Our Vacation

We took a vacation to Charleston! It was a nice leisurely week and we enjoyed it. Even though we were threatened with Hurricane Ernesto while there, it ended up missing us and all we got was a little rain and some cool stuff washed up onto the beach. This is me hugging a really old cypress tree at the Audubon Swamp Garden. The tree was huge and very, very tall. The boardwalk goes 1.5 miles around through the swamp. We saw lots of cool things, including one alligator and about a hundred turtles!
Here is Dave inside a cypress tree. The sign said bats like to live in ones like this. It was hollow all the way up! There were no bats in this one though...
Here we are on the beach! Dave is always finding new and interesting ways to take pictures of us!
These are 3 of the shells I found on the beach the morning after Ernesto passed by. I put the water bottle there so you could see the size of the shells. I couldn't believe we found ones this size still intact!

Back to Charleston

I am pointing the way back to Charleston - off to vacation! 

Maggie's Baby Shower

Maggie and Bob are having a baby. My guess is Oct 9th. Bob and I had to leave, but sounds like they had fun. What do you do at a baby shower anyway? 

Play in the Park

We went to the park with some friends and watched Hamlet. They didn't ask for audience participation this time, so I wasn't able to test my acting ablility. 

Last Minute Decision

I went to get my hair cut last night. I was going to get the same old trim, but I guess I had too much time to look through the magazines... so I ended up getting it cut pretty short. I don't usually like my hair short, but this turned out cute I think. What do you think? 

Room Envy

This past weekend, Dave and I made the trip down to Georgia to help Lisa & Mike move into their new house. It was very hot, but I think we got a lot done. They still have a bunch more stuff to move, but all the "big" stuff got done.
Now, for the explanation of the title... their new house is huge! and very nice. The room envy comes from the GIGANTIC room which is going to be Lisa's scrapbook room. I would love to have a big ol' room like that for all my craft stuff. Dave would probably like that too- then my yarn, and paints, and soap molds and yarn and patterns and yarn and felt and ribbon and YARN wouldn't be piled in the living room, and computer room, and bedroom, and guest room closet....et cetera.
Oh well!

Clean as a Whistle

Sarah and I tried our hand at soap-making. It was pretty easy and we really enjoyed it. The pictures are of our first batch of soaps. We have made some more since then, but I don't have any pictures of those yet...

Uncle Daze

Sarah and Delilah recently spent a few days at our house. While Sarah and I worked on our latest craft project, Delilah played with her "Uncle Daze". He brought her some flowers from outside to put in her hair, they ran through the house with boxes on their heads, they "played" Bingo, watched some TV and Delilah got a horsey ride. Then they enjoyed some fresh chocolate chip cookies. Needless to say, they both slept very soundly that night....!!! -Rachael

Watermelon Cake!!

I made this cake tonight using a recipe I found on Bettycrocker.com. It actually tastes like watermelon! Dave and I got to try a bit from the pieces I had to cut off to make it straight on top. We both thought it was very yummy! The secret is a packet of watermelon cherry Kool-Aid mixed into the cake batter. I think it turned out very nice looking, too! I added the darker green "stripes" myself...those recipe people never think of that stuff. Anyway, it is going to the church pot luck tomorrow, and I hope everyone enjoys it. -Rachael

Our Trip to Massachussetts

This is Mackenzie! Isn't she a cutie? She's our newest cousin. In the picture she is not quite 2 months old. She did most of her grinning in the morning, and that is when I caught this picture.
Greg & Kristen took us to the Yankee Candle Company...the real, original one. It was crazy huge- much bigger than last time I was there (about 15 years ago). The candles you see in the picture are only 1/4 of the selection of scents. Needless to say, I came home with a lot of candles!
This is one of 2 big ol' chairs we saw in Gardner. Gardner is the furniture capital of the north, or something to that effect. The other chair was actually bigger than this one, but we did a drive by picture, so we didn't get to stand next to it.
Aunt Sara & Uncle Steve took us to Plymouth to watch the fireworks on July 4. We sat right on the water's edge. The fireworks were beautiful and went on for quite a while, with a very spectacular finale.
All in all we had a great time up north. We visited with family, played with the baby, did some shopping, ate at Village Pizza, played Scattergories and Taboo, did puzzles, walked on the beach, had Dunkin' Donuts, ate dinner in a park, went for walks, played badminton and bocce ball and basketball, saw fireworks, squished some pennies, ate good food, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something! It was nice to get to visit with some family members that we rarely see.
-Rachael 

WOW!!

