CamelBack Brewing Company

So, it's the day before the grand opening of my husband's brewery. I have a lot of nervous energy. My counters are coated with a thick layer from Clorox wipes and my vacuum cleaner is begging me to turn it off. I clean a lot when I feel nervous. I guess it keeps me busy and helps me clear my mind. Another thing that helps me clear my mind is writing! So let's start from the beginning of this long journey that has brought my family to this new season of life.

This is Mike in 2012. This is where it all began. We had just welcomed our first child into the world. Mike was taking online classes through NC State to get a Master's in GIS. He was the town planner in Winterville, NC. He came home one day and told me that he wanted to try to brew his own beer. I didn't think anything about it. Mike has lot's of hobbies and likes to tinker around with things. He loves to cook. He's the type of person that can read a book or article about a particular subject and automatically become an expert at it. Sometimes this drives me crazy because I am the complete opposite of that. I would have to study something for months. So naturally, Mike read up on how to brew beer from home, bought some equipment (shown in the picture) and brewed some beer right there in our tiny little kitchen. To say he enjoyed the process is an understatement. We waited a few weeks and I learned some new vocabulary words, like fermentation, conditioning, and hops. A very distinct aroma filled the walls of our kitchen. 

We both wondered what it would taste like. Then the day came to try it out. I remember laughing so hard because it actually tasted amazing. And that was just the taste Mike needed to turn this science experiment into a full blown hobby. He started brewing all different types of beer. Our kitchen turned into a mini brewery. Once when we were out of town for the weekend, the top exploded off of one of his containers and shot beer all over our kitchen. We came home late Sunday night to a kitchen full of ants and beer. But I still let him brew. He was obsessed with it. And so were the people that he shared it with. 

Fast forward to 2014. Mike accepted a job with the City of Durham. We put our house for sale and moved back to our hometown of Sanford. We lived with my parents until we were able to sale our house and find a new one (This ended up being 2 years. No, that's not a typo.) During this time Mike basically turned my parent's garage into a brewery. He brewed during his spare time. He commuted to Durham everyday. I continued to teach 2nd grade. And then this happened...

That's daughter # 2 in there. It was around this time that Mike told me he wanted to open up a brewery. Once again, I didn't think much about it. Maybe I even thought that he was joking. I don't really remember the specifics. My head was fogged with pregnancy brain and chasing around a 3 year old. Then one day he asked me what I thought of the name CamelBack Brewing Company, inspired by the Camelback Bridge. And this logo... 

Humm.... maybe he wasn't joking. I loved the name. I loved the logo. I started to love this idea.... but how? How in the world would he make this dream a reality? How do you open up a brewery? How would this even be possible!? This is when the hard work started. Not many people realize that it took about 3 years of research, time, money, frustration, patience, doubt, hope, and most importantly prayer. It's funny how you can look back and see all the puzzle pieces falling into place and how God's timing is never early and never late. 

These are a few pictures of Mike doing some free tastings around town. The feedback was good and the exposure was great. And then, finally, this happened. 

He got the keys to the building. This was the big "oh my goodness my husband is opening up a brewery, like for real" moment. This was exciting. This was the beginning of the end of Mike's time commuting to Durham. This was the beginning of the wonderful, sometimes scary/overwhelming, part of this journey. 

Word started to spread around town. I was happy to share any information to anybody that asked. It's hard to hide the "proud wife" smile from my face. 

After months of construction, hiccups along the way, sweat, and determination.... it's finally ready. He actually did it. This hard working hubby of mine is actually opening up a brewery. I'm so glad we took that brave jump over the side. I am in awe of you. 

This town has been so supportive. A HUGE thank you to all of the investors, workers, family, and friends that have made this possible. We are excited to walk this path that God has led us on. Come check us out. Doors open tomorrow, July 25th at 11. 

www.camelbackbrewingco.com

Daddy's Girl

The church sermon this morning was about planting a good seed. The preacher talked about Father's Day and how important our father's are. They are our biggest teacher. Our number one fan. And the whole time the preacher was preaching about Father's, I was thinking about my daddy.

He planted a good seed. He planted three good seeds. He watered us, weeded us, protected us, and watched us grow.

When I think back on my childhood, I am flooded with tons and tons of wonderful memories shared with my dad and my family.

I remember all of our family vacations to the beach. I remember how you would pick me up over the waves. You would build the best sand pool for us to play in. We would fill up buckets with sand fiddlers. One time we made a humongous sand castle. I remember our mountain trips and cutting down our own Christmas tree. I remember that hot day in Gettysburg and learning about our family history. Somehow you made that fun. But the best part was just being with you on a trip.

I remember you at all of my dance recitals. I remember the flowers you would give me.

I remember that half eaten snickers bar I gave you as a present one time.

I remember your "Spivey Specials" that you cooked up in the kitchen. Only you could make spaghetti taste like smoke. I remember laughing about that.

