Get excited y'all, the Dixie Classic Fair has arrived!!! The Hicksters will be attending on opening night. My good friend Katelyn Marks is a local performer and will be singing today at the fair at 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00. If you have never seen her band perform, what better time than at the FAIR! Corndogs, fried candy bars, ribbon fries (little shout out to Laura Ealy there) and roasted corn all while listening to some awesome music...it doesn't get much better than that my friends.
This will indeed be the highlight of our weekend.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Questions
I found these fall questions on a blog that I follow and thought I'd participate. The Hicksters don't have anything too exciting to report at this time, so why not? :)
1. Do you like Starbucks? And are you a fan of their seasonal coffees?
I do love Starbucks, especially their seasonal coffees. Pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apple cider and gingerbread lattes are my favorite. However, it's hard for me to justify spending 4 bucks on coffee so it is very rare that I go unless I have a gift card.
2. How do you decorate and prepare for Fall?
Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things to do. My mom always had the cutest decorations for every holiday and season and she has passed several of them down to me. We certainly don't have much room for decorating and I have a lot less fall decorations than I do Christmas and winter, but I do put a few things out.
My Gram gave me some beautiful, decorative pumpkins a few years ago that I put by my fireplace. I think they are very unique and I love them!
One of my other favorite fall decorations is a tart burner I got on sale a couple of years ago at Bath and Body Works. Fall scents are my favorite!
3. Will you participate in your college's homecoming activities?
My college doesn't even have football. Haha!
4. What is your favorite Fall clothing item or accessory?
Probably scarves! Although some of my other favorites are hoodies, my cowboy boots and my Ugg boots (that I got for FREE several years ago and have worn the heck out of them). I also love me a good sweater.
5. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?
I have no idea. Mom, do you remember?
6. Do you like Halloween/Horror movies? Do you have a favorite?
NO!!! I used to love scary movies and now they give me nightmares, not kidding.
7. What is your favorite Fall activity?
Y'all already know the answer to this. The DIXIE CLASSIC FAIR!!! I also love going to pumpkin patches, planting fall flowers (pansies are my favorite) and going to the mountains to see the beautiful fall leaves. Oh, and I love going to chicken stews. Dang I can't seem to have just one answer to these.
8. What is your favorite Fall recipe/food?
Pumpkin ANYTHING!!! Now I definitely can't answer a food question with just one response. I also love chili and chicken stew. Last night I discovered that Hershey Kisses has just come out with a pumpkin flavored kiss. It's pretty good.
And then she added eight more quick questions, and here they are:
1. What movie coming out soon are you looking forward to seeing? Secretariat. Just a random side note...most of you know I grew up riding horses. One of the horses at my barn was Secretariat's granddaughter. I'm sure he had like a million granddaughters, but still. She was beautiful and so much fun to ride.
2. What will you miss most about Summer?
Having 8 weeks off of work! I will also really miss it being light outside until 8:30
3. When do you start your holiday shopping?
Usually in November but there are always some last minute shopping trips. My family is planning a trip to Disney World this coming spring so we have decided to save money and not buy for each other, so Christmas shopping will be easy this year. Experiences are far better than tangible gifts anyway.
4. Favorite exercise/activity?
Does laughing count as daily exercise? I can't work out much since my knee is out of commission. But what I enjoyed most when I went to the gym were turbo kick and metabolic effect. I don't really count a walk around the block exercise. Although it is much better than nothing and I do enjoying walking outside, if I am going to work out I want to sweat, and sweat hard.
5. Best book you've read lately?
Radical. I strongly recommend this book to every Christian.
6. Do you make your bed every day?
Not everyday. It's harder during the week because I don't give myself much extra time in the mornings, but I do feel so much better starting out the day with a made bed.
7. If you could choose a personal chef or a personal shopper, which would you choose?
Personal chef, for sure. I enjoy cooking but am not good at it and don't have a lot of time for it.
