A Few Saturdays With Addie (and Crew)

I am not trying to brag here, but the last couple of weekends have been pretty amazing. A girl could really get used to this. School is out. Summer is in, and a whole lot of fun is about to be unleashed in the Harvey Household! We have some catching up to do!

A few weekends ago, Addie and I had visitors of the best sort! My most best-bests came into town for a Mini Friend-cation. We spent literally five minutes at the beach, ate some fresh local grub, and headed home for a night of tie-dye, take-out, and Disney movie marathons. Yes, this weekend was quite perfect, especially because of who we shared it with. No matter the distance or time between visits, spending time with these gals is always my favorite.

The follow weekend was equally fun-filled. We went to….Disney’s Animal Kingdom with my mother and grandmother. I can’t think of much more special than getting to take a four generation picture at the base of the Tree of Life. There were rides to be ridden, faces to paint, characters to dine with, showed to see, and of course food to be eaten. We all took naps and then ended the night at Magic Kingdom. Addie had a blast, and so did we!


This past weekend we hosted a five-family yard sale. To be fair, it was five different households, but we were all in the same extended family! Although I was happy to get a few items gone, I can’t say that we made a ton of cash. We did have a lot of fun. We ate Little Debbies, drank Coke, and sat in the shade talking (gossiping), laughing, and relaxing with each other. When it was all over we packed up the remaining items and sent them off to GoodWill and a local ladies’ charity organization. It feels nice to have a little extra cash for Disney World, a donation tax deduction, a good deed done for charity, and a little less clutter in the home.

So, as you can see….this Summer is stacking up pretty nicely. I am soaking up each moment of this precious time. Bring on the next weekend!

2016 Summer Bucket List

Never mind that I haven’t finished my traditional annual bucket list for 2016…. IT IS SUMMER! I am always a sucker for new beginnings, which is one of the reasons I know I am meant to be an educator. Only in education are you afforded the opportunity to create new year’s resolutions/plans/lists at the beginning of the calendar year AND at the beginning of the new school year. But, if you are crazy like me…you also stretch your new beginnings, planning, and list-making by creating new plans and adventures each Summer as well. I don’t know what it is, but there is so much sweet satisfaction in crossing items off my list. I have a problem….I know!

Last Summer was full with a new job on the horizon and working Summer School. This year will be busy as well, however I am eager to spend some much needed quality time with my mini-me! Here is a list of what we hope to accomplish during our time together. Don’t worry, we will keep you updated on our progress!

Summer Bucket List—2016 Edition

-Go see a $1 movie

-Make homemade ice cream

-Go camping

-Tiedye t-shirts

-Pick blue berries/strawberries

-Make jam & can tomatoes

-Host a yard sale

-Get play make-up and have a makeover night

-Paint Pet Rocks/Character Rocks

-Go to the Library

-Finish Thanksgiving table cloth

-Make flash cards

-Homemade pizza night

-Oatland Island nature walk

-Throw a Tea-Party

-Make a Pillow Fort & hold a Disney Movie Marathon

 

Can you think of anything we are missing? What is on your Summer Bucket List?yos

Mega-Super Big Bucket List Task: Building Our Dream Home

Well folks, it is finally really happening…

Here’s a quick recap for you viewers at home:

-April 2014 put house on the market
-24 home showings and three offers later…
-October 2014 sold our first home!
-October 2014 bought our first storage shed and moved in with family
-December 2014 land cleared!!
-January 2015 land officially deeded to us!
-February 2015 closed on building loan
-March 2015 broke ground on property
-April 2015 building during rainy season…
-May 2015 framing!!

My mind is constantly consumed with minute details such as door hardware and styles of facets…basically I am eating it all up and hungry for more!!

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2015: Another year, Another Bucket List

I am not sure if it is just the bigger journal that I have to write out my goals in or if I am just feeling overly ambitious this year, but the 2015 Bucket List is jammed-packed!

Here’s the Plan:

1. Be more thoughtful (create a thankful box and plan to send more cards, flowers, letters, and thoughtful gestures each month).

