If My Garmin Had a Southern Accent

I read this the other day and it cracked me up. It is so true.

What if My Garmin (GPS) had a southern accent? Your directions might go something like this . . .

Honey, I'm terrible with directions. I'll have to give you directions from my house, since that's the way I would normally go. You know how to get to my house, right? Y'all came to the Sunday School Christmas party last year, although that was at night, and if you're like me, I'm terrible with directions in the dark. Plus, I don't drive at night since I had my cataract surgery.

So, you'll have to bear with me while I try to give you directions from my place. Okay, you pull out of my drive like you're going to Winn Dixie, but then you turn before you get to the stoplight. I think you turn left at the light. You'll have to sit there a sweet forever because that light is so long, and don't go when school is getting out or the speed limit is 25, and that crossing guard will shake her finger at you. You know, she has been a crossing guard for nearly thirty years? She really should retire because the arthritis has been giving her fits.

Turn there at the light and go past the Cut 'N Curl until you see the pretty yellow house with the black shutters. That's Louise's house. This time of year she has the prettiest bedding plants, but I don't think she's planted any yet, you know, because of the weather we've been having.

When you pull into her driveway, be sure not to park near the old tree. She lets her dog go over there and one time I got out of the car and stepped in something awful and ruined my good shoes I got from Steinmarts. They were on sale, too.

When you see her, tell her I said,"hello" and ask her how her mama's doing.

What's that?

You need directions to Gladys' house?

Oh, I have no idea how to get to her house, but I heard she's already planted her bedding plants and you know they're going to be ruined with this weather we've been having.

And she doesn't have a dog.

Copied from http://this-aint-new-york.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-wrote-post-reviewing-our-weekend-and.html

From Generation to Generation - Part II

What about this question. “What is your dream or desire for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren?”
A life of bondage to sin? A life of mediocrity? A life of no service to others? A life without true passion for God? A life without God’s purpose at the center of their lives? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I will never, ever stop praying for just the opposite for my children. I can be the generation that changes generations to come. I can be the generation that shows what true love, passion and authenticity for Christ look like.

This is #2 of what I call God’s “Top Ten List” (The Ten Commandments): “You shall not bow down to them (idols) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6)
Sidenote: “punishing” the children for the sin of the fathers. The KJV says “visiting” which is more reflective of the original Hebrew. The original word means “inspect, review, number . . .” God does not punish children for their parent’s sins (Ezekiel 18). However, the sins of the fathers do have an impact. We have to be very careful what kind of seeds we are sowing.

Look back at this verse. How many generations suffer from the sins of the fathers? 3rd and 4th.
How many generations benefit from one who loves God and is obedient to His commands? 1000s.

We might think God harsh because of His allowances to the third and fourth generations of those who are unfaithful but look at His blessings on future generations of the faithful. God is clearly more gracious in His blessings than in His chastisements. Do you realize that your walk with God could affect great numbers of future generations?

“The little slice of time God offers each generation is a trust. Those before us who were not faithful with their trust will be held accountable but we’re still here. We still have a chance to positively affect the generations that follow us.” (Breaking Free by Beth Moore)

We cannot be so self centered that we think we are the only generation that matters! Clearly, that is not the truth. Our culture has perfected self-centeredness. Let’s not be swept into that tidal wave. Let’s not let that vast ocean of lies consume us. So what do we do? Let’s just do our part for one generation and let Him to His for a thousand.

So please dear friends, let’s make a pact today to pray diligently for the ones God has entrusted to us. I’m not sure we can fully understand the impact we can have on the generations to come.

I’ll leave you with two questions to ponder:
1. In what ways are you allowing the next generation to see authenticity in your life?
2. Given your inner circle of influence, how can you impact them profoundly and intentionally for Christ?

This could change the lives of generations to come.

From Generation to Generation - Part I

Something has been on my heart of late and I just can’t seem to shake it. Listen to what Psalm 78 says:

1 O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old-
3 what we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
5 He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
6 so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
7 Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
8 They would not be like their forefathers—
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.

