandma for coming to stay a week with us. We love you so much and were so glad you came to visit...

Love,
Sadie Mac and Noah

Celebrating 5 Years...

2011-07-07T03:48:00.000+02:00

On June 23, Stephen and I CELEBRATED the blessing of marriage and how thankful we are that God has placed us together. I can't believe it's been 5 years... and a wonderful 5 years it has been!

We were at the beach with my family and so were blessed to have babysitters so we could enjoy our time out with just each other. A quiet night, I guess you could say! He planned a special dinner for us at a neat little restaurant near where we were... then surprised me by taking me back to the place on the beach where he asked me to be his bride... and I said "YES"... all over again!

The rest of our time was wonderful as well... we enjoyed time with my brother and his family and one of my sisters. We all got lots of sun and of course napped... here are my two little blessings as beach bums!!!

Family pic... with Avee!

7 months and "Crolling"

2011-06-15T04:07:00.001+02:00

Well, our little man is 7 months old now... where has the time gone?? He is doing so much now and we just feel so blessed that he's ours! He's so fun and getting quite the personality. Finally, he's really giving mama some good sleep at night, eating baby food, and actually trying to crawl. I call it "crolling" because it's a crawl-roll.
He pulls himself up and trys to get his little backside up. Well sadly, he seems to miss every time... ending up rolling over. He rolls back over onto his tummy and tries again. It's quite humorous to watch. I sure do love this little guy. This is the conversation I feel like he's giving me as he moves around quite easily... all over the floor.

"Ok Mom... I'm ready... lets crawl...

Oh no... no, no... tipping... tipping here!

And rolling... crash!

Where did I go wrong???...

That was fun... I guess I gotta pick myself up and... lets try again!"

His Perfect Timing

2011-06-14T22:20:00.001+02:00

Recently we found out that we are going to be delayed longer on our move to France and that was quite disappointing to us. We LOVE being here with family and friends and are thankful for the time with them. It is a blessing, truly. Sadie Mac and Noah are soaking up each day... as are we with the beautiful weather and all. But, when you know you are ready to move on... have planned on it... counted on it... anticipated it... our hearts are a wee bit tired of the waiting... because we are ready to move on to this next adventure.
Some dear friends of mine gave me this book recently and I'm so thankful they did. Sarah Young is the author of this devotional book, "Jesus Calling" and God has an amazing way of using it to speak to me. If you don't have it, I highly recommend it!
(Thank you Sarah Young for letting God use you to speak to me... and so many others)
This week, the Lord again used this book to speak to me on the day of June 10.

Devotional for that day:
"REST IN ME, MY CHILD. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. PRAY CONTINUALLY, asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with ME. When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment by moment. As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. How foolish are you, My child!
Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline. Never lose sight of My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 62:5)"

Day Out With Thomas the Train!!

2011-06-08T03:17:00.000+02:00

We woke up this morning and surprised this little daddy's girl with a date-day out with her daddy going to see Thomas the Train!! She was super excited upon arrival!! I went to our nephews graduation and got a text shortly after I arrived saying, "We're in and lovin' it!" I then texted back to Stephen saying, "Soak it up... these days won't last forever" And enjoy each other they sure did!!! As soon as they got back to the house Sadie Mac was filling me in with stories of what all they did and saw and how much fun they had!! So sweet and such a fun memory.
Hope you enjoy these fun pics of their date day together!!

Famous Tweetsie RailRoad sign...

Sadie Mac on the carousel

Going on the airplane ride

Ready with the miners hat to go into the mouse cave!!

Thomas goes through the mountains...

Little trooper on the train...

Coming out of the TeePee...

Huge Thomas Jumper that she LOVED!!

Riding the Horses

Locked in the jailhouse!!

**Special thanks to Stephen for taking all these pictures. I was sad I missed out on it, but was thankful he would do it so I (and especially the grandmothers) could enjoy all these pics! He hates it... but did it for me/us!

A Special Day...

2011-06-06T03:43:00.000+02:00

This past Saturday was a very special day for me. My grandmother finally got to meet my daughter. She was able to meet Noah a few months ago when we went for a trip when she was in the hospital and Sadie Mac stayed at home with dad. But finally... Sadie Mac was able to meet her great-grandmother. It was a special day for me and a moment I'll always remember... four generations in one picture. Very special. Very thankful.

Fun at the Lake

2011-06-06T02:39:00.000+02:00

Last weekend we were so thankful to spend some beautiful time on the lake and enjoy my brother's boat and jet skis. He is spoiling us and trying to convince us to stay here while we wait for our visas. It was an amazing day and we had lots of laughs while getting lots of sun. Sadie Mac enjoyed her first ride on a jet ski... and she loved going FAST!
As we seem to be lingering longer than we were planning in America, sometimes we struggle with still being here. Wanting and being ready to move to France... but wanting to enjoy our time here with family and taking advantage of the sweet time that it is. So, in the coming weeks, while we continue to wait... hope you enjoy our journey!

Noah napping in his life preserver. He soaked in the shade!!

Sadie Mac soaking in NanNan...

I pulled my nephew Gray as a tug boat on his raft. He had been fishing and getting some time by himself away from the craziness of the family!

Avee making a big splash into the water... she is a fish that LOVES the water!

