Georgia Sunrise

This weekend started with a georgous sunrise at Clarks Hill Lake. The weather was pleasant and the calm flat waters from my favorite fishing hole mirrored the sky. I cracked the reflective water with a nice cast and began spinner surfing...it was me versus fish...and a mug of Starbucks coffee. Even though I'm on a two week drought, how can anyone be upset with this picture.....and just like that, I was rudely interrupted by this:

my 10# line jerked and I threw a mad-hook back, forcing him to get some hang time. Fish on! Don't break my line! Keep the hook! Stay on man...STAY ON! My heart was pumping as I dragged this 19" water-breather ashore! I've been surfing for seven minutes...its only 0617am and time to drink more jo. That's how my morning began.

St. Teresa

Finding a Catholic church in the south is rather....limited. But do not fear, for we have found our new place of worship. We attend St. Teresa of Avila. I believe God has called us to this Parish long before we even moved here. Here is my story...

When my house was on the market a good friend of mine asked if I had buried a statue of St. Joseph in my yard. Ummm...no, why? She told me that burying St. Joseph in your yard is supposed to attract a buyer. She tells me she bought one for me and will be right over. That evening Leo, the kids, and I dug a hole and buried St. Joseph. We each take a turn covering the hole with dirt while saying a prayer. I read this tradition is traced back to St. Teresa of Avila who prayed that St. Joseph would intercede on her behalf because the convent was in need of land to build a newer convent. She then asked the other nuns to bury St. Joseph medallions and pray for his intercessions. Why St. Joseph? Because he understands the desire to find housing and the need for moving (remember how he was turned away from so many places when looking for a place for him and Mary and also when they fled to Egypt)? So, we had FAITH and prayed...a week later we had an offer on our house.

Once the house sells, one is expected to dig up St. Joseph and place him in your new home in a place of honor. We did just that. I placed St. Joseph in our kitchen on a built in shelf since the kitchen and the eat in breakfast area is where we spend most of our time. Thank you Karen for giving us St. Joseph.

These last two weeks, the kids have spent most of their day going to church to attend a summer Faith Formation program. They have learned a lot and met new friends. Carina learned the virtue of humility. When Natalie told us that her class performed the best para-liturgy of all the classes, Carina informed Natalie she wasn't being very humble. Natalie learned The Apostle's Creed and The Glory Be. She only had two days to learn The Apostle's Creed. She practiced very hard on this prayer and prayed that God would give her the ability to learn it in a timely manner. She succeeded! Nathan learned that disobeying his parents is a sin. I am very proud of my children. I pray they will continue to grow in their faith and love the Lord forever.

Our First trip to Clarks Hill Lake

Today was our first time at Clarks Hill Lake and we took full advantage of the nice weather. The two younger kids decided to swim while Carina spent time with mom and dad.

I spent the first hour shore fishing looking for the perfect hole .....watching the current, shore covering, the sun and shading, etc.....but could not find any prized fish.

Then Carina and I decided to try another tactic, add more weight and cast a bit further to the deeper water.
Here's the result of the first cast: That's 14 bass in the last two weeks.

Bam!.....Carina reeled in a bigger prized fish!!

Nat & Nathan enjoyed the crowdless beach scene plaing games, swimming, and soaking in the sun.

Staying cool....

The kids showing off...

TIMBER...

Floating on a basketball...only Nat would think of something like that.

Handstand

On Monday, the kids will begin a two week Faith Formation Class (aka religious ed/CCD). This is a pilot program at our church. The kids will attend class for 4 1/2 hours each day to fullfill their religious ed requirement for the school year. It seems like it will be fun, educational, and very spiritual. I am also able to volunteer during their recess period. Looking forward to it and excited that the kids will be able to meet some more children.

Southern Comfort

Natalie wanted to see if she could really catch a fish with a plain ole stick and fishing line...YES!

Nat's first large mouth bass.

Leo's 9th large mouth bass in 2 weeks!

What's been goin' on....

It has been a long time since I last blogged! Things got really crazy when Leo returned from his trip. Leo accepted a job transfer to Georgia and we were quickly consumed with the moving process. We are now living the southern lifestyle and enjoying every minute. However, we do miss our great friends in Maryland...our home is always open to you all.

All the boxes are unpacked and everything is put away...now if I could only find things. The kids begin school Aug 10 so we are just trying to enjoy what is left of our "summer vacation". There is a community pond in our subdivision so we spend a lot of evenings fishing. Yes, I have the pics to prove Leo's fishin' stories.

The kids have adjusted well to the move. They have met a lot of friends so far; although they each have not met a friend the same age/sex. Soccer registration is in a few weeks and they have all decided they want to play despite the hot weather. I think it will be good for them and give them another opportunity to meet more people. Coda seems a little sad these days. I think he misses his playmates...Scout and Trixie. Leo and I have even thought it may be time to get another dog. Maybe not...

The kids racing around the circle

Nathan too...he was inspired to learn how to ride so he could join in the fun.

A fun way to stay cool...WATERGUNS!

Camping? Naw, it is our backyard. Also home to deer, geckos, foxes, and many more of God's beautiful creatures.

Waiting for fireworks to begin...

Told you, I have the pics to prove his stories.

A street view of our house.

Are you reading to go fishin'? YES!

Leo's home!!!

Since we had to pick Leo up at the Dulles Airport, the kids and I took a side trip to the Air and Space Museum near Dulles.

Nathan said he wants to fly this one day!

Natalie in front of a replica of the Wright Brothers Aircraft.

Why can't they be like this everyday?

This aircraft kept going and going and going...it was long!

This is a quarantine facility for astronauts when they returned from the moon.

We are all sick...good thing the quarantine facility is nearby.

Who knew there were so many different types of space suits!

We found a hidden 'Mickey'. All those Disney lovers know what I mean.

The 'Enterprise' main engine.

We went up 7 stories to look out from the observation tower!

Air traffic controller room model.

Hold me tight mom....poor Nathan, he was not too happy about being up so high.

Awwww...sisterly love AGAIN! Keep it coming girls.

Looking down from the observation tower.

We had to leave Coda home, but here is his chillin' on his new bed.