Two immensely important facts float to the surface in these eight verses:
1. Every generation has a new opportunity to exert positive influence. No matter what atrocity has taken place in your family line, God can raise up a new generation and turn the cycle in the direction of godly seed.
2. Between every unfaithful generation and faithful generation is one person determined to change. Maybe you would like to be a link that takes your family line from an unfulfilling life of religion to a passionate life of relationship with Christ. (from Breaking Free by Beth Moore)


Each generation has the power to break the family line of whatever sort of sin it has endured. Whatever that may be, we can be the generation that breaks free of that bondage. We can be the generation that teaches our children what a passionate relationship with Christ looks like. We can live daily in His power through prayer, trust and obedience to Him and His Word. We can be absolutely sure that God’s will for us is to give way to godly seed in our families.

“Among the most treasured gifts we could pass down to the next generation is authenticity. We accomplish little good when we praise the deeds of the Lord, but we live lives inconsistent with His Truth.”
Oh, how I want to be authentic. I don’t want to walk around with some sort of mask on hiding the real me and the real God. Believe me, I’ve done that before and I am done with it! Plain and simple, it’s exhausting. I so want my theology to meet head on with my reality. Every. Single. Day.

Food Friday - The Saturday Edition

Well, you know life gets in the way of your blog some days, and yesterday was one of those days. We will have Food Friday - just on Saturday this week.

First, I gotta tell ya, D and I had a way fun evening out last night. We went to a fundraiser for our good friend, Butch Miller who is running for State Senate. While it goes without saying that we went because of Butch, I do believe D was swayed just a little bit by the location of this event. It was held in a local businessman's "barn." Please do not let the word barn fool you. This barn was huge and gorgeous and had never seen the likes of a farm animal. And on top of that, it was full, and I mean full, of probably 40 or 50 of the most beautiful vintage cars you have ever seen. These cars were pristine and I do believe I saw my husband drooling before the night was over. I'll have to admit, I had never seen anything like it. There isn't a vintage car museum that could have beat this. Overall, we just had the best evening visiting with our friends, oohing and aahing over the cars and enjoying some good BBQ.

Okay, back to the subject at hand - Food! Well, this week I'm giving a shout out to one of my best girlfriends and what I affectionately call, her famous chicken casserole. I have made this for many family dinners, Bible study meetings, girlfriend get togethers, friends/family recovering from sickness, welcoming new neighbors - and everyone loves it. I know this recipe by heart! It's easy, fast and delicious! So in honor of my good buddy, here is:

Jennifer's Famous Chicken Casserole
1 rotisserie chicken, least seasoned. Pull all white and dark meat off the bone.
1 box Uncle Ben's Original Recipe Long Grain Wild Rice, cook as directed
1 can cream of celery soup
1 chopped onion
1 cup of Hellman's mayonnaise *
1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained
salt and pepper to taste

Combine. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

*for some reason, Hellman's mayonnaise gives this recipe a better taste. I am usually a Blue Plate girl but I always get a small jar of Hellman's for this recipe. Go figure.

Thankful Thursday

To say that I loved what I did today would be an understatement. Not one thing makes me happier than to spend the day with my children or my husband. Well, today my daughter and I had a "Girls Day." We had been trying to have our day for about three weeks and it finally happened. So today I thankful for Girl Days, and for girly things like lunching and shopping! I sure do wish my boy was closer so we could have more Mom/Son days. I do miss him terribly.

We began our girls day at TJ Maxx and that was truly a shopping pleasure. We found tons of stuff we liked and left with some fine purchases. After that totally satisfying experience, we stopped for lunch which included soup, salad and some great conversation. Stop #3 was to our new favorite store, Charming Charlie. Oh, have mercy, it is an accessory/handbag/shoe/everything wonderful dream come true. I could have stayed in there all day. And as you might have guessed we had to make a quick stop in the tiara department because this girl has always been "The Princess of Quite a Lot." (Daughter of "Queen of Everything." ) She even had a sign that hung on her door at home that declared it properly.

These are just a few of our favorite things:
I'm planning on wearing this with a yellow jacket, maybe for Easter. I also got the earrings that match it.

