9 Years and Counting......

Vow Renewal 2003

Today is our 9 year anniversary! Some would ask if the time has gone by quickly, and my answer would be no. The last 9 years have been full of great memories, but most of all GROWTH. Our marriage has definately experienced growing pains, but they have made our relationship stronger and sweeter as a result. We look forward to this next year together and the journey God has for us. Thank you to those of you who have encouraged and supported us when we needed it most!

Use Yer Melon!

Wondering what to do with all that watermelon? Here are some yummy recipes I tried that were too good to keep to myself. Happy slurping!

Watermelon-Lime Freeze Pops

1 quart cubed, seeded watermelon

6 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 cup fresh mint (or 1/2 tsp. dried mint)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until very smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved. Mixture may be frozen in ice cube trays or in icepop molds.

Watermelon Cooler

1 1/2 pounds (4 cups) sliced seedless watermelon, rind removed

1 cup lemon (or raspberry) sorbet

1 lemon, zested

1 1/2 cups cold water

Watermelon wedges and mint, for garnish

In a blender, pulse watermelon, sorbet, lemon zest, and water until very smooth. Cover and refrigerate until very cold. Serve over ice and garnish with watermelon wedges and mint.

Family Time

A nice thing about the police academy is that Jerry finally has Saturdays off again! We were able to spend a little family time at a birthday party this weekend.

It was held at Planet Pizza, an indoor fun center with arcades and rides. There was even a baby play area for Isaiah to get in on the fun!

Jerry and Eli have been able to spend more time together as well. As you can see, Eli is enjoying his daddy very much!

Precious Words by Eli

"Hotch-a-Scotch"

"Hetcher Sketcher"

Happy Birthday to Me!

So yesterday was my 29th birthday.....Eli helped me make a chocolate chip cookie cake and I decorated it blue and white at his request. Not bad for my first try! Several family members kindly reminded me that I only have one more year until I hit the "BIG 30." I will treasure this last year of being in my 20's....then its an uphill journey for the next 10 years.....but let's just take it one year at a time!

Police Academy

The police department gave Jerry a list of all the equipment and gear he needed to buy for the academy. We were shocked at how quickly it all added up! At my request, Jerry tried on his uniform and Eli was pretty impressed with Daddy's police gear---especially the hand cuffs!

Tuesday was Jerry's first day of police academy, which proved to be a little different than he expected. The cadets are required to "spit shine" their boots and starch their uniforms every day! Jerry also brought home a couple large books, one that was about 3 inches thick! Apparently, he is going to be memorizing a lot of new information over the next 5 months. Hang in there, Babe.

6 Month Milestones....and Then Some!

Isaiah is now 6 months old and boy, has he been busy! First he got 2 teeth, which brought 2 weeks of sleepless nights for mommy. Next, he mastered the art of sitting up and is enjoying the great view. Eli is also thrilled as Isaiah becomes more of a playmate for him.

For weeks now, Isaiah has been rocking on his hands and knees and finally discovered how to move his arms and crawl! What followed was both amazing and baffling to me---he is already pulling himself up to stand as well! I think we are going to have our hands full with this little guy!