Aunt Brooke and NanNan were teaching Sadie Mac how to fish.

Me, Sadie Mac, and our driver Gray!

Hello Stephen and Gray!!

Grandma and Poppie come for a visit!

2011-05-25T03:22:00.000+02:00

The weather here is truly amazing this time of year and we're enjoying every second... and trying to be out in it as much as we can! This past weekend they came up and we were thankful for a wonderful weekend of weather and adventures together. We went to a festival, park, shopping, and to an amazing waterfall! Sadie Mac LOVES her grandparents and was a grandma's girl for sure all this weekend! We loved their visit. As we walked around, especially on the trail to the waterfall, I'm amazed we LIVE in a place like this. So thankful. So blessed.

We also went to a Festival where Sadie Mac showed us how brave she is. The climbing tower was pretty high and we were surprised she did it all. She was a little scared at the top and realized she had to come down... Poppie talked her down and as she slid, she held on with all her might.

Noah loves his Poppie

What We've been UP to...

2011-05-25T02:55:00.000+02:00

While we wait for our visas to move to France, we are doing the best to occupy our time with fun with family and friends, and American past times. So, for starters, Stephen and Sadie Mac are working on flying kites in this windy mountain town!! She loves it! It is super cute to watch!

I also have a new toy for France... a double "caboose stroller"! Sadie loves to ride on the back and sit or stand... while Noah can hang out in his car seat, or when he gets bigger, ride facing forward!

Stephen is also giving Sadie Mac golf lessons. We pass a golf course on our way to town every day and Sadie tells Stephen, "I play golf with you daddy." So, of course we had to get her a little golf set. She loves it, but I'm not so sure he doesn't like it more! He was just upset that there were no LEFT handed clubs. Ugh.

Celebrating Stephen!!!

2011-05-25T02:51:00.000+02:00

Last week we celebrated Stephen's birthday with his favorite... ice cream cake!! We not only get to celebrate Stephen on May 18th, but Aunt Brooke shares his birthday... so we celebrated her too!! It's a VERY special day in our family!! I thought "Happy Birthday Stephen and Brooke!!" was a bit long... so we just are OH so thankful for the day!!!

6 months and growing!

2011-05-12T21:45:00.000+02:00

A few days ago we celebrated Noah's Half Birthday... I can't believe he's already 6 months old!! Where has the time gone? We're still working on sleeping ALL the way through the night, but it's much better than having to wake up every 2-3 hours to feed him for sure! We feel so blessed with him as an addition to our family and Sadie Mac loves him for sure! When she has her "quite time" in her room and she plays alone, she is always wanting Noah to "stay and play with me"! Not quite sure we're there yet big sister!
He's a whopping 14 (or there around-ish) pounds... gaining 10 pounds already!! What a miracle his little life is!
I laugh that at one time, he was the size of Sadie's baby doll... how he's grown!!

Move Over Prince William

2011-05-06T03:06:00.001+02:00

In the midst of all the royal wedding hoopla of last week, we failed to post our very own "Prince Charming" pics. Will has nothing on my Noah! I love this onesie. And... he loves bath time too... our little Frog Prince. ;-)

Up on the Mountain

2011-04-27T02:57:00.000+02:00

This past weekend we celebrated the resurrection of our Savior on Easter! We are so thankful for our time with family and so we thought we'd enjoy the day with them in the beautiful creation that surrounds us! I don't think I've been to Grandfather Mt. since I was a little, so it was fun taking my little ones! It was an amazingly beautiful day!! The mile high swinging bridge is still crazy high! We loved being with my mom and sister!! Enjoy the pics and breath taking scenery!

The Adventures of You, Me, and Junie B.

2011-04-25T01:59:00.000+02:00

We have some very special friends who have known me for several years and are like a second family to me, and now all 4 of us. "Poppa Wade and Junie B"... as our children call them came up for a visit on Saturday. We had a wonderful time!! We cherish their friendship and feel so blessed to be a part of their family! We went to lunch, to play on a play ground, then played around our house before we grilled out! Thanks for coming to see us!

Fun at the park!

Easter Egg hunting!!

Playing hide and go seek... can you find Sadie Mac and Junie B???

Poppa Wade and Noah

Junie B reading to Sadie Mac

Little Helpers

2011-04-21T20:41:00.000+02:00

Earlier this week NanNan had some things for us to do around the house, one of which staining some paneling. Sadie Mac was beside herself to HELP with the staining so, NanNan came up with a good plan. She stained a board with a paint brush and some water. She LOVED it!! She is a big fan of anything she can do to be with Daddy... I'm not sure who is wrapped around whose finger?!?

Noah was helping NanNan... just by being there

Easter Helpers...
Sadie Mac and I decided to make some fun Easter egg cupcakes for some friends. I'm wanting to be more crafty and creative, so I found this idea in a magazine and feel like they turned out pretty well. Sadie Mac's favorite part, was of course helping me clean the bowl!

Noah helped by staying happy in his jumper seat... His little legs won't reach the ground so we have a box and book under him to stand on! (Thanks Aunt Heather for letting us borrow it!)

