Makes My Heart Go Boom, Boom, Boom!!!

He proceeds to open the book...

begins reading to himself...

turns the page....

decides to read out loud...

eventually busts me taking his picture :)

As Visions of Kibbee, Falafel, Humos, & Baklawa Danced in my Head

The annual St. George Food Festival is coming up this weekend.  It kicks off Thursday, September 20th and runs thru Saturday, September 22nd.  Lunch is served daily from 10:30-2:00 and dinner begins at 4:00 and ends nightly at 9:00.  Drive-thru service is also available from 11-2 and 4-7.  

Deliveries are available for lunch in the downtown area as well-think OFFICE PARTY-for orders of $75.00 or more.  Trust me, its not that hard to spend $75.00 when there is soo much delicious food and desserts.  Well worth the money!!!

Booths and Events

• Middle Eastern groceries from Nabeel’s Imported Food
• Icons, Religious articles and Books for sale
• Hand carved olive wood from the Holy Land will be on sale
• Stained glass art by Mary Aiken
• Pysanky eggs by Sister Vladimir
• Live Arabic Band – Amin Sultan Fri & Sat 6pm- 10pm
• Arabic Dancing performed by our youth nightly
• Church Tours evenings Thurs and Fri and all day Sat

If you haven't ever been inside of our church-it is visually BEAUTIFUL, however, the meaning behind "the scenes" is spiritually OVERWHELMING.  Our guided tours are 

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.  

The dancers always put on a great show filled with tons of entertainment.  Especially the little ones.  I am excited to say that 3 of my 5 nieces will be "shaking" their stuff at the festival and I can't wait to see them perform.  I am so proud of them for representing their church and heritage in such an honorable way.

The Festival is a great family outing.  There is truly something for everyone-yes, even the avid football fan.  This year we will have a t.v. set up playing the Alabama & Auburn games.  So come, eat some authentic, made from scratch (with love) food, let the kiddos dance on the dance floor to the band, sit back with a beer/glass of wine and watch some football, all while enjoying a nice Arabic dessert.  What more could you want for your Family?

I have attached the link for our menu.  Please take a look at all of our delicious offerings.  Truly, you CAN'T go wrong.  Personally, I recommend coming all 3 days and trying something new each time :)  

I look forward to seeing many familiar faces in the crowd and meeting many new ones that I know will be back for years to come!!!!

http://saintgeorgeonline.org/sgc/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Festival-Menu-2012r2.pdf

SAINT GEORGE MELKITE GREEK-CATHOLIC CHURCH
425 16TH AVENUE SOUTH
Birmingham,Alabama 35205

Gettin' In Some Good Q.T. and a Few Points

Phoenix has been getting in some extra good Q.T. lately with his Dada.  A rarity in this house.  He soaks up every possible second of it.  He hates napping when Jason is home, but who can blame the kid-its not like he sees him all day, every day.  Lately, the boys have enjoyed watching football together, going to birthday parties, and even venturing to McWane Center (a last minute decision at 4:30 one afternoon, and yes-of course I tagged along).

And although its nothing out of the ordinary, Phoenix and I have also been getting in some good Q.T. too!  I love my Buttah time and can't seem to get enough of him or our time together!!!

Phoenix is really enjoying the park a lot more than just the swings these days!  We spent somewhere between 3-4 hours there on Monday.  Talk about a LONG time!  We had a blast though!  We also started story time back.  Phoenix enjoyed snack time.  I must say, I was a bigger fan of the younger class we were in prior to this one, so I didn't even bother registering him for next week.  I guess I'm going to have to find another story time (at a different library) that I am happy with.  We do one at Whole Foods that I love and we hope to continue with that one as well.  We also spend most Fridays at McWane Center with my sister and 2 of my nieces, which Phoenix and the girls love.  

He has started this new thing when he cries and it has to be the cutest thing ever.  He opens his hand real wide and covers his mouth, all while crying.  I don't know why he does it or what it signifies but it for some reason, it melts my heart.

He is really starting to catch on to words a lot more.  He is constantly reminding us to use our manners. He plays great by himself.  Loves being outdoors.  Gives hugs and kisses to all little kids and baby dolls.  Loves to brush his teeth and take baths.  Knows a few animal sounds and parts of the body.  Follows directions impeccably.  Loves giving Dixie (Sister Sister) a treat before we leave the house.  Must have a snack in the car.  Loves his milk.  Still a great eater.  Needs his sleep.  Enjoys cleaning his tray after meals, wiping tables, floors, vacuuming, etc..  Listens very well.  Is very good about using the potty (if I catch it in time).  Knows when Mama says Uno, Dos-she means business.  Knows what he wants and will gladly walk you to the kitchen and show you exactly what he wants (opens the refrig. and opens the drawer and pulls out his own snack.  If you try and hand him the wrong thing, he shakes his head no and gets it himself.)  Is becoming a young gentleman right before our eyes.  

  

Sunday Fun Day at the Fair

Last week Jason mentioned wanting to take Phoenix to the fair.  Well, on Saturday my sister mentioned they were going on Sunday after Church.  Perfect.  So we decided to tag along.  It was a bit pricy considering Phoenix was too little to do ANYTHING, but overall it was a blast!  Phoenix enjoyed walking around looking at all the rides, petting the animals in the petting zoo, eating sno cones, having lemonade and munching on french fries.  It was a very hot day, but not overly crowded so definitely tolerable.  Phoenix also enjoyed dancing to some country music that was playing.  Here are a few pictures that I took-when I actually thought about it :)  I did manage to video him dancing to the band, but of course-I still can't figure out how to upload a video, so you won't get to see how cute it is :(

vroom, vroom...

she drives like an old lady!

traffic jam!

game face :)

unsure face :)

Bateh Girls taking over the roads...

Watching the Bumper Car action...

All together now...

Somehow Abbie got left behind :)

Learning about his "roots" on his mama's side

And his "roots" on his dada's side :)

This is a MUST everywhere we go :)

I even got in on the action...poor Suki didn't though :(

Phoenix and his new buddies from the fair, Jack and Jill.

Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon spent together as a family with my sister, brother-in-law and nieces.  We had a great time and although Phoenix was too young to ride any of the rides or play any of the games, he still had a blast watching everyone, dancing to the band, and pigging out :)