2. Read 15 books (2 personal finance, 2 parenting, 3 devotions)

3. Learn to sew and making something for Addie

4. crochet a blanket

5. Build our dream home

6. Visit 2 new states

7. Celebrate 10 wacky holidays

8. Go zorbing

9. Take Addie on her first trip to Disney (to visit Mariah)

10. Go see Tori and John in Winston-Salem

11. GO see Audra, Drew, and Baby Samuel

12. Hang glide,

13. Triathalon

14. Krispy Kreme Challenge

15. Plant hydrangea and bougainvillea

16. Fine my “signature dish”

17. Complete 2 Minimalist challenges (more on this later)

18. Create a will

19. Complete at least 2 100 Day Challenges (more info to come)

20. Celebrate the Highland Games

21. Stick to a budget ALL year

22. Dye my hair a crazy color

23. Start and keep a prayer journal

24. Get a henna tattoo

25. Give up soda (again)

26. Get to happy college weight again

27. Brush up my Spanish for the mission trip

28. Put Waring second only to God

29. Get our home’s first nativity set

30. Start an Advent Calendar

31. Learn about homesteading (Rain water collection, composting, bees, chickens)

32. Go to an stargazing event

33. Run the 1/2 marathon for time

34. Make homemade soap

35. Make our own bedroom furniture

36. Learn and use essential oils

37. Focus on 5 specific individuals all year in prayer

38. Keep fresh flowers in our new home

39. Create an emergency preparedness kit

40. Set up autodrafts into our IRA

41. UNPLUG!

42. Smashbook ALL year!

43. Complete the Tybee Polar Plunge!

I am excited to see where this year takes our family. We have a lot of things to look forward to this year, like finishing grad school, building our new house, and going on a mission trip with church. I know that even if  I never cross off another bucket list item that our little family is BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

2014 Year in Review

It is hard to believe that in a few short days we will be saying farewell to another year. 2014 has been full of many full of many firsts and exciting moments, and it has certainly been our busiest year to date! When I look back upon the past twelve months I am overwhelmed by the grace, mercy, love, and providence of God. He has overseen the sell of our first home, the safe travels of many friends both domestic and abroad, kept Addie safe, healthy, and strong, allowed hubby and I to function with very little sleep, helped us to persevere through bible college and graduate school simultaneously, given us the opportunity to get plugged in with our church through small group and children’s service, and managed to shower us with mercy and grace when we fail him on a daily basis in our walk. I am so thankful to Christ for 2014, and I am hopeful for the coming year.

My worth will NEVER be measured by the length of my Bucket List, but I find it strangely comforting to cross each new adventure off the list! It is all about the JOURNEY anyway!

2014 Bucket List

1. Read at least 20 books (with at least 5 devotional books, 3 finance books, and 5 parenting books)….(OKay, so aside from school research, and children’s books I didn’t really get very far on this one. I will try to redeem myself next year when I am not in full graduate school mode!)

2. Visit 35 States (Made it to 32 currently. This year I added Oregon and Alabama. Oregon was absolutely amazing and Alabama…well…no comment.)

3. SCUBA in a new location (I still can’t believe we didn’t make this one happen this year! We did get around to having the gear serviced but that was about it!)

4. Create a Will (YIKES! This didn’t happen yet because it didn’t seem to make sense to do it before we built  the house. This one will be moved to the 2015 list for sure!)

5. Set up a 529 Savings and General Savings Account for Addie (because college is right around the corner…)

6. Plant bougainvillea and hydrangea (Moving this to next year . Currently we do not have a house to plant anything on/around/or near!)

7. Parasail (This would be a big nope…)

8. Try Acupuncture (I really actually enjoyed this one! I wish that it wasn’t so dang expensive)

9. Take a Cooking Class (next year? anyone want to come?)

10. Read my Bible Everyday (I try to, but I would like to become much more intentional in my study habits.)

11. Stick to a budget all year (last year we made it from about June until the end of November…)

12. Create a Mother-Daughter Bucket List (Yes…I do make lists for my lists!)

13. Run a 10K (Empower Run Irmo, SC)

14. Run a 1/2 Marathon (Rock N Roll in November) HECK YEAH! I am so proud of this one right here because it took so much work upfront! Can’t wait until next year!

15. Start sewing (Next year?)

16. Start a Thanksgiving Table Cloth–CHECK!

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17. Shoot a gun (really I am terrified of this, but I feel like I should try it at least once)—CHECK 1/25

18. Learn more constellations

19. Start juicing and eating less processed foods (Started off the year so well…hm…).

20. Make Baby Addie baby food (This was actually another big area of successful for us I think. Up until Addie started eating more textured solid food I made everything for her from scratch.)

21. Cut out soda (I really yoyoed on this about all year long. Really need to try again next year!).

22. Make it to post-baby goal weight (I have lost the weight from pregnancy, but I still would like to get down to my happy college weight! 🙂 (The baby weight came and went, but never made it to that elusive college happy weight. It stayed about 5 lbs away)

23. Light a sky lantern (got them just in time for NYE).

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Best Thanksgiving Ever!