I remember the tree house you built me in the backyard. I remember playing baseball back there and the swing set you put together. I remember the beautiful flowers you would plant. I remember how much you appreciated a nice yard.

I remember your truck with the little windshield wipers. I remember playing "van bop" in the car. I remember you teaching me how to drive.



I remember your nice comfy lap in that recliner downstairs. You would let me listen to your music and wear your big headphones. I remember The Beetles and calling Simon and Garfunkel "Simon and Garfield". I remember your guitar.

I remember one night being scared of the tooth fairy and I went downstairs and cuddled in your lap. I remember sitting in that lap through hurricanes, thunderstorms, and bad dreams.

I remember that time you let me paint your toenails and forgot they were painted. We played eye spy on the beach and I spied something pink... your toes!

I remember sleeping in your big t-shirts.

I remember Christmas mornings. I remember that trampoline that must have taking you all night to put together.

I remember being stung by a wasp and you put tobacco on it.

I remember you apologizing when you were wrong.

I remember you moving me into my dorm room on the 3rd floor on a 95 degree day in August. I remember you moving me several more times into apartments and houses.

I remember the first (and last) time I rode a roller coaster with you. I remember how tight I squeezed your arm.

I remember how much you loved mom. I remember how gross I thought it was when you kissed her.

I remember you being there to cheer for me at my high school, college, and Master's graduation.

I remember that time I wrecked my car after you had just put new tires on it, and you told me that tires can be replaced but you can't replace me.

I remember when you walked me down the isle and I didn't want to let go of you. I remember our awesome dance at the reception.

I remember when you held Lilly for the first time.

I remember when you let me live with you for 2 years. I remember that you didn't complain not one time about us taking over your space.

I remember bringing Madelyn home to your house. Her first home was with you. And you held her all of the time for me.

I remember your knee surgeries and how bad I hated seeing you in pain.

I remember how you painted my whole house, twice.

I remember all of it. All of the Valentine cards and chocolates, all of the hugs, the coffee visits, all of the selfless things you did and continue to do for me every single day.

How did I get so lucky to have a dad like you? Thank you for planting those seeds. Thank you for teaching us that family is the most important thing there is. Thank you for moving us back home. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories you have made with me and all of the wonderful memories yet to come. Thank you for being you. I love you daddy.

You're Worth It

The first night of summer break is filled with mixed emotions. No more alarm clock, getting lunches ready, morning duty, dress pants, gallons of coffee (well maybe I'll still need this), getting two kids ready for school, burning egos, or paying for daycare!

Another year has come and gone and another group of students have touched my heart. They come to us as tiny little 7 year olds and leave us as big "ready for third grade" 8 year olds. They grew leaps and bounds. They drove us crazy. They made us proud. They made us sad. They made us laugh. They  made us homemade cards. They made us repeat ourselves 500 times. They made us smile and also made us use that "teacher look".

So as I close my eyes tonight and think about how glad I am to spend a summer with my girls, I also close my eyes tonight and worry about them. You know, those students who tested your patience day after day. The ones that said they hate school. The ones that made bad choices again and again. The ones that drove you absolutely crazy. The ones that never did their homework or returned their reading books. Yep. We all have them every year.

They also make you lose sleep. Because we worry about what they will eat, and what they will hear, and what they will see, and what they will do over the next 3 months. And you know they are worried too when they don't want to get on the bus that last day of school. But when one of your toughest students of the school year tells you that his favorite part of 2nd grade was meeting all of us, and that he didn't want school to be over... that's when you know it was all worth it. Because of all of the inappropriate things he could have said in that moment, he chose kindness. And he chose to speak from his heart. And he chose to be brave in front of his peers.

And that is why it's worth it.

Say lots of prayers for these babies that are sad about not coming to school tomorrow. Pray that they hear an "I love you" and that they feel safe.

Happy summer break ❤️

I Remember When

I remember when I saw those two pink lines on that pregnancy test. It was August 5, 2011, 3 days before my 2nd wedding anniversary. I came out of that bathroom in our old house after staring at that test for what seemed like an eternity. I went up to your daddy and gave him a great big hug. We were so excited about you.

I remember when we told both of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends about you. I remember the look of joy on their faces.

I remember that awful morning sickness that never happened in the morning, only at night. I remember your daddy feeling bad for me and hoping it would pass quickly, which it did.

I remember our first doctors visit and seeing your tiny little heart beat on that screen. I remember the sound of that heartbeat. I remember the prayers I said for you.

I remember the first time I felt you kick. I had just vacuumed the house and I sat down on the couch and there you were. Those kicks got bigger and stronger. I loved those kicks.

I remember when they told me that you were a girl. I remember the smile on your daddy's face. We went to Babies R Us right after your appointment and I looked at all of the little girl things.

I remember all of your baby showers and decorating your nursery. I remember thinking that my belly couldn't get any bigger. I remember eating Oreos in a bowl with milk and the look on your daddy's face when I would finish my plate and start eating off of his.

