What I will be eating on Thanksgiving

Here is a post for all of my dairy-free friends! Here is a recipe I will be contributing to my family's Thanksgiving dinner. I hope this helps you and your family enjoy the holiday more!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie (I am piecing together two recipes)

Gingersnap Crust:

2 T. butter (I am substituting Earth Balance Vegan Spread)
1 1/4 c. gingersnap cookie crumbs (about 30 cookies, Nabisco appears to be dairy free)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in microwave and mix with cookie crumbs and vanilla. Press into the bottom and sides of a 8-inch pie plate. Bake 10 minutes and cool.

Filling: (Calls for 9-inch deep dish pie crust, so I may have to make some changes to the crust or not use all of the filling)

1 c. pumpkin
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. allspice (or you can use pumpkin pie spice)

Combine and spread over bottom of pie crust.

2/3 c. light corn syrup
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 T. butter (or subsititute)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. pecan halves

Combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a bowl; stir in nuts. Spoon over pumpkin layer. Bake for 50 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Two Month Stats

Luke had his two-month check-up today. Here are his stats...

Height- 25 inches
Weight- 14 lbs., 13 oz.
Head-16 inches

Our doctor asked if he planned on being a linebacker. :) He is a very happy guy these days since Mommy gave up dairy. His hair is still very thick, and always stands up at the crown. If there are pictures that show it flat, it wouldn't be because Mommy has put gel in it. Never! He loves kicking his legs in his bouncer to get the rattles to make sounds. He hates it when his big sister puts her hair in his face. He loves to giggle and talk when he gets Mommy or Daddy alone. Precious times!

Legacy of Faith

Aunt Vic holding Baby Greer

Last week one of my favorite people met our Lord! The exclamation point is a reminder that it was a time of joy for her and that is exactly why she is one of my favorite people. To be correct, she is one of eight of my favorite people. She came as a package...let me explain.

My granddaddy was one of eight children, and they are ALL some of my favorite people!

My Aunt Vic went to heaven last week. She was the "mother hen" and oldest child. She was a hard worker (as they all were), but most visibly seen in the fact that she refused to retire until she was physically unable to work. She was wonderfully encouraging when Chad and I joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ, and even continued supporting the ministry when we pursued other directions with our careers. She loved God, read and studied His Word, and never spoke an unkind word about another person. As I think about all her wonderful qualities, the thing I find most surprising is how her memory "melts" into the siblings that she loved.

You see, each of them fit together. It is strange in our current society. How is it that they loved each other that much? That they were able to keep their brother's (Uncle Clyde) memory alive through 2 generations that never met him? How is it that they cared more for each other than they ever did for themselves? How is it that 8 children learn to walk with God and teach their children and their children's children? You may be surprised that there is an answer.

Today I was reading a book for a parenting Bible Study I attend, and found an answer. (By the way, the book is "Disciplines of a Godly Family" by Kent and Barbara Hughes.) They attribute "family affection" to three disciplines: loving God, loving each other, and communicating. I could spend a lot of time expounding, but I want you to buy the book and hear it from the Hughes'. Let me just paint the disciplines the way that I have seen them in my family.

Loving God...singing hymns with a room full of tone deaf people! (and trusting the Lord hears our heart), faithfulness to being a part of the body of Christ by attending church, reading God's Word and listening to godly teachers, praying for God to work in the lives of people you know and love. I have to admit that I have long-thought of my salvation as the fruit of prayers that were uttered by my family and specifically by my Great-Grandmother (mother of these 8). I only know what I have been told about her, and everyone has always told me how much she prayed. It is amazing to think of how she must have prayed for my granddaddy, then later my dad, and the children that he would one day have. Wow! What a legacy!

Loving each other...generosity, laughing together, caring for one another's health, feeding each other, knowing each other. My Great Uncle Clyde died in the Korean War. My dad was named after him, which in itself demonstrates love, but every time he is brought up in the midst of his siblings they say the same things...brilliant pianist, studying to be an architect (at Clemson), and a beam of pride comes over their faces. I could listen for hours as my family laughs and recalls all of the fun times they had growing up together. Such a picture of love!

