Thursday, September 25, 2008
Comforting Thoughts
I was just having lots of thoughts as I was sweeping the floor...like, "isn't this the floor I swept just two days ago??" and "am I really doing this again??" and "maybe the term "Groundhog Day"...you know from that movie...fits my life perfectly. or is that too negative?" and "oh gee, now I gotta mop" and "i like change" and "no, I am very routine oriented, but am I too routine oriented?" and "no, I like change," and "no, I really don't like change," and "oh my, after this, I gotta switch the laundry loads and wash the towels and vacuum and figure out what we will eat for dinner and ...blah blah blah!" and "Am I the only one who thinks these things, that I'm doing the same thing over and over and over again?? That my life must look boring, repetitive and mundane from an outsider's viewpoint?" And then, I was reminded of a book that I just got through reading entitled, "God's Whisper In a Mother's Chaos." Yes, my days are repetitive and yes, they quite often involve more routine than I sometimes desire (although, I always claim not to like much change...I really must make up my mind), and yes, my day often consists of three things, entertaining a 2 year old, cleaning and cooking/preparing meals with about 6 hours of sleep thrown in at night, and yes, it may seem mundane to an outsider...but, NO, I am not the only mother that has these thoughts and God has given me the priviledge to stay at home. A PRIVILEDGE...read it again...A PRIVILEDGE. I used to never think about me being a stay-at-home-mom as a priviledge, but it is. I continue to feel that my calling in life was to be a mother, and so I am glad that God continually provides for that to happen, but I was reminded after reading this book that it truly is a priviledge that I have been blessed with. As I swept, I remembered this and the book mentioned above and how the book hit me right where I am now. Sometimes, it's nice to know that there are others out there feeling the same thing I am. I know it's not good to compare myself to other people, but sometimes, I think it's nice to know that there are other women out there feeling the same thing. It's God's way of comforting me, I think. Anyway, all that said, as I thought about this book as I was sweelping, my attitude changed and I smiled. I am glad to be home and am thankful to have the time to sweep, even if it is three times a week (which, mind you, I don't do every week!!) Thank you, God, for unexpected little blessings in my day!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Circle of Friends
My entire life I have longed for close girlfriends, friends that I can share anything with. It was on Saturday evening that I realized that I have been given this circle of friends. No, they do not live in Scotland...in fact, they do not all live in the same place...but we all once did! Now, five of us are scattered among four different places, to include Virginia, Texas, Mississippi and Scotland. And once, not so long ago, we all lived in Japan. These four friends of mine (Desiree, Kristen, Stephanie and Heather) all got together this past weekend to share in some wonderful times with a newborn baby boy that has been much anticipated and prayed for by all of us. I was excited, emotional and truly blessed by God as I shared in an hour long conversation with all of them. After getting off the phone (and now as I write this blog), I had to fight back tears. Although some were tears of sadness because we are not all closer, more were tears of happiness, as I was able to talk to them which sent my spirits soaring, and even more were tears of thankfulness, as God has graciously given me what I have always prayed for...for as long as I can remember.
These were the four girls who were there before and after Jackson was born...to pack my hospital bag at home and bring it to me as I was in early labor, to listen to me mumble after being so drugged up, to push me around in a wheelchair when I couldn't move on my own, to wash the baby clothes that I thought needed to be washed (only to finally realize I had lost it, as Jackson was so small he didn't fit into those close for like 2 months!!), to bring muffins for breakfast, a Chili's salad for lunch, magazines to read, to clean our house, arrange for dinners to be at our house for the better part of two months, to host a precious baby shower (that was scheduled twice, I might add, due to our early arrival!!), to hold Jackson, to watch Jackson, to change Jackson, to share in his first smile, word, crawl, stand, to celebrate when Jackson turned one year old...but most of all, to PRAY!! Pray, pray, pray! I know that these girls were praying for me, for Cody and for Jackson...and continue to. You know, Cody said to me that night before I talked to them, "I'm sorry that you're not there." "Yea," I said, and I grinned, "That's the hard part here...not having close friends, but I'm thankful for the time when I did have them right close."
Saturday evening as I got ready for bed, I smiled again, ... how greatful I am and truly blessed by God to have been given wonderful Christian friends. And, living in the same place with these girls for nearly three years was such a bonus!! Now, through phone calls, e-mails, blogs, pictures of the kids growing up, skype, whatever it takes...I think God will continue to bless our friendships through these!! He's a fabulous God...that answers prayers.
Thanks, Desiree, Heather, Kristen and Stephanie for all you've done for me! You're an answer to prayer!
These were the four girls who were there before and after Jackson was born...to pack my hospital bag at home and bring it to me as I was in early labor, to listen to me mumble after being so drugged up, to push me around in a wheelchair when I couldn't move on my own, to wash the baby clothes that I thought needed to be washed (only to finally realize I had lost it, as Jackson was so small he didn't fit into those close for like 2 months!!), to bring muffins for breakfast, a Chili's salad for lunch, magazines to read, to clean our house, arrange for dinners to be at our house for the better part of two months, to host a precious baby shower (that was scheduled twice, I might add, due to our early arrival!!), to hold Jackson, to watch Jackson, to change Jackson, to share in his first smile, word, crawl, stand, to celebrate when Jackson turned one year old...but most of all, to PRAY!! Pray, pray, pray! I know that these girls were praying for me, for Cody and for Jackson...and continue to. You know, Cody said to me that night before I talked to them, "I'm sorry that you're not there." "Yea," I said, and I grinned, "That's the hard part here...not having close friends, but I'm thankful for the time when I did have them right close."