Princess Tea Party

2011-04-20T02:55:00.001+02:00

Well, speaking of tea parties from our last post, we had a wonderful opportunity for Princess Sadie Mac to meet all the Disney Princesses this past weekend and enjoy a tea party with them and her friend Sydney Kate. Sunday morning at church, our friends told us about the "Princess Tea Party" and we thought we'd join in on the fun!! At first, Sadie was a little hesitant... so we went down stairs and enjoyed our lemonade/tea and cookie with our friends and the other little princesses... then we went back upstairs to meet the Princesses. She had a great time although wasn't a fan of stopping to pose for a pic, so I just did the best I could. We had a great time and now I love seeing my little girl "twirl" like Cinderella taught her.

This is her Co-Princess, Sydney Kate

Cinderella, about to teach her the "twirl"

Tinkerbell... a favorite with her pixie dust!

Bell... and her beautiful gown.

Snow White... the dwarfs were also there!

Ariel, The Little Mermaid... and her beautiful tale

Even Alice in Wonderland showed up to enjoy a cookie with us!

Tiaras and Tea Parties

2011-04-16T04:49:00.000+02:00

I LOVE being a mom. I can't just leave it at that though, I love being a mom to Sadie Mac (and Noah of course.) Sadie Mac is so funny and full of life. Her imagination and "drama" make me laugh, cry, scream, and bring me more joy than I ever thought I could know. I love that girl.

Today, while Stephen was working on French, I was trying to put Noah down to sleep and I had asked her to play quietly in her room, by herself (which she hates). I told her I would play with her after Noah was asleep. She kept coming to me, yelling for me, doing everything I had asked her NOT to do. Alas, we had to have a mother/daughter "talk". After a few tears on her part and having to play in her room for a while on her own, I decided to fix us a surprise tea party.
First, I went into her room and had her dress up... and she dressed me in her tutu, on my head... while she was all decked out with a purple crown, down to the glittery shoes on her toes! We enjoyed our tea party, full with "tea", fruit, and cookies. I am so thankful for that gift. As many moms can relate (and I'm sure my own can too...) as frustrated in one moment as I can be at her... I love her that much more in the next.

Our New Best Friend

2011-04-14T02:50:00.000+02:00

The Rhyne family is on the move... on our way to a land where we will be speaking French!! It's true... sad and exciting all in the same breath. Here is a little bit of the "why"?
We found out at Noah's two month check up that he has hypothyroidism, which means he doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is quite serious in little babies and he has to be closely monitored until he's three. Due to the importance of his monitoring, we can no longer live in the sandbox. (The sad part) However, we love what we do and living overseas is a true adventure for our family so we continued to look for jobs, and found one in Paris!! (Hence, the exciting part).
As soon as we found out we would be moving to France (hopefully in the coming month or so, depending on how fast we can get a visa), we will be on our way. So, until then... we are practicing our new language. Even Sadie Mac likes to use the little headset!! Parlez vous francais?

Toddler Toes... and MORE!

2011-04-05T03:24:00.000+02:00

Sadie is loving having almost daily pedicures and manicures. She now not only wants to receive them, but wants to give them. And what kind of mom would I be if I didn't let my little girl paint my finger nails and toe nails?!? (But, to be honest, the finger nails I always do a very LIGHT color!!) Here are my beautifully done toe nails!!

This past weekend, Noah and I went down to sunny south Florida to see a good friend of mine from college. We had a great time and had a nice break from the cold and snow that Stephen said we had while I was away! We played in the beach and the pool and little guy loved his "auntie" Jill. Fun in the sun for sure! (or shade for Noah!)

Grandmommie had a big birthday a few weeks ago and the whole gang came into town. Here is the birthday girl with all 8 of her grandchildren!

We have recently started giving Noah rice cereal in hopes this will fill his belly a little more to give mommy some more sleep at night. (Here is crossing my fingers to that one!) Can't believe he's growing so fast!

Here is our growing boy... 4 months! (a few weeks ago!)

Family Trip to the Coast

2011-03-12T03:05:00.000+01:00

This past weekend, we went to see Stephen's brother and his family on the coast of NC. We had a great time letting the kids be crazy and play. We enjoyed the beach, tourist sites, and simple time together! Here are some of the highlights!

The kids see the water, and just start running!

First time dipping her toes into the Atlantic Ocean

NC Aquarium

Boys will be boys... playing with their legos

On the sidelines, cheering on cousin Jacob
Titus and Sadie Mac (3 weeks apart)

Go Jacob GO!

Baby Edy and baby Noah... 11 weeks apart

Aunt Nikki and Sadie Mac... bonding

Rhyne Family Pic...

2011-03-09T01:14:00.000+01:00

Now I'd like to introduce you to the other side of our family... the wonderful and crazy Rhyne side of our family. All 16 of us! This pic was taken back in September, when both me and my sister-in-law were pregnant. This past weekend, we were able to let the two newest members of our family take a picture together so we can add them to the "family pic"! Baby Edy is about 5 weeks old and Noah is 4 months old today!!!
We are so thankful and blessed with two wonderful families that make one big family! We love you all!!

Huffman Family Pics

2011-03-03T14:07:00.000+01:00

I'd like to introduce you to my side of the family... all 14 of us. We have a friend who does a great job taking pictures so for my mom's Christmas present, we took these, and several more! We met when there was still snow on the ground and brrrr, was it cold!! We were so thankful at the great job she did and can't wait to get some on our walls.