Look at our new rug! It was a surprise gift from Dave's parents. We love how it looks in the living room- it's absolutely perfect! 

DIY Shoji Table

We are just about finished with our do-it-yourself shoji table. Finishing is by far the hardest part. We still have to mount the rice paper properly. One more coat of paint on the top should complete it. I wanted to use the inside for storage but Rachael doesn't agree. 

Like New

I guess you can call it "Spring Cleaning". Dave and I have been deep-cleaning and rearranging the house room by room. We started with our bedroom, since there was so much stuff piled around in there. All our books were on the floor, so we took the Trek shelf out of the computer room and it is now filled with books in our room. Much better. The Trek stuff... well, that is back in storage for now. Yesterday I gave the kitchen a very thorough cleaning- I even dusted the baseboards!! I took a small shelf from the guest room that only had a radio on it, and moved it into the mysterious empty space next to the stove. It now holds all my cookbooks which were formerly stacked there on an old school desk (which is now in the computer room). The kitchen looks much better!
Then, when Dave got home last night, we tackled the computer room. We took EVERYTHING out, vaccumed and dusted, and then started putting things in in their new places. I had used the Arrange-A-Room feature on the Better Homes and Gardens website to create a new layout. I actually created 4 possibles, then we narrowed it down. So, we eliminated one of the tables, and now have both computers on the longer table. AND we are facing the window, so we get a little bit of nature while we compute. Without that second table, it seems like so much more room in here! Also, the futon is now in a position to be pulled out and used if the need arises...it was sort of blocked in before. Today my task is to clean out the closet here in good 'ol computer room and see if I can fit in some of the stuff that used to be on the tables.
It has been a lot of work, but it is so worth it! I almost feel like I have a new house, with everything so clean and all rearranged.
But enough typing- the closet awaits!!

I'm Thankful

I'm thankful for David! He is a wonderful husband who shows his love every day in the way he speaks and the things he does.
I'm thankful that David works hard, giving me the choice to be a homemaker.
I'm thankful for our house- it is perfect for us!
I'm thankful to have so many family members living nearby and the close relationships that nearness allows us to have with them.
I'm thankful to get up every morning with air to breath and a healthy body.
I'm thankful for the Lord's abundant provision for us, giving us the ability to share with others.
I'm thankful for the gifts and abilities I have been given.
I'm thankful for the Lord's forgiveness and mercy to us, who have the habit of complaining and always wanting more than we have been given.

1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise Your glorious name. 

Warm Weather......maybe

On Mother's Day, Dave and I picked up my Mom, Sarah and Delilah and headed into Asheville for the Greek Festival! The food was great as always, and we got to watch the dancers do several Greek dances. Delilah liked them a lot and danced along, trying to mimick their moves. After we finished there, we dropped Sarah off at home to get ready for work and the rest of us went to Mom's to hang out for a while. The weather wasn't very warm- in fact it's been rather cool for a couple weeks now- but we set up Delilah's little swimming pool anyway. Here is Dave playing in the water with her...
Today, I put in a day of work at Park Ridge. It's been a while since I've actually gone in to do some scheduling. Usually I am called on to adjust something in the scheduling program. But today I was a scheduler again for a few hours. Thursdays are not very busy, so it wasn't too bad.
I just started watching the third season of Stargate....Lisa got me hooked! And since I ran out of CSI episodes, they are what I watch while I knit. I am currently working on a striped afghan. Every time I switch colors, I cringe at the thought of all the ends I will have to tuck in when I'm done! Ah well, it's all part of the deal. I will post a picture when it is finished. I am about 1/3 done and it is looking really great! (That almost makes up for all those ends....)
We've been working on our yard and are getting ready to plant some of our vegetables outside. We had hoped to do that a couple weeks ago, but it has been too cold! Hopefully things will warm up soon so we can get that done.
I guess that's all for now. I'll probably think of one more thing as soon as I post this...
-Rachael 

Big Kitty

This is Big Kitty laying on the cat mat I knitted for the kitties to use. They usually like to lay on anything you leave on the floor, but when I put this down they ignored it! Finally after a few days Biggy made use of it, so I took a picture.

