A Lifetime of Love

That is the name we gave to the mountain where TJ's grandfather, Frank, and his wife, Dot, live. It is in northern Pennsylvania, only about 10 or so miles south of the New York state line. It was beautiful during our visit; the autumn colors were almost to their full glory! We had a busy week with them. TJ walked the cemetary where his grandmother is buried and shared fond memories with us of time spent with her. We went to the playground: We went to Ross Park and zoo (Binghamton, NY): We picked apples at Russell Farm and Orchard: We celebrated Teagan's 2nd birthday: We learned about the longest concrete train bridge, which was built in 1915: We celebrated Th's 8th birthday: But best of all, we enjoyed sweet fellowship with dear loved ones! The kids enjoyed putting on their "Patch the Pirate" performance each evening after supper, and the grandparents enjoyed watching it! These are precious memories that we will always have, and I am so thankful we took the time...

We are getting ready to go to the Outer Banks this Friday. The kids and I are so excited! This is our FAVORITE family vacation spot and we haven't been there in 3 years. The past 2 years we have gone to Topsail Island, and although it's nice, nothing compares to the Outer Banks. Plus, my mom is meeting us there so we'll get to visit with her! The kids are already making a list of things to bring such as their "boogie boards," kites, crab nets, and sand toys. The last time we were there, we went searching for crabs on the beach at night. TJ and the boys caught quite a few of them (and released them, of course) and the kids are most excited about that. I am excited about getting some sand in my toes and some sun on my back! LOL! Nothing is better than seeing God's beautiful creation at the beach: the ocean's boundaries, the beautiful skies, and all the life in between the two. *Psalm 19:1~ "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the wo...

Greetings from sunny Bermuda! We arrived today (Tuesday) about 2pm. Bermuda is an island under the authority of the British government. It is modern in many ways, but still very traditional. Once the ship entered into the harbor and blew its horn, the Town Crier rang the bell and announced our arrival. He also met us at the pier and announced the time and temperature. So far our trip has been great. The ship is small (compared to others) but offers a vast array of activities. We have enjoyed eating, sunning, eating, playing games, eating, shopping, eating, sunning some more, and eating some more. We are doing our dive tomorrow followed by some shopping and sightseeing in the town of Hamilton. I am really excited. We bought an underwater camera so hopefully we can get some great pictures. TJ, unfortunately, is not feeling very well (neither am I, but he is worse). The kids had a cold and I think they shared it with us before we left. We have been going to bed somewhat early (by 11pm) in...

Bermuda, here we come! TJ and I are leaving today for a 7-day cruise to Bermuda. On the agenda: plenty of fun, sun, and shopping. We also have a reservation on Thursday for a dive to the bottom of the ocean where we will have the chance to see, touch, and hold many tropical fish. I am so excited and can't wait! Please check back for pictures from our trip, hopefully to be uploaded daily. If not (due to connection issues), see you in a week! ~T.C.

I now hold in my hand a valid SC Teaching Certificate. I can’t believe it; my long-time dream is now a reality! It’s very exciting and solidifies all of my effort, determination, and hard-work in order to achieve this dream. Now, onto Teagan. She began crawling last weekend. Prior to then, she would do the “Army Man” crawl by using her arms to pull her dragging belly and legs. Last week she began getting up on her hands and knees, and was able to go 1 or 2 “steps”, but then would immediately fall flat on her face. However, something clicked in her little brain on Saturday and she began to crawl around my downstairs area. Yay Teagan! Also, Ta received some great news on Tuesday. Since September, he has had fluid behind his right ear. It was not an infection so medication would not clear it up. We (I) took him monthly for a hearing test and to re-check his ears to see if the fluid was draining at all. From February to June his hearing d...

We’re home after a long week touring Ohio and visiting family. Our trip was nice, although it started out hectic because we were in and out of the car so often. Last Saturday we went over to my dad’s twin brother’s house (my uncle) to visit with his family. My cousins came over and all the kids played together. Sunday we went to the Akron zoo. It has been 10 years since TJ and I were there last, and it’s changed a lot. It’s a small zoo, but they have animals that the zoo by our house doesn’t have, so the kids enjoyed it. It has been remodeled and it’s really nice. We left the zoo and the kids napped when we got back to my mom’s. When they woke, we went to eat at my favorite Akron restaurant- Swenson’s. It’s a local drive-in franchise that has been around for over 70 years. In the past, males were car hops and females worked in the kitchen. Because of EEO laws, I think that’s changed, but the food still tastes great and we eat there every time we are in Akron. Monday we woke, packed up ...

