BeautyRevealed | The Blog of Melissa J. Dillon

“He who thanks but with the lips thanks but in part,

The full, the true Thanksgiving comes from the heart.”

- J. A. Shedd

This was Jodie’s second year to host Thanksgiving at his cozy cabin. Last year was so special that we dubbed his house our official Thanksgiving spot from now on… whether he likes it or not! So glad he doesn’t mind. We had such a special time again this year. We were so grateful that Jamie and Angela could be home this year (we get them every other year), and Grandpa Swan was able to be with us again from Alexandria. With a house filled with loving family and wonderful food, we counted our blessings once again and thanked God for His faithfulness in our lives.

My first pie. The crust could’ve been better… but it could’ve been worse! Thankful that it wasn’t worse.

I love Jodie’s woodsy dinnerware… he always sets such an inviting table for Thanksgiving.

Mark and I are especially thankful for our Little One on the way… what a gift from the Lord! We have waited so long for this dream to come true. Our hearts are eternally thankful for God’s goodness to us.

Mom’s beautiful turkey before Daddy takes it away to be carved. It was so yummy.

Another recipe that I will have to post on my blog is this wonderful Orange-Cranberry Bread that Jodie made. He had just pulled it from the oven before we sat down to eat…. ohhhhh, my, we were in heaven! It is going to have to be a Thanksgiving tradition from now on. We also think it would make a wonderful breakfast bread.

I loved this picture of Jamie and Angela… she just looked so cozy and content. We’re so thankful for Jamie and Angela’s union… She’s such a perfect addition to our family.

One of our favorite things to do in between all the preparations is to watch the Dallas Cowboys play every Thanksgiving. And it’s always a bonus when they win!

Having some Wii fun with the siblings.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones. I am so grateful for all of you… friends, family and so many new acquaintances. Blessings to you during this Holiday season!

“If a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can hear the voice of God.”

- George Washington Carver

So our camping trip took a bit of a hit this year. At the last moment Jamie and Angela were unable to join us due to sickness, and we were trying to think of ways of postponing it so that we could all be together. But alas, with many work schedules to juggle, it wasn’t going to happen… so we decided to swallow our disappointment and go without them.

As it turned out, this may not have been the best year to “break them in” to Northwoods camping, anyway. It was chilly this year! We were bundled up in our winter’s finest and mostly stayed close to the warm fire or played games in the tent when it was rainy or windy. We didn’t even venture out for a hike this year, not wanting to get too far away from the fire! (All except for Jodie, who is the true adventurer in this family. He took daily hikes with Jack).

It was cloudy almost the entire time, which is really hard on picture-taking. But I still tried to get a few to capture the memories of our time at Owen Lake this year. The Northwoods is still gorgeous, no matter what the weather, and it was actually fun to brave the elements for a few days.

Papa, Marmie and Mark cooking around the campfire.

Our favorite meal that we look forward to every year is Jodie’s famous campfire breakfast. Usually we have oatmeal around the campfire for breakfast, but on Saturday mornings he makes us a huge feast. Mmmmm.

We had a little raccoon “friend” this year who so badly wanted to share our food rations with us. He actually unzipped our camp kitchen storage shelf and helped himself to our hamburger buns before Jack woke up to scare him up the tree. The men shooed him away, but our little masked bandit came back every night to try again. I don’t think poor Jack got much sleep out in the wilderness at night, so he took many naps during the day to make up for it. Good Boy, Jack.

Sunday was a bit warmer so Mark and Dad threw around the football a bit… while Jodie grilled up some of the best tasting burgers… ever.

So although we had so much fun this year and felt a sense of accomplishment from surviving the cold, we have decided that for all of our sakes (and our baby’s sake!) we will go earlier next year when it’s warmer. Jamie did confess that he was glad he was home sitting in his cozy easy-chair, while we all were “roughing” it. No excuses next year, Bud… you’re going camping!

“I see nothing in space as promising as the view from a Ferris wheel.”

- E. B. White

One of my favorite summertime activities is our County Fair. We always go as a family to enjoy the sights, the smells, the sounds and atmosphere of our small-town fair.

We went first to check out the Home Activities building and to look at this years entries and blue ribbon winners. Mostly because Mom entered her Cranberry Orange Scones and won a blue ribbon!! Congratulations, Mom!

So if you still haven’t made these scones, maybe now you will! Find the recipe here. You’ll love them!