Communicating...well, I will be convicted by this one for sure. I think that the reason that they know and love each other so much is that they shared undistracted time with each other. How often do I need to quiet my life to love the people around me! Ephesians 5:18-19 is true for their relationships, "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all of your heart." I can just imagine the camaraderie that was built around the kitchen and playing baseball in the yard together.

Lots of thoughts, very jumbled in my mind, but I hope you get the jest of my heart. I hope that one day years from now, the things that I have observed about my family will be true of the generations that come after me. I am so blessed to have seen such godly examples, and I hope that I can be an example to others as well. Thank you, God, for a beautiful, joyful legacy of faith to follow.

Where does the time go?

Here are some pictures from the last month...

Greer holding Luke about a month ago

Greer and Chad before going to the TCU game
While they were gone, Aunt Ashleigh and Baxter came for a visit.
(Baxter is on the left and Luke is on the right)
The boys had to share a pacifier and learn the art of waiting while their mommies shopped.
I love this picture because it looks like Luke is telling Baxter a secret. I hope that it is indicative of the friendship that they will have for many years to come!
Kate, Amelia, and Natalie came for a visit and we went to the Pumpkin Patch.

A picture of Luke from last weekend

Besides these things, over the last month...

• we went to the State Fair with Chad's parents (Greer loved the rides)


• Greer spent the night with Uncle Mark and Aunt April. They took her to see Elmo!


• We took a class at the Zoo about Farm Animals.


• Greer is loving preschool!


• Luke (and I) are dairy free, and enjoying life!


• Luke is on a schedule.


• I am learning a lot from a parenting Bible Study at church! I highly recommend "Disciplines of a Godly Family" by Kent and Barbara Hughes.


• Chad has been working hard and traveling A LOT. He has been to Oregon, Maryland, Virginia, NC, and Pennsylvania.
  

Thanks for being patient with our lack of communication over the past month. Time is precious these days, and I have been working hard to remain sane through our transition to a family of four. One day I trust that I will have a clearer mind and maybe a restful night of sleep (I think those may coincide with each other).

Something Fun (and Useful)

Yay! Today I have something to offer you. Chad and I use Crown Ministries' Mvelopes budgeting program and love it! I use it to pay bills and keep track of how quickly our money can disappear. I love the fact that it is online, and can be accessed from any computer when I travel. It is very easy to use, and has helped us live debt-free and meet our saving goals!

They recently offered longtime users the chance to buy a lifetime membership and some other perks. Here is a perk that I want to share- A Free 90-day membership! I will send the gift card to the first person who posts a comment asking for it. For those of you that are curious and miss the gift card, check out Crown's website where Mvelopes always has a shorter free trial offer.

Blessings and a Curse

Today was Luke's 1 month appt. Here are his stats...

Height: 23 inches
Weight: 10 lb., 10 oz.

He has been such a sweet blessing to our family, and I am really thankful for his health and growth so far!

The curse...he has officially been diagnosed with a milk protein allergy. I am thankful that this is two months earlier than Greer was diagnosed, but it is bittersweet for me. I am not looking forward to removing dairy from my diet. I had a pity party about two weeks ago when I felt this day was coming, so most of my thoughts today are cerebral. "How does someone with a milk intolerance (that has never been diagnosed) have two kids with a milk allergy?" "If I had more children, would they have it, too?" "How do I keep giving Greer dairy?" "I cannot eat out for another year of my life!"(a little emotion) More to come, but that's enough for tonight.

Preschool!

Greer has been in preschool for 3 weeks now, but I am finally posting pictures of her first day. Since then we have joined a two-day class, and both she and I are loving every minute. It is really a gift to let her have some time away from our home, and to get some time with Luke. Today Greer came home singing "Rise, Shine, Welcome to school today." She doesn't tell me much about school, but that was an encouraging reminder that she is happy!

Aunt April came to help me that week
A rare picture of Greer and Momma

Family of Four

Having two kids sure does cut your blog time out! We are surviving despite little sleep and all the adjustments of a 2-year-old and newborn in the same house. Greer loves Luke, but her behavior would indicate that the transistion is harder than she can communicate. She has been quite a handful the past few weeks! In the midst of it all, this is Chad's busy time at work + he has a new job. He is managing the pro-turf sales for half of the country, so more travel is required. :) If any of you feel the need to get out of town for a few days, please come and visit!

