In the Twinkling of an Eye

This has been such an odd day full of conflicting emotions. All morning I’ve been running around trying to get ready for my trip tomorrow to Charleston. I’ve been on the phone and on facebook with others who are going. We’ve been comparing notes on what to wear, what to bring and how to cram it all in.

Then this afternoon all the news outlets began reporting on the devastating tornado that hit Moore, OK. Suddenly all the packing and excitement went on the back burner. The only thing I could think of was if our friends and family in the area are safe. The video footage is gut wrenching. People are wandering around looking for their loved ones. Others are grieving over loved ones that won’t be returning. No matter where you look it just seems to be unending devastation.

After the Joplin tornado, we in SW Missouri understand your loss, your grief and your pain. We stand with you as you begin the recovery process. We all know the road will be long and things won’t be exactly the same but we will be there to help you through it.

For anyone that wants to know what they can do to help . . . may I suggest something? Please consider a donation to Convoy of Hope. (www.convoyofhope.org) They are an amazing organization that we have worked with and watched first hand as they labored tirelessly in Joplin. We know they are already on the ground in Moore. If you are in the Springfield, MO area they also use volunteers to help load and pack the trucks that will be sent out.

People can also help by texting CONVOY to 50555 to give $10 to Convoy of Hope. Terms: http://mGive.org/T #PrayForOklahoma

As I finish this post the storms are beginning to blossom here. My prayer is for safety. But I also hope that each of you will take a moment to reach out to those closest to you and let them know exactly how much they mean to you. We aren’t promised tomorrow and we all know that things really do change in the twinkling of an eye. Make the most of the moments you do have!

Anticipating Charleston ~ I Can Hardly Wait!

Do you remember that scene from The Music Man where the whole town is looking forward to that infamous wagon? Do you remember how the anticipation just kept building and building? Well that’s exactly how I’ve felt all day.

Then it happened . . . that distinct sound of brakes, the sliding door, and then my doorbell rang. It had arrived! Finally in my hands I have the official itinerary of our trip to Charleston, SC. I thought that I already pretty much knew what we would be doing. But much to my pleasant surprise there were even more adventures to experience!

I’ve already told you in the previous post that we will be staying on the Battery at the Palmer House Bed and Breakfast and that we’ll be touring the Charleston Tea Company. Today I found out that we have been invited to the beautiful Edmonston-Alston House for a private cocktail reception with Bigelow Tea Company’s founders, David and Eunice Bigelow.

Photo Credit:  palmbeachsymphony.org

If that isn’t enough, the next day we get to have a tea tasting with Bigelow’s president, Cindi Bigelow. I must admit I’m a tad bit nervous. I’m kind of certain that the way I make tea and the way she makes tea isn’t quite the same. (Microwaves and Keurigs probably aren’t in her process!) But I am completely excited to learn from her.

The itinerary goes on to describe a history of Charleston talk and a few more tours. They included a wonderful map so we can do some personal sightseeing in our down time. They gave us some suggestions for restaurants that sound absolutely divine. I have to tell you that my favorite part is where they strongly suggest bringing lots of hair product and flat comfortable shoes because it is going to be in the 80's and humid and the sidewalks are cobblestone!

Now I must go scour my closet for the perfect outfits and check on that shoe situation. I’m envisioning a shopping trip this weekend. I’m almost positive that I need a new pair of shoes!

Don’t forget to follow along on our adventure. We’ll be posting live updates on Facebook and of course we’ll be tweeting our heads off on twitter @RambleSAHM. You can follow the whole group by using #AmericasTea

While you’re waiting for our adventure to begin enter to win Whitney’s Swag Bag from our trip. We’ll be gathering up all kinds of goodies as we go along. Use the form below . . . we look forward to tweeting with you! 

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Dreaming of Charleston, SC

When I dream of where I would love to live Charleston, South Carolina is at the top of my list. I want to be a Bin Yah instead of a Come Yah. I want to walk along those shady sidewalks and gaze upon all the beautiful buildings that just ooze history. I want to feel the salty breeze off of the Atlantic. I want to smell the distinct odor of pluff mud and feel it between my toes. I want to be a Charlestonian!

Every couple of years we embark on a family vacation that now includes grandparents, kids and grandkids. We have long discussions about what we want to do and where we want to go . . . and then we always wind up choosing the Charleston area. More specifically we wind up on Folly Beach. It just seems to be the best fit for our varied tastes. 

Our men like to go surfing and deep sea fishing. We ladies like to shop, try new restaurants and spend lazy afternoons reading. Folly Beach is a wonderful environment for all of that. But I must confess as much as I love our time there I am always drawn to Charleston. I am in heaven when we walk the Battery. Those beautiful stately old homes just speak to me. I've always wondered what it would be like to wake up in one. How soothing would it be to take my morning cup of tea out onto the piazza and spend time gazing out at Fort Sumter?

Well I’m excited to say part of my dream is about to come true. Whitney and I have been invited to come to Charleston and tour the Charleston Tea Plantation with Bigelow Tea. Now if that isn't amazing enough we’ll also be staying at the Palmer Home Bed and Breakfast. We’d love to take all of you with us but of course we can’t so we’re going to do the next best thing!

During our stay we’re going to gather up some fabulous swag and then give it away to one lucky winner. You can begin entering at the form below. Best wishes to each of you! 

In the meantime if you would like to follow along on our trip we’ll be live tweeting at @RambleSAHM  

To see what is going on with our whole group follow the hashtag #AmericasTea

Giveaway

One US winner 18+ will win a swag bag full of goodies from our trip! Enter the rafflecopter form below to be entered! Good luck giveaway will end on May 31 2013 at 12:00 AM EST!

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Wordless Wednesday ~ T Ball

Little M is in full swing with T Ball! Words cannot describe how proud we are to have a son playing T Ball. Of course he is the preeminent player on the team. 

Meanwhile Little H is...

Ball boy!

Date Night Chocolate Muffin Recipe

Hubby has an absurd work schedule; consequently we don’t often have a whole lot of time for date nights. Once in a while everything falls into place and we wind up with an evening together. After the kids are in bed we embark upon what has become our preferred date night. We spend a few quiet hours eating something sweet and catching up on one of the shows we like to watch but don’t have the time for during the week.

 

On one of those elusive nights I prepared these chocolate muffins and they have been a winner ever since. I particularly like them because they are low-fat and won’t eradicate your diet. The next morning I let the kids have the leftovers for breakfast and they think they've hit the jackpot! (Shhh…Don’t tell them that the muffins have pumpkin in them!) Hope you like them too.

Low Fat Chocolate Muffins 

Ingredients 

1 Chocolate Cake Mix

1 16oz Can of Pure Pumpkin

1 Cup of Milk

1/2 Cup of Chocolate Chips

Directions

Mix all ingredients well. Scoop batter into muffin tins filling to the top. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool & Enjoy!