FLASHBACK: Swallowfork

Last year during the Thanksgiving break we took an overnight trip to Lake Tiak O' Khata. We enjoyed staying in a cabin, walking a nature trail and making a nature collage, and just plain being together. Well, this year we embarked on the same adventure but with a different location. And, I must say we had the most fabulous time!

We found ourselves at a cabin named Swallowfork.

The view from where we parked


View looking up at the cabin from the lake


View from the porch overlooking the fire pit and lake


The cabin was outfitted with all the necessities plus bunkbeds!



We sure enjoyed our time together!


Lots of fun was had by getting to swing from a gigantic oak tree,



and fish with worms! (of whom Ann Elise was serious about trying to save!)


Kris and Wes were the brave ones and took a little row in the boat :)


We are quite sure this little fishy told all the others we were out to get them for he was the only fish we caught the whole getaway!


Bankston Hays was not too interested in the concept of fishing. Which was fine with me because it was a tad stressful making sure he did not fall in! He found many other ways to entertain himself. By the looks of this picture I think he succeeded in a might cute way!


I am all about making traditions with our family. I sure hope this one sticks around!

FLASHBACK: Ann Elise's Preschool Thanksigving Program

Doesn't she make the cutest lil' Indian!?!


Before dismissing for the Thanksgiving Holidays, Ann Elise's preschool had a program for family and friends. The students were asked to dress up as an Indian or a Pilgrim. They performed several songs along with hand motions. They did such a good job!!!



After the performance we went to the Fellowship Hall where the students enjoyed a feast and the parents got to see all the great crafts they had made in celebration of our country's founding.







I am very proud of our sweet doll. and the progress she has made this year. I know God has some awesome plans in store for her tender heart!

Elf

Last year Kris and I watched the movie, "Elf" for the first time. And we laughed. And laughed. And laughed. As we looked at our Netflix queue for the holidays, we knew we had to add it! I am so glad we did. We might have enjoyed it even more this year!

Do you have any favorite, must see Christmas movies?

My friend, Margie, answered this Christmas Questionnaire on her blog a few weeks ago. I loved reading her answers! And since I posted about our Christmas decorations and traditions last year, I thought this would be a fun way to document this year's season!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate! A few years ago Kris was introduced to the Black & Brown (a coffee with hot chocolate drink) while in the Northwest on a mission trip. I must say that is a yummy way to down some hot chocolate!!!
2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree? Close to the tree and unwrapped, every child had/has their own "spot".
3. Colored or white lights on the tree/house? White lights for the tree and house. However, our kids' tree is decorated with colored lights.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope. One of the many blessings of being married - we have no need for mistletoe :)
5. When do you put up your decorations? Honestly, I have to start the week of Thanksgiving. We always host the BSU Christmas Party at our house the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and to get it all done I need to start early!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Every year my mom hosts a Christmas Eve get-together after our church's candlelight service. The menu in and of itself is a tradition. And, every year I think I crave something different! Her cheese straws might be topping the list this year :)
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Attending the candlelight service at our church. My favorite part is singing "Silent Night, Holy Night" by candlelight and raising our candles at certain points during the song!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? It was not a specific moment. I never wanted to "really know". It was just a gradual process. I don't think I have ever said it out loud! HA!
9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve? Only one - the matching Christmas pajamas!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? The main tree is decorated in reds, golds, and greens. We use the shiny, glass, figurine ornaments and each one has a meaning. My favorites are a bride & groom, a manger scene, and one look alike of each of our children.
11. Snow! Love or Dread it? Love it! We don't get it enough to dread it :)
12. Can you ice skate? I have ice skated a few times. I love the idea of it but doubt it is something I could do comfortably.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? The diamond cross necklace I received in seventh grade.
14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? The celebration of Jesus' birth and reflecting on all the blessings we have been given.
15. Favorite holiday dessert? My answer could really be the same as number 6 with this year's being Oreo Truffles.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? All our family together on Christmas morning. Savoring the moments of another year gone by while enjoying all Santa brought, drinking hot chocolate while opening presents, and cooking brunch in our pajamas!
17. What tops your tree? a star
18. Which do you prefer- giving or receiving? giving
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? "Let It Snow" - and I am definitely loving Michael Buble's version this year!
20. Candy Canes? not really

Twinkelberry has arrived!

Our Elf on the Shelf, Twinkleberry, has made his debut for 2009. He never ceases to amaze us with how he chooses to announce his arrival. This year he used my lipstick and wrote a message on the kids' bathroom mirror with this little revealing poem:

"Look around the house and you will find
A great surprise of the Twinkleberry kind!
Wes, Ann Elise, and Bankston Hays be sure to be kind
For I'll be telling Santa if you mind!"



The kids were extra excited over Twinkleberry's naughtiness and eagerly sought to find him!