I haven’t posted because we left last Friday to go to Ohio to visit my family. Thankfully the drive was pretty uneventful, although I did see 5 deer in the woods. My mind works in strange ways, and after spotting the 2nd deer, I began to wonder why God allowed me to see the deer and not anyone else in the car (the kids were too enthralled with a DVD and TJ was driving). That thought lead to this next thought: how many other “things” (events, circumstances, people, animals, etc.) has the Lord allowed me to see that perhaps others did not? I know, pretty deep thinking for no apparent reason. But, it made me appreciate seeing the deer as more than just a simple glance out the window, especially since some of them were pretty deep in the woods and not near the highway. The trip has been nice, although we are all running short on sleep. My kids do not sleep well when not in their beds, and this results in TJ and me missing out on sleep. Ta has a tendency to wake up at night and throw a tant...

My cell phone is only 2 years old. The contract expires mid-August, and I’ve been having problems with my phone. It no longer takes a charge from the vehicle charger, which is not a big deal, except lately the phone only holds a charge for a short time. Recently, it’s started to shut down on its own, even while plugged into the wall charger. I had to run some errands one morning with all 3 kids and planned to go to a friend’s house for lunch. I got my phone to call TJ and tell him of my plans, only to find my phone off inside my bag. I powered it back on, made the phone call, and before I could even hang up, it powered itself off again. Ugh! This was a few weeks ago, and was the last straw! That evening, after supper, we headed to Verizon to see what could be done. I didn’t want to replace the battery because when my contract expired in 6 weeks, I was eligible for a new phone. Of course the Verizon store was packed, so I waited in the van with the kids while they watched a movie. I tol...

What a weekend! TJ and I had such an awesome time! We learned so much about being better spouses to each other, but also I was able to get God's view regarding my pregnancy. That alone made the trip worthwhile! Friday night Ron, Shelly, and 3 of their children sang for us. It was amazing! They are such a talented family. We sang a few Patch songs, including the motions, and that was a blast! The kids sang together, Ron and Shelly sang together, and they sang as a family. The feelings were like those of seeing your favorite group perform. Our kids (Th mostly) were upset that they couldn’t go with us to meet Patch the Pirate, but we bought them a new CD and had the Hamilton’s autograph it for them. Plus, we had our picture taken with them, so the boys were thrilled with that. Saturday morning at breakfast Ron and Shelly came and ate with us at our table. It was so neat to hear them talk about their work, and of course we piqued their brains about their favorite Patch CD and why (and...

We had a great weekend! We spent all day (I’m not exaggerating- from 10:30AM – 4PM) at the Monster Truck Show in Greenville. It was awesome and the boys loved it! We went early to meet the drivers in the Pits. We arrived shortly after the Pits opened so there were no lines for each driver. Th wore a hat to the show, so he was able to get it autographed by each driver. Ta was in heaven- unlimited amount of dirt, big trucks, and tractors. He didn’t know what to make of it all! We attend this show every year. It’s something that we’ve done since TJ and I first started dating. It just so happens to coincide with my birthday and is shortly after Christmas, so it’s kind of a combined gift thing for the family. T.G. stayed with my in-laws, although next year we will probably all attend. Ta attended his first one last year, and he wasn’t even 2 years old. He enjoyed it much better this year because he remembered it from last year, plus we frequently look at the pictures from last year and wa...

TJ and I visited the Wilds Christian Camp in Brevard, NC this weekend with some very good friends. Words cannot describe the sense of renewal and refreshment we left with on Saturday evening. It was evident that the Lord used various situations this past week to prepare us for this weekend, and coupled with the preaching we received, we left better prepared to lead lives pleasing to Christ. Pastor Dan Brooks of Heritage Bible Church in Greer, SC preached several messages on love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. I have read, been preached to, and even taught this passage several times prior to this trip. However, Pastor Brooks applied this message in a different, more appropriate way, and both TJ and I were convicted of sinning against each other in various ways within our marriage. Basically, Pastor Brooks preached the concept of living the gospel each day, not just the day of salvation. Now, if you are not saved, this won’t make much sense to you. However, if you are saved, it’s basically t...

I did it! I survived a trip to the beach with the in-laws. It was nice, just the usual frustrations of everyone wanting to do different things at different times. Along with going to the beach, we went to the NASCAR Cafe and Speedpark, and all of the boys enjoyed that (TJ included!) Th drove his first real car, and it was hilarious. I so wish my video camera wasn't full or else I would have recorded that momentous event. He drove like an old man, gunning the gas then slowly releasing it to drive really slow! It was quite humorous. Another kid crashed into him and ended up pushing him with his car to go faster. It was a fun time for the kids despite the heat and humidity. We had a family picnic with the in-laws yesterday. It was okay- extremely humid. Poor TJ had to chase the boys around because where the shelter is, there really isn't much for the kids to do. We had an egg toss, and TJ and I came nowhere close to winning. However, I think we tossed it the longest because we tos...