I am a little late….but in case you were wondering, this year was the best Thanksgiving EVER!

 

At her Granny's (Great Grandma Mary) she wanted to walk everywhere like a big kid. This was the last weekend that she needed our hand to walk...
At her Granny’s (Great Grandma Mary) she wanted to walk everywhere like a big kid. This was the last weekend that she needed our hand to walk…
She is trying to bring Gigi some Double or Nothing luck!
She is trying to bring Gigi some Double or Nothing luck!
Playing double or nothing...a family tradition.
Playing double or nothing…a family tradition.
Addie loves when Daddy throws her in the air...but not too far!
Addie loves when Daddy throws her in the air…but not too far!

This Fall has certainly been crazy for Team Too Busy (that is our family’s new nickname…and it is certainly fitting!) It was great to be able to spend a few days with family resting and reflecting upon the past year.

Blessings in which we are thankful to God for:

-The health of our family

-A growing little munchkin affectionately referred to as “Baby Addie”

-The sell of our first home

-Plans for the building of our dream home right next door to family

-Waring’s graduation from Luther Rice Seminary and Bible College this December!

-Friendships that can withstand moving across the country, to other continents, and training for a half-marathon

-The ability to cross many new things off the Ole Bucket List

-The gift of grace, mercy, and salvation through Christ

This Thanksgiving was EXTRA SPECIAL because I got the opportunity to mark off TWO Bucket List Items:

1. The start of a new tradition: Thanksgiving Table Cloth! (Each year I will get all of our family to sign their names and a little message. I will hand stich embroidery over the names. Each year the names will be stitched in a different color to denote a different year. Pretty soon we will have a FULL table cloth representing how FULL our lives are as we surround ourselves with family and friends each holiday season.

This is an example of what it will look like in a few years!
This is an example of what it will look like in a few years!

2. The next occurred after Thanksgiving, and is something that I have always wanted to do: Trapeze Lessons! Thanks to my sister, AJ, who is always up for my crazy schemes and outrageous ideas, we drove to Orlando, climbed a 30ft ladder, and took the leap! We had a blast…and I think AJ may change her major to Trapeze/Circus Performing Arts.

Whoa!
Whoa!
Watching my crazy Aunt and Mama!
Watching my crazy Aunt and Mama!
Before...we are nervous!
Before…we are nervous!
Trapeze Artists...
Trapeze Artists…
So. Much. Fun! There isn't anything like accomplishing something you didn't think you were capable of doing!
So. Much. Fun! There isn’t anything like accomplishing something you didn’t think you were capable of doing!

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***Also, Waring got to do something he had always wanted to do…go to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona, FL. Going to this car show has always been something he has wanted to do, but something has always come up. This year we were able to take a family mini-vacay! Addie got to play on the Beach, we shopped with Mama, AJ and I swung from a trapeze bar, and Dad and Waring got to drool over thousands of classic cars and outrageous hotrods. I can’t wait until next year. It was a blast!

SAND!
SAND!
Addie LOVED The Beach!
Addie LOVED The Beach!
Watching the Wiggles with G-PA!
Watching the Wiggles with G-PA!
Bathtime with Addie is never a dull moment!
Bathtime with Addie is never a dull moment!
Look Ma...NO HANDS!
Look Ma…NO HANDS!
Aunt AJ...I want to walk faster!
Aunt AJ…I want to walk faster!

Adventure into Acupuncture

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So this weekend marked another bucket list conquering adventure into the world of ACUPUNCTURE!

I had bought a groupon a few months ago, but I finally found the guys to carve out some time and bite proverbial bullet…. As I pulled up to he office I didn’t know what to expect. I walked into the office to see fabric draped over the lighting, crystals and dream catchers hanging in the windows, and not a soul to greet me, except a dog (whose name turned out to be Doby).

I decided to make myself at home and soon the acupuncturist made an appearance. He took some time to address my areas of concern, which were aches and pains from running and stress, and then we went to a room for the procedure.

As I laid down on the table I could help thinking to myself, what the heck have I gotten myself into!?! Sometime these bucket list adventures don’t turn out like expected, and I braced myself for the pain….