Emily picked these out to go with her new Easter dress which is the prettiest shade of turquoise. These are even better in real life.
Did you know that this is called a bracelet bag? and it is adorable? It's small but big enough for your phone, lipstick, and car keys. So great if you are going out for a special occasion and don't want to take your big bag. Love it. This is only a snippet of the cute things we found in this store. I would have taken more pictures but I was too busy shopping. We plan on going back very soon and I promise to take more pictures. If I'm not too busy shopping.

10 Things You Might Not Know

Today on Beth Moore’s blog she listed “10 Things You Might Not Know.” So I’m going to follow Beth’s lead and blog about 10 random things you might not know about me.

1. I once sang on stage with Porter Waggoner at the Williamson County Fair.
2. I have talked on the phone to John Denver – a major highlight of my life, by the way.
Both of the above events occurred while I was working for an advertising agency during graduate school in Illinois. This also was the one and only time my boss tried to date me. That’s a whole other story for another day.
3. I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was 22 years old.
4. At age 5 I threw my “Sunday” shoes out the car window because they hurt my feet. When my dad saw what I had done, my feet weren’t the only thing that hurt. I will never ever forget it and to this day do not throw shoes that hurt my feet out the car window.
5. I eat only the pecans and cashews out of a can of mixed nuts – drives my husband crazy.
6. I love to dance. However, I am horrible at it and only do it on selected occasions (or when nobody's watching).
7. The first time I saw Steel Magnolias I cried so hard when Shelby (Julia Roberts) died that I got hives.
8. I once totaled a parked car.
9. I love, I mean I LOVE babies feet.
10. My favorite part of the day is when my husband and I sit down together after dinner and talk and snuggle. And I always say to him, “have I ever told you this is my favorite part of my day?” And he always says, “yes, you have and it’s mine, too.” Love that man.

TV and Books

Well, yeah and woohoo! The sun is shining and pretty much that makes me totally happy! So, what is new in my life this week . . .

I'm sick to death and extremely (beyond actually) frustrated with the health care bill passing. Let's see what happens now especially regarding the tax-funded abortion status. Okay, that whole thing pretty much makes me sick at my stomach.

Speaking of such, Carol Everett who spoke at the Gainesville Care Center banquet last week was pow. er. ful. By pow. er. ful. I mean with her details of the abortion industry as well as the amazing work that God has done with her life. Her whole depiction of the abortion industry was disturbing at the least but her testimony gave proof to the redeeming power of our God. Praise Him!

On a lighter note and because I know you are dying to know such things, D and I are hooked on the new "Undercover Boss" show that comes on Sunday nights. It's great . . . the three episodes we've seen have included CEOs from 7-11, Churchill Downs and this past week, GSI Commerce. It is fascinating. If you haven't seen it, it is a reality series that follows these high-level executives as they slip anonymously into the ranks of their organization, doing various entry level jobs. At the end, the executives reveal their identities to their unsuspecting employees and reward them for their hard work. We love this show.

Okay, and did you see the season premiere of "Dancing with the Stars?" Overall, I was impressed. Some of these folks can flat dance and some of them, well . . . just can't. Buzz is an America hero to be sure but a dancer he isn't. But hey, he's 80 years old so more power to him. My favorites? The girls - Nicole Scherzinger and guys - Evan Lysacek. Although I think my husband had the sweet eye on Erin Andrews. After all, he was very familiar with her work as she does ESPNs commentary on college football and basketball and you gotta love that about a girl.

March Madness - the year of the upsets? If you root for the underdog you are having major success this season. Georgia Tech was our only remaining Georgia connection and they did us proud even if they did lose Sunday afternoon. D printed me out a bracket but I figure at this point it's shot all to pieces. But he is a faithful fan and is finishing his bracket out with high hopes of somehow showing at least a few winners to the finish.

Great book - I just finished Francine River's brand new book "A Mother's Hope." It is so good but doggone it, it is one written as a series and I now have to wait who knows how long to read the rest of the story. However, Ms. Rivers is a phenomenal writer and I love, love her books. So I'll cut her some slack for making me wait.