Saturday evening as I got ready for bed, I smiled again, ... how greatful I am and truly blessed by God to have been given wonderful Christian friends. And, living in the same place with these girls for nearly three years was such a bonus!! Now, through phone calls, e-mails, blogs, pictures of the kids growing up, skype, whatever it takes...I think God will continue to bless our friendships through these!! He's a fabulous God...that answers prayers.
Thanks, Desiree, Heather, Kristen and Stephanie for all you've done for me! You're an answer to prayer!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Laughing Matter
Ok...so I was doing the dishes just now, and Cody was back getting Jackson ready for his bath. I suddenly hear the pitter patter of little feet come into the kitchen. I turn around to find a cute little naked boy with a Texas flag bandana tied gently around his neck like a cape with a smile on his face...that's not all...as I begin to laugh hysterically, that cute little naked boy, Jackson, says, "Hook 'em horns!" (For those of you that don't know, that is the chant for the University of Texas...where Cody went to college). More laughing ensued! Moments like these...my sweet husband knows just the times that I need a good laugh!! Oh dear...I love my boys!! Thank you God for my wonderful Blake Boys!!
Conversions...yuck!!
It used to be so easy to share a recipe with someone. Upon e-mailing a recipe to a friend of mine here, I realized that a lot of things needed a different name beside them and a conversion. WOW...the things I used to take for granted! Here's what the recipe looked like after I was finished with it!
RANGER COOKIES (BISCUITS)
1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 cup [US] = 229.490589405 gram)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (1 cup [US] = 191.636471565 gram)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar***(see note below)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plain flour)(1 cup [US] = 99.36705933 gram)
2 cups crisp rice cereal or 1 cup rolled oats (I used superfast oats) (1 cup [US] = 80.44000041 gram)
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut (1 cup [US] = 75.70823568 gram)
1 cup snipped pitted whole dates or raisins (I used raisins; probably could use sultanas) (1 cup [US] = 151.41647136 gram)
1) Beat butter 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda; beat till combined. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cereal/oats, coconut and dates/raisins.
2) Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (baking sheet). Bake in a 375 degree farenheight (190 degree celcius/gas mark 5) oven about 8 minutes or till edges are golden. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Transfer to wire rack; let cool. Makes about 54 (unless you make them twice the size, like I do, and then it makes less!)
***(Hmmm...the only thing that might be different is the "packed brown sugar." I get this at the American grocery store...I'm assuming that the brown sugar that you can get here will work, the only thing is, it may turn out to be a different consistency...hmmm...unless there is an equivalent to this...I'll have to bring some to show you. Funny how I don't think of these things until I go to share a recipe.)***
After converting many things here, I have finally bought a kitchen scale. Although, now I know the conversions...geesh!!
RANGER COOKIES (BISCUITS)
1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 cup [US] = 229.490589405 gram)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (1 cup [US] = 191.636471565 gram)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar***(see note below)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plain flour)(1 cup [US] = 99.36705933 gram)
2 cups crisp rice cereal or 1 cup rolled oats (I used superfast oats) (1 cup [US] = 80.44000041 gram)
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut (1 cup [US] = 75.70823568 gram)
1 cup snipped pitted whole dates or raisins (I used raisins; probably could use sultanas) (1 cup [US] = 151.41647136 gram)
1) Beat butter 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda; beat till combined. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can. Stir in remaining flour. Stir in cereal/oats, coconut and dates/raisins.
2) Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (baking sheet). Bake in a 375 degree farenheight (190 degree celcius/gas mark 5) oven about 8 minutes or till edges are golden. Cool on cookie sheet 1 minute. Transfer to wire rack; let cool. Makes about 54 (unless you make them twice the size, like I do, and then it makes less!)
***(Hmmm...the only thing that might be different is the "packed brown sugar." I get this at the American grocery store...I'm assuming that the brown sugar that you can get here will work, the only thing is, it may turn out to be a different consistency...hmmm...unless there is an equivalent to this...I'll have to bring some to show you. Funny how I don't think of these things until I go to share a recipe.)***
After converting many things here, I have finally bought a kitchen scale. Although, now I know the conversions...geesh!!
A Fair and Airshow
These past two weekends, we have enjoyed some "hometown" fun! Two weekends ago, after returning from Ireland, we hopped in the car and drove 30 minutes down the road back to Glamis Castle for a "Countryside Festival." As Cody put it, "I'm gonna miss this." These fairs (or "Fayre" as they spell it here) with a castle as a backdrop are so much fun! Jackson had a blast. I would venture to say, that the most fun was seeing his expression at the purchase of an $8 helicopter balloon. Worth every penny (or pence...depending on the country you're in). He also enjoyed riding the "Biiig truck" on the carousel.
We also got to see "The Devil's Horsemen" which is a riding and stunt team here. Well, little did we know that they are the team that does all the big stuff for movies like "Harry Potter", "The Dutchess", "Gladiator"...oh and many other big named movies (I just can't remember them all). But they are THE HORSE RIDING TEAM apparently.
