Honey Time!

This post is for all you who have been writing and calling me lately.... THE HONEY IS READY!

Most of you probably know that my husband is a beekeeper. This is a side job he has held for about 3 years now. He really enjoys it, and has gotten quite good at it. I must admit, there is a lot more work involved in raising bees than I ever realized. Probably 9 months out of the year he tends to them, all in preparation for the one time per year when we harvest the honey to sell. It is a job that involves dressing in a bee suit during the hottest months of the year, getting stung, while going to great lengths to fight off pests and critters who would love to get a taste of the sweet stuff inside the hives.

So, last Monday I spent my time doing something I never imagined I would do..... I stood in a bee suit in 95 degree weather, using a leaf blower to blow bees off their hives while my husband took all the frames of honey and loaded it into his truck.

YIKES!

I am happy to say that I did not get stung, but probably because I was dressed with enough layers to play in the snow and I stood as still as I could get away with!

Thankfully my role did not last too long! Needless to say I was a little nervous. I am pretty comfortable around bees most of the time but it's a lot different when there are thousands of them flying around checking you out!

Once we got home Chip got to work extracting the honey, and has now gotten it into bottles. It was a long process. He was up most of the night. I sat and watched him for a while, but my OCD aversion to anything sticky sent me upstairs to bed.

Finally, the finished product was waiting when I got up the next morning. Beautiful!! Ooooh, and when I tasted it! Yum! I have to say it is the best yet.

Yes, I am biased. Yes, it's the best honey I have ever tasted. Plus, my kids allergies have virtually disappeared! Seriously, the bees pollinate the things we are allergic to and bring it back into the honey. The more you eat, the more you build a resistance. It's like a shot, only it doesn't hurt and it tastes great!

So get some while it lasts!

Friday Fives - It's Independence Day!

Thankfully, as I write this, the temperatures here in Nashville have dropped just enough to still be hot, but not feel as though we are living in a great, big oven. This will make enjoying Independence Day much easier!

I love this holiday. Not for what we get to do, although that is fun, but for what it means to me. I am the child of a VERY military family. I have so many family members who have served, it's hard to count them all. I also married a man in the army, whose family is equally full of military service.

So, for me it's hard not to think about the meaning of the holiday. It isn't about having the day off or going to a barbeque, although I welcome the chance to do any of those things. I just try to keep in mind what we are celebrating. So, having said that, here are my 5 things I like to do to celebrate the holiday!

1. Fireworks There have been plenty of times that I have headed downtown to see the enormous fireworks display. But, if you have read this blog before, you probably remember that I am not a big fan of crowds. I love the fireworks downtown, but it gets pretty crowded. So, for me, just sitting at my parents house watching the men shoot fireworks and seeing the kids enjoy the sparklers is all I need!

2. Bake While I probably will not get the opportunity this year, I usually love to bake some cool cake or other food that shows patriotism in a yummy fashion! Since cakes are my new found passion, I have found one that I am excited to try. I am putting this on my to do list for next year!

3. History Marathon

Have you ever noticed over the Independence Day holiday there is a bunch of cool stuff playing on a variety of channels? There are rarely times that I choose not to pour myself into housework and just watch something on TV, but I have found that on holidays like this one you can actually learn a lot if you sit and watch some of the holiday programming. Last year the History channel did an interesting series called "The Presidents". You could basically pick a president to learn more about and watch an entire hour documenting their life, both in and out of the White House. Obviously, I did not sit and watch TV for 44 hours straight, I simply set my dvr to record a few that I found interesting. There is all kinds to choose from, from historic movies like "The Patriot" (awesome, by the way) to Band of Brothers (another great series), all the way up to documentaries about 9/11.
OK, call me a nerd. That is fine. I like History, and I think that the more you learn about what our ancestors did for us, the more you appreciate the holiday.

4. Rest!!
Did you notice above where I mentioned how RARE it is for me to not spend my days working or cleaning house? Seriously, I stay pretty busy. So, I have decided that one way I celebrate is to take a day off. I am determined to enjoy myself this weekend. Let's not get crazy, I will not completely ignore my chores, but I promise to slow down a bit.

5. Thank a Soldier
I won't have to look far. As I mentioned before, my family is full of them. The latest is my husband's younger brother. We are so proud of him, he just graduated from Lousiana Tech and has been commissioned into the Air Force.
I also want to refer you to my sister's blog. She did a great post today that talks about this.

Summer time and lightning bugs!

