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!

Parenting 101- 3 Kids (5 yrs old, 3 yrs old, and 2 yrs old)

Unfortunately, about a week or so ago, we lost a member of our ward to cancer Sister Ethel Cornell. One of the ladies from church Jennifer that was close to her wanted to go to the viewing but didn't have anyone to watch the kids. So we volunteered... and got a little dose of Parenting 101: Summer Session B. (That was a joke to make it sound more like an official class.)

"You want me to lift you up?" haha! Anthony picked them both up while doing leg lifts!

The Morrow kids are Willis, Michelle, and Peggy Sue aged 5, 3, and 2 years. We thought sure, this will be a piece of cake. We'll serve some spaghetti-o's, watch a movie, and the kids will fall asleep early. Boy, were we crazy!

Peggy Sue with a dog treat

Michelle painted my nails and did a pretty good job for a 3 year old!

Anthony and Willis kept each other running by playing basketball outside, trying to learn how to play Battleship, and getting his sisters all excited and laughing. Michelle and I did each other's nails and I must say that for a 3 year old, she wasn't half bad. Thelma 'watched' Peggy Sue who dropped spaghetti-o's that needed to be picked up, was there to receive kisses (Oh My Word! cutest thing ever), and was fed about an entire bag of dog treats. Then the kids thought it was a great idea to see if all 3 of them could ride on Anthony's back (didn't work) or fit in the dog kennel (did work). Anthony was a little panicked when they decided go in there and I think Thelma was confused.

Us- after they left. So tired but it was a fun night!

All in all, it was a great but exhausting night. I think Anthony and I both need to train to be an Olympic athlete to keep up with small children. Kids can be challenging but the reward of sweet hugs and invites over for the next day made us feel well-appreciated. 

Nystrom/Church Wedding

I love my job as bridesmaid! Each of my friends holds a very special place in my heart and like I was there for Natalia, I was there for Melissa. I got the best job of all, getting the bride to relax, not stress but getting her to just enjoy the wedding day which I did very well. See images below.

The beautiful bride getting her nails done! I even talked her into the  DELUXE pedicure with a leg massage.

 Melissa was so calm and confident about the groom. He was great in her mind with no cause of worry or second thought. Never once did she waver about the choice she had made or the man she was set to marry.

We were practicing. ;) With the flower girl!

We had fun getting to play with the flower girl Trilby! I hope that is how you spell it. Her momma Joyce and I were bridesmaids along with Jodie. We all had fun helping Melissa get ready and seeing Joel's eyes light up from the front row when he saw her in her dress. 

We also got to see good friends from high school. Diana Nguyen's boyfriend and I bonded over the study of psychology while Brent, Jessica and I laughed at each other's jokes and all celebrated in the joy of Brian and Stephanie Dutton's little baby on the way. Aren't weddings just the greatest!?!

Melissa tossing the bouquet! I can't catch it anymore and I didn't even win the Anniversary dance... I guess 7 months of marriage doesn't hold a candle to the groom's parents at 40 years. They were sealed in the Manti Temple.

With Melissa's permission, I requested Anthony to wear something similar to our dress.

We had a long and busy weekend and my car has no AC so it was a rough ride back to Jacksonville but nevertheless, we made it home. Thelma was worn out too after we stopped on in Marianna to see Anthony's family. His older brother Ben had his girlfriend Nyka in town and we got to go down to the Mill Pond for a swim. Annie was at the pond too with her lab Tank. Watching the fearless Tank bolt into the water after tennis balls (when Tank wasn't sunning herself, of course), Thelma mustered the courage to jump in the water. Then with panic in her eyes showed Anthony how quickly she doubted her brave decision. haha.

It was quite a fun time. Now back to the grind. Did I mention that Anthony starts his new job next Monday? That's right, he's giving Short Sale Negotiations a try for Bank of America. My husband with a Film and English Degree never ceases to amaze me.

Making Moves

Moving Day with Mrs. Mayes!

She said she was scared to drive the BIG truck but Natalia worked it!!!

Note: Actual size of driver and actual size of truck

In June, we got to help Mrs. Mayes move while Tim was away at Basic (I am capitalizing because I assume that is what I am supposed to do). With 2 fabulous movers, we were able to get the keys to the new apartment, get the money order, check out the apartment, load the truck, drive across town, unload the truck, return the truck, etc. All in about 3 hours!!! AND before it rained. It was nice spending time together and fun to help a friend. Plus I needed a work out.

Natalia is so strong. I am super impressed with how well she is doing while Tim is away and I know this will only strengthen their relationship. Yay for love!

P.S. Letters are so romantic!!! Ahh! XOXOs

So the Honeymoon begins!

Time flies when you're having fun! Monday, June 27, 2011 will make 6 months since the wedding! Whoa. I can't believe time has flown so fast. Marriage isn't all rainbows and butterflies like people sometimes think it will be; there are unicorns too. Anthony and I have learned so much more about each other in the past few months and have gone through a lot of adjustments and changes. We've been getting used to living together, newlywed "activities" ;), taking care of our dog-daughter, family trips, work, cooking meals, church, etc. I'm tired just thinking about all we've done.

Pictures from our Honeymoon in New Orleans, LA 
December 28,2010 - January 1, 2011
Our honeymoon was wonderful and I am so glad we got the opportunity to spend time just getting used to each other as man and wife. We stayed at a Marriott in the Business District of New Orleans, LA and walked almost anywhere we needed/wanted to go. When we weren't busy spending time together, we were eating amazing food from the muffaletta, gumbo, craw fish, beignets, etc. While on vacation, we had the opportunity to see Dr. John at Tipitina's. Our honeymoon vacation was fabulous and ringing in the New Year as husband and wife was the best feeling!

Here we are waiting for the trolley in New Orelans, LA

It is New Years and Anthony bought me a new dancing dress while on our Honeymoon-
We had our first New Year's Kiss as a married couple at the Spotted Cat Jazz Club

The Wedding of Tim & Natalia Mayes

February 19, 2011

Funny story--- I spent the night with the bride Natalia before the wedding; it was the first night that Anthony and I spent apart since the wedding. All of the guys in the wedding party assumed that Anthony would be on time, since he's married and Danielle will make sure he's got everything. So my dear sweet husband was an hour late to meet the guys before going to the church. We all laughed when we found out but there was no issue because of it. The wedding was lovely and I almost cried walking down the aisle seeing my husband and then watching Natalia and Tim gaze at each other before becoming man and wife. We are so glad we got to be a part of their wedding.

The Wedding Party in the limo going to Epping Forest Yacht Club from the church

The Beautiful Bride- Natalia Mayes getting a touch up before photos
Her Big Sister Molly appears to be tearing up in the background

Anthony and Danielle Bennett

2011 15k Gate River Run

March 12, 2011

Running with Thelma up to seven miles per night, Anthony was quite a champion when it came to preparing for his 15k (9.5 mile) run. It was a cold early morning when I dropped him off at the race and I met him at the finish line where as he blew me a kiss as he finished. This handsome husband of mine finished the 15k in 1 hour and 47 minutes!!! Whoa!

Before his 15k--- Can you tell he's excited???

After the 15k--- He got a medal!!!

Date Night

Circa end of March

We try to do a date night at least once a week and are doing Family Home Evening on Monday nights. For FHE, we play trivia games, scavenger hunts, and competitions that help us to bond with one another. We love going on double dates and one of the funnest times we've had so far was going to see Guns and Hoses Boxing Tournament where my coworker's husband fought and won. 

Life isn't easy that's for sure but our honeymoon is just getting started. The more time I spend with my husband, the more I love him.