Next stop was to see all the animals. Mine and Dad’s favorite is the horses. Unfortunately we missed the barrel racing and horse showing contest this year… we were a little too late. We did get to see plenty in the barns, though, so that was fun. Then to the cows. I really like cows for some reason… I think they’re cute.

My friend, Melinda, has 2 adorable Jack Russell Terriers, and these guys reminded me of Molly and Major.

This rooster was the loud-mouth of the group! He just kept crowing over and over. He did quiet down a little after I snapped this picture, so maybe he just needed a little attention.

It was just getting dark when we entered the fairway… I think this is the most fun. Even though I don’t ride the rides anymore (I can’t stomach most of the rides any longer), I still love the atmosphere of all the kids laughing and screaming, and the music and smells of mini-donuts and caramel apples. I guess because the fair only comes once a year, it all feels so nostalgic each time I go.

One of our favorite things to do is to watch the itty-bitty kids on the kiddy rides. Some are just all smiles and squeals, and some get a little frightened and melt into tears. I’m very excited to have a six-month old with us next year… maybe his/her Daddy will bring him/her on the Merry-go-round or something slow.

Mark’s highlight of the Fair is always the foot long hotdogs. I think he could’ve eaten two this year!

Would it even be the Fair without the Gravitron?? Remember this ride, Alison? We were both a little ill after trying this one. That was the last time I ever went on the Gravitron!

Sometimes just watching some of these rides can make me sick! … Especially while pregnant.

I used to get the cotton candy every year… but in the last few years I’ve finally graduated to a caramel apple. Yes, I’m growing up… sigh.

I can’t wait to have children, though, who love to eat cotton candy.

Every year at the wonderful County Fair.

Good-bye dear Fair… until next year, my friend!

Just returned from the wedding last night at about 1:00 am. What a week! The wedding was gorgeous, and although it was quite humid outside and warm in the church, the day went without a hitch. Such an honor for our family to witness Jamie marrying his bride. I didn’t get many good pictures since I was in the wedding, but I got a few before and a few at the reception.

The guys looked so handsome in their tuxes… I know they were hot, but it was worth it to be so dashing for the day. I was so proud of Jamie this week… he worked so hard to make it the most special day for Angela. He went without much sleep so he could complete every detail. I will always remember the way he put her first in everything he did. Such a shining example of a man who truly loves a woman.

Mom and Dad looked amazing. I wish I had gotten a better picture of them together, but hopefully the photographer got a few.

The happy couple at their reception.

Jamie took Angela to the Grand Hotel in St. Paul for two nights before they headed up to the North Shore for a week. At the gift opening on Sunday, Angela said that their room was absolutely beautiful and that she felt like a queen. I hope they are a having a wonderful time on their honeymoon… resting a lot, I’m sure, after such a busy wedding season!

Mark and Jodie taking a breather. These guys worked so hard… I was so proud of them. They made sure to do whatever it took to make the day run smoothly. From setting up, decorating, running errands, cleaning, hauling gifts and tearing down until midnight, they were there. I don’t think Mark knew what he was signing up for when he married into this family , but he never complains.

In all it was a gorgeous day. The Lord’s presence was truly there during the ceremony… many people said that. We wish Jamie and Angela a lifetime of happiness and joy together! Bless you both!

“For this child we prayed.”

I know they are blurry and hard to see, but these are the first pictures of little Baby D! I had my second Doctor’s appointment today and got to see the little heartbeat ~ healthy and strong. Such a precious moment for Mark and I, watching our little one with his or her little legs elevated and crossed at the ankles… kickin’ back and relaxing in the womb. I’m taking that to mean our child has a laid-back disposition. I know, I sure jump to conclusions.

We finally got a due date as well. February 23rd. We’re shooting for the 25th, though, which is my brother’s birthday. We’ll see how we do!

And as far as I’ve been feeling, I have good days and bad days. I’ve only thrown up a couple of times, but for the most part it is just some queasiness at certain times of the day. Jodie fitted me with some groovy sea-sickness wrist bands which seem to be helping… and I look really cool, too! Ha! This week a headache was added to the mix, turning into a severe migraine on Sunday. I have a sweet and loving husband, though, who takes good care of me while “I’m baking his muffin” as he calls it. He’s already an amazing and protective father, and I keep falling in love with him all over again as I watch him love our unborn child.

