A Little Bit of Foodie Fun

This past Saturday, Tim and I spent most of the day in Louisville. We had tickets to see Wicked that evening and went up a bit early to experience the sights and sounds of Louisville.

Of course, what would any trip be without a taste experience?

So, we joined a tour--City Tastes offers a sights and sweets tour that allows patrons to enjoy a few historical sights in Louisville while indulging in some sweet tasty treats along the way from some local bakery delights.  This activity was right up my alley--I am just passionate about FOOD and sweet treats in particular!

We were able to enjoy many local features of Louisville.  We also enjoyed the ladies on the tour with us.  The entire ride was filled with conversation about all of the great eateries in Louisville--a culinary mecca in the US.  One thing was quite clear, Tim and I need to visit Louisville again soon to partake in some excellent food adventures!

A few photos from our trip:

This is a donut with maple icing with crisp bacon on top.  It is from a bakery in German town.  I only tried a bite of Tim's--actually quite tasty, especially if you enjoy a little salty sweet!

Shimpff's Candy Store--this place was amazing.  It was absolutely packed with folks picking up their chocolates and other goodies!  We watched the Schimpff's make some cinnamon hard candies and were delighted in the Schimpff's endearing entertaining candy making presentation!  There were soooo many varieties of candies at Schimpff's that I cannot wait to return when it is less crowded and I have more time so that I can indulge, indulge, indulge! 

It was at Schimpff's that I was able to purchase a chocolate frog sucker for Dustin.  He devoured that sucker in less than 10 seconds flat.  Then, he requested more chocolate!  Ah, in this way, he is certainly his momma's son!

Another close up of the maple/bacon donut:

Tim and I are grateful to my mom and Mike for having fun with Dustin and Jackson while we were able to have a special date day!!  Wicked was absolutely EXCELLENT!!

Much Ado about 2

The number two is in full force in the Anderson household. Two boys. Two under two. Dustin is twenty-two months old and will be two in two months. Jackson just turned two months old last week. Shew, that sure is a lot of twos to keep track off. Not to mention that one special little man has entered into the delightful twos!



Little Jackson is growing up so fast! What's he been up to lately?

• 12 pounds, 11 ounces.


• 25 and 3/4 inches long.


• still wearing a size one diaper (he would fit into a 2, but I'm holding out since we still have lots of ones to use).


• wearing size 3-6 month clothes.


• sleeping through the night (yeah!!)


• smiling a lot--at mommy and at his older brother.

Jackson has been such a delightful little guy. He loves watching his big brother. The next celebration of twos will be Dustin's second birthday. It's a good thing mommy has planning under-way!

A few recent photos of Jackson:

Happy Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother's Day, a poem by Helen Steiner Rice:


A Mother's Love


A Mother's love is something that no on can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret-like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracleman cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.



Now that I am a mother, I am so much more aware of all of the hard work and sacrifices that my Mother made for me. For all of that and for all of her love, I am very grateful.


This is actually the first Mother's Day celebration for me. Last year, it was on Mother's Day that a Rapid Response Team responded to Dustin's critical condition and moved him to the ICU. Needless to say, there was not much celebrating that day. What a difference a year has made!



Being a mother has taught me a little about the love of Christ. There is no love quite the same as a mother's love. I am very blessed to have two special little boys! Below are photos of the precious little gifts that my boys made for me! They also gave me some chocolate and jewelry!

He will make a path

This past week, Tim, the boys and I took a little trip to Red River Gorge. Since my maternity leave sadly comes to an end on Monday when I return to work, we wanted to get away for some rest, relaxation and togetherness. We were able to enjoy our time together and we were all able to take a few naps, for which Tim and I are especially grateful!

Red River Gorge boasts of abundant forests, canyons and wildlife. The location is certainly a hiker's, rock climber's and bird watcher's paradise!

During our getaway, we were able to enjoy two late morning/early afternoon hikes in the Natural Bridge State park and beyond. One such hike opened up to the Natural Bridge.

The arch on the Natural Bridge spans 78 feet and is 64 feet wide. For those without claustrophobia or acrophobia, there is also a very narrow passage-way (called fat man's misery) that permits passage to the top part of the bridge. From there, one can see the beauty of the forest and can walk just a little longer to gain a full view of the Natural Bridge from the other side of the mountain.

At first, I thought that the passage-way to the top of the bridge was man made (the stairs to the right of the arch in the photo above are part of the narrow passage-way). However, after discussion and a bit of research, we discovered that the passage-way was completely natural. This was an impressive realization to me.

This delightful discovery reminded me that God our father always prepares a path for our journey. Although He does not promise that the journey will necessarily be the easiest, the rewards at the end include promises of beauty and life.

