Its Monday!

Wow, I have hardly had a chance to take a deep breath since I blogged on Friday. I wrote early that morning because I knew that day would be jam packed and it was. As was Saturday. As was Sunday. As was today. But that's the thing about life, it just keeps comin' at you.

Friday morning was all about preparations for Shay and Caleb's wedding at the church and reception site. Then there was a long planning lunch with E in beautiful downtown Commerce. Hadn't had lunch in downtown Commerce since . . . well, never. We sat outside at a little cafe there and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We then headed back to E's house to put our feet up for exactly 5 minutes before I needed to get connected via cell phone to the folks at the radio station for the "What's for Supper?" segment. I would much rather be in the studio with them but that just can't always happen. Got off the phone, changed clothes and headed to the wedding rehearsal. That went extremely smoothly and we were out of there in record time. I then headed back to Gainesville and called my momma on the way home only to find out she had taken a hard fall in the mall parking lot that afternoon and was not doing so well. So I ran to get her some pain medication, a snack from Wendys (which was sure to cheer her up) and then to her house. We sat and commiserated for awhile and then I finally headed home. It was about 9:00 p.m. by this time. A long day to be sure.

Saturday I left the house and headed to Maysville about 10:00. Once you arrive on site for a wedding, it is non-stop, do-whatever-needs-to-be-done and you don't sit again until you get in the car to drive home. That is just the way it is. Thankfully the storms that were forecasted only turned out to be steady rain. Which is not ideal for a wedding but it was much better than the alternative. I tell you, these two were the sweetest couple ever. I had a "first" at this wedding. The bride and groom decided to see each other before the wedding so the photographer orchestrated the "first look" photos in the church sanctuary. I was in the right place at the right time and got to witness this. I stood there and cried as this big guy was brought to tears by the beauty of his bride. oh. dear. He literally could not stop looking at her and telling her how gorgeous she was. It was priceless.
By the time I left Maysville at about 6:30, I was soaked to the bone but could not have cared less. All I could think about was getting home, eating something and jumping in the bed. Which is exactly what I did. D was kind enough to suggest we run to the Hibachi restaurant for some grilled shrimp, steak, chicken and vegetables. I sure was glad because I could have eaten a big ole horse by that time. I kid you not, we got it to go, brought it home, put it on a tray, got our pajamas on and got in the bed to eat it. It was heaven. D deserves the husband of the year award as he was subjected to four non-stop episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer. What a guy.

Sunday we got up and went to small group and worship. My husband taught the best lesson and I was blessed beyond measure. Now one would think I would have come home to a big fat nap but no, it wasn't to happen. In order to prepare for a five-minute segment, five days a week on the radio I have to spend several hours. Without a doubt most people could do it in less than half the time, but it seems I have to over-do and over-analyze everything I do. Once that was complete I ran to the hospital gift shop for a little restocking work with Tracy and we were more than glad to have that checked off our list for the week.

It's "cake week" on the "What's for Supper?" segment this week but I think I'll tell you more about that on Friday. I will tell you that the recipe for today is Chocolate Sheet Cake with cooked chocolate icing. Would you believe D and I were making one last night at 10:00 for me to take to the radio folks this afternoon? Yes, we were and never once, not once did I stick my finger in that chocolate batter. But how oh I wanted to.

This morning I dragged myself out of bed to the prospect of going for a weigh in and work out. I mustered up enough energy for weights and the treadmill and was actually really glad I did when it was over. After such a rough weekend on the feet, I treated myself to a pedicure and it was absolutely the best pedicure I've ever had. There is a young man who works at this particular shop and he must have had pity on my poor feet, because he labored over them well past his due time. He even gave me a foot massage that was beyond fabulous.
After that I headed back to the house for phone calls, emails and preparations for tonight's Bible study. The Monday night girls made a detour in plans, put Revelation on hold until the fall and decided to pursue "Discovering the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. This study is phenomenal. I'll be writing more about the wisdom and insights from it in a future blog.