I can only imagine the places he will choose to perch this year!

Loaded Potato Soup

You never know what kind of weather we are going to get around here. Over the last week we have seen big, beautiful snow flakes leave us with a couple of inches of snow, rain and more rain make the days long and dreary, the sun with its warmth tease us with 65 degree temps, and now we are looking at a projected high of 47 degrees!


The night it snowed we let the kids stay up and see the big flakes. Here they are enjoying them (none other than in their pj's).


Since we hardly ever receive snow, we have to make the most of it! When we wake up to this beauty it brings a smile to our soul :)


When we are fortunate enough to have a true winter day. I love to warm it up with pot of soup. One of my most favorite is Loaded Potato Soup!


Loaded Potato Soup

Dump the following ingredients in a crock pot and let simmer for 30 minutes:
1 bag frozen Hashbrowns (cubed or shredded)
1 can Chicken Broth
1 can Water
chopped Onion

Mix the following ingredients into the above mixture and let simmer on low all day:
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Milk
**I am not a big fan of celery, so I have substituted with another can of Cream of Chicken Soup

One hour before serving add the following ingredient and let melt:
1 block Velveeta

Optional toppings include:
Sour Cream
Bacon Bits
Chives
Shredded Cheese
Green Onions

(Photo above taken from allrecipes.com)

Extreme Home Makeover

Out of all the TV shows our children are exposed to, wouldn't you know that two of their most favorites are America's Funniest Videos and Extreme Home Makeover?!? When Sundays roll around they remind us regularly that they want to be sure and watch them! Some of the best belly laughs are heard throughout our house during that first hour and some amazing realizations of blessedness are made during the second hour.

This week the blessings are being shared close to home...Extreme Home Makeover is in our town!!!!


The family of five was surprised last Thursday morning with Ty's usual megaphone announcement, "Good Morning Heathcock Family" ! And the frenzy began. A few weeks ago Kris was drafted by a friend to enlist college students for there help. They were needing assistance in the wee morning hours and who better to fill those slots than a few college students? HA! We have made it a point to drive by the site a few times to see all the excitement. The several block area is flooded with lights, tents, heavy equipment, and security. They know what they are doing. It takes a well oiled machine to run efficiently enough to build an entire house in one week!

It was brought to our attention that they have a spectator area just for people like us. So, Sunday afternoon we loaded up the five dubs, caught the shuttle trolley, and made our way to catch our own glimpse of the kids' favorite show in action. As we were driving up the kids were giddy with excitement over seeing Ty Pennington! Even Bankston Hays was saying, "See Ty! See Ty! See Ty!"


We had to wait a few minutes before entering because they were filming Ty about 25 yards from where we were. (So, I guess we can officially say we saw Ty!) It was amazing to witness so many blue shirted individuals working together to make life better for five people they do not even know!




The "MOVE THAT BUS!" moment happens tomorrow afternoon and I cannot imagine the excitement by the crews, volunteers, and spectators, nor can I imagine the gratitude and joy flooding the Heathcocks as this once in a lifetime experience comes to a close!

Lil' Monkey

You'd never know we just stuffed ourselves with Thanksgiving dinner and days of leftovers...at least not by the look of our lil' monkey climbing the pantry shelves. He is trying his best to see in the snack bucket!

FLASHBACK: Fall Break Fun

Earlier this Fall both Ann Elise and Wes were out of school for Fall Break. YIPPEE!! Not only did we have a weekend, but two whole days to plan some fun! As the Break was coming to an end, we needed an outlet. We had never visited our state's Children's Museum, and with it being such an easy drive, we hit the road. After enjoying a quick lunch, we arrived and joined in on the fun!

Bankston Hays can spend HOURS at a train table!


They were able to pretend they were delivery truck drivers...loading, unloading, and steering the crane


Big smiles


At the front of the museum they have the coolest climbing-thing-a-ma-jig!



Pretending to be pilots


Practicing our brushing skills


Trying our turn at being a weatherman


Hosting our own cooking show


Experimenting with which ball will go faster - the straight shot or the hills?


Practicing lifting with a lever and pulley


Learning what life would be like with a mobility disability



Pretend shopping and working at a Grocery Store


and a Hotel Check-In Desk


playing in the treehouse to wrap up a super day!

10 Things About Me

Last week I was tagged by Lindsey to write 10 things about me you may not know. Those of you who know me know how much I enjoy getting to know people...there is always a question in my head and I am always sincerely interested in the answer! So, in honor of this being something I would love to read I thought this sounded exactly like something I could do!


Here are the rules:

1. Say thanks and give a link to the one who gave you the award.
2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.
3. Present this award to 3 other fantastically brilliant blogs of content or design, or peeps that have encouraged you.
4. Tell those 3 people they've been awarded and make sure they're informed of these guidelines.


