Weekend in San Destin

This past weekend we made a quick trip down to San Destin for our bi-annual regional conference with Cru. We gathered with staff from all over the Southeast for an encouraging and relaxing weekend. Between being pregnant and having a newborn, I have missed several of the past conferences, so I really enjoyed catching up with friends. This was Hardy's first time at the beach since he was 6 weeks old. He loved it! He had fun playing in the sand, and eating some too! He also loved the water! It was a fun weekend just not long enough! Glad we will be returning to the beach soon with my family! 

Hardy's mischevious face

Keeping Hardy entertained 

for the long car ride

Carmen Rae and Hardy

Me and Hardy

Hardy working on his tan!

The Red Bar with 

Carmen Rae, Me, Christie,

Wendy, and Alaina

Hardy had the best time playing 

in all the pillows on are bed

Teila, Will, Hardy, and Me

at Dewey Destins!

Will and Hardy are only one week 

apart! Look forward to the boys playing

together at all our conferences.

All that sunbathing wore Hardy out!

Cinnamon Roll Cake

I found this recipe on Pinterest, and just looking at the picture made my mouth water. I just had to try it. I made it for bunco last night, and it is amazing! Taste just like a cinnamon roll, but it's a cake! What a perfect combination! 

Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla


Click here for the original posting of this recipe.

Farewell to Christie

Kyle and I hosted a farewell party for Christe--our dearest friend, co-worker, former disciplee, sister in Christ--well, she has pretty much has become family to us! Christie was a faithfully involved student in the ministry during college, and upon graduating in 2010 she interned with Crusade. She will be joining staff this summer, and will be placed on a campus in the Southeast Region. Christie spent a summer with us in Rome in 2008, and we visited her in D.C. in 2010. Through all the road trips, weekly dinners, and just time spent at our house throughout the week, she has become like a sister to us, and our Hardy absolutely adores Christie! I am so excited to see how the Lord is going to use her to further His kingdom, but this will definitely be one of the hardest goodbyes I have ever faced. Christie, you will be greatly missed in Oxford, but especially by the Coles! 

This picture sums up our Christie!

Christe, Alise, Carmen Rae

Caroline and Christie

Hattie and Christie

Sarah and Christie

Kyle, Kalee, Christie, and Me

Me, Caroline, and Christie

Christie and Kelsey

Mary Cannon, Christie, and Emily

Ian, Kyle, Nick, Martin, Baldwin

Carmen Rae, Lauren, Christie, Me

Christie, Sarah, and Nick

Christie and Hardy

Kyle, Christie, and Me

Kyle, Christie, Me, and Emmy

Lauren, Carmen Rae, Christie, and Me

Ranch Chicken

A friend of mine found this recipe on Pinterest, and we made it for our senior dinner. I can guarantee that once you taste this chicken, you will be making it again--maybe even weekly! It is super easy and out of this world tasty!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup of cornflakes, crushed
3/4 cup of parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 package of Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix
8 chicken breast halves


Directions:
Mix first 3 ingredients together. Dip chicken halves in melted butter and roll in cornflake mixture. Place in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

                   

Senior Celebration

On Sunday evening, the staff women of Cru hosted a dinner for the seniors. This years class of women was the largest we have ever had that remained faithfully involved throughout their four years of college. We enjoyed fellowshipping with these women one last time before graduation, and my favorite part of the evening was our time of affirmation. The staff women as well as the students spent time individually encouraging each girl and affirming them in different areas of growth in their walk with the Lord. It was a very special time and a moment I will always cherish. I fully trust that the Lord is going to use these women to do great things!

Hardy's First Easter

Hardy kicked off his first Easter with an egg hunt at the Shirkey's home. Hardy was not quite interested in the eggs, but he did love meeting the Easter bunny! We spent Easter weekend with Kyle's family, and had Easter lunch with all his family at his parent's home. Hardy loved his Easter basket, and especially enjoyed all the toys in it! We enjoyed celebrating Easter with the Coles, and we pray that one day Hardy will understand the significance of the resurrection of our Savior! 

Shannon, Me, Hardy, Natalie, and Skylar

Hardy in his new chair!

I love this boy so much!

Kyle, Hardy, and Mr. Dane

Hardy's First Easter Basket

Hardy loves a piano!

Playing with Dada

So happy to have his 

own remote control!

Hardy now has a Veggie Tales DVD!

Bull and Hardy