I remember the day before you were born. I went to work and had a few cramps here and there. I had a doctors appointment that afternoon and you were super healthy and happy in there. Your daddy and I ate dinner and Buffalo Wild Wings and then had yogurt for dessert. We went home and took a walk around the neighborhood. I called my parents when we got home and the first thing my dad said was "are you in labor"... I remember laughing at him because you were not due for two more weeks.

I remember that contraction that woke me up at 3 am. I remember telling your daddy that my water broke a few minutes later. I called the midwife and she told me to try and rest and to go to the hospital first thing in the morning. I remember taking a shower and your daddy was trying to time my contractions. I remember him telling me that they were every 2 minutes. I was trying to pack a bag for the hospital but I had to keep stopping because of the pain. I remember throwing the birth notes I took at the birthing class across the bed in frustration because they did not line up with what was going on.

I remember talking to my mom between contractions and her telling me that it was definitely time to go to the hospital.

I remember that car ride. Boy do I remember that car ride. Your daddy drove so fast I felt like I was in an airplane. I told him that I didn't want to do this and he told me you were ready to come and that it was going to be ok.

I remember getting to the hospital at 5 am. I remember all of the contractions I had in the lobby and the look on the mans face that was checking us in.

I remember when the nurse told me I was 9 cm dilated as soon as I got into a room. I remember how calm she was and how she told me it was going to be ok and that I was going to meet you real soon.

I remember pushing for almost 3 hours. I asked your dad for water every 5 seconds. He held my hand and helped me breathe. And finally, the midwife told me to look down and I pulled you to my chest.

I remember that feeling. That feeling of calmness and relief. That feeling of overwhelming love and joy. That feeling of your tiny little body against my chest. A moment that I will cherish forever.

The day you were born was one of the most precious moments of my life. A life changing day for your daddy and I. You have grown and grown and grown. You have such a kind heart and I love that about you. We are so proud to be your parents. Happy 5th birthday Lilly Bug.

Welcome Home

Things are finally starting to settle down around here. We have slowly adjusted to the "adult" life again and being homeowners. Our home is coming together and we are down to the last few boxes. There are still pictures to be hung, curtains to be bought, and wallpaper to be stripped, but we have made tons of progress over the last month.

Week 1
Mike worked his butt off this week. Between him, my dad, and his dad and brother-in-law, our house got a major face lift. There was wallpaper in about 85% of the house. All of that came down except for the bathrooms. If you're lucky, wallpaper will just peel right off. We were not lucky. Most of it came down in little pieces. And just when I thought all the wallpaper was gone, I would open a drawer and find some more.

Then the paint went up in every single room. Our room, closet, kitchen, laundry room, play room, and the girls rooms. Paneling came down in the living room and dry wall went up. A new refrigerator and microwave were installed. Bushes were cut down in the front yard. Gutters were installed.

The bathrooms are the only two rooms that are left to finish. They both still have wallpaper. Serenity now...

We also moved in a huge load of stuff from our storage building. Since we were not done painting we put everything in the playroom.

That weekend we were hit by Hurricane Matthew. Mike and I took a trip to the storage building Saturday morning to get another load. I was going to unpack all of the kitchen stuff during the storm since we couldn't really move anything else. We got SOAKED. On the way home the roads were so bad that we knew we couldn't go out anymore. We were very very lucky because we didn't lose power. Mike and my dad painted the living room while I unpacked the kitchen boxes.

We were out of school on Monday. We moved all of our beds and clothes from my parents house. My brother brought Lilly's new bed over (her cousins old bed) and set it up for us. Madelyn's crib was set up in her room. It was our first official night in our new home. Which meant it was Lilly's first official night of sleeping in her new big girl bed. After sleeping with us for the past 4 years I knew this would be a long battle. I was prepared for crying and screaming. What I was not prepared for was Lilly telling me to get out of her big girl bed and go to my room so she could go to sleep by herself. Um...... ok?

She LOVES her room. She LOVES her bed. She has done so fantastic. She has had a few nights where she wanted to sleep with us but I seriously cannot believe how easy it has been. She was so ready for this. She keeps her room nice and tidy. She insist on making her bed every morning. Her shoes have a special spot in her closet. The only thing left to do in her room is to paint her dresser white and put it back in there.

Week 2-4
We were living in the house but most of our furniture was still in the playroom. We slowly started putting things in their place after work each night. The living room furniture was moved, pictures were hung, and the playroom was put back together. Everything was finally out of the storage building. Everything was finally out of my parents house.

Week 5
I finally feel settled. The girls are adjusted and Jakey Boy seems adjusted too. There are just a few small jobs left to finish, besides the bathrooms. We are loving our new home. We have some really sweet neighbors also that bring us goodies! I'm really looking forward to Christmas morning by our fireplace. And all the other wonderful memories that are yet to be made. This was totally worth the wait.