Here are some pictures Chad and I took last night of Luke's first bath. He is growing quickly! Last Thursday he was 3 weeks old.

Lucas "Luke" Charles Tidd

Our little Luke arrived on August 20, 2009 at 5:21 pm weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long. We are all doing well! You can see some pictures we have posted on our Shutterfly webpage, http://tiddfamily.shutterfly.com/ until we have a chance to add some here.

Expecting the Unexpected

Tomorrow marks my 39th week of pregnancy, and to say that I am ready for this little boy to arrive is a bit of an understatement. This week Chad and I have been preparing like mad...

-we both had haircuts

-we cleaned our house

-I made maps of the area around the hospital for our visitors

-I washed and IRONED all of our clothes

-we packed our hospital bags

-I wrapped a present from Greer to the baby and one for a friend that is coming up

-I picked up 12 meals and some sides from Super Suppers

-I dropped off the rocking chair cushions to be recovered

-Chad put together the baby swing

-Chad loaded my car with the baby car seat

At this point, like most pregnant women, I am uncomfortable, overwhelmed, tired, swollen, and very excited. Despite all of the negative physical symptoms, my spirit is overwhelmed with hope. I am filled with joy at the thought of learning his likes and dislikes, the intricacies of his personality, and the details of his physical body. To be completely honest, though, his birth coincides with his sister's refusal to nap, so I am feeling pretty drained.

Now to Chad...He has had the most challenging last few weeks of work! He has asked for one more week before the baby is born. (I will try my hardest, but I have no real control, sweet husband.) He also warned me that if the baby is born on his due date, he will be making a trip to Texas during the first week of September. Yikes!

I am sure that I am not this first woman to be completely overwhelmed at the thought of the expanded responsibilities of an additional child, but I am writing this post to remind my little boy (and myself) how absolutely wanted and loved he was before he was ever known by his earthly parents. God has a way of growing our faith and dependence during seasons of chaos. I am sure that one day we will all look back on this time and see that God was before us hemming us in, and He will be behind us bringing glory to Himself from everything, even our failures. I can't wait to join Chad in bestowing this little man with a special blessing at his birth with amongst other things a name that speaks to the many blessings God has given us through his life.

This post would be incomplete if I did not draw a parallel, if only in my own mind, of the birth of our Savior and how the "chaos" of the events have produced by far the biggest blessing I have ever known. God became man, and chose to make an appearance in the humblest of places, times, and amongst the lowliest of people- a foreshadowing of the humility Christ showed as he suffered a death He never deserved, so that I might know and depend on His heavenly Father. Nothing would bring me more joy than to see my little man embrace the same Christ and to find his purpose wrapped up in a love more vast and complete than what his parents could ever offer.

July Highlights

July has been a busy month for us! Here are some things we have done since my last post.

We enjoyed our first member night at the zoo! Greer loves elephants, so she was excited to see some there. She is captivated by animals, and we only wish it was cooler so that we could take her more often.

Looking at the fish at Riverbanks!Greer helped us set up her "big girl" bed, and has been doing great! This is a picture I took the morning after her first night. I wanted to reward her for staying in her bed until I came to get her.Kate, Amelia, and Natalie spent the day with us on my birthday. Amelia's birthday is July 26th, so I surprised the girls with cake and strawberries (topped with whip cream and a candle) to celebrate.

I was trying to get a nice posed picture of Greer and Amelia together, but this one was by far the cutest. I hope that they have this much joy their entire lives!

Greer with Miss Kate and Natalie. I would be putting it lightly to say that Greer loved Natalie! Guess she is going to enjoy having one in our house soon!
Chad had a conference for work in Wilmington last week, so we went early and enjoyed some of the family-friendly activities they offer. First, the Aquarium. Greer and Daddy petting the alligator statue at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
ps- we got in free with our Riverbanks membership!

Looking at the real alligators

Greer and I had our picture made with the huge frog on the way out! We highly recommend you make a trip to see all the fascinating marine life! They did an especially wonderful job capturing the diversity of the ecosystem found around the local beaches and marshes.

That night we enjoyed a great dinner on the Cape Fear River, a carriage tour of Wilmington, and delicious ice cream!