Boy, it's HOT out there! I still cannot believe the temperatures we have had this summer so far. It makes it hard to get out and enjoy being outside! One good thing I have found is that it usually cools off a little just at dusk. At least it is more tolerable than the heat of the day! We have had some pretty skies lately, too.

That is when the "lightning bugs" come out!! I don't know what their proper name is, I am sure there is some technical term. Some people call them "fireflies." Whatever they are called, this is about the only bug I have been happy to see this summer.

The last few weeks, with the boys out of school for the summer it has been tough at times to keep them entertained. We have come up with a new tradition this summer! The nights we are at home after dinner we go out and catch lightning bugs. I have to say that they have gotten quite good at it, too! At first Christian didn't really know that catching a bug was going to be something he would be interested in. Let me just say that bugs are NOT his favorite creation....

However, after seeing his big brother catch them with such ease and excitement, and watching them light up in the mason jar my husband fixed for them, his mind was quickly changed.

Now, I can tell you that little boy is a pro! Some nights we have to call it quits because there won't be any left for the rest of the neighborhood! There are even nights when he comes running up to me with 3 or 4 in his hand. How does he do that??

Also, can you hold on to 3 or 4 lighting bugs in your little 6 year old hand without smothering or crushing them?...... Apparently so! I learn something new every day.

Cameron, on the other hand, is much more gentle with them. He is methodical. He will bring me 1 bug, making sure it is cared for before heading off to catch another.

Isn't it amazing sometimes how the smallest, simplest things will entertain them endlessly.

Gotta love it.

Friday Fives - Top 5 favorite songs!

Today's Friday Fives is going to be my 5 all-time favorite songs! Well, actually it will be 5 songs I have loved in my life. There are just too many to pick a top 5.

Now, over the years I have listened to a wide variety of music. But one thing you will never see or hear from me is Hip-Hop or RAP!! I make no apologies when I say that I cannot stand the stuff! It gives me a really big headache, even when it is coming from the car behind me! Other than that I like a little bit of everything!

1. At Last - Etta James
Doesn't everyone love this song? It's just a classic! My husband and I had our first dance to this, so how could I leave it out? Cheesy, I know.
Regardless, it's one that I could hear repeatedly and not get tired of.

2. I Pray for You - Jaron and the Long Road to Love
This is a new song that I recently heard. I don't even remember where I first heard it, but it is hilarious! It sounds like it would be something very meaningful, right? WRONG! Watch it below and see what you think. It's very clever!




3. Oh Holy Night - Martina McBride
Yes, I realize it is summer and this is a Christmas song. This version of this song can be found on the "Mother and Child" cd. It is mostly A Capella, which I believe few artists can pull off. Most of the time, when you hear a song on the radio it has been doctored in the studio. You know how you go to a concert sometimes and come home disappointed because the artist didn't sound as good in person? Well, I believe that Martina McBride is one of those exceptions. I have heard her live and her voice is simply astounding! Since this song is mostly A Cappella there are very few instruments to alter the sound of her voice. It's one of those songs that will send a chill up your spine.

Sorry for the cheesy Christmas tree. This was the ONLY link to this song I could find.... regardless, take a listen and you will see why I love to hear this no matter what time of year it is!






4. The Devil went down to Georgia
I love this song! It just puts me in a good mood whenever I hear it.

I don't know what it is, whether it's the classic good winning over evil or the amazing way Charlie Daniels can play the fiddle like no one else.





5. Anything on U2 - The Joshua Tree album Over the years I have liked and disliked some of their other stuff. But this album was by far their best! It reminds me of my teenage years. I always get excited to hear one of the songs from this album played on the radio (now that is usually restricted to Jack Fm with all the other "oldies" from my day....)

Photo of the day! Happy Daddy Day!

Well since Father's Day is this weekend, I wanted to get a couple of father/son photos posted. I hope you will enjoy them!


This first one was taken a couple of years ago, but I still love it. I look back at it and cannot believe my boys were that small. As you can see they are doing one of their most favorite things... sitting in their daddy's lap reading "Goodnight Moon."

Aren't these two cute! You have probably seen me post pictures of little Jack before. He is one of my favorite subjects! He is such a doll and so full of energy! I just love watching him.

This was taken last year before his daddy left for Iraq. Luckily, he is due to come home sometime soon!! He is a good friend of me and Chip. We are very proud of him and what he is doing and can't wait to get him back home.


Last, but not least I figured I would post a picture of my sweet dad. I made this one of him last Easter with my niece, Lilly. He is the best dad in the world!