Whew! No wonder I'm tired. Going to bed now.

Food Friday

Well, I kinda feel like all I do is talk about food these days which as you might know, is certainly not a stretch for me. I have LOVED being in the studio and on the radio with George and BJ this week talking about "What's for Supper?" You just could not find a nicer group of folks than the folks at WDUN. They have made this radio rookie feel very comfortable and welcome.

This week on "What's for Supper?" I brought in chicken recipes seeing as how Gainesville is the Chicken Capital of the World, after all. We have talked about Jennifer's Chicken Casserole, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Crock Pot Mexican Chicken (that's this afternoon) and our recipe for today: Chicken BBQ Pizza. This has been a main stay for feeding teenagers at our house for years. To tell you the truth, I made this recipe up in my own little head. We are big fans of the Chicken BBQ Pizza at Schlotzskys so I came home and tried my best to replicate it. I'm not sure if it is anything like theirs but it is good for sure. Hope you like it!

BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 pizza crust – can use a ready-made crust; refrigerated; or mix style (water and oil will need to be added if use a mix)
1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, divided
3 cups cooked chicken
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Optional additions: onions, mushrooms, sliced jalapenos; bell peppers

1. Cook crust according to package directions.
2. Spread 1 cup (or more according to taste) on baked crust.
3. Mix cooked chicken with remaining BBQ sauce to coat. Add to crust.
4. Add additional toppings if desired.
5. Top with cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
7. Serves 3-4.

I Did it!

I did it! I walked the 5K tonight in 53 minutes! That is 3.1 miles in less than an hour. You should have seen E and I - we sprinted to the finish line in order to not go over that 53 minute mark. Too funny! This may not sound like a major accomplishment to some but to me - it was a big huge deal! Exactly one month ago today I began a weight loss and exercise program. To date I have lost 16 pounds. And I kid you not, it is undoubtedly one of the hardest things I have ever done but so well worth it!

Thanks to my sweet daughter for being my inspiration and encourager to walk the 5K. Thanks to my dear friend Tracy for being my encourager, sounding board and supporter along the weight loss journey. I have a ways to go but I'm going to take the lead from the Old Testament's Daniel and have resolve! I'm determined. I'm gonna make it.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful to live in Gainesville, Georgia. Several months ago, D and I took my momma back to the town where I grew up. While I had a great childhood and loved where I was then, I don't want to be there now. I left there that weekend thanking God for transporting me through His divine plan to Gainesville. Honestly the main reason: the weather. I've told y'all before, I do not like snow and they get lots of it. Cold weather, okay. Snow, no way.

Folks, we live in a great community. Gainesville is filled with people who care deeply about making this a quality place to live. Lots of people give of their time and resources to better our little world. People give back, people care and people want the best for each other. Now, you can call me PollyAnna if you want to, but I choose to believe that. I see people everyday who volunteer hours and hours for the betterment of our hospital system; and speaking of our medical community, it is nothing less than phenomenal especially for the size of our town. I see people donating to countless non-profit organizations who you better believe are changing lives of men, women and children; churches who are truly the hands and feet of Jesus; small business owners who care about their customers and want to do the right thing; school systems that work extremely hard at bettering the education of our children; local colleges educating students from all over the world; local government trying their best to use the resources they have; little leagues teaching the value of team sports; a full lake that is not only gorgeous but infuses much-needed income through tourism. These are just a few.

Tonight I will participate in the Corporate Challenge. This is where company employees of all sizes and shapes across Gainesville join together in a common theme: "Get fit; stay fit." Well goodness knows, I'm trying. But I'm not going to be on the sidelines this year, I'm gonna be out there gettin it with the rest of them. I'll be walking with many of our employees. Several of our folks will be running it. There will be hundreds of people there who care: who care about their health and wellness, who care about their places of employment and who care about this community.

I"m thankful I can call Gainesville home.

What's for Supper?