Birds Nest

Our birds came back to their nest this year. Last year they had 5 little ones. This year, only two.

Painted Pottery

These are the bowls that Maggie and I painted when I went to visit her. Mine is on the left, hers is on the right. Here is another picture of mine: 

Zoo and Other Adventures

A few weekends ago we traveled down to Columbia and went to the Riverbanks Zoo with my Dad, and Sarah, Greg & Delilah. It was a nice day with a good breeze, so we didn't get too hot. We saw lots of animals, and played around a little (see pictures). That was on a Saturday. On the following Monday, Dave flew off to Massachussetts on yet another "business trip". While he was gone, I went and spent a few days at Maggie's. We had fun shopping around, we painted some pottery (I'll have to post that picture later), and we played Donkey Konga 2 and Mario Karts 2, the second of which I apparently STINK at, and I believe I hold the record for consecutive last place finishes! I NEVER got to cross the finish line!! Oh well.
We've been real busy since then too, doing various things including fixing computers, moving furniture, having overnight guests, helping people with their knitting, etc. There were two baby showers in there somewhere, and there's a wedding shower coming up next weekend. I'm sure I'm leaving some things out.
Oh, I just received news that I am to receive some sort of award at the next Starfleet meeting- not sure what it is for, but I'll post it later.
I guess that is all I have to say for now. -Rachael 

Have you ever...

Jeep all the way...Eric used to show us fun places to take our Jeeps.

What's going on....

This picture is of one of the woodpeckers that comes to our feeder. We got a little excited because, using the pictures from our bird book, we identified it (from its bright orange color) as a golden-fronted woodpecker, which should be in Texas! However, after sending the picture to the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, we were told it is a female red-bellied woodpecker. Ah well, they are still fun to watch. And she is not alone! We have also had a downy woodpecker, a piliated woodpecker and a male red-bellied woodpecker at our feeder, along with the cardinals, chickadees, titmice, carolina wrens, goldfinches, house finches, nuthatch, and junko....I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody...
Anyway, Dave has been gone a lot this month- first to Germany and England, then to Augusta, GA. In a couple weeks, he has to be up in Massachussetts for a few days. This is a lot of travel all of a sudden!
The weather is starting to get nice, and so today (Saturday) we headed out into the yard and Dave did some ground-leveling, while I pulled some weeds. We got a bunch of seeds, and pretty soon we'll be planting some tomatoes, spaghetti squash, Marigolds, Canterbury Bells, Rock Cress, Lavender, Alyssum, and Chinese Lanterns. We may even throw in a sunflower or two.
I've been taking my doctor's advice and drinking more so I can avoid another kidney stone. He also told me to get some citrus fruits in my diet, so today I made some lemonade "from scratch". It's a little tart, but very good.
In two weeks, we'll be heading down to Columbia to go to the Zoo with Dad. I'm lloking forward to it. I hope I remember to take the sunscreen! Dave played golf yesterday afternoon and came home with a bright red face. He'll have to wear his hat next time!
Well, I guess that's all for now. We'll have plenty to add later...
-Rachael 

Out of the Country

Dave has been abroad again! He left March 7 to spend some time in snowy Germany (1st 5 pics) and then flew over to England for a couple days (last 4 pics). He was over there for 2 weeks altogether. While he was gone, I spent a week with Lisa & Mike down in Georgia, then came home and had a 3 day "Dude Ranch" at the house for Benjamin, Andrew and Courtney. We had a blast! After Dave got home, it took him about a week to get over the jet lag. Tuesday, he left for Augusta, and he's getting back today. In a couple more weeks he'll have to head up north. He's getting to be quite the traveler! I'll have to talk him into taking me with him sometime.
It would take up too much space to list everything else we've been doing, but it seems we always have SOMETHING going....and we're ready for a vacation!! -Rachael 

Spring is here

Rachael and I saw these baby goats at the Nature Center last year. We are planning a trip to the Columbia zoo in April.