Upon reaching the steps to the top of the Natural Bridge, I hesitated- being one who shies away from tall heights and confined spaces. Tim encouraged me on toward the very narrow path. And so, I pressed on.

The beauty at the top was well worth the journey!

In Matthew, Jesus says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

The narrow path leading to the top of the Natural Bridge reminds me of Jesus' statement. Although the path was extremely narrow, the choice to set aside any fears and travel onward yields a magnificent view of God's creation, not to be paralleled. Likewise, choosing God's path for our lives results in unmatched joy and the promise of an abundant eternal life. While God does not promise that the path will be clear of debris, he does promise that our rewards are with him, at the end of our journeys.

And so, like that narrow path leading to the beauty at the top of the bridge, we choose to walk in the path that God has created for our journey. Expectant that the beauty that awaits is beyond any earthly treasures that may have been gained by taking an alternate route.

How blessed I am to have such an encourager for my journey in my husband, Tim. And, how much more blessed am I that my God wants to delight me by creating the path that will offer the greatest view of His creation!

Below are a few more photos from our trip:

A Whole Lotta Sugar

During my pregnancy with Dustin, I found myself enjoying lots of Starburst candies. Jackson, on the other hand, had me craving chocolate--in any shape, form, size and color. Of course, don't let me mislead you into believing that it was the pregnancy with Jackson that created this obsession with chocolate.

Chocolate and I are old acquaintances.

Alas, my now post-prego state still seeks out the sweet comforts of that chocolate. The challenge--I live with a husband who, for some crazy reason wants us to be more healthy.

Lately, I've been convicted that I need to fully live my life in the here and now--enjoying today, creating special memories and not putting off for tomorrow the joy that might be experienced today. I read this message just last week -- aptly put. I certainly do not want to live the postponed life! And, on Sunday listened to a sermon in part about living out the abundant joy today that God has before us today.

How does that relate to chocolate?

Not so much. But, the way I see it, there are two ways to apply this message to my fond affection toward that smooth brown tasty treat--I can either begin to honor the temple (my body) that God has for this time granted me to perform his will on earth. Or, today I can enjoy that lovely piece of chocolate (I mean, why should I put off that joy for tomorrow).

And so, below is a photo of my recent chocolate endeavor (please pardon the poor i-phone quality photos that are all posted on this blog entry):

This recipe is from annies-eats.com. I recommend that you drop everything (after finishing reading this blog, of course), run to your kitchen and whip this up. NOW!!!




(Maternity leave has given me time and opportunity to bake some sweet little treats!)




And, what would a post be absent a few photos of the sweetest sugar in the Anderson household?

Jackson on his playmat--we tried some tummy time. He instantly passed out. Mommy quickly rolled him back over (after taking this photo).

My little funny face.



Dustin and Daddy. What you can't see is that Dustin shortly thereafter kicked his Daddy out of his chair.

Dedication

This weekend the boys were dedicated to God. What a special moment for Tim and I!

Our hope is that we will raise our sons in accordance with biblical principles, that they will stand upon a firm foundation of faith in Christ and that they will do mighty works to expand the Kingdom of God!

A few photos follow:

Dustin Nathaniel -- "May you thrive like a green leaf because you trust in the Lord." Proverbs 11:28

Jackson Tyler -- "May you choose wisdom rather than gold and understanding rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16

Spring and One Month Celebrations

Jackson Tyler turned 1 month old last week!

I cannot believe how fast he is growing and how fast time seems to be passing us by! I have greatly enjoyed being home with Jackson and regret that I only have four more weeks to enjoy with him at home!

Here is a photo of Jackson on his one month birthday:


This is also the outfit that he wore to church on Easter Sunday!


Jackson is such a little sleeper (unlike his big brother)! Mommy has been able to get more rest at night--with Jackson typically sleeping a 5-6 hour stretch before waking up to eat again (although we've had a few nights with shorter time in between feedings--likely due to a growth spurt). We even had one night this past weekend where he slept through the night!

We enjoyed Jackson's first Easter and Dustin's second Easter!

Dustin finding his Easter Basket:

Daddy and the boys enjoying a little cuddle time:

Jackson on the play mat:

Jackson in his first pair of Nike shoes (I found these at a consignment shop):

Jackson's first time wearing shoes:

We love to shop for the boys at consignment shops and on Ebay. At their age, they go through clothes so fast. And so, it makes perfect sense to find good quality, cute clothes that have been very gently used and are significantly less expense than comparable new clothes. That being said, we do occasionally buy the cute new styles. And, I have a Gap gift card just waiting for use!

A close up of little cutie:

Another one in the Nike shoes:

Dustin painting Easter eggs (he had such fun):

Of course, he also made a huge mess! We also decorated sugar cookies, but Dustin did not enjoy. In fact, he got upset when mommy ate the head off of a bunny rabbit cookie!