I am a northern girl, I know more about evergreens than I do palm trees, so I was in uncharted waters when DaddyO told me a palm tree was in his landscape design and I was in charge of finding it and having it delivered. Boy did learn a lot!

My mom and I headed down to Palm Source, our local palm tree nursery and were educated on the finer points of owning a "palmae."

A Sabal Palm was the type DaddyO wanted, a slower grower and Florida's state tree. They were sold at set price so we had our choice of height.


The delivery fee was included in the price and they scheduled the delivery for two days later.

We were excited to see how the tree would be delivered an planted. It turned out to be quite the front porch entertainment...



For a Northern girl I think I did well!

It sometimes takes family coming to visit for us to get out and enjoy all that our town has to offer. One of the "it's very close but we hardly ever go there" places is Palafox Pier.




We returned to the pier a couple days later and showed EJ how to feed the pelicans. She was not quite sure what to think of the smelly fish and big birds but she had fun watching the pelicans catch the fish.

New Orleans is just a short three hour drive from Pensacola; a perfect excursion when family or friends come to visit.

My mom, EJ and I left at 9 a.m. for an afternoon in The Big Easy. We found free parking on Decatur Street just a block away from "the only way to start our visit" coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.

Located in an outdoor cafe along the Mississippi River, I can not think of a better place to soak in the sounds and sights of New Orleans.

From there we walked into the French Quarter, saw some landmarks and listened to street musicians.

DaddyO and I went back and forth about whether or not we should have a party for EJ when she turned one. There were many reasons why we shouldn't, but there were even more reasons why we should. The biggest reason was to celebrate one year of good health for EJ and to thank our friends and family for all their support.

We celebrated with some of our "Warlord" and "Shooter" friends along with Grandma from PA. We enjoyed creating the games and planning for the big day. EJ will probably only remember the memories the pictures create but she will always see all the people who loved her.

Here are some of the highlights...

EJ loves dolls. She cuddles, hugs, and kisses them whenever they are in her arms. This is my first attempt at making her a doll. These instructions were easy to understand and included a template. The fabric for the body is from A&E Pharmacy (my favorite crafting store in Pensacola) and I plan on using the same fabric to make EJ a dress.

She received this doll for Christmas, and, although it does not get as much attention as her bigger bubbas, she likes to carry it with her in the car and teethe on the hands and feet.

Times ten. I have reached that point where each candle represents quite a few more. Twenty nine was a big year and I look forward to seeing what thirty brings.

DaddyO surprised EJ and I with a slice of tiramisu and key lime pie from the Fish House. He sang Happy Birthday and we blew out our candles. Well, EJ at least tried to blow out her candle. We are still working on that:)

Thank you to my wonderful family and friends for the calls, cards and messages. They made me feel so loved and made turning thirty all the sweeter. You mean the world to me!

You are one year old today. Oh what a wonderful year it has been!

We celebrated your big day with a trip to J's Pastry Shop to pick up a birthday cookie. You enjoyed a Filbert along with some pretend sips of DaddyO's coffee.

We then took you to Bayview park to play on the swings and slide.

It was an unusually cold day, very similar to the one when you were born. Thanks to the cold DaddyO was home to celebrate with you. We had fun reminiscing about that day a year ago. So much has changed since then...

Mobility: a couple steps
Sleep Habits: 7:30 p.m to 7 a.m. in bed with us, morning and afternoon nap
Favorite Instrument: recorder
Favorite Food: sweet potato fries and blueberries
Favorite Activity: sliding down slides
Favorite Book: peekaboo friends
Favorite Word: da (dad)
Favorite Toy: fisher price airplane
Favorite Song: open them, shut them
# of Flights: 12
# of Cross Country Road Trips: 3

2 cups bulgur (presoaked for 1 hour)
3 cups parsley, finely minced
1/4 cup mint, finely chopped
3 green onions, finely sliced
1/4 tsp. black pepper, ground
1/4 tsp. cumin seed, ground
1/2 tsp. salt
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
3 tbsp. lemon juice
1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
1 head romaine lettuce, washed with leaves separated
3 tbsp. olive oil

Directions:
To presoak bulgur, place 2 cups bulgur in a bowl. Pour 2 cups water over bulgur and let stand 1 hour.

In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, gently mix together all ingredients, except the lemon juice, oil, cucumber slices and romaine leaves. Add the lemon juice, toss and chill for 1 hour to blend the flavors. Before serving, toss again with olive oil. Serve in a mound with romaine lettuce leaves arranged like the spokes of a wheel. Scatter cucumber slices over romaine leaves. Serves six.

I always enjoy a rainy afternoon curled up with a book. They do not happen that much now that I am running after EJ but rainy days have taken on a whole new meaning since I have been home with her. Rain means canceled flights for DaddyO and the chance he will be home early.

So now when I hear that there is a chance of rain in the forecast my ears perk up and I start thinking of all the ways we can enjoy a morning or afternoon together. Today EJ got some extra special play and reading time with him. Rain, rain, come our way!

Time with God was not something I had much of in 2010. There was always something competing for my time and attention. This year I have resolved to set a moment aside to reconnect with God.

Luther's words in today's devotion spoke directly to me and why I have been choosing the competition over a quiet time. Belief about God is different than belief in God.

Pour yourself a cup of tea and see how God speaks to you through the January 3 reading of Faith Alone:


There are two ways to believe. The first way is to believe about God, meaning that we believe what is taught about God is really true. It's similar to believe that what is taught about the devil or hell is true. This type of belief is more a statement of knowledge than an expression of faith.

The second way is to believe in God. This not only includes believing what is taught about God is true but also includes trusting him and daring to be in relationship with him. It means believing without any doubt that he really is who he says he is, and he will do all he says he will do. I wouldn't believe any person to this same degree, no matter how highly others might praise him. It's easy to believe that someone is godly, but it's another matter to completely rely on him.

A person who believes in God believes everything written about God in Scripture. He dares to believe this in life and in death. This faith makes a person a true Christian and give him everything he desires from God. A person with an evil, hypocritical heard can't have this type of faith, for it's a living faith, as described in the first commandment: "I am the Lord your God...Never have any other God" (Exodus 20:2-3).

Therefore, the little word in is well placed and should be carefully notes. We don't say I believe God the Father, or I believe about God the Father, but I believe in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit. Only God can give us this type of faith.