8. Which TV show are you most excited for this Fall?
I don't really follow any TV show in the fall. Not gonna lie, most nights we end up on ABC family watching America's Funniest Home Videos from like 25 years ago.
Okay, that's it. Feel free to tag yo' self.
1. Do you like Starbucks? And are you a fan of their seasonal coffees?
I do love Starbucks, especially their seasonal coffees. Pumpkin spice lattes, caramel apple cider and gingerbread lattes are my favorite. However, it's hard for me to justify spending 4 bucks on coffee so it is very rare that I go unless I have a gift card.
2. How do you decorate and prepare for Fall?
Decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite things to do. My mom always had the cutest decorations for every holiday and season and she has passed several of them down to me. We certainly don't have much room for decorating and I have a lot less fall decorations than I do Christmas and winter, but I do put a few things out.
My Gram gave me some beautiful, decorative pumpkins a few years ago that I put by my fireplace. I think they are very unique and I love them!
One of my other favorite fall decorations is a tart burner I got on sale a couple of years ago at Bath and Body Works. Fall scents are my favorite!
3. Will you participate in your college's homecoming activities?
My college doesn't even have football. Haha!
4. What is your favorite Fall clothing item or accessory?
Probably scarves! Although some of my other favorites are hoodies, my cowboy boots and my Ugg boots (that I got for FREE several years ago and have worn the heck out of them). I also love me a good sweater.
5. What was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?
I have no idea. Mom, do you remember?
6. Do you like Halloween/Horror movies? Do you have a favorite?
NO!!! I used to love scary movies and now they give me nightmares, not kidding.
7. What is your favorite Fall activity?
Y'all already know the answer to this. The DIXIE CLASSIC FAIR!!! I also love going to pumpkin patches, planting fall flowers (pansies are my favorite) and going to the mountains to see the beautiful fall leaves. Oh, and I love going to chicken stews. Dang I can't seem to have just one answer to these.
8. What is your favorite Fall recipe/food?
Pumpkin ANYTHING!!! Now I definitely can't answer a food question with just one response. I also love chili and chicken stew. Last night I discovered that Hershey Kisses has just come out with a pumpkin flavored kiss. It's pretty good.
And then she added eight more quick questions, and here they are:
1. What movie coming out soon are you looking forward to seeing? Secretariat. Just a random side note...most of you know I grew up riding horses. One of the horses at my barn was Secretariat's granddaughter. I'm sure he had like a million granddaughters, but still. She was beautiful and so much fun to ride.
2. What will you miss most about Summer?
Having 8 weeks off of work! I will also really miss it being light outside until 8:30
3. When do you start your holiday shopping?
Usually in November but there are always some last minute shopping trips. My family is planning a trip to Disney World this coming spring so we have decided to save money and not buy for each other, so Christmas shopping will be easy this year. Experiences are far better than tangible gifts anyway.
4. Favorite exercise/activity?
Does laughing count as daily exercise? I can't work out much since my knee is out of commission. But what I enjoyed most when I went to the gym were turbo kick and metabolic effect. I don't really count a walk around the block exercise. Although it is much better than nothing and I do enjoying walking outside, if I am going to work out I want to sweat, and sweat hard.
5. Best book you've read lately?
Radical. I strongly recommend this book to every Christian.
6. Do you make your bed every day?
Not everyday. It's harder during the week because I don't give myself much extra time in the mornings, but I do feel so much better starting out the day with a made bed.
7. If you could choose a personal chef or a personal shopper, which would you choose?
Personal chef, for sure. I enjoy cooking but am not good at it and don't have a lot of time for it.
8. Which TV show are you most excited for this Fall?
I don't really follow any TV show in the fall. Not gonna lie, most nights we end up on ABC family watching America's Funniest Home Videos from like 25 years ago.
Okay, that's it. Feel free to tag yo' self.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Countdown
ONE WEEK until the Dixie Classic Fair!!!! I can smell the fried candy bars and corndogs now.
It's fall, y'all...get excited!