Can you play the Bongos?

Rachael shows mom(Diane) how much fun it is to play the bongos. I know...I'm working on the coffee table, stay tuned.

Have you ever tried Frisbee Golf?

Veritas Dinner Theatre

Here is the table I did for the Veritas Christian Academy Dinner Theatre. Their theme this year was "Western". 

Gilbert Carlson does magic

Click here to watch Gil do a magic trick!

This is Gil and Linda Carlson, my parents. They are currently living in St Louis while working with World Impact. I have been posting family videos since google started letting you and his magic video is the most popular of the ones I have submitted. Over 1100 people have watched it and 7 have saved it to their computer. See what you think.

Updating

I just checked, and we haven't taken any pictures since Christmas! It isn't for lack of being busy though. About a week after our return from St. Louis, I had a kidney stone decide it wanted to depart from me. What a pain- literally! Dave took very good care of me, and after SIX LONG DAYS I was back to normal.
Then, my cousin Aimee had her baby- a little boy. They named him Marshall Nealand Pettit. I've seens pictures and he is a cute little guy. I subbed at the hospital a few days for my Aunt, who had to go and see her first grandchild!
We missed going to Superbowl at Maggie's this year because I was sick (again) and even still have some chest congestion and a nasty cough. Instead we sat at home, watched a movie, played Gamecube and ate whatever was in the house (which wasn't much at that point....end of the week).
Sarah (my sister) and her little girl Delilah stayed with us a couple nights, Feb 6 & 7. That was fun. We made Shepherd's Pie, and Sarah tried a dessert from one of her Parent's magazines. That didn't turn out so well. Imagine a sugary ball of sugar-covered sugar. That's what it tasted like...with a hint of raspberry.
The February Star Trek meeting got cancelled because of snow. Yes, snow. Only a little though. Maybe half an inch and it didn't even last all day. All the same, we saw 3 snowmen- very small snowmen- on our way to church this morning.
We should have some pictures soon, since my birthday is on Friday, and then Saturday I am hosting a table at the Veritas Christian Academy Dinner Theatre. The theme this year is "Western" and my plan is to make a little chuck-wagon as the centerpiece. I'll put pictures of the table on when we get it set on Saturday.
That's pretty much all. I've also been knitting some more stuff- just more dishcloths and scrubbies, and maybe a hat (which I should be finishing tomorrow or the next day). Dave has been working on building us a "Shoji" style coffee table for the living room and is near completion on that. I'm excited to see the finished product! He's also got some little updating picture things on our wall computer. We just watched Old Faithful erupt. Pretty cool.
I guess that is about all for now. Just thought we should update the blog, since we haven't in a while. -Rachael

Christmas at our house

Before we left for St.Louis, we spent Christmas day with my Mom, Dale, Sarah, Greg and Delilah at our house. We cooked a big 'ol meal and had a lot of fun. Delilah was a great little helper in passing out presents (bottom right) and in helping other people use their new stuff- That's her with with her Gramma under a an ironing board cover...tee hee. We had fun exchanging gifts, and Delilah loved her new talking Frank and Buster and her new baby doll. Oh yeah...bottom left is Dave with his gee-haw whimmy-diddle. He was the only one that could get it to work! 

We got culture, how 'bout you?

These are some pictures from our visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St.Louis. Almost the entire ceiling (and there was a lot of it) was covered in mosaic made up of 1/2 inch square tiles. It is amazing to think of all the work that went into creating it. The windows were also beautiful (bottom left). The Pope visited the Basilica in January, 1999. 

We got Culture, Yes we do!

Here are some of the things we saw when we visited the St.Louis Art museum. The picture in the middle is none other than St. Louis himself! 

St. Louis

We left the day after Christmas, and went to spend a week in St.Louis in order to have some holiday time with the Carlsons (and Croteaus, and one soon to be Carlson...). This is a picture of all us girls- L to R: Lisa, Mom/Linda, Rachael (me!), Christie, and Kelly. We had a lot of fun together with everyone. We played games, crafted, chatted and ate A LOT of really good food! (which is why we're all dieting this week...) It was nice to see everyone, and Dave and I talked about our week on the trip home, which made the time in the car seem to pass a little faster. -Rachael