My mom, sisters, and brother...

The cousins...
"Cousins are friends that will love you forever."
-Constance Richards

And, just us

Pics by: Katie Jones
oldladykate@yahoo.com

Castle Wood Park

2011-02-27T02:22:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we were at Grandmommie and Poppie's House and while there had a big adventure. We went to a park called "Castle Wood"... as you can see, it's a play ground castle, made of wood. It's amazing! It's huge, and the best thing about it is that it only has one door to get in and out!! We all were in climbing around seeing the ins and outs... cubby holes, bridges, slides... a true toddler place for adventure!! Thanks Grandmommie and Poppie for the fun!

Sadie Mac even got Daddy to slide!

Tic Tac Toe anyone?

They even have music!!!

Blue Grass & BBQ

2011-02-24T03:01:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago part of our family went to Sim's BBQ, a back in the woods, hole in the wall kinda place where my family has gone for years. They are only open Fridays and Saturdays with all you can eat BBQ that is the "slap your mama" kind of good! Sadie Mac brought her dancin' shoes, as did the rest of us. Hope you enjoy the pics. (Sorry, for the bad color)

Sadie Mac is saying, "Bring on the music!"

Noah's first dance with Aunt Brooke!

Swimming Lessons

2011-02-05T18:13:00.000+01:00

In about a month or so, we'll be heading back to the land of sand, what we fondly refer to as "the Sandbox". Our time in America has been wonderful and we've loved being around family and friends, and having lots of American Adventures. One of our favorite things to do in the Sandbox is to go swimming, so we thought Sadie Mac would like to take some swimming lessons as she is a little fish who LOVES the water. The last day she had lessons, I got to go in the last few minutes and see what she had learned. I was so proud and was definitely "that obnoxious mom", the one who was taking lots of pics of her! I was thankful her teacher didn't mind! She is doing great and is ready to go swimming in the Sandbox!

This is her getting really excited when I said, "it's time!!"

GrOwing Little Guy...

2011-02-05T18:12:00.000+01:00

He's just cute. That's all.

Playing Catch Up...

2011-01-25T04:08:00.000+01:00

So, it's been a while and a bit of a whirl wind since we have posted due to lots going on. We've loved being in the States in this season of life but are ready to head back overseas and take a bit of a rest. I think you'll understand. Let's see if I can catch you up on what we've been up to...

First, Noah has continued to grow and play with his big sister. He is actually growing out of his new born clothes (now that he's 11 weeks old!) She LOVES playing with her brother and even replacing her baby dolls with him! (Remember "baby Molly" who came to live with us around the time Noah was born? He's getting much bigger than her!)

We're getting ready to watch the Super Bowl in a few weeks... dad and son together, bonding.

First, we drove up to Virginia to see some friends and spend some time with them...

While there, we also got to see Eli (and his parents!!) who shares a birthday with Sadie Mac... they are good friends and we are already planning their wedding!

We left Va and headed down to where some of Stephen's family lives. Sadie Mac's cousin celebrated her 3rd birthday and we were so thankful to be there to enjoy the party! Happy Birthday Parker!

While we were in Ellerbe, some dear friends and family gave Noah a baby shower where we celebrated his arrival and they blessed us with lots of gifts that we can enjoy and bring back to the sandbox!

And after all this traveling, Noah is our family spokes person saying, "NO MORE TRAVEL!!! We're sick of living out of/or in a suitcase!!"

And of course... it's still snowing here in the mountains...

2 Months old!

2011-01-09T04:50:00.000+01:00

Noah is 2 months old today and over doubled his birth weight. Just a little 4 lbs and 1 oz. at birth, he is now a hefty 8 lbs. 7 oz!!! He's also grown from 17 inches to 21.5!! He is really starting to fill out too and measures the size of an average newborn! He is rockin' lots of newborn outfits he's been given and we're thankful for how well he's doing. He's really starting to like comics too, and Spider Man is his favorite!! YAY for being a "big boy" now Noah! ;-)

A White Christmas at the Huffman's

2010-12-30T15:33:00.000+01:00

After having three years of desert Christmas'... I could not have been more tickled to have a white Christmas! The snow started that morning around 8:30 and didn't quit for another 12 hours or so. It was a beautiful white fluffy snow too!
We came home from Stephen's family's Christmas eve to find out we didn't have heat in our house and so we stayed with my mom! (Many thanks!) We were up until 1 am doing all the preparation stuff and thankfully Sadie and Noah didn't wake up until around 8 am! A few hours later the rest of the family came (Jeff and Keenen were missed due to sickness!!), but other than that... we had a great time. Good eatin', presents, laughter, and sweet time with family. This was a true gift.
Looking back at this year, we truly are so thankful for Noah's safe arrival and know that so many things could have gone wrong... but our gracious God and King has a special plan for this little guy. We celebrate Him, His birth, and the truth that He is Savior!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Noah's first Christmas morning

Heather and Caitlyn throwing snow balls at the window!

NanNan talking to all the grandkids around the tree

Avee reading the Christmas story of Jesus' birth

Our traditional making of the Egg Nog... delicious!

Auntie Avee holding her little nephew

More snow!