I also just finished Mary Kay Andrews, "Deep Dish." Ms. Andrews is a southern writer and I do love southern women writers. There is just nothing like them. This book revolves around two southern cooks and their respective cooking shows, all set in the state of Georgia. The book even gives a shout out to Gainesville, Lula, Cornelia and Clarkesville. It is a fun and light-hearted read. I laughed out loud and I love to do that.

Well, that's all for now. Just for the record, I really do have more going on in my life than tv and books. I do, really.

Just Imagine

Imagine in heaven God lovingly shows you His plan for your earthly life. You see footprints walking through each day. On many of the days, two sets of footprints appear.

You inquire: "Father, are those my footprints every day and is the second set of prints when You joined me?"
He answers: "No, precious child. The consistent footprints are Mine. The second set of footprints are when you joined Me."
"Where were You going, Father?"
"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."
"But Father, where are my footprints all those times?"
"Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits. Sometimes, you departed from My path and chose your own instead. Other times, your footprints can even be seen on another person's path because you liked their plan better. At other times, you simply stopped because you would not let go of something you could not take with you."
"But even if I didn't walk with You every day, we ended up OK, didn't we?"
He holds you close and smiles, "Yes child, we ended up OK. But you see, OK was never what I had in mind for you."
"Father, what are those golden treasure boxes on certain days?"
"Blessings, my child, I had for you along the way. Those that are open are those you received. Those still closed were days you did not walk with Me." *


OK was never what He had in mind for us. Are we satisfied with just OK? Satisfied with just good? God's plan is God's best - His Greatest Great!

"How great is our God - beyond our understanding!" Job 36:26

*Beth Moore, Breaking Free

Food Friday

Whew - busy Friday but here is our recipe for today! This is a recipe I use alot for showers and luncheons. This "Cheese Ball" tastes a whole lot like chocolate chip cookie dough which I happen to well, LOVE!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
graham cracker sticks

Blend cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least one additional hour.
At serving time, roll ball in chopped nuts. Serve with graham cracker sticks for dipping. Makes about 2 cups.
Enjoy!

What I'm Thankful for This Thursday!

This Thursday I am thankful that these are blooming in my yard and that SPRING is on the way!

Same Kind of Different as Me

Well y’all, I just wish you had been with me last night. One of my best buddies and I drove all the way to Chattanooga to attend one of the coolest fundraisers I’ve ever seen. This organization was fabulous and really on top of their game as one that promotes and equips teens to deal with the issues of abstinence in areas of sex, drugs, alcohol and violence. The key note speaker for the evening was Ron Hall, co-author of “Same Kind of Different as Me.” Oh, what a great book. I have told everyone within ear shot about this book for months and I can’t tell you what an impact it has had on my life. Mr. Hall was an excellent speaker. Please allow me to share a few of the insights from his speech.

“You never know whose eyes God is watching you through.”

“Why do we worship a homeless man on Sunday and ignore them the rest of the week?”

“Stepping into the lives of the needy is risky but the rewards are life changing.”

“When you are precious to God, you become important to Satan.”

"Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise and he saved the city by his wisdom." Ecclesiastes 9:15

Are we Bible studying . . . or are we Bible doing?

Think about it.

What makes you think?

This is one of those random posts that was sparked by something I heard the other day. I was watching a promotional commercial about a new show on HGTV and this was a comment made by the host – “the biggest problem with a family business – the family.” Now, D and I are both fortunate and blessed (and I really do mean that) to work with our families but nonetheless, we both had to laugh. But you also must remember, we were practically delirious from watching mega amounts of television – vacillating between March Madness and HGTV depending on whose medication had knocked them out first. I didn’t even complain about watching “U-571,” a war movie with Matthew McConaughey – that’s how bad it was.

Anyway, I got to thinking about my favorite quotes. I love quotes, inspirational . . . or not. I keep a running mental list (although I think I should start recording them) of the ones that move me.

