Friday, August 31, 2012

Our Maine Guest and More

This afternoon we had Eli over.  He’s from Maine going to Bible College here at the school affiliated with our church.  We got to know him more and hear more of his testimony.  While he’s experiencing culture chock (haha, Rye), he’s loving Bible College and what God has done in his life over the last few months.

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Henry and I tried an experiment last night.  I am sure it’s done by many in the past… so nothing too original.

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We made some banana, coconut milk ice cream.  Without an ice cream machine.  I hope to be getting one soon.  It’s on my list.  I think Henry and I ate half of the mix before I even finished.  It was delicious!!! 

You must use full fat coconut milk from a can.  The carton milk is too watery.

I cooked the sliced bananas on the stove top with coconut oil and coconut crystals to get the ultimate banana flavor. 

I added some egg yokes to the coconut milk on the stove top (I don’t think it’s necessary to heat the coconut milk but wanted to kill anything in the eggs we might not want to eat).  You also don’t have to use egg yolks; it just adds additional nutrients and creaminess.

I also used some Truvia for the first time.  I am not sure I even needed it.

The mixture was SO delicious, I think we could have polished it off before even making actual ice cream. 

When making ice cream without an ice cream maker, you have to cool the mixture off and then place it in the freezer in a pan.  You’re supposed to keep pulling the pan out and scraping the edges where it freezes first and stirring it.  I did that for about an hour every 15 minutes.  Then I fell asleep after watching Mitt Romney’s acceptance speech.  So, needless to say, my ice cream was a little solid and not so airy in the morning.   (I had put it in a plastic covered container in case I fell asleep).

I improvised.  Microwaved it and stirred it.  It was pretty ice cream like.  It tasted delightful.  Even Dave raved about it.  Then asked me when I was getting the ice cream machine.

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Henry was very excited about our creation and very excited to eat it!  It’s the first thing he asked for when he woke up.  But he had to wait Winking smile.

My littlest nugget scared me half to death just before we ate dinner with Eli.  He pooped a very green mucousy poop.  I tried to call the doctor but, of course, they are off for the Holiday weekend.  I then immediately called my mom who assured me it was fine and was able to locate info on why it happens.  We think it’s because he’s teething.  

We might have a surprise announcement tomorrowWinking smile.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Hope For America’s Leadership

Loved what I heard of Paul Ryan’s address tonight.  Loved.

My Boys

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Cylburn Arboretum

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Today we took a family trip to an oasis in the city of Baltimore – the Cylburn Arboretum.  It’s grounds and mansion were part of Jesse Tyson’s summer dwelling.  He was a successful businessman.

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The stones on the mansion were mined in the Tyson quarries.

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The grounds are a horticulturist’s heaven on earth.  I guess I never knew Gingko Biloba was a tree!

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There are paved walkways, garden paths and trails in the woods.  I am sure this place is even more amazing in the spring and fall.

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I loathe getting my photo taken.

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The inside of the mansion is only a few rooms on the lower level with nothing in them. 

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Mr Tyson built the mansion for him and his mother.

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The carriage house.

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The hiking trails are short and overgrown. 

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The garden art is very cool.

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Not sure what this is.

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Bees. 

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We all loved the park and can’t wait to go back in the fall. 

And we scored some gluten free donuts for Henry on the way home.  Dave found an new shop that sells gluten free items close by.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Hudson 10 Weeks Old & Video Chat

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His Cuteness is 10 Weeks Old Today!  Can’t believe it but he seems so much older!

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Would you find this video chat session a little sketchy? 

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Just the top of a head peering at you through the computer?

Actually, it was quite funny and quite fun to chat with Rye and Tim as they got ready to fall asleep for the night in Budapest, Hungary.  Myriah made it through her first day of first grade and Tim made it through his first day of high school.  I am so proud of them! 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Couldn’t Resist

From Chicks on the Right

Me-Maw’s 70th & Holly’s Getting Married!

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Love this smile!

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Me-Maw’s 70 today!  Still as beautiful as ever.

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Henry wanted to eat her chocolates.

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Me-Maw and her two youngest grandchildren.

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My friend Holly is getting married next month. 

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Her best friend Tracey threw a shower for her tonight.  Tracey actually went to high school with Vinny and me!  Small world.  They are two of my favorite people – Holly and Tracey.

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Holly was TRULY surprised.  Tracey texted her that she was having an emergency.  Holly showed up from weeding her garden in a mad rush.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Umstead Gathering & Dundalk Church

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Matching outfits from cousin Annie.

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Just before our photo shoot we were running around like crazy getting ready for church this morning and Hudson was screaming his head off.  Thankful he calmed down for some pictures!

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I love this picture.

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Robin, the pastor’s wife, getting ready for church in Dundalk this morning.  The church meets in a high school cafeteria. 

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Pastor Jeff, the pastor of the Dundalk church, and David talking before church.

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Henry and one of his best friends – the younger daughter of Pastor Jeff and Robin.

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Calming down before church.

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Henry, Alan and the dogs hanging out by the river at Grandpa Butch and Grandma Linda’s house this afternoon.

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The Umstead family getting ready for crabs. 

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Henry got one of his gluten free cupcakes Winking smile.

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At the end of the feast.  For Kelly and Tom Smile.  Desi braved the elements for all of us to gather all of these crabs along with Glen, Grandma Linda and Grandpa Butch.

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Desi wants Tom and Kelly to know how fully she is from all the crabs.  Alan (at the end) claims he only ate five but he was eating for hours.  Maybe he was picking them for Asia and Bailey (the dogs) Winking smile.

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Everyone’s full and there are still crabs left.

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I meant to take a photo of Grandpa Butch but focused in on Glen eating. 

This gathering was our annual Umstead crab feast (though we have already had a few this year) in lieu of our normal Labor Day Picnic because Grandma Linda is having surgery.  Please keep both of them in your prayers.