Dickerson Family Picture Collage

 

Book Review: Create a Better Brain Through Neuroplasticity

 Hi All!

I know it's been a while since I've jumped on here and posted, but I wanted to share a gem of a book with you. If you haven't yet read Debi Pearl's new(er) book "Create a Better Brain Through Neuroplasticity....you need to! It's a very helpful, informative read written with mamas in mind. I was a little skeptical with the title that it might be too "scientific" for me to enjoy sitting down with it, but Debi wrote it in her usual easy-to-understand, down-to-earth way. It is chock full of examples and stories that will keep you captivated and wanting to do more research into this somewhat new form of science: neuroplasticity. 

I really enjoyed reading about how music alone affects our brain, our learning, and our remembering process. This part was truly interesting to me since my family is around a LOT of music with Matthew being a musician. My kids love anything put to music: schooling, cleaning, working, walking, shopping, etc. They can pick out various instruments played in a song better than I can and are familiar with several genres of music, asking to listen to music that most kids their age would find boring. They cannot wait to get their hands on some of Daddy's instruments and regularly each grab a penny whistle to join in the music making. 

 I read this book during my pregnancy with my third and I was excited to try out some of the ideas both during pregnancy and afterward with my newborn. He loves picking up new words and trying to say them, much to this mama's enjoyment. I'm currently pregnant with #4 and I'm once again looking forward to implementing some of the aspects of this book with my new little one. Even simple things like reading to our newborns or exposing them to their letters, shapes, and colors at an early age is such an easy thing to do, and they love the learning process. My children have become fast learners who love to engage and ask lots of questions. My 4 year has been enjoying and excelling at math, and I never really had to teach my second born his colors or phonics. He just knows them from being exposed to them with his older brother. I'm learning that children are never too young to learn and are like an open book just waiting to be filled. They soak up so much! 

If you're wondering how to help your children (or yourself, for that matter) really learn and remember and build their brains, this is a book you really should check out. You won't regret it!

You can find the book on their website here or on Amazon here:

Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Hammond

Well, they gone and done it! They done got hitched!

Ethan and Grace tied the knot 

at 6:00 pm on September 28th, 2019. 

Their special day was held at the Hunter Barn in Waynesville, GA.

The wedding was held outside, behind the barn, with the reception held inside the barn. The two of them wanted a short but sweet ceremony, which Dad was able to officiate. While the guests starting munching on the delicious variety of hors d'oeuvres that Grace's family had made, the family and bridal party were outside getting wedding pictures taken. Once back inside, Ethan and Grace cut the cake (which Grace's family also made).

After cutting the cake, the two shared a tenderly, slow dance together, followed up by a dance between Grace and her daddy.

Sweet friends, Amber and Brittany Gullickson, traveled in to help out with whatever needed doing for the wedding, including cutting up 150 Jalapeno peppers! Unfortunately, Mom and Amber didn't wear gloves while cutting up the peppers and ended up with "Jalepeno hands" for a full 12 hours! They both spent rehearsal day with their hands in a bowl of ice water! 

Greta, Amber, Grace, Ethan, Griff, and Brittany

Mom and Savannah all dressed up!

 Saying a quick prayer before starting.

The evening ended with some dancing and then a fire sparkler send off complete with a quick firework display. It was a lovely day.

The couple is now enjoying their 2 week honeymoon!

Congratulations Ethan and Grace! May the Lord bless your marriage immensely!

And welcome to the family Grace!

Oh Baby!

Since this is the season for announcing...

1 + 1 = 5 !

Our little family is growing! We are excited to announce that Baby #3 is coming mid January!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you."

Jeremiah 1:5a

(July 4th, 2019)

I feel great with this pregnancy; it's been my best one yet. A lot of people think that this means it might be a girl; I'm just hoping it means my body knows what it's doing by the third time around! LOL! 

 These two little fellas are ready to be big brothers. They just got bunk beds which they are thrilled about. They have been asking everyone who comes to our house if they want to see their bunk beds!

They grow up all too fast. Slow down, my little loves.

Matthew and I recently hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi). It wasn't that long of a hike, but he took it slow for me. We had a great time doing it and the 360 degree view was amazing!

(August 19th, 2019)

Praising the Lord for His sweet blessings!

Once Upon An Engagement

Yup...you heard that right. 

Ethan and Grace are now engaged! 

Okay, so I'm a little late in posting this. Ethan asked Grace to marry him on July 20.