It's fall, y'all...get excited!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Weekend fun
'Twas another fantastic weekend for the Hicksters! Friday night was homecoming at the high school that Paul coaches at. His goal keeper was also being recognized for athlete of the month, so we went to show our support.
After the game we headed to Lake Norman for the rest of the weekend. I think it's safe to say that this is our favorite local get-away. One of Paul's co-workers has a condo there and this was the second time he has offered to let us stay there for the weekend. We are so grateful for his generosity.
I could so get used to waking up to this every day.
Some friends of ours were also at the lake so we hung out with them on the boat all day. It was the most perfect day to be spent on a boat! Paul learned to wake board for the first time. I was afraid of doing anymore damage to my knee, so I just had a good time watching. I'm sure I would have done great at it if I had tried. Just sayin ;)
Paul and I had a lovely dinner at one of our most favorite restaurants, North Harbor Club. It has a beautiful lake view and the food is AMAZING!! The little white lights in the trees make me happy. Definitely an ALL UP IN IT kind of place :)
I enjoyed a Greek salad and swordfish and Paul had the biggest pork chop I have ever seen.
Sunday there was a mini Kenya reunion for lunch and I couldn't stand the thought of not being there, so Paul and I made a last minute decision to head home from the lake to meet them. I am so thankful for these people and the passion that we all share for Kenya.
These are some of my most special rafikis.
We are truly blessed and thankful for our lives. God is good, all the time!
After the game we headed to Lake Norman for the rest of the weekend. I think it's safe to say that this is our favorite local get-away. One of Paul's co-workers has a condo there and this was the second time he has offered to let us stay there for the weekend. We are so grateful for his generosity.
I could so get used to waking up to this every day.
Some friends of ours were also at the lake so we hung out with them on the boat all day. It was the most perfect day to be spent on a boat! Paul learned to wake board for the first time. I was afraid of doing anymore damage to my knee, so I just had a good time watching. I'm sure I would have done great at it if I had tried. Just sayin ;)
Paul and I had a lovely dinner at one of our most favorite restaurants, North Harbor Club. It has a beautiful lake view and the food is AMAZING!! The little white lights in the trees make me happy. Definitely an ALL UP IN IT kind of place :)
I enjoyed a Greek salad and swordfish and Paul had the biggest pork chop I have ever seen.
Sunday there was a mini Kenya reunion for lunch and I couldn't stand the thought of not being there, so Paul and I made a last minute decision to head home from the lake to meet them. I am so thankful for these people and the passion that we all share for Kenya.
These are some of my most special rafikis.
We are truly blessed and thankful for our lives. God is good, all the time!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
All up in it
Does anyone else find it really hard to believe that it is already mid-September? Summer came and went faster than any I remember so far. I am normally so sad to see it go, but I have to say I am getting to be more of a fan of fall every year. The weather has been absolutely perfect and I find myself getting really excited about fall things such as pumpkin spiced coffee, pumpkin bread, anything pumpkin really, sweatshirts, chilly soccer and football games, pansies and mums, chicken stews, apple cider, chili, jeans and boots (as much as I do love my flip flops), and one of my most favorite things about fall.....THE DIXIE CLASSIC FAIR! I have grown up going to the fair every year and I can't imagine a year without it. It's the only time you'll find roasted corn and fried candy bars within feet of each other. I love the food, I love seeing how big the largest pumpkin is, looking at the children's artwork and I even love the stinky animals.
As my good friend Meredith would say, fall is the perfect time for gettin ALL UP IN IT. So get all up in it y'all!
As my good friend Meredith would say, fall is the perfect time for gettin ALL UP IN IT. So get all up in it y'all!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
If only every weekend could be Labor Day weekend
I guess I'm a little late on the weekend post. I've been quite under the weather this week. I am seeing a pattern of back to school, back to germs because I got really sick this exact time last year too. Just one of the many joys of working in a building with 800 children ;)
Anywho, we had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. We were home all weekend which ended up being such a blessing because last week was so crazy busy. Friday night we got to hang out with infamous Mason. His mommy and daddy were out of town so we had the privilege of babysitting him for a night. We took him to the Dash game and it was his first time going. He was quite overwhelmed by everything when we first got there.