We’re excited to find out whether it’s a boy or a girl, but it will still be a couple of months yet. I’m almost 3 months along, and we need to wait until about 20 weeks (5 months). Then we can start really working on the nursery and preparations.

Our Doctor is a such a wonderful Christian man, and he prays with us during each visit. He asks the Lord to fill us with His peace all along this journey, and for protection and wisdom. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor to deliver this baby!

Thank you all for the sweet comments and emails, and for sharing in our joy with us. There have been so many questions, so I’m relieved to finally have some definite answers for you. I’m almost done with my first trimester and I look forward to more energy and less queasiness coming up around the bend. Please continue to pray for health and protection! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives to share in this precious time with us.

We leave Wednesday for the wedding… yippee! So we’ll be gone until Sunday night, but I’ll post pics of the beautiful day when I get back. Blessings and love to you all!

~ Melissa Joy (and the little muffin, too!)

One of our favorite family Summer things to do is to go to the local Swap Meet/Flea Market. We go every year and spend hours and hours scouting out hidden treasures. We’ve gotten some fun things over the years.

I love the vintage glasses and bowls… unfortunately they are in high demand so they can get pretty expensive.

Loved this cradle, but it was a little (okay, a lot) out of my price range. Mark and I did find a neat old vintage highchair for our little one, though. Just needs a couple coats of paint and a safety strap. The marked price was $60.00 and we got it for $30.00… I just love getting deals, don’t you?! I’ll have to take a picture when it’s finished.

I love it that my hubby likes the Flea Market just as much as I do. One year he found an old Ukulele for $20.00. It’s so much fun to hear him play… it’s a perfect campfire instrument. He’s also really good at bargaining, which is the part I hate (I don’t take rejection very well! Ha! I’m still working on that fear of man issue!)

I’m so glad that my whole family enjoys doing this together. I can’t believe we have to wait another whole year before we can go again! We’ll already have a 5 month old by next July! We’ll probably be holding the baby and using the stroller to haul all of our purchases in!

Yes, okay, okay… I’ve been a very bad blogger. But this is why… this fun Bridal Shower that we hosted for my dear (almost) sister-in-law, Angela. (And then I needed a week to recuperate) but now I’m back to blogging ~ I promise!

We decided to do an outdoor Garden Tea Party on my front lawn. And it rained all…week…long. I was pretty nervous since I knew we could not fit 25 ladies into my living room! I prayed and prayed… and Sunday morning dawned clear and beautiful (Thank you, God!) We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day… upper 70’s and blue skies.

Our dear friend, Mary, offered to loan us all of her beautiful teacups and teapots, goblets, plates and silverware for the shower! We were so delighted! It would not have been nearly as special without all her beautiful china.  Thank you again, Mary, for your kindness! (We missed you!)

It was such a blessing to have so much help for the occasion from my mom, my Auntie Shirley, my Auntie Kathy, and especially my cousin Mary who ran even harder than me to prepare and serve and clear dishes, etc. I couldn’t have done it without her! She also brought beautiful flowers and hanging baskets to put all around the yard… it turned out so beautiful.

Mark and my dad were so great, as well ~ bringing all the tables and chairs from various places for the occasion. I was so pleased to see all of our hard work coming together to create such a special day.

Here is Angela with her mom, Char (middle) and my mom, Bonnie.

We served a light luncheon of croissants, my Auntie Shirley’s yummy chicken salad, and fresh fruit with dip. For dessert, my Auntie Kathy made a wonderful mandarin orange/pineapple cake. I cannot believe that I don’t have a picture of it… it was lovely!

Mary serving Lemonade Punch.

These little princesses are my second cousins, Olivia and McKenzie. (I’m not sure how their mom, Darla, escaped the picture).

Angela received more lovely gifts for their home. I can’t wait to see them all in use… They will have such a cute place!

I had quite a few requests to share the recipe for the Lemonade Punch, so I thought I would share it here to save some time.

Easy Peasy!

It was such a lovely day! We leave in a little over a week to head down to Bloomington for the Wedding Preparations!!! So exciting and so close!

“There is nothing half so sweet in life as love’s young dream.”

- Thomas Moore

{all photography by the amazing Mark Nye}

We made a quick trip down to The Cities yesterday to help Jamie and Angela with some wedding preparations. Then we enjoyed some time walking around St. Paul in the afternoon… it was a gorgeous day (such a blessing since it rained all day back home).