Christmas Week at the Rhyne's

2010-12-27T05:05:00.001+01:00

The week before Christmas we surprised family by going down a few days early to celebrate Christmas with them. We had lots of people to see and lots of people wanted to see and hold Noah. We went to a church Christmas program, ate lots of good food, shopped, had coffee with friends, and most importantly... saw lots of family! This was for many of them the first time they met Noah. We are so thankful that after 3 Christmas' away from family, we could soak in this wonderful holiday together, especially with the blessing of having Noah this year. Here are some of the pics we took... hope you enjoy!

3 Generations of Rhyne Men

Noah, his great-grandmother and 2 great-aunts

Sadie Mac opening presents with family... it was a mad house!

Noah and his first stocking

Sadie having fun with cousins on top of the bunk bed

Cousin Kinnley holding Noah

Fun with cousins on the swing set

Aunt Nikki and Uncle Daniel holding and loving on Noah

Grandmommie loving on Noah

Aunt Jen and Sadie Mac at Pizza Inn

Noah, Sadie, and Great Grandma Wicker

Grandmommie and Sadie Mac making brownies

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-17T02:54:00.000+01:00

It has been said that "Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing." And, surprisingly I would agree with this statement with the snow we've been enjoying. I've been wanting snow for three years, but c'mon... this has been a lot of snow and a lot of cold!!! Our blood runs a little thinner now after living in the desert. Stephen looked at the weather channel a few days ago and it showed 8 of the next 10 days having snow. We love it... but when it's too much and we can't leave, we get a little bit of cabin fever. My new favorite Christmas song is: I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just as long as we can drive on the roads...

Sadie Mac and mommy playing in the snow. She was pretty insistent on wanting to try and pull me on the sled.

Daddy and Sadie building Rusty the Snowman. Whenever she tries to say "Frosty" it sounds exactly like "Rusty", so we are now calling our snowman Rusty! They built the biggest and best snowman I've ever seen! He is very dear to her and when we leave, she says, "Bye Rusty, love you." Please also note that Rusty is a Tar Heel fan!

A Different Kind of Angel...

2010-12-07T18:25:00.000+01:00

We are in the middle of enjoying our first big snow here in America! We are loving it and playing in it most every day! The snow started Friday night, and it's Tuesday and still going strong! There hasn't been a lot of accumulation, but a lot of wind and drifts so we only stay outside a few minutes because it is BITTER cold! This is very different from our life overseas! Many times it's too HOT to be outside in the sandbox... or too dusty so that pushes us indoors!
As I was helping Sadie Mac make her very first SNOW angel, I remembered her very first DUST angel when we were in the sandbox. And wow, how she has grown!! I think we are like the extremes... hot and cold, who needs in between?!?

O Christmas Tree!!

2010-12-05T02:51:00.000+01:00

This past weekend we went to size up Christmas trees and find the perfect one! We had a great time while my sister kept Noah safe and warm back at the house. This was Sadie Mac's first time to ever hunt for a Christmas tree so we searched the entire lot and love the one we bought. We are loving all our American Adventures and this, the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Sadie and two of her cousins

Finding the perfect place for each ornament

Stephen topping off the tree!

Our Family Advent Calendar

2010-12-05T02:23:00.000+01:00

December has arrived and that means Christmas time!! The shopping, the trees, the lights, the cold weather and big warm jackets, the singing and carols and of course the family traditions. We are starting a new one in our family this year: an Advent Family Calendar. I was reading a magazine and got the idea from this blog:

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/2008/12/telling-his-story-and-offering-him-gifts-an-advent-calendar-and-jesse-tree/

For each day in December we have a way to look forward to Christ's birthday as well as His returning. We want to teach Sadie and Noah the true meaning of Christmas, not just giving and receiving of presents.

Each morning we pull the card from the sock and see what we are to "do" that day. On the first day, we read the Christmas story and on the second day we bought gifts for children who don't have toys and got them ready to pack in Christmas Shoeboxes. We plan later in the month to make cookies for the post man and other ways to serve those around us as well as shine the light of Christ. On the last day, the 25th, we will "CELEBRATE JESUS!!" I took the ideas from the "Warm Cup of Coffee Blog" and tweaked them for our family and am excited about this season for all the above reasons, but mostly to celebrate the Savior, who is the true meaning of Christmas. We look back and celebrate all He did and look forward to His returning!

Thanksgiving and more!

2010-12-02T03:08:00.001+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you all enjoyed lots of fun with family or friends like we did! The weekend before Stephen and Sadie Mac went down to Ellerbe to celebrate with family there and Noah and I stayed here due to his little size and not wanting to get him sick. Sadly, Stephen forgot the camera, so no pics of our family from there! On Thanksgiving weekend we were with my family in Boone and we had a great time enjoying TURKEY (which we hadn't enjoyed in 3 years!!) and all the fixin's! We are so thankful for this special time of year and how blessed we truly are as a family. The Lord's provision over Noah's arrival was something we were especially thankful for, along with enjoying the company of family and cold weather all top the list!!

After dinner, we all went down to the club house that my mom just had built for all the grandkids. As a fun way to "break it in" she had all the little ones paint their hands and put their hand prints inside the house! It was a great way to remember our day and potentially go back to it each year and see how they have grown!