Needless to say, that wore off after just a few minutes.
Mason was so excited about running the bases with Paul after the game.
Getting ready for bed after a late night out. In case it isn't obvious, you don't have to beg Mason to take pictures. For some reason I think he knows he's so cute. And no, I did not let him sleep in his hat.
Saturday was followed by more Mason fun. We spent a few hours at the pool. The water was freezing so I was thankful that Mason thinks Paul is way more fun to play with in the pool.
Taking a snack break.
Mason insisted on Paul wearing his hooded towel so he didn't get cold.
Funny faces are always more fun when you're eating chocolate chip cookies.
I would say that Mason had a very successful first time sleeping over with the Hicksters. We sure do love that little booger!
The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning, working on some long overdue projects around the house and spending time with the fam and my sweet, precious nephews.
Bryan has already lost his two front teeth, both by accidents with his older brother. That's a boy for ya I guess.
I think I could get used to these long weekends and short work weeks! Happy almost Friday y'all!
Anywho, we had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. We were home all weekend which ended up being such a blessing because last week was so crazy busy. Friday night we got to hang out with infamous Mason. His mommy and daddy were out of town so we had the privilege of babysitting him for a night. We took him to the Dash game and it was his first time going. He was quite overwhelmed by everything when we first got there.
Needless to say, that wore off after just a few minutes.
Mason was so excited about running the bases with Paul after the game.
Getting ready for bed after a late night out. In case it isn't obvious, you don't have to beg Mason to take pictures. For some reason I think he knows he's so cute. And no, I did not let him sleep in his hat.
Saturday was followed by more Mason fun. We spent a few hours at the pool. The water was freezing so I was thankful that Mason thinks Paul is way more fun to play with in the pool.
Taking a snack break.
Mason insisted on Paul wearing his hooded towel so he didn't get cold.
Funny faces are always more fun when you're eating chocolate chip cookies.
I would say that Mason had a very successful first time sleeping over with the Hicksters. We sure do love that little booger!
The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning, working on some long overdue projects around the house and spending time with the fam and my sweet, precious nephews.
Bryan has already lost his two front teeth, both by accidents with his older brother. That's a boy for ya I guess.
I think I could get used to these long weekends and short work weeks! Happy almost Friday y'all!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Last week in Kenya
The last week in Kenya our team did a youth conference and Holiday Bible Club. I participated in the HBC, which is also what I did the first time I went to Kenya. HBC is pretty much like a mini Vacation Bible School. We went to a different church every day. We told Bible stories, played games, sang songs and just spent time loving on those precious children. Our team was able to buy about 1,000 Bibles to give out at the youth conference and the churches we went to for HBC. The majority of the children (and adults) do not have a Bible and cannot afford one. We had more than 100 children come to most of the churches for HBC.
They managed to squeeze about 140 children into this tiny mud hut church.
This was the biggest church we saw. I think someone must have donated a lot of money to this church. They had a keyboard, speakers and a microphone. Those things are very rarely seen in most of Kenya.
Even though there could never be enough words or pictures to fully express my experience in Kenya, I hope they have helped. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it yet, and I hope I never do. I want to be forever changed because of my time spent there. I hope and pray that I have the opportunity to continue to be a part of God's mission in Kenya.
They managed to squeeze about 140 children into this tiny mud hut church.
This was the biggest church we saw. I think someone must have donated a lot of money to this church. They had a keyboard, speakers and a microphone. Those things are very rarely seen in most of Kenya.
Even though there could never be enough words or pictures to fully express my experience in Kenya, I hope they have helped. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it yet, and I hope I never do. I want to be forever changed because of my time spent there. I hope and pray that I have the opportunity to continue to be a part of God's mission in Kenya.
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