Here are a few:
1. “What separates from us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” My favorite movie quote – ever – from “Steel Magnolias.”
2. “Don’t confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller the other.” Erma Bombeck.
3. “America has never been united by blood, birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests, and teach us what it means to be citizens.” George W. Bush, Inaugural Address, 2001
4. "I am not a smart man . . . but I know what love is.” Forrest Gump
5. “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say “I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck.
6. “It’s not all about you.” Rick Warren, 1st words of Purpose Driven Life
7. “Southern women are not perfect. No, seriously, we’re not.” - What Southern Women Know
8. “Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” Unknown.
9. “Just so you’ll know – and your children will know – that is the Night. the Lights. Went. Out. In. Georgia.” End of Julia Sugarbaker’s infamous speech to Marjorie Leigh Winnick, Miss Georgia World (Designing Women).
10. “Poppa, this is not Little Rock . . . this is Big Rock.” My very own daughter, at age 2, declared this to her Poppa after landing in the airport of Little Rock, Arkansas.
11. "Southern girls are God's gift to the entire male population. There is absolutely no woman finer than one raised below the Mason-Dixon line. Once you go Southern, may the good Lord help you, you never go back" ~ Kenny Chesney
12. Well said, Kenny. I knew you had some brains under that gi-normous cowboy hat. (Had to add that. I couldn't stand ending on 11. :))

Food Friday

Something light, fresh and fruity sounds good today! This is one of those easy, go-to recipes that I use for family dinners as well as pot lucks all the time. It's easy to double and/or make variations to depending on what you have in your pantry.

Fabulous Fruit Salad

1 red apple, cored and chopped
1 granny smith apple, cored and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 large or 2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 chopped pecans
1 8 oz. non fat lemon yogurt

Mix all together in a medium size bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

If you love toasted pecans like we do, it is definitely worth the time for this recipe. They add a great flavor!
Also, sometimes it is difficult to find lemon yogurt, so I've used lemon chiffon, key lime and plain and all were good (lemon chiffon is the best in my opinion). Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

I am extremely thankful for health today. D and I have been in this house together sickly since Tuesday morning. It's a good thing we like each other or we would have gone crazy by now. I'm feeling a little better but poor D is still kinda pitiful. Hopefully, he will get to feeling better soon.

Three people near and dear to my heart had surgery/medical procedures done today. Early this morning, my precious friend underwent a major and lengthy surgery in Atlanta and I just heard via email that she did great and is currently in recovery. Another dear friend's daughter underwent a procedure this morning and I got word that that went smoothly as well. Yet another precious friend is undergoing a procedure as I type. I'm hoping to hear from her soon.

So, today and everyday I am thankful for good health and for the Great Physician and Healer who watches over us.

I'm such a Phone-y

Okay, I admit. I am crazy about my new phone. Now, you have to know my phone history to appreciate how far I’ve come. About a year ago, E and D took me to lunch under the pretense of a pleasant meal at Zaxbys. However, once there they told me that they had brought me there for a phone intervention. They said, “Honey/Mom, you will not be allowed to return home until you first go with us to the phone store for an upgrade.” But I love my Motorola flip phone that I’ve had for six years, and it only takes me 10 minutes to send someone a text, I said. I’m really okay. You know, change is always scary. But I reluctantly got in the car and went with them to the store and came out with a Blackjack that I soon warmed up to. Yes, texting was definitely a breeze compared to ye olden days. I learned a long time ago if you want to communicate with your young adult children, you must learn to text. So that feature was definitely a plus. Now I had taken that first step and had ventured out into the world of new phone technology. As I was feeling fairly confident about it, my gaze was caught by something with even more features and wonders. Oooh, I sure did like what I saw. But no, I couldn’t justify it. After all, I had stuck with Mr. Flip forever and now was I really going to dump Mr. Jack after only a year for something that could do practically everything but wash my hair? Am I really that fickle? Yes, yes apparently I am.

D had asked me a couple of times what I wanted for Valentine’s Day. You know, it’s a fine line between being subtle and getting something that you really would like to have. He is just a great gift giver because he usually listens so well and remembers what you said you would like to have. But this time, I was straight up and straight on. I want what you have, honey . . . I want an iphone. He knew I did because I had been practically drooling over his shoulder at his for several months.

So ladies and gentlemen, I am the proud owner of this new piece of technology. It’s pretty amazing. Warning to non-iphone users to avoid you a yawn and a snore: I’m going to talk apps for a minute so if you’re not into it, you have my permission to be excused.