Noah wouldn't keep his hand open, so we decided to do his 19 day old foot print instead!

Earlier in the week, my sister had come up so we could get some good quality time together, and that we did! Cousin Caitlyn and Sadie Mac made bird feeders with pine cones Sadie and I found in our yard along with peanut butter and bird seed! The girls only lasted a pine cone or two, so my sister and I ended up really doing the project! It was fun though!!

Someone new at our house...

2010-11-28T18:55:00.000+01:00

Sadie Mac got a new baby doll and her name is Molly. We thought it was hilarious that she is a smidge bigger (and for sure "thicker") than Noah. He is doing great and growing oz. by oz! We had to go back a week after we left the hospital and he had gained 10 oz in one week so he was up to 4 lbs and 13.5 oz!! He's making a go for the 5 lb. mark and we're thankful. He's a great sleeper and a big time eater when he's awake! We're so thankful for this little blessing and addition to our family. Sadie Mac loves him so much and loves to have him hold her finger.

She went to church today and a friend asked her if there was someone new at her house and she answered with a "YES!" The friend asked, "Well, is it a boy or a girl?" Sadie said, "A girl." Then my friend said, "What's her name?" Sadie answered, "Molly." So it seems she is a little more impressed with her baby doll than her little brother.

Noah's Story

2010-11-19T11:58:00.000+01:00

Watching and waiting for Noah was one where we all had great expectations! When we woke up and went to our doctor's appointment on Monday, November 8th... we had no idea that night we'd have our second child and finally know that "it" was a he!!
During my 37 week appointment, the doctor noted that the baby seemed small and so after an ultrasound and some fetal monitoring, the doctor saw that his heart rate would drop every few minutes and then go back up. They decided to admit me to the hospital for further monitoring. As I was checking in, Stephen said, "Maybe we should go ahead and finalize the name!!" After a little more monitoring of the baby's heartbeat and seeing that his heartbeat continued to drop, my doctor decided to induce labor around 3 pm that afternoon.
Our little guy came storming into the world at 8:25 pm with a knot in his umbilical cord and a few other complications that showed us how the Lord was watching over him. The nurses were calling him "miracle baby" and the doctor said that the timing of my appointment was amazing because potentially if I had gone in 24 hours later, he could have been still-born. We are so thankful and amazed that all is well with our little bundle weighing 4 pounds and 1 oz. at birth and gaining oz. by oz.
Thanks for joining us on the journey!

Telling Sadie Mac that she had a brother, so she could announce it to the family who was in the waiting room

Sporting her "big sister" sticker

Little brother

All 4 pounds 1 ounce of him, safe in daddy's arm

Little guy resting soundly

It's a... BOY!

2010-11-12T04:08:00.001+01:00

Noah Welton Rhyne came into the world this Monday, November 8th at 8:25 pm. He weighed a hefty 4 lbs and (almost) 1 oz (1.8kg)!! We feel so blessed and thankful for his safe arrival and are praising God for His goodness and hand on our little guy.

Our prayer for him as he goes through this world is:

And the Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11

Fall with old and new Friends...

2010-11-06T02:02:00.000+01:00

Several weeks ago we had some friends come up to spend the weekend. It was a special time because we have both had daughters since we've seen each other! Rylee and Sadie Mac because friends very quickly... well, both learning to share and take turns, but what kid doesn't have to learn that? ;-) We had a great time just hanging out and catching up. We also went to a fall festival where we saw lots of crafts and the making of homemade apple cider... it was delicious! Sadie Mac was excited to make her new friend who also shares a love for Dora!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-03T02:02:00.000+01:00

This past weekend we celebrated with cousins and family the fun of dressing up in costumes and gathering candy from neighbors! It was a fun Halloween for us all! Every time we'd leave a house, Sadie Mac would shout out with sheer excitement, "MORE CANDY!!!" The excitement of dressing up was a bit much for her and I couldn't get my perfect picture... but these are still great for memories of our little Minnie Mouse!

Pumpkin Carving Fun

2010-11-01T02:10:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year and we are enjoying the cool weather, pumpkin patches, and making Jack 'O Lanterns! This past week my mom, sister, brother, and family came over for the making of the great 2010 Pumpkin! We had a great time and here are a few pics from the night! (Gray, Heather and family... we missed you!!!!)

And finally, the profile pic of the pumpkin growing in my belly!

The final projects (a little blurry!)

NC State Fair!!!!

2010-10-26T04:21:00.001+02:00

This past week ended the NC State Fair and we were thankful to go one night before all the lights went out! We have some friends that went to school with us before we left for the sandbox and we've now made it a tradition that when we're in America, we go to the fair! The funniest part for us was before we even arrived in the gate. We were pulling around the corner to park our car when Sadie Mac saw all the lights and glitz of the fair and screamed!! We thought at first she was afraid, but when we looked back to her seat she was clapping and grinning from ear to ear, we were glad she was going to experience this!
Granted, going to the fair with children is much different than when we were child-less in terms of rides and what not (along with being 34 weeks pregnant!)! But we had a blast... eating and laughing and seeing all the sites! Sadie LOVED it and by the end of the night was pooped out in her stroller with all the excitement her little two year old heart could handle!