(We were on a trip when it happened and my computer crashed on that trip, so I'm finally getting around to sharing the news.)

The lovely ring he picked out for her.

A happy couple.

 They are currently in the thick of wedding plans and house hunting, so keep them in your prayers as things are lining up.  The date for the wedding is September 28th.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

A couple of official engagement photos for your viewing pleasure!

It's A GIRL!!!!

I thought this title would catch everyone's attention, but I bet it's not the sort of announcement you were all expecting!!!

Ethan is courting!

This special young lady's name is Grace Elizabeth Adams and the two of them seem to be having a grand time getting to know each other.

Ethan and Grace met through the Florida Shindig that we all attended this past January. After several emails back and forth, the two families decided they should meet. Grace's family lives in Georgia, a little over 3 hours away, so they drove up to Aiken to spend the day with my family, as pictured below. Everyone hit it off really well and Ethan decided to pursue a relationship with Grace. She agreed and they began an official courtship.

 

Below is a picture of Ethan and Grace with Greta and Griffin (Grace's brother and sister).

It's funny to see Ethan actually interested in a girl. For a couple of years now, I've been watching him when we are at different functions to see if he ever takes interest in a particular girl or if he treats any of the young ladies special. But he has always treated them all the same way and gave no inclination to liking any certain girl. I began to wonder when my little brother would ever take interest in a girl! (rolling eyes) 

So it's been sweet to see him treat Grace in an extra special way. He later told me that he just "knew how to be discreet".  Discreet indeed!!!

~ ~ ~ 

This picture was taken right after they started courting. 

With Grace being a Georgia girl, she has a thick southern accent. But the funny thing is she says Ethan is the one with an accent. Dad, being silly, likes to do his best to try to imitate their accent with the corniest Southern phrases he can come up with.

At a dance they recently attended.

I think Savannah and Greta have both been enjoying being sister chaperones. 

We are thankful for this sweet time in both Ethan and Grace's lives. As we've mentioned in both Jordan & Caleb's courtship as well as mine and Matthew's, courtship is a time for a couple to get to know each other better, with the purpose of marriage in mind, to see if that is the way the Lord is leading. Courtship is also done in the context of having chaperones around for accountability's sake. If, through courtship, two people find out that they are not the ones that the Lord has for each other, then no courtship is a failure, because it has done what it was designed to do.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

I'm sure both Grace and Ethan would appreciate your prayers as they take this time to get to know each other and to discern the Lord's will for their future.

Cold Creek Nursery

Just wanted to let you all know that Cold Creek in Aiken, SC is now carrying our Trail Ridge Farm products. Check it out if you are interested in getting our goat cheeses locally!

Cold Creek Nursery

398 Hitchcock Parkway

Aiken, SC 29801

(803)648-3592

Or check out their website here!

Levi Matthew Dickerson

Levi Matthew Dickerson entered the world on March 24th, 2018. He is a healthy, happy bundle of joy and we are so glad to have him as part of our family! Big brother Ben loves him so much and calls him "Ba-by". 

Delivery this time around went very smoothly and VERY quickly! I was in about 3-4 hours of active labor before he made his arrival. So much different from Ben's, praise the Lord!

 Daddy and Ben in the studio working on Matthew's latest album, So Sings My Strings. Look how big my Ben has gotten. <3

Levi is an easy-going fella who loves attention! He's also super smiley, which is an extra blessing. I love smiley babies! (As you can see in the picture above, Ben is super smiley too, which I love!)

The boys enjoying their swing-set that Daddy built them.

 My little fellas.

I love being a mama to these two munchins. And wife to my sweet Matthew. Life is good!

Hey Ya'll!

Hi everyone! I know it has been a looooong time since I've posted. But I'm hoping to get back into posting a bit more regularly. So just wanted to pop in here and say hey and let you know to keep checking back.

 Later gater! 

-Kelsey

Ethan's 19th Birthday!

On November 27th, Ethan turned 19 years old!!!!  I blinked and he's a young man!

"Ethan Patrick"

Ethan - strong, firm

Patrick - noble

meaning behind his name: "strong and noble one"

Happy birthday Ethan!  Your name fits you well, as you are a strong leader in many areas of your life.  We thank the Lord for you and all the ways you are a blessing to our family.  May the Lord continue to lead you and guide you as you seek Him with your life.  Blessings on this year to come!!!! Love ya!