We visited TJ’s great aunt and uncle this past Saturday. We haven’t been to see them in a year, so this was their first time meeting T.G. We had a great time! Their children and grandchildren live in New York, so they enjoy when we come to visit. My kids love spending time with them, and love being spoiled for the day! Aunt Joan & Uncle Joe live in a beautiful development. There are 7 lakes within the community ranging in size from very small to very large. Along with a pool, clubhouse, playground, and other amenities, there are several beach areas to swim in the various lakes. The boys had a great time swimming and playing in the sand. Along with swimming and playing, they also enjoying tractor rides on the riding mower. Just as we were leaving to go to the beach, it began to rain. Since we were already in our swimsuits, we played in the front yard in the rain. We had a blast! It was a first for the boys, and it’s been a while for TJ and me. We played tag in the front yard. It was...

It was a sad, gloomy day as we piled into the van this morning. No one wanted to leave, including TJ, who is not a “beach” person. That is, until I introduced him to the paradise that is the Outer Banks. As we were driving off the island, he made the comment about looking for a job out there. I laughed and said go for it! If you have never been to the OBX, I highly encourage you to go at least once before you die. There are no other beaches like it. We barely scratched the surface of things to do, and are planning to go back in mid-October for a long weekend. I am including some pictures from our week. We made it home this evening about 5:30PM. Reality set in as soon as we walked into the house. Meals to prepare, clothes to wash, kids to feed. . . time to get back into the swing of things!

It's hot today! We were at the beach by 9:30 this morning. I am sad to see our trip coming to an end. We have at times missed some of our daily luxuries, such as television, but overall it was a blessing because it allowed us to grow closer as a family. We have been up early each morning and out late at the beach each night. Instead of spending time watching TV, we’ve been watching God’s creation and thoroughly enjoying ourselves! We met another family yesterday when we went to the NC Aquarium in Manteo. We ran in to them again today at the beach. We were able to talk for a long time and found that their infant daughter and T.G. both have the same birthday! They also have a 5 year old daughter and 4 year old son. The boys had a good time playing with them today. We made plans to meet again in the morning. They are from Virginia, and are really nice. I hope to keep in contact with them after we leave. Well, everyone is napping and I am going to do the same. Until next time. . .

Just a quick note from paradise- we are having a great time! The weather is perfect, in the mid-80s and sunny. We've been to the beach every day, usually several times a day. This morning we saw dolphins swimming off the shore. I didn't get an exact count, but I guess there were probably 8. It was awesome to see them jump and dive in the water. Th was so excited! Tonight we went back to the beach after eating some ice cream so the boys could burn off their energy. It was after 8pm and the sun was almost set. Sand crabs come out at night, so on our walk back, TJ and the boys were catching them. One of them bit TJ's finger and it scared him. He ended up throwing it on Th, who screamed bloody murder. Tomorrow we're going to buy some nets for them to catch them with! :) Okay, it's late and I'm tired. I'll post pictures when we get back this weekend. Take care!! ~T.

I am washing, packing, and cleaning today to get ready for the OBX! I CAN”T WAIT!!! My mom is there, getting the cottage ready for us. She called and said the weather is beautiful, as usual. I hope my brother gets back early tomorrow so we can get on the road. The ocean is calling me! We don’t have a strict itinerary, but Sunday we are going to church (a must for us, even on vacation!), and then heading to the beach for a while. I need to pick up some things from the store, so I’ll probably do that sometime Sunday, as well. It will be a low-key day. Monday we are touring our way through lighthouses, eventually taking the ferry to Ocracoke Island. Tuesday my mom and brother are leaving. I’m not sure what we’ll do then, or the rest of the week for that matter. TJ and I both agree that we want a relaxing vacation, not one that is highly structured with strict timelines. Lots to do today, so I must be going. I will write more when I return, and post some pictures from paradise! Until then....

I am very excited. . . I found out my sister is expecting her first child. She and her boyfriend Paul were going to get married anyway; the pregnancy sort of sped things up a bit. Nevertheless, I am very happy for her. Plus, her due date is my birthday, so that makes it more exciting! She really wants a boy. In fact, she already has a name picked out- Noah James. I love it! I would love for her to have a boy because I know how cool it is to have a boy first. I would also love for her to have a girl because her baby and T.G. will only be about a year apart. I told TJ last night I want to go and stay with her when she has the baby. I haven’t decided if I’ll go the same time as my mom or wait until after my mom leaves. He told me we have plenty of time to work out the details- I guess he’s right! Her husband is a Marine and she told me today that he is due to deploy to Iraq in March, when the baby is about 2 months old. He’s already been there at least once (I think twice) so I encourage...