We left the fair as it was closing. As we were driving away, Jackson could be heard saying, "The fair all closed up." Clearly, he wanted to stay, and we fed him this truthful line before we got in the car. He caught on.
This past weekend was the Leuchars Airshow up here. Big deal in the UK. People come from all over and pay $40 to get in (this was a first for us...an airshow that you have to buy tickets to!). We, however, were blessed enough to be given tickets. Anyway, many of you have heard of the "infamous" UK weather...you know--rain. Well, Friday was absolutely beautiful and Sunday was absolutely beautiful and Saturday was absolutely rainy!! Guess what day the airshow was on...yup, Saturday. So, none the less, we went and saw some low-level flybys, but no fancy stuff! Still fun, I suppose, if you like (or are used to) walking around in the rain and if you like airplanes a lot...which, we do. So, we were there all day. Jackson enjoyed the helicopters and correctly identified the "Eagle" and the "Tornado F3." With some coaxing from Dad, correctly identified that the "Eagle" was his favorite. Although, he still showed an incredible fascination for the helicopters.
Here's our little pilot. When he has his new airplane shirts on, we ask him, "Who gave you your shirt?" and he responds, "Miss Hamacher new shirts." So, thanks Bridget, for the new airplane shirts...they go great with the new little airplane shoes we got him! (Yes, our son naturally comes by his intense like for things that fly in the sky! Forced upon him...nah, I don't think so...you should see his face when he hears an airplane or helicopter!!)
And so, that is the past two weekends. Now, we're counting the days and biding our time until the intense wind and cold attack here. Should make for a very festive holiday time though!!
We also got to see "The Devil's Horsemen" which is a riding and stunt team here. Well, little did we know that they are the team that does all the big stuff for movies like "Harry Potter", "The Dutchess", "Gladiator"...oh and many other big named movies (I just can't remember them all). But they are THE HORSE RIDING TEAM apparently.
We left the fair as it was closing. As we were driving away, Jackson could be heard saying, "The fair all closed up." Clearly, he wanted to stay, and we fed him this truthful line before we got in the car. He caught on.
This past weekend was the Leuchars Airshow up here. Big deal in the UK. People come from all over and pay $40 to get in (this was a first for us...an airshow that you have to buy tickets to!). We, however, were blessed enough to be given tickets. Anyway, many of you have heard of the "infamous" UK weather...you know--rain. Well, Friday was absolutely beautiful and Sunday was absolutely beautiful and Saturday was absolutely rainy!! Guess what day the airshow was on...yup, Saturday. So, none the less, we went and saw some low-level flybys, but no fancy stuff! Still fun, I suppose, if you like (or are used to) walking around in the rain and if you like airplanes a lot...which, we do. So, we were there all day. Jackson enjoyed the helicopters and correctly identified the "Eagle" and the "Tornado F3." With some coaxing from Dad, correctly identified that the "Eagle" was his favorite. Although, he still showed an incredible fascination for the helicopters.
Here's our little pilot. When he has his new airplane shirts on, we ask him, "Who gave you your shirt?" and he responds, "Miss Hamacher new shirts." So, thanks Bridget, for the new airplane shirts...they go great with the new little airplane shoes we got him! (Yes, our son naturally comes by his intense like for things that fly in the sky! Forced upon him...nah, I don't think so...you should see his face when he hears an airplane or helicopter!!)
And so, that is the past two weekends. Now, we're counting the days and biding our time until the intense wind and cold attack here. Should make for a very festive holiday time though!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
No Wonder I'm Tired!
Question that needs an answer:
Why is it that I always complain I'm tired and then, at 9:45pm, decide to sit down, sew a toy bag, re-arrange a playroom, check blogs and then post a blog...when really I should be GOING TO BED??!!?? Now, it's midnight...officially...I should go to bed. After all, it is the next day!! Goodnight...for real this time!!
Why is it that I always complain I'm tired and then, at 9:45pm, decide to sit down, sew a toy bag, re-arrange a playroom, check blogs and then post a blog...when really I should be GOING TO BED??!!?? Now, it's midnight...officially...I should go to bed. After all, it is the next day!! Goodnight...for real this time!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
What Every Mother Wants to Hear
Yesterday, as we were sitting at lunch, Jackson and I, it was quiet...unusual for our house. Then, Jackson said, "I love you," and as I looked at him he was smiling at me and said it again, "I love you." Ah...talk about making your heart skip a beat! He has said the phrase before, but never spontaneously, always in imitation. Yesterday was the first time he said it on his own. Then, today, he turned to me as we sat eating lunch on a park bench and said, "I love you too." I guess he picked the "too" up from us, as we are always saying, "I love you too," to each other and to him. Anyway, just thought I'd share a moment to document in time! He's growin' up so fast!! One more month today and our little boy will be two. (Of course, today I asked him how old he was and he said "Three"...don't go skippin' years on me boy!)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
In Remembrance
Do you remember where you were seven years ago on this day? I do...I was at work when I heard of the first plane crash and then the second, and then I heard that the planes came from Boston. My parents were flying out of Boston that morning back to Seattle. I panicked and called Cody. Together, we attempted to get a hold of my parents. About mid-morning, I heard from my mom and dad...they had not been on the flights. God's hand was in this for us as a family, and I thank him for the protection that He provided our family on that day.