My favorites (these are all free):
Benjamin Moore Color Capture. Allows you to snap a picture of any color inspiration and instantly match it to any one of the 3,000 hues in the BM system. Cool, huh?
CheckPlease – you just put in the total of your restaurant check and the percentage of tip you want to leave and it calculates the tip and total. Very handy.
Sudoku – supposedly this will help with my brain function. I need all the help I can get.
All Recipes –This is my favorite! I love it! E told me about this one and I am hooked! I love the AR standard website but I think this app even trumps it. It has what it calls the “Dinner Spinner.” You choose the Dish Type, Ingredients and “Ready In” time. It spins like a slot machine in Las Vegas and comes up with recipes to match your choices. Super cool!
Words with Friends – it is an ongoing Scrabble game that you play with others. Right now, E and I are playing and she is beating me – bad. I have a Q, F, D, A and 2 Hs. Have mercy.
One final one – the Kindle app. As you probably know because I have blabbed on and on about it, I have a Kindle that I adore. Well, last Friday I got an email that there was a Kindle app to go on my iphone. Get this - I can sync my Kindle with my iphone and read from both places. The screen on the iphone is so small compared to the Kindle that I wouldn’t do this on a regular basis but it just might come in handy while waiting in a waiting room or for Mother to shop at the Belks.
What are some other cool apps? Let me know.

Pictures from our Weekend!

Just wanted to share a few pictures from our weekend! The girls and I went to the Beloved Retreat Friday and Saturday in Norcross! Oh. My. Goodness. Did we ever have a great time. It was incredible. The music, the testimonies, the fellowship, the goodies, the makeup/makeovers - all amazing. Those Beloved girls know how to have a good time!
Not to be confused with Beloved - here is our very own girls trio!!






The real Beloved - the fabulous, supertalented, crazy and super fun girl's trio!





As you know, yesterday we were in full birthday mode! Afterall, it was one of my children's birthdays, wasn't it? E and N joined us in worship yesterday morning which was incredible. And on top of that, G came home for the birthday festivities. You know, this may go down as one of my best weekends - ever. :)



Words can't describe my love for these two.



Yes, it is a tradition in our family that if you are having a birthday, you wear the hat and sunglasses - at least for one quick picture. Makes you glad you're not in our family, doesn't it?
E and her birthday cobbler complete with 24 candles!


Oh, I adore these two. They melt my heart.



G was getting ready to leave to drive back to school. Which might explain why I was holding him like that!



There is a story that goes along with the crazy pose and the silly grins in this picture. Trust me.


My boys.

It's My Girl's Birthday!

Happy Birthday to E! Happy Birthday to E! Happy Birthday dear Ee-ee! Happy Birthday to E!

10 Reasons I Love My Girl Today and Always!

Ten. She is just like her momma with song lyrics – we just make up our own! We will never let her forget, we even sing it wrong in her honor, that she manipulated those famous Doobie Brothers lyrics of “Drift Away.” Now and forever that song will be sung in our family as “Give me the beach boys and free my soul, I wanna get lost in your rock and roll, and drift away,” Either our girl just wants the beach or maybe it is the Beach Boys she likes – not sure, in any case, give her the beach - boys!
Nine. She is a girl. And she is a girly girl to this girly momma. Since birth, her momma put the biggest hair bows imaginable (that matched her clothes, socks and shoes perfectly I might add) on the top of her head and she never complained, until she got to middle school and that was the end of that. And she likes to shop with me. She likes to go to Panera with me. She walks around Target aimlessly with me. She can order for me without even asking me. She likes the things I like. Oh, do we ever have fun together.
Eight. She has her daddy’s eyes. Big, brown, and beautiful.
Seven. She loves her little, but much bigger, brother who always has looked up to her even when he began to look down.
Six. We share a common history. Only she and I have the memory of playing Candy Land, playing with dolls; doing school work together; talking about school, outfits, friends, and boys; going on vacations as a family or our girl trips with the grandmothers and/or aunts; and seeing her in a wedding dress for the fist time. Those memories are uniquely ours.
Five. She is patient and kind. Is she ever.
Four. She is smart. The girl is amazing with details and numbers. Wow, how I’ve learned to rely on her to catch even the smallest thing that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Three. She is considerate of me. If she is coming into town to meet me, she sends me a text to ask if I want something to drink. She sends me texts to tell me even the most random of things. She asks my opinion on certain decisions. Oh Lord, please give me wisdom to give her good advice when she asks.
Two. She is loyal to her family. Heaven forbid someone says something negative about her family and/or their business. Oh, dear mercy. She has got a spunk about her that I don’t want to cross. She is little but I sure wouldn’t want to mess with her when she’s mad.
One. She is a treasured child of God. She was entrusted to me by the One who loves her with an everlasting love and He sent her from heaven just for me. I am overwhelmed with joy that He did.

