I know that judging by the blog posts, it looks like the students at Aletheia haven't been doing a whole lot. On the contrary, we've posted very little because we've been doing all sorts of things and can't find the time to sit still or find our fingers too messy to type!
Recently, we made play dough using this recipe: Traditional Play Doh
First we mixed the dough, then I placed it in plastic baggies and made a small indention. I then added drops of food coloring and imitation coconut flavoring for scent. Each kids kneaded a few bags to blend the colors in and smooth the dough.
Pelham,Alabama
We went to Pelham, a suburb of Birmingham, and truly enjoyed getting to know Antonio's family better.
While the men spent time working, the kids and I explored the area.
We visited Oak Mountain State park, where Chandler cried... literally cried... all the way up The Peavine Falls trail, thanks to the confidence his father has shown in my driving ability. The poor kid just knew I was going to drive us over the next curve...
We made it up and down and they all relaxed enough towards the end to enjoy the beauty of the area.
You will also see a handful of shots at football practice... where Mr. Antonio spends a lot of time helping the local middle and high school teams perfect their game:
Chandler's 9th Birthday
Monday was Chandler's 9th Birthday. It felt like we had been celebrating all weekend already, but we tried to make the actual day feel special. We were due to checkout of our hotel, but before we did, I took the kids for a celebratory dip in the hotel's roof pool... it has an indoor and outdoor, and on this particular morning, the outdoor was actually warmer than the indoor (but the wind outside was another ...very cold... story)
After check out, we drove to the Blue Willow Inn, in Social Circle GA for a special lunch... yummy as usual. I brought Chandler's cake out at this time and he was truly surprised, as we had told him all along that we would probably buy him a small cake since we were traveling. We had also told him that the adventure itself was a gift, so there wouldn't be any real gifts to open, but he got a Garfield (his favorite comedian) DVD and Magic Treehouse Book set... both strategically chosen to give him car activities for the trip home.
Turns out the return trip home morphed into a 2 day layover in Alabama ( nowhere near our path home, mind you) Chandler was thrilled as he has always wanted to "see what Alabama looks like" Clay ran with that as the whole reason we were going, but really had business to tackle, so it was win-win for both Clay and Chan.
Chandler had more presents waiting on him at home- presents he didn't expect to receive- at first I thought this would lessen his birthday experience, to drive to Alabama instead of home to surprise him with these few little gifts, but getting to open them today was icing on the cake so to speak, as he absolutely adores Mr. Antonio's kids, and football, and Sweet Home Alabama...
Of his birthday, Chandler says "It was great!"
Pat-A-Cake
While the boys took in a Falcons game on Sunday, I got busy constructing Chandler's birthday cake.
I had messaged a friend, Shantel of Heavenly Cakes, back home in Augusta to see if the layers would hold up if I made them in advance.. after she told me the best way to preserve them, I had the courage to take the pre-made layers with me to the hotel, along with an entire arsenal of cake decorating supplies.
I made the icing in the Ice Bucket (don't worry, I washed it thoroughly first) and mixed individual colors in the water glasses. The room's desk served as an excellent work space, though I'm not sure the hotel staff would've been thrilled to see it covered in powdered sugar.
After I assembled the layers and frosted them with a thin blue coat of icing, I rolled out fondant that I had colored blue a day or two earlier (to give it time to dry) to cover the ball shaped cake, then on fondant "continents" with icing... I had previously traced, cut out and painted them with gel color, also a day or so early, in respect of drying time...
I gave everything a final gel coloring coat and used white icing to pipe on a message. I added the toppers that would fit under the cake dome, while readying the ones too tall for just before the cake was served.
I covered the cake dome in wrapping paper so as to veil the cake in the event that Chandler saw it- though we told him all along a homemade cake wasn't possible while on the road...
Everything went more smoothly than I figured it would and Chandler was genuinely surprised not only to have a cake, but that the cake was all the things we have been talking about recently:
Travel, Maps, Food Network, favorite travel shows etc.
On the cake was a red convertible ( tipping a hat to both "Road Tasted" and Guy Fieri's Diners show) In the convertible was Paula Deen- Chan's local favorite- the Neelys, the Road Tasted couple that he had gotten tickets to see on Friday, Jeff Corwin-(the Jeff Corwin Experience) one of his favorite travel show hosts and Dave Stotts (Drive Thru History) another favorite host and Alton Brown...food scientist.
We called the cake the "BoomDeYada Birthday cake, because that song- our homeschool theme song- fits Chandler's love for exploring the world around him to a tee.