I put "Poems for September 11th" in the search engine, clicked on a site and sat staring at hundreds of poems written by anyone and everyone. I selected this one to post here. My prayer is that those that lost loved ones will/will continue to find comfort in God's ever open arms. As the verse to the left says, He is the great comforter in all our troubles. My heart goes out to all those people who were effected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001. I have thought about them all day today, and have again been thankful that God spared the lives of my parents.
"Nation Of Survivors
In the bright September morning without warning to us all
A few thousand lives were shattered and we watched two buildings fall
And a billion souls felt empty, and the flags at half-mast fly
In the memory of the innocent which didn't have to die
We've lost brothers, sisters, cousins. We've lost family and friends
But we've made the choice not to forget their lives and tragic ends
Though we've had our share of troubles we have put them all aside
As a nation grieves we find ourselves defending them with pride
We're a nation of survivors, with one heart we share a tear
But we live to serve the memory, not giving in to fear.
Though they try to take security with the things they've done and said
All their acts of inhumanity bring unity instead.
So we stand here as a family. One heart, one soul, one voice.
We are challenged by this moment, and united here by choice.
--Jack Foshee Jr., Sept 12, 2001.
ptyrtl@yahoo.com
(Feel free to reprint and redistribute in unedited form to anyone needing comfort or inspiration. God bless us all.)
Jack Foshee Jr "
Copyright ©2008 Jack Foshee Jr
I put "Poems for September 11th" in the search engine, clicked on a site and sat staring at hundreds of poems written by anyone and everyone. I selected this one to post here. My prayer is that those that lost loved ones will/will continue to find comfort in God's ever open arms. As the verse to the left says, He is the great comforter in all our troubles. My heart goes out to all those people who were effected by the tragedy of September 11, 2001. I have thought about them all day today, and have again been thankful that God spared the lives of my parents.
"Nation Of Survivors
In the bright September morning without warning to us all
A few thousand lives were shattered and we watched two buildings fall
And a billion souls felt empty, and the flags at half-mast fly
In the memory of the innocent which didn't have to die
We've lost brothers, sisters, cousins. We've lost family and friends
But we've made the choice not to forget their lives and tragic ends
Though we've had our share of troubles we have put them all aside
As a nation grieves we find ourselves defending them with pride
We're a nation of survivors, with one heart we share a tear
But we live to serve the memory, not giving in to fear.
Though they try to take security with the things they've done and said
All their acts of inhumanity bring unity instead.
So we stand here as a family. One heart, one soul, one voice.
We are challenged by this moment, and united here by choice.
--Jack Foshee Jr., Sept 12, 2001.
ptyrtl@yahoo.com
(Feel free to reprint and redistribute in unedited form to anyone needing comfort or inspiration. God bless us all.)
Jack Foshee Jr "
Copyright ©2008 Jack Foshee Jr
Did I Just Do That???
Yes, I did. At 6:45pm this evening, I called to book our babysitter for our CHRISTMAS PARTY in DECEMBER!! Oh my...it's September!! This is good for me...for I consider myself the world's worst procrastinator...and, for goodness sake...it's September! Does this mean that Christmas is right around the corner?? Never the less, we have the wonderful Elizabeth scheduled to come babysit for Jackson in December! Only appropriate, I think, to have our "angel sent to us from God" coming to watch Jackson at Christmas time! Oh, how incredibly thankful I am for her!
(The other thing I just did...I finished the Ireland post (following post). It has taken me three days to write it. Sorry for the delay!)
(The other thing I just did...I finished the Ireland post (following post). It has taken me three days to write it. Sorry for the delay!)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
You Know You Travel Too Much When...
...your almost 2-year old sits down on the floor right before walking through security to TAKE OFF HIS SHOES!! Yes, we and the several couples behind us were roaring with laughter as Jackson sat down right before taking Cody's hand to walk through the security machine and said, "Jackson take his shoes off." Too funny!! Even funnier, he didn't need to take them off, because this is not America! Here in Scotland, you do not need to take off your shoes...only certain ones...which is why Cody had to take his off...and thus, Jackson felt like his should be off. So, this is what started our fun vacation...full of lots of smiles and laughter and pure joy seeing yet another of God's wonderful countries! How blessed we are to be so incredibly close to many different places. So, off to the Republic of Ireland we went!!
**(It must be noted before continuing to read this post that: 1) It is long...so be prepared; and 2) We did change clothes during the trip, but had only brought one sweatshirt for each of us...thus, it appears that we wore the same thing everyday...but really, we took showers and washed clothes and changed they types of jeans we were wearing! O.K. ... carry on...)**
Ireland...what do you think of when you hear Ireland?? Well, I think of Dublin and shamrocks and leprachauns (and with that rainbows and Lucky Charms cereal, but, I digress!). Yes, we spent a day in Dublin, but the rest of our time was spent on the Southeast coastal border...absolutely beautiful Irish countryside. Here was our cottage, literally out in the country...PERFECT!!
The name of the cottage was "Shalom" and the owners had that really cool Irish accent! Anyway, here is a rundown of our trip with a few pictures to tell the story. We took over 100 pictures, so I'll spare you a photo slideshow and just hit the highlights.
