Thanksgiving

Phew!! Two days off in a row over a holiday is something to be cherished around here. Wednesday's are Liam and Mommy day and tomorrow we will pick up our organic Turkey and begin preparations for Turkey Day. Ethan is headed to Texas to spend the holiday with his dad so we bought a smallish turkey for the three (and a half) of us. We are looking forward to watching the parade the most while eating sweet rolls/bread and coffee! We don't have too many traditions because one of us usually has to work but the leaves have all fallen this year and if it's not raining we may play a lot in them outside. Although, I won't complain about a nice storm if it ever does arrive.
Speaking of tradition..... My family is down on the Galveston coast this week. Their first vacation down there since the hurricane and since my dad passed away. David has posted some beautiful pictures. Of course the houses are all new but the beach looks so clean and new too. I'm anxious for a report on how different it may possibly be. I'm hoping someday the crabs will return in abundance.

Updates and News!

Wow! I realize that it has been nearly two months since my last post. A lot has been going on too. We are expecting Swaim #4 to arrive on or around May 17th, 2011. This is bitter sweet news for us as this day in 2010 we lost my dad. The story of our addition is unfolding and it has been a tremendous 12 weeks already. We are looking forward to all that is to come.
Tomorrow is Halloween and this year Liam has chosen to be an Elephant. Making the costume has been an adventure with such an opinionated 3 year old. We'll be attending a birthday party for Liam's friend Frankie and then toasting marshmallows and sipping cider around the fire pit later in the evening. Monday is All Saints and we're planning to feast on Roast Rice and Gravy!!
Ethan's adventures are not post worthy..... a little bit of trouble trespassing and a 4 am call while Mom is sick with the Flu = house arrest and not much fun for anyone right now. But all in all things could have been waaaayyyy worse. AAAHHHHH teenagers :)

Culinary Tour

When we were vacationing in Asheville Doug and I read an article in Our State magazine: "100 Foods You Must Eat in North Carolina's 100 Counties". We've explored several, if not "many", of the counties here already... I mean, let's face it, NC is rather small (compared to Texas) and it turns out you can get to all of the counties within four hours from Greensboro. We really like to eat and we really like to explore, so a new challenge/adventure began. Our first stop was on our way home from Asheville. We pulled over in McDowell County for some homemade Strawberry-Banana ice cream at Jack Frost Dairy Bar.... hmmm... closed Sundays and Mondays. I guess we'll head back there someday. Guilford County suggested the Jerusalem Market (wonderful find). Next we headed to Stokes County to have homemade Country Sausage Biscuits in Danbury, hike at Hanging Rock and discover the outdoor adventures this "Gateway to the Mountains" advertised. Oh, wait..... they are closed on Sunday's too. Well, we'll have to head back that way to go tubing anyway. We wised up and found an opportunity to adventure together on a Saturday. We thought surely, the BBQ pit stop in Statesville of Iredell County would be open. Nope!!! Wednesdays and Fridays only, HUH???? What was opened was the Ketchie Creek Bakery and Cafe in Mocksville, Davie County just 20 miles back toward home. Fantastic five flavor pound cake :) not to mention pretty good sandwiches particularly when you had your heart set on chicken BBQ.

End of Summer Catch-up - Liam

I already mentioned how HOT it has been and while visiting the coast is a favorite fall past time, tradition is hard to break. So... Liam and I took a day trip to Topsail Island, it's not Galveston but so similar and holds enough cherished memories with my family to merit the four hour drive to and from. We've noted all the rest stops from here to there, the Seafood markets, the coffee shops, the bakery and now have our favorite public beach access programed into the GPS system. Can you tell I have intentions of making this a regular occurrence? You will find us at public beach access #8 because this is the point along the drive that Liam announced "We're here" despite my attempts at turning into beach access #1 through 7. The day was BEAUTIFUL and I have missed that feeling of contentment, that feeling of being home and my dad. We built sandcastles, played baseball, jumped the waves, collected shells, ate lunch, napped, walked, watched pelicans, shrimp boats, and chased birds, and dug up clams. Not once did we get in the water! Oh, well. Swim lessons are progressing due to mom and dad's diligence and Liam one day will love the water as much as Ethan.... we hope :)
Liam has moved up a class at school and has officially begun his pre-school experience. With fabulous teachers, fantastic learning environment and LOTS of planned activities we are looking forward to the school year with our little learner!

End of Summer Catch-up - Ethan

August was HOT!! Ethan (obviously home safe from Africa :) started school and is happily cruising Greensboro with his new driver's license.... Yes, they actually gave him one. Just watch out for mailboxes. But we are so proud of his responsible actions and entrepreneurial spirit this summer. He is torn over a return trip to Africa, hard core soccer training or a new adventure for his last HS trip, Ireland, England, and Italy are all contenders. He's enrolled in some tough classes this Junior year and is hoping to scale back on the number of courses he takes his last year at Page. College visits are on the agenda and a lot of talk about what to study (Criminal Justice). He's been promoted to officer in JROTC and is very excited about his new role. Soccer season is upon us and while Ethan is learning a different style of humble competition, his school team is ranked 6th in the nation. This will be the last season with his club team as he has been playing one age level up. I think there is talk of two rosters this year?!
In Ethan's words.... "Africa was amazing!" His highlight was "playing soccer with the kids every day after they got out of school and seeing Project Caanan". The safari was "pretty cool because it was the animal's natural habitat and they weren't caged". He shyed away from the fact that the majority of the trip was "preaching" which he has limited experience at but realized within himself the type of Servant Leader he truly is. Compared to ASP Ethan says "Africa was a field trip....." an awesome one at that. His only wish was that his presence and work would have been more physical and in the future will seek out opportunities that he is able to give more in that capacity. Of anything, Ethan's compassion (which was strong already) for humanity was deepened. It has been so great to watch his relationship with people grow and hear him share about his response to the world, his presence in it, and his determination to fulfill God's purpose for him.

Mountain Vacation

We had a great time with Gamma and Gampa in Asheville last weekend!! The cabin we stayed in was really nice with a good view and an even better kitchen ;) (at least I thought so) We hiked, shopped, swam in the waterfalls and went to the Bel Cher festival in downtown Asheville. Heading back to Greensboro we tried to stop at Jack's Dairy Bar in Marion but for some reason people don't sell icecream on Sundays there ;( Maybe next time.

Summer Downpour

Sorry... no pics until I can get a new camera :( As soon as I can I will show you Liam's new apron we used today to make Homemade Pizza! It's raining buckets (YAY!!) so we've been spending the morning doing our favorite pastime: playing in the rain!! Since I have sooo many pictures of this event I'm posting an oldie but goodie... Ethan is at the zoo today getting a "peek" at Africa. He just learned he would be going on Safari when he's in Swazilland. He is SUPER excited.

This week has been a "preparation" week. I've been doing summer long "spring cleaning", Doug's parents are coming to visit and take us to the mountains, Ethan's 10 days from departing the country and Liam is preparing to transition into the primary room at school. I can't believe the summer is half over!

Heart for Africa - Ethan Waldrop Fundraising Page

Heart for Africa - Ethan Waldrop Fundraising Page

Ethan heads to Africa in 12 days!! With fundraising complete, trip arrangements for packing, immunizations and itinerary are being arranged. Excitement is on a high and mom's hyperventilating has begun!! ;)