Sunday & BedJump
On Sunday of Chandler's Birthday Adventure, some of Clay's friends brought their sons for a little Father/Son Falcon game... (oh, and to talk a little business of course!) While the men chatted before the game, I played Mother Goose and took the 6 children to the game room,
(20 bucks in quarters spends FAST in there!) the fitness room, and for a walk along Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. The 2 day walk for breast cancer was just winding down and there were pink boas and cheering supporters everywhere. There was also one very public breast feeding woman which is a longer story for later ...
(imagine --I have 5 boys in tow... this was no small matter!)
We went in to Carvel and I tell the guy, " I got 20 bucks and 6 kids, how can you help me?" He was very helpful and nice as he let each kid pick a flavor and cup or cone... my total came to $19.73 :) He was so gracious and even offered me a cone free of charge, which I declined to return the graciousness. Service like that deserves a mention (and all my change for a tip, I should add :)
Shortly after we got all the sticky ice cream cleaned off hands and mouths, the guys were ready to head for the game... a special tour of locker rooms and such had been arranged. Funniest dynamic in my mind had to be that one of the fellas in attendance, Derrick, has been approached by the opposing team, KC Chiefs, for a job... he used to be a Falcon, he's sitting in the GA Dome, all his pals are pulling for Atlanta, but he's decked out in Chiefs gear; this welcomes much disparagement throughout the game from surrounding Falcons' fans. Fortunately, Derrick isn't someone you'd try and punch, so they made a peaceful getaway after the Falcons pulverized the Chiefs...still, I'm glad I wasn't there.
While they were watching the game, I was assembling Chandler's birthday cake... I had made the layers in advance and brought everything else for assembly and decorating in a duffel bag. It was an absolute mess, but worth it to see Chandler's reaction on his Birthday. See following post for these pictures.
Apparently, there was more business to tackle post football game, for just as I had cleaned the last dish from my cake making party, i heard kids voices in the hall of the twelfth floor...the boys had been sent to hang out with momma/miss kelly while the men finalized some stuff... we spent some time watching t.v., playing on the internet and running around the parking deck... then I remembered BedJump.com.... bad babysitting? sure... fun? Oh Yeah!
VIEW AS SLIDESHOW
(20 bucks in quarters spends FAST in there!) the fitness room, and for a walk along Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. The 2 day walk for breast cancer was just winding down and there were pink boas and cheering supporters everywhere. There was also one very public breast feeding woman which is a longer story for later ...
(imagine --I have 5 boys in tow... this was no small matter!)
We went in to Carvel and I tell the guy, " I got 20 bucks and 6 kids, how can you help me?" He was very helpful and nice as he let each kid pick a flavor and cup or cone... my total came to $19.73 :) He was so gracious and even offered me a cone free of charge, which I declined to return the graciousness. Service like that deserves a mention (and all my change for a tip, I should add :)
Shortly after we got all the sticky ice cream cleaned off hands and mouths, the guys were ready to head for the game... a special tour of locker rooms and such had been arranged. Funniest dynamic in my mind had to be that one of the fellas in attendance, Derrick, has been approached by the opposing team, KC Chiefs, for a job... he used to be a Falcon, he's sitting in the GA Dome, all his pals are pulling for Atlanta, but he's decked out in Chiefs gear; this welcomes much disparagement throughout the game from surrounding Falcons' fans. Fortunately, Derrick isn't someone you'd try and punch, so they made a peaceful getaway after the Falcons pulverized the Chiefs...still, I'm glad I wasn't there.
While they were watching the game, I was assembling Chandler's birthday cake... I had made the layers in advance and brought everything else for assembly and decorating in a duffel bag. It was an absolute mess, but worth it to see Chandler's reaction on his Birthday. See following post for these pictures.
Apparently, there was more business to tackle post football game, for just as I had cleaned the last dish from my cake making party, i heard kids voices in the hall of the twelfth floor...the boys had been sent to hang out with momma/miss kelly while the men finalized some stuff... we spent some time watching t.v., playing on the internet and running around the parking deck... then I remembered BedJump.com.... bad babysitting? sure... fun? Oh Yeah!
VIEW AS SLIDESHOW
Saturday- Meet the Neely's
On Saturday, we went to Atlanta to start Chandler's birthday weekend. The Neely's from Food Network were making an appearance at The World of Coca Cola museum and we had gotten Chandler tickets as a surprise. He didn't know until the last minute, when we were standing outside of the closed museum and a security guard said something like "Welcome to the Neely event"-- until that point, everyone in line had coincidentally neglected to mention "Neely" and said "We're here for the 5 o'clock Event" instead... as if they too realized they were in on a secret.