Happy Father's day to all the wonderful Daddy's out there!!!

My 5 top interviews

Yes, friends it is that time again! The "Friday Fives" over at my friend Beth's blog. So here it is.

So, today's topic is the 5 people, alive or dead, that I would love to sit down and interview or have lunch with. There are so many people I can think of that I would just LOVE to meet, how do I choose just 5?

1. Harry Connick, Jr.
Hmmmm..... what to say here? If you look at the pictures that should about cover it, but it is so much more! Yes, he is quite a sight to see. But, when he opens his mouth and sings it just makes me melt!

So, to sit down and have a conversation with him...... all I can say is YES, PLEASE!

2.Abraham Lincoln
The last several years I have developed a love of history. The more I read and learn about people from our past, the more respect I have for this president. I would love to sit and ask him to just tell me his story. I would love to know how he came to make some of his most important decisions. I can't imagine the stress or the pressure involved, just to know what he was thinking. How interesting and inspiring that would be!

3. Glenn Beck
I know, there are people out there who think he is crazy, but I just love him! A couple of years ago, when you could only hear him on the radio - before his days on Fox News or CNN before that, my sister took me to one of his live events for my birthday. It was amazing! He really does know his stuff, he just has a radical way of telling it! I would really get a kick out of talking with him one on one. He always makes me laugh, too.



4. Jackie Kennedy
I don't know why, but she always fascinated me. She was a lovely woman who, despite many rough circumstances in her life, always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. She also made sure that her children had a "normal" childhood as much they could considering their family. I bet she would have some interesting stories to tell.


5. M. Night Shyamalan
I know, this one probably seems random but bear with me. This is the guy who wrote and directed some of my favorite movies. Movies like: Signs, The 6th Sense, The Village, The Happening (I could go on and on!) He is brilliant! I think it would be really fun to sit and hear some of his ideas for what he is going to create next!
I love watching a good, creepy thriller, especially when there is a twist at the end that makes you sit and try to figure everything out or even better when all the confusion of a movie comes together for that "A-Ha!" moment at the end.

Well, That's all folks!

Acts of Random Kindness

You know, things happen for a reason. I strongly believe that. It is amazing to me how things happen and are reasoned, by some, as mere coincidence.... Today's topic over at Kelly's Korner for "Show us your life" is random acts of kindness. What an amazing concept, and yet how simple.


My first thought?


Wow.


The church I attend here in Nashville is Hermitage Church of Christ. I love it there. It is full of such good, kind, compassionate people. They decided a couple of months ago that they were going to set a "theme" for the summer. It will also be the theme for our upcoming VBS July 11-14.

What is the theme?


Acts of Random Kindness.


Our big "kick-off" event is this Sunday. We had talked amongst the members of ways to go out and do something to help the community. Then, after the recent flooding in the area, we all decided that the best way we could show kindness to others in our area was to help the flood victims. We have had people coming by to donate all sorts of things, which we will give away to those who need it this Sunday in the form of a "free" yard sale for flood victims. Others will be going out to clean up roadside litter, pass out water to walkers on the greenway, and other random stuff.

So, imagine my surprise to see Kelly's latest topic. God really does work in mysterious ways. Ever since this theme was announced we have had people calling in to report witnessing these acts of random kindness. It is very inspiring! Since we announced the "flood relief giveaway" I have had strangers showing up at the church office (where I work part time) to donate items because they didn't know how they could help but wanted to do something. This is not just junk, either! I have seen some really nice things come through. It really makes you sit and think of things that you could do for others. It doesn't have to take much effort, but sometimes it could.

The point is to get out and do something nice for someone else. When you can do it anonymously, that is even better! Here are a few things I would love to do or see done:

1. Send a package or letter to a soldier.
2. Cut your neighbor's grass when they aren't home
3. Anonymously leave the tip for someone eating near you in a restaurant.... maybe an elderly couple, fireman, or police officer. Better yet, offer to pick up their check!
4. Share coupons or money-saving tips in the grocery store
5. Just get back to basics and hold the door open for someone! Make sure your kids see you do it and maybe they will learn to do it for someone else
6. Use manners, even when it is hard.... Just saying a nice "thank you" or "have a nice day" can really brighten someones day!

Just get out there and do it. It can be contagious, so be the first and watch to see how quickly it can spread.

Then, if you are in the Nashville area, I welcome you to join us at HCC. Not just this weekend for the big event, but anytime in the future. You will love the warm and friendly atmosphere!