SATURDAY: We arrived in Ireland at 4:15pm. Of course, it took us a little while to get everything and the cute little red car (Jackson termed it "the red car" and continues to talk about "the red car" now!) that you see next to the cottage in the picture above. We drove the 2 hours from Dublin Airport to our sweet home for the next week.
SUNDAY: And, off we went at 9:30am. Our first stop...HOOK LIGHTHOUSE. This is the oldest working lighthouse in the world.
The views from the top were amazing, and we enjoyed learning about the history of lighthouses. On our way to see the lighthouse, we stopped and viewed TINTERN ABBEY.
(We did actually get some close-up shots of it, but I thought this picture showed the beautiful countryside as well.)
After a lunch at the Hook Lighthouse cafe, where Jackson quite possibly ate the most of a ham sandwich that he's ever eaten, we traveled into the Wexford Town Centre. Now, what we discovered was the counties are huge here. We stayed in County Wexford. However, it took us a good 30-40 minutes to get to the town centre.
We traveled north a bit to the IRISH NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM. This was cool. Usually, anything with the word "history" in it, I know Cody will enjoy thouroughly, and I probably will, but THIS was neat! All three of us enjoyed it! It is an outdoor museum dedicated to explaining the entire history of Ireland...so good for tourists. It "houses" reconstructions of the types of houses, castles, towers, walls, palaces, etc. Here was a cool picture of the monastery example with the Celtic cross...one of those "symbols" of Ireland.
Then, it was 4:30pm...so off to the grocery store (we were staying in a self-catering cottage, so we had to feed ourselves). No pictures of that.
MONDAY: Today was the day I had been looking forward to...our trip to the WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY in Waterford, Ireland. This was my favorite part of our trip. We took a tour of the factory and saw all of the master craftsman at work molding, firing, glassblowing, cutting, boxing...ah, it made me appreciate this crystal (and its price!) so much more. Everything is done by hand...no machines!! I think we all enjoyed it, but probably me the most. We spent the entire morning there. We got our "Ireland souvenier" here...a crystal harp that is engraved with "The Blakes Ireland 2008." Something we will treasure forever. We received a personalized engraved vase as a wedding gift from here 7 years ago...we thought it only fitting to commemorate our anniversary trip with another personalized piece of crystal.
Here is the man engraving our harp:
We then spent the afternoon in two different towns, the first of which was called DUNMORE EAST. Here was where we saw the "typical Irish thatched roof cottages." There was an entire village of them!
Then, after Jackson awoke from his nap in the car (which, by the way, our son is so incredibly flexible. Only once did he actually nap in a bed! The other times...the stroller or carseat!), we headed over to another town, TRAMORE. This is a kid's paradise. When Jackson is asked where he had the most fun in Ireland, he will answer one of three things, the beach, the park, or the big truck. Tramore is a beach town...a long stretch of beach bordered by a "boardwalk" of amusement parks and arcades.
TUESDAY: Today we travelled to the west a bit, to the town of KILKENNY. Here, we toured the town centre and saw the outside of KILKENNY CASTLE, where there were beautifully manicured grounds and a neat little playground for Jackson to play on. He enjoyed slipping, swinging, and sliding in the rain! The water didn't seem to bother him, and he left the park soaking wet from head to toe!
On the way home, we stopped by to tour the DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP, which is a full scale replica of the emigration ship that was sailed from Ireland to America some years ago.
(For some reason, we have a lot of pictures of the ship with us in them...guess it made for a good backdrop?!?)
WEDNESDAY: God blessed us most of the week with only a little rain...today, it was raining. But that didn't stop us. Amazingly enough, God held the rain in the clouds for most of the time that we were out of the car. Today, we drove around the countryside and navigated our way (because the GPS had no idea where we were) to a wonderful windmill. It is called the TACUMSHANE WINDMILL.
We went about 20 minutes from our cottage to see KILMORE QUAY. Kilmore Quay is just, simply put, a lazy fishing village. But, it had so much character!! Thatched roof cottages tucked in between old bed and breakfasts and miles of water and boats. The owners of the cottage we were staying at recommended going into a pub there called JAMES KEHOE, so we went in to see it. Much to our surprise, they were prepared for children and even had a children's menu for lunch (which, we have found is a MUST for going to a restaurant...it's one of the criteria we must check before going in to eat!)! So, we had our "Irish Pub" experience then. (For those of you thinking it, no, we did not have lots and lots of drinks...in fact, I had water and Cody had one Guinness...I mean, one of us had to have a Guinness in an Irish Pub!! I had dessert in place of a Guinness!) This meal, by far, was the BEST MEAL while we were in Ireland. Fresh fish caught from just yards away...fabulous! Even Jackson enjoyed his fried fresh cod!! The rest of the day was spent reading and taking naps in our cottage, as it was pouring outside. This was a much needed afternoon of simply relaxing.
THURSDAY: This was the day we traveled to DUBLIN. We got up and were off on the road right at 8:30am. We had about a 2 hour drive. After purchasing tickets to the "Green Bus" as it was termed by Jackson, we were off to see as much of Dublin as we could in a day.
We hit four locations, the first being the CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL. What a beautiful cathedral. Cody and I agreed that this was one of the most beautiful ones we've seen...and having been to many in Europe several years ago, we actually did have quite a few to compare it with.