We spent way too much money trying to win her this little toy "Domo"! The only place we've seen this cartoon toy was in Egypt and Sadie LOVED it... when she saw it, she went nuts and so we both tried and eventually won it! Yay for Daddy the hero!

Riding the carosel (with fear in her eyes!)

We decided just to sit as she wasn't that huge fan of riding the horse!

Sadie Mac and Rylee in the get away car with Sponge Bob and Scooby

Krispy Kreme Burger?? (No, we didn't try it!! That is a heart-attack just waiting to happen!)

Fun pic!

Daddy's and their little girls riding the "tilt'a'whirl" dragon!

Stephen and Ben racing down the huge slide. Ben won, but cheated!! ;-)

Poor little girl, all tuckered out!

First Parade!

2010-10-18T16:59:00.001+02:00

Last weekend was App State's Homecoming and we decided to head downtown to watch some of the day's festivities! Lots of floats and even more gold and black! Sadie Mac loved sitting on Stephen's shoulders and watching everyone pass by. She also liked getting the candy! We were thankful to see friends that I grew up with and enjoy the fall crisp air and beautiful changing leaves! I see how much I took for granted and the blessing it was to grow up here now that I live in the desert! But, we will enjoy it while we have it!

Mr. Wooly Worm! (This time of year wooly worms are everywhere and this is the mascot for them all! (Sadie thought it was a strange cat!)

Our Babymoon Adventure!

2010-10-11T03:01:00.000+02:00

Stephen and I feel so blessed to have gotten a gift from some friends to go to a bed and breakfast in TN and enjoy some "just the two of us time" before the baby comes. The weather was perfect as we enjoyed a little rain (coming from the desert, a girl loves rain!), but then two days of sunshine so we could enjoy all the place had to offer. We enjoyed kayaking, hammock swings, a picnic on the lake, pool, checkers, a floating green (which he hit 3 times!) and ping pong... and most of all time together. We did a lot of reading and talking and enjoying each other. Life gets crazy with a toddler, and knowing we are adding another in a few weeks, we feel so appreciate and thankful to our friends who gave us this amazing gift! I highly recommend it to anyone... (www.whitestoneinn.com) as I know they'd love to have you come! Sadie Mac stayed with her grandparents and had a wonderful time on her own. Coming back to her was so sweet and we felt like she had grown a foot! It was a sweet time together!

31 weeks along... only 9 to go

The view from our porch

The Farmhouse, where we stayed

Me, lounging around

Stephen teeing off for the "floating green"

Cozy couches and fireplace!

The view of our room from the doorway

Fun Fall Day!

2010-10-11T02:43:00.001+02:00

This weekend we went with family to a little community near where we live for some blue grass music, crafts, food, family fun and wonderful fall weather!!! We feel so blessed to be here in this wonderful time of year and getting to see all the leaves change and enjoy the change of weather. (To all our friends in the desert, we are sending you some... expect it in January!) It was mid-70s yesterday and there were no clouds in the sky! We had a wonderful time with NanNan and Avee and were impressed with the dancing we saw!

Sadie Mac and Avee doing a little dancin' on the stage

Shewww... thirsty after all that dancin'!!

Playing with NanNan

Daddy's Princess

Just us girls!

Fun on Nan Nan's Farm

2010-10-10T03:39:00.001+02:00

This week we went to my NanNan's house and she has chickens. I love them and love going to see them. We collect eggs to give to people and we let the chickens run around in the yard. The weather was cold, but it has warmed back up so we are enjoying being outside and watching them. I'm becoming a little farm girl!

Collecting Eggs!

Cousins, Sleep Overs, and Crazy Fun!!

2010-09-27T02:53:00.000+02:00

Last weekend we did some traveling and enjoyed seeing and meeting family, several of them for the first time. First we went to Ellerbe and had fun with family there. We had a big spend the night party with Stephen's brothers, their wives and children. It was a long, crazy, and fun night!! We were tired for church the next day, but it was all worth it.

The breakfast table with my Rhyne counsins

My cousin who is 2 weeks younger than me... we met for the first time this weekend! It was FUN!

Then we traveled to Charlotte to see my sister and her family and had a great time with them. Sadie Mac and her cousin C had a great time and spent the night together doing a fun girl slumber party!! She even got to borrow her Dora pj's!! What a treat!! We loved spending time with them and playing with lots of fun and new toys!!

This is my aunt Heather with my cousin C and cousin K... what a blast!

Visiting the NC Zoo!!

2010-09-27T02:12:00.000+02:00

Last week we went to visit the NC Zoo with Grandmommie and Poppie and had a great time! Lots of animals that Sadie has seen and several she had not... like the polar bear! We were tired by the end of the day but had a great time. Thankful for the clouds overhead... we are enjoying all the sights and adventures we can while we are here! Grandmommie and Poppie love going on adventures with us and we're just thankful for all the time we're getting together.

Ta'DA... hatched!

DORA!!!

Loving on Grandmommie

Me, Mom, and the Giant Grasshopper!