Once we got inside, there was a short wait-- we had the museum to ourselves and more importantly, the international tasting room, where we were invited to taste the different Coca Cola products from around the world.
(We have done this before, but the idea that we had the opportunity in such a small and "private event" setting made it fun)
Meeting the Neelys was a lot of fun- they are such cut ups and really seemed to feel comfortable with the audience. Chandler asked a question of them, and they called him up for a chat. They talked about how much it meant to them to have children looking up to them and watching them on television rather than some of the alternatives... it was evident in their tone and repertoire with Chandler that this was a sincere expression.
Once we got inside, there was a short wait-- we had the museum to ourselves and more importantly, the international tasting room, where we were invited to taste the different Coca Cola products from around the world.
(We have done this before, but the idea that we had the opportunity in such a small and "private event" setting made it fun)
Meeting the Neelys was a lot of fun- they are such cut ups and really seemed to feel comfortable with the audience. Chandler asked a question of them, and they called him up for a chat. They talked about how much it meant to them to have children looking up to them and watching them on television rather than some of the alternatives... it was evident in their tone and repertoire with Chandler that this was a sincere expression.
The event was hosted by Coca Cola (obviously) and Publix, so each coursefeatured a Coke product as ingredient and most other brands were Publix. The food was ok, not really from the Neelys...just recipes that Publix/Coke gave them to follow along for the production. Chandler's favorite part was the Orange Fanta float... which he swore he had never had a float before, ever. To see his reaction, you would believe him, too.
(but he has! he just must not remember.)
Our seat mates were great too- we all switched contact info before leaving and they were just so impressed with Chandler, with his interest in the world around him and the conversations he had with them.
After the event, Clay and the younger two kids met us downstairs for dinner. We drove over to the Varsity, in keeping with the Foodie theme of the night and of Chandler's birthday in general.
The Varsity is celebrating its 80th year, making it appealing to Chandler in both historical significance and "real diner" experience as he so enjoys seeing on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" with one of his heroes, Guy Fieri.
He wasn't fond of the food, at all. But, of going there, he says "It was awesome!"
VIEW AS SLIDESHOW
Our seat mates were great too- we all switched contact info before leaving and they were just so impressed with Chandler, with his interest in the world around him and the conversations he had with them.
After the event, Clay and the younger two kids met us downstairs for dinner. We drove over to the Varsity, in keeping with the Foodie theme of the night and of Chandler's birthday in general.
The Varsity is celebrating its 80th year, making it appealing to Chandler in both historical significance and "real diner" experience as he so enjoys seeing on "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" with one of his heroes, Guy Fieri.
He wasn't fond of the food, at all. But, of going there, he says "It was awesome!"
VIEW AS SLIDESHOW
Hunting Island Visit
Our friends, the Theakers, came to town for a family camping trip and like a good neighbor, we were there :)
((you may or may not want to hum the State Farm jingle at this point))
The kids had a great day together...age difference didn't really seem to be on their minds at all... only sand, sun and fun.
I was greatful for the time with friends, and the timeliness of their visit, since Clay was in Birmingham on business and I was already two days by my lonesome :)
The weather was just beautiful, as was the beach and all of God's creatures that we got to view at the nature center.
I thank God for beautiful beach walks and friends to share them with:
The kids had a great day together...age difference didn't really seem to be on their minds at all... only sand, sun and fun.
I was greatful for the time with friends, and the timeliness of their visit, since Clay was in Birmingham on business and I was already two days by my lonesome :)
The weather was just beautiful, as was the beach and all of God's creatures that we got to view at the nature center.
I thank God for beautiful beach walks and friends to share them with:
9 . 04 . 08
Hunting Island, SC
Atlanta, GA
Falcons Game #1...Georgia Aquarium...World of Coca Cola...
Heaps of God's Grace!
9 . 06 & 07 . 2008
*Aquarium, Coca Cola & Hilton Garden Inn Downtown/Saturday
* GA Dome and Falcons' first game/ Sunday
Grandma's House
We visited Grandma and Grandpa in Covington about a month ago. Kevin has been busy making things spiffy...here's a peek:
My Old Kentucky Home
After sleeping off the Carolina loss in Nashville, we drove north an hour and a half or so, into Kentucky.
It was a rainy day, perfect for Elvis' "Kentucky Rain" which played us over the state line.
We returned to our old Kentucky home to show Fisher his 'Tucky, as he calls it.
He was born in Glasgow, Kentucky and holds this heritage dear.