I love you sweet angel!
Mom

Food Friday - Apple Cobbler with Pecan Ice Cream

I'm posting this recipe for our very first Food Friday in honor of E because when asked what she wanted for her "birthday cake," she chose this. It isn't a cake at all but she loves it. And so does the rest of our family. Everyone will be thrilled she picked it!

Caramel Apple Cobbler with Toasted Pecan Ice Cream

1/2 cup butter or margarine
12 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 15 oz. package refrigerated piecrusts

1. Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add apples, sugar and juice; cook, stirring often, 20 -25 minutes or until apples are caramel colored. Spoon into shallow, greased 2 quart baking dish.
2. Unroll 1 pie crust; cut into 1/2 inch strips. Arrange strips in a lattice design over filling; folding edges under.
3. Bake cobbler at 425 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes or until crust is golden.

Serve warm with Toasted Pecan Ice Cream.
2 pints homemade style vanilla ice cream, softened
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Stir together ice cream and chopped pecans. Freeze 4 hours.

Easy and fabulous! That's what I like! Hope you enjoy it! Happy Friday!

Thankful Thursday - The Inaugural Day

So here we go – Thankful Thursday! Actually this is hard for me - you know I am a woman of many words and think I have to use them all. So for me to say one thing that I’m thankful for today in a succinct manner will be a stretch but I’ll try. I want this to be simple so if you all want to make a quick comment, you won’t feel overwhelmed by mine.

Okay, I just can’t give you one. How about a serious one and a fun one – yours can be either.

1. I am thankful that our God is a God of miracles. Please do not think for one second that He is not alive and well and working miraculous works all around us. Because He is. I’ve seen it. I’ve experienced it. I believe it.

2. I am thankful for those little carrots in the bag that you get in the produce section of your locally owned grocery store (wink). They are already washed and ready to eat! I love them! Who says convenience isn’t healthy??

Okay, I’m done. Your turn.

What I Love about March 2010!

I really cannot believe it is the beginning of the third month of 2010! Time is just going too fast! You know I try to do a month overview at the beginning of each month - so here we go - what I love about March 2010!