Polar Bears and signs

... and me and Poppie looking at the polar bears, ignoring the signs

Visitors to the Mountains

2010-09-27T02:06:00.000+02:00

We were so thankful to have Stephen's parents come to visit us here in Boone! We had a great time enjoying the sights and shopping at Mast General Store. Saturday the weather was messy, but Sunday was sunny enough for fun outdoor adventures. They absolutely LOVE spoiling Sadie Mac and she doesn't seem to mind it too much either. We are so thankful for this season to be around grandparents!! Loving it!!

Me and my Poppie

Little Miss Movie Star and her body guard?!?

Rules... who needs them?!? No chain is going to stop me from where I want to go!

Grandmommie teaching me to play checkers

Beating Poppie at checkers

Sheriff Sadie at Mast General Store

Our First Week back...

2010-09-15T02:47:00.000+02:00

Our first week in America has been a good one and we've enjoyed lots of things we've missed the past three years! Sadie Mac has enjoyed her first tastes of Chic Fil A, Taco Bell, Bojangles. She's also seen more green grass, Ford trucks, and American football than she ever has. Needless to say, we're enjoying ourselves and being "home" for a short break. We'll live it up while we have it and while we can!

Enjoying our house in the middle of a cow field... "mooo!!!"

Me and Daddy and the cows

Sadie Mac's first tastes of Chic Fil A... she was a fan!!!

Playing at the Chic Fil A play place with NanNan

Playing in the creek with my NanNan

NanNan stocked our fridge and pantry with lots of good treats (we forgot to put bacon in the picture!)

Playing with lots of new toys from my cousins!

Our new home...

2010-09-12T23:18:00.000+02:00

This is our new home here in the good 'ol US of A!!! We feel so blessed and thankful for the beauty of where we live. This is where I (Amanda) was born and raised and we're only 2.5 miles from my mom! She was amazing as she found the house, cleaned and scrubbed and prepared it for us to be here for the next 6 months! She had the help of my sister, nieces and nephews and we are thankful for them all!
The yard, as you can see, is amazing and we are surrounded by the green we've missed for the past 3 years! We have a nice long drive way and a creek that runs just in front of the house. We bought Sadie Mac a swing the second day we were here so she could enjoy it before it gets too cold! We are in the middle of a cow pasture and enjoyed several cows for a few days, but then they moved them... or sent them to the "happy hunting ground".
Well, it's been a good adjustment and we're happy and thankful to be back around all the GREEN!!! Hope you enjoy the pics and thanks for coming along for the journey!

The view past our yard... the view is much different here than in the sandbox! We will enjoy the green while we can!

Enjoying the view of the creek!

Daddy hanging my new swing in our yard!

"Weeee!!!"

Arriving back in the US

2010-09-12T00:40:00.000+02:00

After three different plane rides we finally arrived and had a wonderful crowd that met us at the Charlotte airport! Family and friends came and we felt so loved and welcomed. It was such a treat to be back. Sadie Mac did good on the plane rides, but several times she asked to go "out" and get off the plane. Signs, balloons and wonderful people with lots of hugs and tears! It sure is good to be back!

This sign was in Atlanta and we just laughed at the sign... we felt thankful to be reminded we are...

Arrival into Charlotte!!!!

Sadie meeting some of her cousins for the first time!

Date Night!

2010-08-27T19:52:00.000+02:00

Stephen and I have wonderful friends here who offered to watch Sadie Mac so we could go out and enjoy time together. We were thrilled that we could have date night and Sadie could have Play Date Night! We had a wonderful dinner together and had a few hours out on the town and Miss Sadie Mac had some fun of her own... playing with her friend Ben. The two are quite funny together. Turns out that Sadie wasn't sure what to call Ben's mom, so she started calling her mom too! (I thought how quickly I could be replaced!! haha!) But, regardless... she had a great time with Ben and his family and we had a great time enjoying the time together! Thanks again to our friends who watched her!!! We love you guys!

Apparently, she was Queen of the Castle!

Summertime Fun

2010-08-07T10:18:00.000+02:00

Summertime here means HEAT. Therefore, it means finding ways to get and stay COOL! We try to be creative, but it seems the most common themes are water and ice cream (or some variation of it!) We have had a great 3 months here in the sandbox and hope you enjoy seeing what we've been up to!

Making Ice Cream with Dad is one of Sadie Mac's favorite things!!

Mom makes pudding ice pops and Sadie Mac LOVES those too!! Often we combine pool time and ice pop time. I'm thankful she is a good "sharer" and here she is starting to offer by saying... you want "some"... "some"...

Pool Parties with friends are always FUN!!

I'll even help with the dishes if mom will do crazy stuff with my hair and I can play in the water!

A Happy 2nd Birthday Party!

2010-08-04T13:50:00.002+02:00

So our little angel had a wonderful 2nd Birthday on July 28th. We can't believe it's been 2 years! How the time flies! We had planned on doing a pool party because we live in the land of sunshine. Sadly, on the day of her party, the rain decided to come! But, I can't complain about rain because it cools things down! So, we decided to have a fun little cook out and celebrate with friends with games! We had water games (because the rain had stopped by the afternoon), we played a different version of pin the tale on the donkey and enjoyed hot dogs and cookies and cream ice cream!!!

Rah, Rah, Rah for ROCKET! Birthday Cake

Playing "Pin the Jet Stream on Rocket"

Eating with my friends...

Thank you for the PRESENTS!!