Greer, Chad, and I went to Wrightsville Beach on Sunday morning. The bright sun bled out much of the color in my pictures, but I wanted to share this fun one while I work on the rest.

Sunday night I got the call that my nephew, Baxter, had been born, so Greer and I went to spend the rest of the week with him and Chad finished up at the conference!

Welcome Little Baxter

For those of you on facebook, let me apologize for the confusion when I welcomed my nephew into the world last week. My sister, Ashleigh, had Paul Baxter Beeson, Jr. on July 26, 2009! They are calling him Baxter, and I must admit that he is a very loved little boy! He is quite a change for my side of the family. Previously, I think that I held the record as smallest baby and I was 8 1/2 pounds. He was 5 lbs. 9 oz., so we are not sure what to do with him. He loves to cuddle and is doing very well at eating. We expect him to fill in, so that he will be ready when his cousin (my baby, no name) is born. Here are a few pictures!

First night in the hospital's nursery

Some of our friends gave Ashleigh this wagon stuffed with baby things! Greer took advantage and had Uncle Paul pull her in it. With a 5lb. baby, he managed to entertain both kids.

Greer is smitten with Baby Baxter!

Precious baby feet are my favorite!

Aunt Ash's Shower

On our last trip to Mullins, we got to enjoy a baby shower in honor of my sister, Ashleigh, and her little boy. She is due 2 days after me, so we are looking forward to our boys having a special relationship. Greer still remains the family princess on both the Fowler and Tidd sides, and she has no intentions of giving up the reins yet.

Helping Aunt Ash open her presents

Snack time with Ashleigh's niece, Katherine

The two bellies and some precious girls to take the attention off of us

While we were in Mullins, my parents took Greer and I to the beach. Since Grammy and Granddaddy would kill me if I posted pictures of them, here are some of Greer.

Greer had a blast collecting shells and throwing them back into the ocean.

Summertime

Well, pregnancy does not help the frequency of my posts. (and I can't imagine how having the second out and about will help much either) I am in love with a summer with my sweet Greer bug and her sweet Daddy. Without doubt I am surrounded by the three loves of my life. Here are some summer pictures that I will treasure in my memories forever.

p.s. I will let you imagine all the ways the third love of my life is affecting my days and nights. Let's just say- I can't wait to meet baby boy Tidd.

Our beautiful backyard- thanks to my talented husband.

Greer enjoys running through the sprinkler. She refers to it as "go-go."

Including Daddy in the fun. I am thankful that he is a good sport because Momma is not able to do much running at this point.

The result of finishing our evening with a little ice cream.

This Week

Greer and I have been alone a lot this week (and of June). A couple of weeks ago, I decided to sign us up for Mommy and Me swimming lessons. Of course, it has been a nice treat just to get out of the house and in the water, but Greer has really had fun as well.

The lessons are mostly about becoming familiar with being in the water. She has been very vocal with a resounding "no" when it is time to go underwater. She loves all the songs we sing, and becomes a ham when we sing "If you're happy and you know it."

It is hard to take pictures since I am in the water the whole time. I admit to not being very motivated to take them as well. I love being in the pool, but feel like a beached whale these days! :)

Pictures from Amy

I realized that I haven't posted any of the pictures Amy (www.amyfree.com) took back in May. Here are some. I will promise to post more later.

Our "Greer Bug"

Bubbles have been one of our favorite treats this spring and summer.

My favorite of the whole bunch!

Greer's Birthday

Greer is 2! Can you believe it?

Breakfast- She's already in her Clemson cheerleading uniform. Thanks Aunt Ash and Uncle P!

Opening a present from Marmie, Poppie, and Gram
She gets so excited about opening cards. They get a bigger reaction than the presents!

Greer pushing her new baby in her new stroller.
After her nap, she got to see her new baby "station"-compete with high chair, bed, and bath- from the Tidds and Gram. Chad deserves a BIG hug for putting it together!

Having way too much fun at Monkey Joe's.

She finally got the hang of going down the slide.

Dinner with the Cochrans was a fun way to end the evening. Here is the kids table with Ben, Anna, Meghan, and Greer.

Greer's birthday cupcake

Greer was a HUGE fan of the icing.