Hiking at Hanna Park

We took a family outing early on a Saturday morning to Hanna Park. Thelma, Anthony, and I embarked on a 4 mile hike at 9:30 a.m. and returned to our car around 11:30 a.m. It was fun. It was exhausting. It was great quality time.

Wildlife we saw while on our adventure through the wilderness included spiders, woodpeckers, turtles, ducks, fish, and butterflies. Thelma licked the turtle shell and the turtle as you might image, did NOT like that at all.

Here you can see me demonstrating how to hike

At the end of our hike, we ran into an Army ROTC group running drills through the woods! Oh boy! And a walk wore me out! We had a great time and it was a lot of fun being able to take Thelma on a short day trip in the group outdoors.

Canning... canning in the name of the Lord... just canning

The title of this post is based off of a famous Bob Marley song about jammin'. Well, we weren't jamming but we were canning and REALLY in the name of the Lord. Anthony and I went to the Cannery or Home Storage Facility to see what all the fuss was about.

When we got there, Brother Withers showed us around the Bishop's Storehouse and where the store all of the products that are given to families in need. It was amazing to see all of the food, health products, and living essentials that are paid for by faithful member's fast offerings. In is comforting to know that we will be taken care of if ever our need is there for that. It is such a blessing to see the full circle of things.

After our tour, we had a chance to make some purchases and after Sister Miller cooked me dinner one of the nights that I watch Mitchell, I knew we wanted some potato flakes or purls. We made our selections and proceeded to help replace that which we were purchasing out of the Food Storage Stock. So we suited up in aprons and gloves and hair nets to can sugar, beans, condensed milk, carrots, and wheat. I was in labeling and prepping for can sealing. Anthony got to work the big sealing machine and he did a great job. We were able to chat while we worked and learned lots about the people we were with.

Anthony at the fancy canning machine

The assembly line! I wore a skirt! Who knew canning would be so much work!?!

So we started our home food storage with 6 of those big cans for $31. We got dried black beans, potato flakes, dried onions, dried apples, dried carrots, and oats. They are big cans too! I really like the potatoes and onions and yes, they are easy to combine. You never know when a hurricane will strike and it is comforting to know that Anthony and I have some foods that we can eat in crisis and also a little extra to help our neighbors. That makes me feel good... a whole lot better than investing in insurance.

Let me know if you want to can some stuff and we'll take you down to the cannery!

The Arnold/Rafuse Wedding

Well a friend of our's from church, Secret Arnold got hitched in early September and it was a gorgeous farm wedding! Anthony and I feel so blessed to know this family because of how kind and welcoming they have been to us. So here are some pictures from Secret's special night!

I did my own hair! I couldn't figure out what to do at first so it took me a while.

Justin and Anthony are both checking the stats on the Florida vs. UAB. And it wasn't even a big game!

Anthony and I watched Mitchell so Nina could get some food. Mitchell has the biggest heart of anyone I know.

The beautiful bride Secret Melody Arnold... now Rafuse

I have NEVER had a better wedding cake. This was out of this world... speaking of wedding cake, where is our cake topper???

We had a blast at the wedding although I did have to get onto Anthony who snuck out to the car to listen to the Florida Football game! Ugh! But anyway, I had a blast and it was wonderful to be there in support of Secret and Darryl Rafuse. They are a great couple and I wish them all the best!