Remember when I told you that I had lunch with a bunch of very cool people last Friday? Well, those cool people were from WDUN, as well as some advertising and marketing folks. And D was there too - and he's cool. We were working on a new project that I happen to be a part of and am extremely excited about. Today was the Inaugural Day of a local afternoon radio show on that station. It's a two-hour show - "live, local and lighter" with BJ Williams and George Mason Dixon (do you think that is his real name?). I am so excited to being doing a very short segment called "What's for Supper?"

I come on about 4:45 every afternoon to answer that age-old question "what's for supper?" I don't know how many times I just think, if someone would just tell me what to fix everyday it would be so much easier - I make the same things all the time and basically, every one is tired of it. So during this segment I talk about recipes and menu ideas that are good but also somewhat quick to get on the table. I call it Paula Deen meets Rachel Ray. The goal is to get some good cookin' on the table and not be in the kitchen all night.

We are working this week to get the recipes I discuss posted on the J and J Foods website as well as the Jacobs Media website. Hopefully that will happen very soon.

http://www.jandjfoods.com/
http://www.wdun.com/

You'll have to listen and let me know what you think!

Fashion Saturday

No, now don't go getting your hopes up (as if you would) about a new weekly post because well frankly, who has the time. I just happen to have some interest in fashion this week and thought I would share. Because that's what I do, over-share.
You know I do have an on-going love affair with clothes, handbags, jewelry, shoes and the such but it's just one of those things you have to keep in perspective. Over-indulgence in this area could surely be mine but I manage to keep it reeled in in the interest of oh say, things like saving the budget and my marriage. But I just can't help it, I enjoy a cute outfit, great shoes and an oh so darlin handbag. No break through fashion advice here. So there . . . I guess Paris Hilton won't be reading my blog anymore. And more importantly, I may have ruined this blog moment by over analyzing the whole subject.

Okay, well Tuesday afternoon I had a wild hair (and a 20% off shopping pass) so I thought I would drive down to Athens to the Stein Mart. I have hardly shopped for anything new in spring 2010 attire. Hard to believe, I know. For Easter, I wore a jacket and skirt that I had bought for G’s graduation and that was two years ago. But there is a reason for the lack of new purchases. I’ve been trying to lose a few pounds and just didn’t want to buy anything right now. But, I really needed a pick me up and a new top which by the way, a new top = instant pick me up.

And the fact that I hadn’t been to a Stein Mart since we were in Amelia Island in February was reason enough. You do need to know that if you are in Amelia Island and want to go to the Stein Mart, don’t get your hopes up. It’s about half the size of ours here, there were lots of beach-y clothes and no lingerie department. Now the beach-y clothes I understand but seriously, no lingerie department. Every woman within driving distance of a Stein Mart knows they have the best panties in the entire universe for about $5 a pair. I went there that day looking for some and came out sorely disappointed to find them lacking. I bought nothing at their Stein Mart and I think that may be some sort of historical first.


Okay, back to the shopping story. I spontaneously called E since she lives on the way to Athens to see if she wanted to join me. And she did. So off we went in search of new top halfs (or should that be halves? Not sure). Well, maybe it was my frame of mind but I think Stein Mart in Athens has a new buyer and she’s a 70+ year old, very un-hip grandmother. Please do not be offended if you are a 70+ year old grandmother because my children happen to have two very hip ones. My mom and D’s mom are two chic, well dressed women, let me tell you. The two of them could have done a way better job choosing these selections. And I really had an open mind and I’m not that cutting-edge with my clothing choices. However, I would like to look somewhat current and age-appropriate. Can you tell I get really upset if my Stein Mart disappoints me? And they did. However, I’m not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water so I will return to my beloved Stein Mart. To quote Scarlett, “after all . . . tomorrow is another day.”


Look what E got! Oh so cute I had to take a picture. She is using black and white in her guest bedroom. She has a black bed with black and white linens, white dresser, black nightstand. Okay, so she got this absolute cutest black and white tall, square ottoman to double as seating and another nightstand. Space is limited in this room and this was the perfect solution. This is the cutest thing ever!