We then popped over to ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL. After seeing Christchurch Cathedral, we agreed that this one came in second. It was still a beautiful one to see, but quite different.
Jackson then woke up from a nice nap in his stroller, so we ate a quick lunch at a cafe and then buzzed over to DUBLIN CASTLE. In retrospect, this one could have been skipped. It was not the "original" castle and so the features were quite "new" compared to some of the original castles and interiors that we have seen here in Scotland. None the less, we took the opportunity to see it and snapped a few pictures. This one is of the ballroom, which is still used today for special events.
We did get to see some of the original rock walls that were underground. I cannot tell you any of the history that the guide talked about, as it was at this moment that Jackson decided to inform us vocally that he was not pleased with being "confined" in someone's arms. So, he and I left the venue early, never to hear probably the most fascinating part of the entire $12 tour. Cody didn't really hear it either...and probably no one else, as, like I said, Jackson was deciding to vocalize within the echoing confines of the original rock walls of the castle. And...I move on...
After Dublin Castle, we hopped aboard the green open top bus to hear some more of the verbal tour of Dublin and then hopped off at ... duh duh dun... the GUINNESS STOREHOUSE! Yes, the whole reason people go to Dublin...to see the Guinness Factory. It's a wopping $27 a pop to get in, but worth it. It was 5 floors of interesting info about the making of Guinness...really, it was interesting. It is essentially a museum ending on the top of the factory in what is known as one of the most amazing views of Ireland. The top is walled in glass...and is a bar...of course!! This is where there are TONS OF PEOPLE packed in "viewing the scenery" and drinking their pint of Guinness that is included in the tour. We thought it was funny that we had a stroller up there with a small child. Alas, he was not the only one up there...there were several children. Here are pictures from the storehouse.
We got back onto the green bus for the rest of the verbal tour of Dublin and ended back in the town centre, where we ate dinner before heading home at 7:30pm. Jackson did fabulous, overall, on this very long day of riding and touring Dublin. He's such a great little traveler...forced upon him, I suppose.
FRIDAY: Well, we had done just about everything we had set out to do, so we chose to go back to Waterford today, which I believe was our favorite location that we saw, and go into the WATERFORD TOWN CENTRE today. It was recommended in books that we take this walking tour of the town from a man called Jack Buschall (or something like that). So, we did. It was awesome!! This man was "authentically Irish!!" He had a thick Irish accent which made the tour that much greater! He crammed 1,000 years of history of Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, into one hour. On that tour, we saw all the major landmarks, including REGINALD'S TOWER, THE OLD GRANARY, CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL (yes, another one...the 3rd we've been to now, two in Ireland and one in New Zealand) and many other historical sites. We loved the tour and were so thrilled to have been able to see Christchurch Cathedral. This cathedral was just as amazing as the one in Dublin, but on a totally different scale. It was unlike ANY cathedral we'd ever seen. The inside of the cathedral, we were told and could see, was built like the outside of many cathedrals of it's time. It was designed more like a palace (marble pillars, moldings on the ceiling) than a cathedral of it's time.
At the end of our historical walk, we decided to go find a park for Jackson to run around in. So, to end our day, Jackson (well, and Mommy and Daddy) played at the park...the "most fun" Jackson had in Ireland. This time, we brought the camera.
Our day in Waterford ended with another trip back to Ballyhack and then Wexford via car ferry. As Jackson would say, "Put the red car on the boat."
SATURDAY: Well, sadly, our vacation in Ireland was over. We left our cute little country cottage this morning to drive back to Dublin, take a shuttle to the airport, an airplane to Edinburgh, Scotland, the bus to the train station, the train to our car and then our car back home. All three of us agreed that we had fun in Ireland.
Then, we started thinking...where to next??? We have some ideas...Spain, Paris, Prague...who knows. God is so wonderful to give us so many opportunities and choices...I am truly greatful that He created so many beautiful places to see and has given us the means to see them. To Him be the glory...wherever we are!
**(It must be noted before continuing to read this post that: 1) It is long...so be prepared; and 2) We did change clothes during the trip, but had only brought one sweatshirt for each of us...thus, it appears that we wore the same thing everyday...but really, we took showers and washed clothes and changed they types of jeans we were wearing! O.K. ... carry on...)**
Ireland...what do you think of when you hear Ireland?? Well, I think of Dublin and shamrocks and leprachauns (and with that rainbows and Lucky Charms cereal, but, I digress!). Yes, we spent a day in Dublin, but the rest of our time was spent on the Southeast coastal border...absolutely beautiful Irish countryside. Here was our cottage, literally out in the country...PERFECT!!
The name of the cottage was "Shalom" and the owners had that really cool Irish accent! Anyway, here is a rundown of our trip with a few pictures to tell the story. We took over 100 pictures, so I'll spare you a photo slideshow and just hit the highlights.
SATURDAY: We arrived in Ireland at 4:15pm. Of course, it took us a little while to get everything and the cute little red car (Jackson termed it "the red car" and continues to talk about "the red car" now!) that you see next to the cottage in the picture above. We drove the 2 hours from Dublin Airport to our sweet home for the next week.
SUNDAY: And, off we went at 9:30am. Our first stop...HOOK LIGHTHOUSE. This is the oldest working lighthouse in the world.