Kentucky is a beautiful place with lots of open air and rolling hills... there is a feeling of quiet and security in the towns where we dwelt. Sometimes, when I imagine simplifying my life, the backdrop is Kentucky- where we never had to lock the doors and our landlord stopped by with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes on a regular basis. I still have a lot of cherished friends there.
Kentucky is a beautiful place with lots of open air and rolling hills... there is a feeling of quiet and security in the towns where we dwelt. Sometimes, when I imagine simplifying my life, the backdrop is Kentucky- where we never had to lock the doors and our landlord stopped by with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes on a regular basis. I still have a lot of cherished friends there.
We took Fisher to "his" hospital. All of the kids got to see the third floor, Labour & Delivery-- the setting for one of their favorite stories that Clay tells... "Kelly: The loudest girl on Floor 3"
(I had Fisher without the benefit of medicinal support as he arrived so quickly)
It was fun to see all the spots that make the area unique- the Tee Pee hotel, Yogi Bear's campground and several large dinosaurs amongst the kids favorite, of course.
Our little town has grown- there were all sorts of new businesses and restaurants...but for all the change, the place is every bit the same.
A good quality in my book.
Nashville,TN
This is the time of year I throw out the calendar and read time via the very scientific method of College Football Schedule.
Can we go see Aunt Rosie? Attend a wedding, a funeral or the birth of a baby? That all depends on the CFS.
I cannot tell you the exact date we went to Nashville- but I do know it was 2 football games back.
I love Nashville. It has been one of my favorites since we spent a few days there on our 5th wedding anniversary.
Can we go see Aunt Rosie? Attend a wedding, a funeral or the birth of a baby? That all depends on the CFS.
I cannot tell you the exact date we went to Nashville- but I do know it was 2 football games back.
I love Nashville. It has been one of my favorites since we spent a few days there on our 5th wedding anniversary.
( That seems like so long ago!)
I am going to put the pictures up in a second here and quit yapping, but if you look at all of them, I'd like you to keep your eyes out for dear old John McCain... he was sitting right behind us, praying for Gamecock victory. (God's will was with Vanderbilt) I am not sure how he pulled off attending the game and delivering his acceptance speech on the same night, but apparently he's one of the devoted.
It amuses me- maybe because I am just so easily amused after sitting in the stands for four quarters- to think about football as some folks' church going experience. At any given football game, there's a lot of prayer-- some of it in the loud Pentecostal fashion, weeping and gnashing of teeth (yes, that is a reference to Hell, but I've seen it happen in plenty of churches too!) There are cries of Hallelujah and the ability to give at least 10% of your income to the ushers in hopes of receiving a bucket of popcorn, "pressed down and running over" in return.
At Carolina games, my favorite form of worship is the Alma Mater-- sung with all the reverence of the Lord's Prayer....maybe more so, as I have never held an imaginary light up during the prayer's recitation. When I say favorite here, I mean "makes me want to gag".
There are some folks in the crowd aiming to get that perfect attendance button so coveted in long ago Sunday School... no mileage too far, no rain storm too wet, using an RV porta potty be darned-- they will be there come what may.
We are not those people, but sometimes I fear becoming them.
I am going to put the pictures up in a second here and quit yapping, but if you look at all of them, I'd like you to keep your eyes out for dear old John McCain... he was sitting right behind us, praying for Gamecock victory. (God's will was with Vanderbilt) I am not sure how he pulled off attending the game and delivering his acceptance speech on the same night, but apparently he's one of the devoted.
It amuses me- maybe because I am just so easily amused after sitting in the stands for four quarters- to think about football as some folks' church going experience. At any given football game, there's a lot of prayer-- some of it in the loud Pentecostal fashion, weeping and gnashing of teeth (yes, that is a reference to Hell, but I've seen it happen in plenty of churches too!) There are cries of Hallelujah and the ability to give at least 10% of your income to the ushers in hopes of receiving a bucket of popcorn, "pressed down and running over" in return.
At Carolina games, my favorite form of worship is the Alma Mater-- sung with all the reverence of the Lord's Prayer....maybe more so, as I have never held an imaginary light up during the prayer's recitation. When I say favorite here, I mean "makes me want to gag".
There are some folks in the crowd aiming to get that perfect attendance button so coveted in long ago Sunday School... no mileage too far, no rain storm too wet, using an RV porta potty be darned-- they will be there come what may.
We are not those people, but sometimes I fear becoming them.
Enjoy the pictures of our Carolina/Vandy game road trip to Nashville. Excuse some of us for not looking thrilled...high five the ME for capturing the agony of defeat on film, as it happened though.
((author's note: I am not anti Carolina, neither am I a true fan... my team is always the concession staff .))
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