Oh dear mercy, I’m not sure this story is worth the trouble but anyway, continuing on. I tried on about 19 things and bought four. With the coupon especially, none were a big investment but I liked them and I got the stamp of approval from the fashion critic herself. But it was a struggle to find the cute stuff. E says I may have bought the four cutest things in the whole store. I think she’s right. End of that story. Thank goodness.

But I have one more thing to say. I have to know. Am I the very last woman in America to know that Sara Blakely, the female hero of all women, also known as the founder of Spanx is doing a similar line for Target?? It’s called Assets. I had no idea. I just looked at it on the internet but it’s probably in the stores. Not sure how the price point compares to her Spanx line but if it’s in Target, I’ll assume it is probably less. I can hardly wait to go check it out!

Last thing, I promise. I just read that wearing ¾ length sleeves (as opposed to long sleeves) makes you look 10 pounds thinner! So I’ll talk to ya later – gotta go cut off some sleeves.

Food Friday

Well I barely made this Friday deadline so here I am at 10:00 p.m. finally thinking about Food Friday. I feel like I must justify the fact that I am just now posting this by telling you that I left the house at 8:30 this morning and just got home about 30 minutes ago. I think I may have walked a 1/2 marathon or maybe it's just that my feet feel like that because I didn't know I was going to be gone all day and left the house this morning in 4" heels. Not good.

I could bore you to tears with the details of my day but I'll only hit the highlights (and probably still bore you to tears):
1. I had a lunch date with a bunch of cool folks today. More about this very soon.
2. I went to Books a Million for some inspiration this afternoon. I love bookstores so much. The fact that E met me there and we sat and chatted in the coffee shop just made that whole experience even better.
3. We then went to Marshalls and found some great men's shirts. Name brands at good prices. Our boys needed some new clothes.
4. And blessings abounded - my husband took me for Mexican food! No chips for me just a great grilled chicken and shrimp salad. Yum.
5. Then, get this, we went to the movies. An unexpected date night that was totally enjoyable!

I know, I know get to the point - food. Because everything has a story in our family, I'll tell you that I chose this recipe because of a delightful experience we had last night. We were invited to E and N's beautiful home for dinner. Her table was gorgeous. She used her fine china and many great serving pieces she received as wedding gifts. And the food was great. N cooked steaks and E served a great salad, roasted asparagus and this potato side dish. I discovered this recipe in the "Perennials" cookbook several years ago and it was love at first bite. "Periennials" is published by our local Junior League of Hall County.

I don't think it is necessary to include the nutritional information with this recipe. Just eat it, enjoy it and don't think about it!

Party Potatoes
1 5 lb. bag white potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter melted
1 8 oz. carton sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
6 oz. grated Cheddar cheese
1/2 pound bacon, fried, drained and crumbled

Drain potatoes, cream. Mix with cream cheese, butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Spread in greased 13 x 9 casserole dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Quick pic of my girl's table. I am so proud of her! She is quite the hostess!!

Thankful Thursday

Good glory, how did it get to be Thursday already? I had written another post for today but then realized that whoa - it was Thursday. Since I am such a rule follower and that I do need to stick with the designated plan, I needed to stop and think about what I am thankful for today. And that didn't take long - I am thankful for God's Word.

Last night, I was privileged to sit in a class of about 50 fellow church members to better learn how to study the Scriptures. The class is called Bible-ology and is taught by a very bright, intelligent young professor of Christian studies at Truett McConnell College. He and his family are members of our church and what a blessing he was! This class was a jam-packed, hour and a half of discovering the basics of using the four-step interpretive method when studying a passage. And then how to actually take a Scripture "apart" to discover the significance of things such as repeating words, comparisons and contrasts, figures of speech, and cause and effect relationships. Very, very interesting stuff.

Ironically but so God-like, the passage that we were asked to analyze last night is my current memory verse, Romans 12:1-2. So I was all over that. To be completely honest, Scripture memory is something I struggle with. I so want to know His word and to be able to live in it. But I have to remember unless I commit it to memory, it is hard to "renew" my mind with it.