The views from the top were amazing, and we enjoyed learning about the history of lighthouses. On our way to see the lighthouse, we stopped and viewed TINTERN ABBEY.
(We did actually get some close-up shots of it, but I thought this picture showed the beautiful countryside as well.)
After a lunch at the Hook Lighthouse cafe, where Jackson quite possibly ate the most of a ham sandwich that he's ever eaten, we traveled into the Wexford Town Centre. Now, what we discovered was the counties are huge here. We stayed in County Wexford. However, it took us a good 30-40 minutes to get to the town centre.
We traveled north a bit to the IRISH NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM. This was cool. Usually, anything with the word "history" in it, I know Cody will enjoy thouroughly, and I probably will, but THIS was neat! All three of us enjoyed it! It is an outdoor museum dedicated to explaining the entire history of Ireland...so good for tourists. It "houses" reconstructions of the types of houses, castles, towers, walls, palaces, etc. Here was a cool picture of the monastery example with the Celtic cross...one of those "symbols" of Ireland.
Then, it was 4:30pm...so off to the grocery store (we were staying in a self-catering cottage, so we had to feed ourselves). No pictures of that.
MONDAY: Today was the day I had been looking forward to...our trip to the WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY in Waterford, Ireland. This was my favorite part of our trip. We took a tour of the factory and saw all of the master craftsman at work molding, firing, glassblowing, cutting, boxing...ah, it made me appreciate this crystal (and its price!) so much more. Everything is done by hand...no machines!! I think we all enjoyed it, but probably me the most. We spent the entire morning there. We got our "Ireland souvenier" here...a crystal harp that is engraved with "The Blakes Ireland 2008." Something we will treasure forever. We received a personalized engraved vase as a wedding gift from here 7 years ago...we thought it only fitting to commemorate our anniversary trip with another personalized piece of crystal.
Here is the man engraving our harp:
We then spent the afternoon in two different towns, the first of which was called DUNMORE EAST. Here was where we saw the "typical Irish thatched roof cottages." There was an entire village of them!
Then, after Jackson awoke from his nap in the car (which, by the way, our son is so incredibly flexible. Only once did he actually nap in a bed! The other times...the stroller or carseat!), we headed over to another town, TRAMORE. This is a kid's paradise. When Jackson is asked where he had the most fun in Ireland, he will answer one of three things, the beach, the park, or the big truck. Tramore is a beach town...a long stretch of beach bordered by a "boardwalk" of amusement parks and arcades.
TUESDAY: Today we travelled to the west a bit, to the town of KILKENNY. Here, we toured the town centre and saw the outside of KILKENNY CASTLE, where there were beautifully manicured grounds and a neat little playground for Jackson to play on. He enjoyed slipping, swinging, and sliding in the rain! The water didn't seem to bother him, and he left the park soaking wet from head to toe!
On the way home, we stopped by to tour the DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP, which is a full scale replica of the emigration ship that was sailed from Ireland to America some years ago.
(For some reason, we have a lot of pictures of the ship with us in them...guess it made for a good backdrop?!?)
WEDNESDAY: God blessed us most of the week with only a little rain...today, it was raining. But that didn't stop us. Amazingly enough, God held the rain in the clouds for most of the time that we were out of the car. Today, we drove around the countryside and navigated our way (because the GPS had no idea where we were) to a wonderful windmill. It is called the TACUMSHANE WINDMILL.
We went about 20 minutes from our cottage to see KILMORE QUAY. Kilmore Quay is just, simply put, a lazy fishing village. But, it had so much character!! Thatched roof cottages tucked in between old bed and breakfasts and miles of water and boats. The owners of the cottage we were staying at recommended going into a pub there called JAMES KEHOE, so we went in to see it. Much to our surprise, they were prepared for children and even had a children's menu for lunch (which, we have found is a MUST for going to a restaurant...it's one of the criteria we must check before going in to eat!)! So, we had our "Irish Pub" experience then. (For those of you thinking it, no, we did not have lots and lots of drinks...in fact, I had water and Cody had one Guinness...I mean, one of us had to have a Guinness in an Irish Pub!! I had dessert in place of a Guinness!) This meal, by far, was the BEST MEAL while we were in Ireland. Fresh fish caught from just yards away...fabulous! Even Jackson enjoyed his fried fresh cod!! The rest of the day was spent reading and taking naps in our cottage, as it was pouring outside. This was a much needed afternoon of simply relaxing.
THURSDAY: This was the day we traveled to DUBLIN. We got up and were off on the road right at 8:30am. We had about a 2 hour drive. After purchasing tickets to the "Green Bus" as it was termed by Jackson, we were off to see as much of Dublin as we could in a day.
We hit four locations, the first being the CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL. What a beautiful cathedral. Cody and I agreed that this was one of the most beautiful ones we've seen...and having been to many in Europe several years ago, we actually did have quite a few to compare it with.
We then popped over to ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL. After seeing Christchurch Cathedral, we agreed that this one came in second. It was still a beautiful one to see, but quite different.
Jackson then woke up from a nice nap in his stroller, so we ate a quick lunch at a cafe and then buzzed over to DUBLIN CASTLE. In retrospect, this one could have been skipped. It was not the "original" castle and so the features were quite "new" compared to some of the original castles and interiors that we have seen here in Scotland. None the less, we took the opportunity to see it and snapped a few pictures. This one is of the ballroom, which is still used today for special events.