But it never came! The needles are so thin that I couldn’t feel anything at all! Really!!! After a few minutes to insert the needles into my scalp, stomach, hands, feet, and legs he put a cover over my eyes and sprayed some herbal concoction and let me rest for about 30 minutes. I took a bit of that alone time to pray and off to dreamland I went. He came back in, quickly extracted the needles and I was on my way. I felt refreshed and relaxed.

I am not sure when I will go back, but I hope it is soon! Who knew!?! Also, he let me try these acupressure ear balls as well. They are supposed to reduce stress and calm you…but I think look cool too haha!

Another successful bucket list adventure in how book (or blog)!

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Mother-Daughter Bucket List

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T-minus nine school days left until Summer! My students this year have been great, and my school is fantastic, but I am still looking forward to Summer Break more than I ever have. I am looking forward to sleepy, pajama-filled days, picnics, swimming in the pool, and adventures with Mom, AJ, and Addie.

 

All this daydreaming about Summertime fun has got me thinking about what excitement Addie and I have to look forward to in the years to come. I don’t want to waste any of this previous time that God has given me with my sweet girl, so of course I have made a list. The best part about this list is that very soon I will have lots of help adding ideas to this list as I get to know Addie and her personality.

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Here’s what we have so far:

1. Take pics in my wedding dress

2. Throw a tea party

3. Plant a garden

4. Make a livingroom fort out of sheets and blankets

5. Bake holiday cookies

6. Pick blueberries

7. Have breakfast in bed

8. Go on a movie date

9. Stay in our PJs all day

10. Fly a kite

11. Spa night at home

12.  Shop for prom dresses

13. Plan her wedding

14. Summer Camp Fun

15. Visit the zoo

16. Visit an aquarium

17. Cook dinner together

18. Craft night

19. Make a sand castle

20. Pray nightly

21. Read together

22. Visit the library

23. See a play

24. See a ballet

25. Go yard saling

 

****This is a work in progress. What else should we add?

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Happy Resurrection Day!

Happy Resurrection Day!

We are almost five months into 2014 and my bucket list is still looking pretty bare. I have given up soda (with the occasional relapse from time to time), I have visited a new state (the exciting state of Alabama), signed up for acupuncture (although I haven’t actually completed it yet), and we have an upcoming trip to California very soon.

But, if I don’t get a chance to cross anything else off of this year’s list I know I won’t be missing out. On this Easter Sunday I am thankful for the life that I have been blessed with and the everlasting future to come because of Christ’s sacrifice  for us all. I am very proud of my husband for professing his dedication and life to Christ through baptism today as we joined a new loving church family. I am excited to call Bible Baptist West our new church home.

Tonight as I sit across from my husband and cuddle my two little girls (Baby Addie and Miss Lily), my heart could literally burst. They are enough. They are everything. They represent my purpose and God’s plan for me on earth. I may not have gotten many items crossed off of that list, but my life has never felt more complete. As I hold her in my arms, I can’t help but think that she is the greatest thing that I have ever done and the greatest gift I will ever receive in this life.

Thank you Christ for your sacrifice, your mercy, and your overwhelming love. I am humbled and amazed by your love for me!

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Happy Easter,

April

2014 Bucket List

Life is short…so let’s make a list!

2014 Bucket List

1. Read at least 20 books (with at least 5 devotional books, 3 finance books, and 5 parenting books)

2. Visit 35 States (currently on 30)

3. SCUBA in a new location (probably Pensacola, FL because my sister-in-law just moved there)

4. Create a Will (not that fun, but needs to be done)

5. Set up a 529 Savings and General Savings Account for Addie (because college is right around the corner…)

6. Plan bougainvillea and hydrangea (maybe in our new home…if we can find something we like)

7. Parasail (already bought the groupon!)

8. Try Acupuncture

9. Take a cooking class

10. Read my Bible Everyday (read it to Addie)

11. Stick to a budget all year (last year we made it from about June until the end of November…)

12. Create a Mother-Daughter Bucket List (Yes…I do make lists for my lists!)

13. Run a 10K (probably some time this Summer)

14. Run a 1/2 Marathon (Rock N Roll in November)

15. Start sewing (I have learned how to do this in theory. Now I need to put the skills to practice!)

16. Create a signature table cloth keepsake

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17. Shoot a gun (really I am terrified of this, but I feel like I should try it at least once)

18. Take A cooking class

19. Start juicing and eating less processed foods

20. Make Baby Addie baby food

21. Cut out soda

22. Make it to post-baby goal weight (I have lost the weight from pregnancy, but I still would like to get down to my happy college weight! 🙂

23. Light a sky lantern

24. Learn more constellations