1. It is my firstborn's birthday month!! She will be 24 years old this Sunday! I love you to the moon and back sweet pea!
2. This Friday and Saturday, I am going down to Atlanta for a girlfriend weekend like no other. The ladies trio, Beloved, is hosting a retreat at the Hilton in Norcross and a whole slew of us from Gainesville are headed that way. There will be music, guest speakers, a lip-sync contest, and much more. I'm just excited to hang out with some amazing women this weekend!
3. Last night, E and I were supposed to go to Athens for the "Little Black Dress" Party at Hotel Indigo. However, the snow postponed this event until the 30th. This is a Bridal event with a relaxed feel of entertainment, music, and food. Unlike a traditional bridal show, this has more of a real party feel. We were so excited to check it out but I guess we'll just have to wait!
4. The Gainesville Care Center Banquet on Thursday, the 18th at First Baptist's Banquet Hall. Carole Everett, the former owner of several abortion clinics in the Dallas area will be the guest speaker. She has a powerful testimony and I mean pow-er-ful. The work that God has done in her life is no less than miraculous. If you're interested, tickets are $30 and can be purchased either from the Care Center office on Green Street Place or online through their website at www.gainesvillecare.org until Thursday, the 11th. This is an organization dear to my heart and one that is clearly doing God's work. We'd love to have you. You will be blessed.
5. Okay, more excitement . . . on the 16th, I am headed up to Chattanooga with a dear friend to hear Ron Hall speak. Yea! If you don't already know, Ron Hall is the author of the book "Same Kind of Different as Me." This book changed my life view. This true story of a homeless drifter, an upscale art dealer and his gutsy wife is nothing short of amazing. I can't tell you how much I am inspired by true stories of people who really want to do the right thing and change the world for Christ. Oh, so good.
6. I've mentioned in earlier posts about our friend Butch Miller and his run for State Senate. We have known Butch and his wife Teresa for many years and I am here to tell you, you won't find a finer man than Butch. Why he wants to get into politics is beyond me but I sure am thankful that he does. D and I made a commitment to support Butch in his effort from the get-go and things with his campaign are just starting to take off. He has a major fundraiser later this month but I'll be back with more details about that closer to time.
7. Okay, yet more fun. Next weekend, the Birthday Group girls are headed up to the mountains for a weekend away. Yes, two weekend girl getaways for me. Can you believe it? I usually don't do this back to back because honestly, I don't like to be away from my husband so much. But he will be working and truth be told, I think he likes the house to himself every now and then. I can certainly understand that.
8. Our Handbell season is winding down which makes me kinda sad. We are playing in worship this Sunday morning and again on the 28th. And on Easter Sunday morning! After that, we are done until the fall. Oh, I do love playing handbells! My sweet husband is our director and I so much appreciate his dedication to this unique musical choir assembly.
9. Oh Revelation . . . how I want to understand you. This month I will be deep (as deep as I can get) in the book of Revelation. The Monday night girls will be beginning this study this month and I am continuing it with some friends on Friday mornings. Oh, I need some understanding.
10. The blog - you know I've been talking about this for months now. I'm thinking I need some structure here in this blogworld. So, I'm going to try two things: Thankful Thursday and Food Friday. On Thursdays, I will post something I'm thankful for that day and ask you to do the same. By the way, thank you to my friends who comment. I really appreciate it so I'm asking those of you who haven't, to give it a try. Some of you have said you have tried, but can't. I'll ask my technology expert (E) about that.
On Fridays, I'll be posting a recipe. Again, please comment with a recipe of your own or a comment about mine if you try it.
This is all an experiment for me. I love this outlet for writing and sharing my life. I'll continue as long as I enjoy it. So, again, thanks for reading and taking this journey with me!

Seriously, Snow. On March 2nd!

When I left the flat lands of southern Illinois 25 years ago, I really thought I was leaving the snow behind as well. Apparently, I didn't. I know some of you are aghast that I might not be a fan of snow but the fact is, I'm not. When I was growing up we couldn't leave our house for days because of it, we had to shovel it, we had to put chains on our car tires because of it . . . so yes, I have bad childhood snow memories. After about the first two or three snowmen, it somehow lost it's wonder. So if it snows once a year, about an inch or two and is gone by morning . . . that's fine by me. I love the sunny Georgia life.

Although, I'll have to admit, it is beautiful. This is what it's doing outside my window right now, Tuesday, March 2nd at noon - in Georgia.

Sharing some Pics of the Brasstown Show!

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the Brasstown Valley Resort Bridal Show yesterday. We had a great time and enjoyed meeting some really nice people! Our Eco-Green Design Gallery turned out quite nice. Many thanks to Mary and her amazing floral work and to E and her incredible attention to details. You two are amazing!

This tall vase was filled with orchids - stunning! Tea lights are hanging from the stems.

Artichokes worked great as place card holders. And moss under the chargers at each place setting really made them pop!

The bridal bouquet was gorgeous!

We were fortunate to work with these amazing vendors.

These brown chiavari chairs were absolutely incredible. Love them.

We created this display on this side table to showcase several additional elements of the gallery. The escort cards were slid into grass and surrounded by rocks. And speaking of rocks, the "guest book" to complement this eco-friendly theme was really cool. Guests could write their names and best wishes on the rocks and then add them to the tall vase. A "donation" was made in honor of the guests to the Bride and Groom's favorite charity.