We did get to see some of the original rock walls that were underground. I cannot tell you any of the history that the guide talked about, as it was at this moment that Jackson decided to inform us vocally that he was not pleased with being "confined" in someone's arms. So, he and I left the venue early, never to hear probably the most fascinating part of the entire $12 tour. Cody didn't really hear it either...and probably no one else, as, like I said, Jackson was deciding to vocalize within the echoing confines of the original rock walls of the castle. And...I move on...
After Dublin Castle, we hopped aboard the green open top bus to hear some more of the verbal tour of Dublin and then hopped off at ... duh duh dun... the GUINNESS STOREHOUSE! Yes, the whole reason people go to Dublin...to see the Guinness Factory. It's a wopping $27 a pop to get in, but worth it. It was 5 floors of interesting info about the making of Guinness...really, it was interesting. It is essentially a museum ending on the top of the factory in what is known as one of the most amazing views of Ireland. The top is walled in glass...and is a bar...of course!! This is where there are TONS OF PEOPLE packed in "viewing the scenery" and drinking their pint of Guinness that is included in the tour. We thought it was funny that we had a stroller up there with a small child. Alas, he was not the only one up there...there were several children. Here are pictures from the storehouse.
We got back onto the green bus for the rest of the verbal tour of Dublin and ended back in the town centre, where we ate dinner before heading home at 7:30pm. Jackson did fabulous, overall, on this very long day of riding and touring Dublin. He's such a great little traveler...forced upon him, I suppose.
FRIDAY: Well, we had done just about everything we had set out to do, so we chose to go back to Waterford today, which I believe was our favorite location that we saw, and go into the WATERFORD TOWN CENTRE today. It was recommended in books that we take this walking tour of the town from a man called Jack Buschall (or something like that). So, we did. It was awesome!! This man was "authentically Irish!!" He had a thick Irish accent which made the tour that much greater! He crammed 1,000 years of history of Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, into one hour. On that tour, we saw all the major landmarks, including REGINALD'S TOWER, THE OLD GRANARY, CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL (yes, another one...the 3rd we've been to now, two in Ireland and one in New Zealand) and many other historical sites. We loved the tour and were so thrilled to have been able to see Christchurch Cathedral. This cathedral was just as amazing as the one in Dublin, but on a totally different scale. It was unlike ANY cathedral we'd ever seen. The inside of the cathedral, we were told and could see, was built like the outside of many cathedrals of it's time. It was designed more like a palace (marble pillars, moldings on the ceiling) than a cathedral of it's time.
At the end of our historical walk, we decided to go find a park for Jackson to run around in. So, to end our day, Jackson (well, and Mommy and Daddy) played at the park...the "most fun" Jackson had in Ireland. This time, we brought the camera.
Our day in Waterford ended with another trip back to Ballyhack and then Wexford via car ferry. As Jackson would say, "Put the red car on the boat."
SATURDAY: Well, sadly, our vacation in Ireland was over. We left our cute little country cottage this morning to drive back to Dublin, take a shuttle to the airport, an airplane to Edinburgh, Scotland, the bus to the train station, the train to our car and then our car back home. All three of us agreed that we had fun in Ireland.
Then, we started thinking...where to next??? We have some ideas...Spain, Paris, Prague...who knows. God is so wonderful to give us so many opportunities and choices...I am truly greatful that He created so many beautiful places to see and has given us the means to see them. To Him be the glory...wherever we are!
Monday, September 8, 2008
A "MAJOR" Milestone
You might think that I am writing this to tell you about a milestone that Jackson has achieved or some sort of "adjustment" to Scotland that has been attained for me...but no, I write this blog to honor my hard working husband.
We were gone to Ireland, but on September 1, 2008, my husband earned the rank of "Major." Now, in the military, they call it "pinning on" your rank, but I believe that "earn" is an appropriate word for it. For, after all, Cody has worked extremely hard for many years...and because of that, today, he went to work with Major rank on his uniform. I could go on and list all the achievements and work that he has done to get to this point in his career, but I do believe that he would agree that God has been the constant source of strength through all of it...and that is the most important thing to share. So, with God by his side, Cody will now be "Major Cody Blake" at work. I am so proud of him and continue to marvel at the fact that he would choose to sacrifice his life for our country at the drop of a hat. Congratulations, Cody!!
(Now, if I could just figure out how to sew those pesky squares of rank on his uniform quicker...)
We were gone to Ireland, but on September 1, 2008, my husband earned the rank of "Major." Now, in the military, they call it "pinning on" your rank, but I believe that "earn" is an appropriate word for it. For, after all, Cody has worked extremely hard for many years...and because of that, today, he went to work with Major rank on his uniform. I could go on and list all the achievements and work that he has done to get to this point in his career, but I do believe that he would agree that God has been the constant source of strength through all of it...and that is the most important thing to share. So, with God by his side, Cody will now be "Major Cody Blake" at work. I am so proud of him and continue to marvel at the fact that he would choose to sacrifice his life for our country at the drop of a hat. Congratulations, Cody!!
(Now, if I could just figure out how to sew those pesky squares of rank on his uniform quicker...)
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