1. I went to a Metallica concert in 9th grade. I am probably one of the last people you would suspect of this adventure - except Kris! And guess what? He was there, too! We did not know each other at the time (we grew up in different towns). But, the story gets even better when you hear that Kris broke his glasses while head banging. Yes, my husband, Kris!

2. I love my major (Recreational Therapy) but never worked a day in it. My internship was in a Transitional Care Unit. I worked mostly with stroke patients, hip and knee replacement patients, and a few neck injury patients. I enjoyed that time greatly! As I mentioned above, I really like getting to know people. And in this case I was able to do that and make their life more rewarding.

3. I love traveling out of the country!!! I have been fortunate to spend time overseas in 5 different countries. A lot of these opportunities have been missions related. To list a few of my favorite experiences: serving food to impoverished children in Guatemala, taking a "bath" while standing in a bucket and using a pot to pour the water to rinse with while in the Philippines, touring the famous Iguassu Falls in Brazil with one of my best college friends, and walking through many Buddhist temples in the thickest humidity imaginable while serving in Taiwan.

4. I had prayed for years that if God's will was for me to marry, I wanted to know. Meaning, beyond a shadow of a doubt, "this is the person I created for you" kind of clarity. He answered my prayer the summer of '95. The very first time I saw Kris I knew that he was the one for me. I did not know his name. I did not know his heart. But, I did know from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet to the deepest corner of my soul that God was showing me His plan. Over the months that followed, we met and became friends. However, He was also telling me "not yet". I waited three years for His timing. The longest wait of my life...but by far the most worth it!!!

5. I love, love, love, giving birth!! I would do it over and over and over. The idea of creating a life in your womb and carrying that child is the most precious and honorable feeling. The experience of childbirth, though not necessarily enjoyable, is worth every second! Those first few moments with a newborn - hearing them catch their breath, their first cry, looking into their eyes for the first time, breathing in their newborn scent, meeting their every need - LOVE it!!

6. I learned I was highly allergic to cats while a 10th grader. I will never forget it. We were at a guy's house for a Student Council Christmas Party. I was not there long before my eyes were itching uncontrollably. Then my throat became itchy and my nose stopped up. The more I sat there I began to wheeze and could not get comfortable. My friends began to talk about how red my eyes were. I felt like the walls were closing in on me so I went and stood on the front porch in the cold. Just getting outside helped relieve me. My first few years of college I lived with a girl who had cats at home. When she would return from the weekend, I would have an "attack" just from her having been home. CRAZY!

7. My mom, myself, and my daughter all share the name "Ann". My mom's given name was Paula Ann, my given name was Presley Ann, and my daughter's name is Ann Elise. I love the idea of passing down family names! Even our boys share some family history - Wes' middle name, Robert, is from men on both sides of our family, and Bankston Hays gets both his names from his fraternal great-great-grandmothers' maiden names.

8. I can go days without leaving our house. I am perfectly content to stay home, get my house in order and cleaned, do a few projects, read/play with the kids, cook meals, etc. Having a list of errands to run and places to be can get me "out of whack" and stress me a little. If I have had two days or more of that in my week - I am ready to be home!! (Typing this makes me feel like I have a split personality because I do love people and love to travel. Am I crazy?)

9. The only bone I have ever broken was my arm in 2nd grade while roller skating. The funny thing? I was roller skating in my front yard! I "rolled" over a magnolia tree's root, tripped, and caught myself with my left arm. My parents thought I had just sprained my wrist so I went days doctoring it at home. Once we realized the pain was not improving, we went to the Dr. to find out it was fractured. I was pretty excited to wear a cast for a few weeks!

10. My first car was a silver, 1984 Honda Accord with PRSLEY on the license plate. I loved that car. It even had a moon roof - of course, it started leaking not long after I got it and we had to keep it "rigged" so water would not come in! I then promoted a little and got a white Mitsubishi Mirage (cannot remember the year) to take to college. Two or three months before we got married we let my mom have that car back and Kris and I shared a vehicle for almost a year. We shared Kris' mint green, 1992 Honda Civic (my sister always called it the "Thin Mint"). We worked very hard at saving so we could buy a second car. For the most part that was fine - until the car we shared needed some work! We borrowed my father-in-law's work truck until our car was ready. This story is funny because the truck had been a former garbage truck. It had green and silver striped reflective tape on the back, the words "Please Recycle" on it, and no air conditioning! I would drive to the BSU, bouncing along in the garbage truck with the windows down, drop Kris off, and head to my workplace a little sweaty and with windblown hair. I was NOT laughing a the time, but it is pretty funny now!


Thank you, Lindsey, for the opportunity to share some of my finer qualities and moments. I hope you enjoyed getting to know me better!

I would like to get to know Kelly at Keeping Up with Kelly, Margie at Marge in Charge, and Anna at The Newlyweds better. So, consider yourself tagged!