I believe that we all have a constant "thought tape" reeling in our minds. Some days we play and then hit rewind to hear the same old "thought songs" over and over in our heads. Some days we hit skip from thought song to thought song, changing our mind patterns quickly depending the the busy-ness of our day. And some days we fast forward, not wanting to think too long about anything. Our minds are constant, always playing thought patterns. So how do we take out that old thought cassette tape and replace it with a new more modern CD?
And for our purposes this CD stands for "Christ Dependency." And to get it we must memorize His Word! We must hide it in our hearts!

Today I challenge you to renew your mind with God's Word! I am so a work in progress with this concept that I'm walking right beside you. It is so worth it.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

It's Wednesday

Well, it's Wednesday and I thought I would be Nashville this week with my sweet husband enjoying some reading, eating at good restaurants, relaxing, and maybe a little shopping. But unfortunately the business of the world, at least our little world, got in the way. Actually the legislature of the State of Georgia gave D an invitation he couldn't refuse. So there you go. My vacation plans were over-ruled by a bunch of politicians. I can't decide if I should be irritated or thankful for the opportunity given my husband. Okay, I'll be thankful.

D is never one to be shy about speaking out for what is right and just. And there is something going on in the retail business world that is neither right or just. So given D's connection as the former Chairman of the Georgia Food Industry Association and an independent business owner, he was asked to speak to this issue at the session today in Atlanta.

I'm going to ask him to guest post and possibility share of little bit of his testimony here. I could try to tell you about it but I'd probably wouldn't get the details right and end up dwelling on the fact that the Country Music Hall of Fame was calling my name. D is the informed political mind in our family partly out of necessity for the business but also out of sincere interest. He even reads political journals in his spare time. What in the world? Consider me perfectly happy that Southern Lady, Southern Living and InStyle do not report on the price of commodities in China and how that affects global warming and whether or not they had a summit about it.

Makes you wonder how I got through business school, doesn't it? I know that's what you were thinking.

Saturday: In Review

HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY to our precious daughter and her husband!! Where has the time gone! We love you both!!

I realize that this is Monday but I've just got to tell you about Saturday. Early Saturday morning, E and I met the sweetest bride and her mom at Panera. Sidenote: you know, I think that this week I am going to invest in Panera stock. I undoubtedly would quickly be a priority shareholder I'm sure. Anyway, this particular bride is getting married on May 1st and her wedding is going to be beautiful. As expected, there are a mountain of details and we were there for three hours. Every minute was a pleasure. I can hardly wait to tell you more about this wedding.

I left there and immediately went to get Mother for lunch and to take her to the Belks. And where do you think that sweet woman wanted to get lunch - "at the place that has that good broccoli and cheese soup." Yep, you guessed it. Panera. By 2:00, I had been up for 7 hours and had spent 5 1/2 of them at Panera. Yes, definitely buying stock. Anyway, after our quick trip to Belks, I ran back home to change into my concert-going clothes because we were off to meet our daughter and her hubby for dinner and the concert. Oh the joy.

Now, I must explain this photo. My husband is a very complex man. He has many different layers to his personality. This particular one is not one that comes to the surface very often but when it does, you better watch out. I call it his rugged, cowboy, Marlboro man personality. This particular day it manifested itself through his black hat and his black truck. I really wish you could have seen E's face when she walked out and this is the way he was standing. Priceless.

I thought he looked pretty handsome but we couldn't convince him to wear his hat to the concert. Kinda Kenny Chesney-ish don't you think?

We had dinner at a great restaurant on Mansell Road near Northpoint Mall called The Diner at Northpoint. The restaurant was beautiful, the food was great and company was well, the best.

The weather was perfect for an outdoor concert and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is a great venue. Our whole concert experience could not have been better.

Oh, have mercy. Josh Turner. The most amazing voice I think I have ever heard - low and rich.

And then, the Newnan, Georgia boy - Alan Jackson. The man sang for almost two hours solid. He has had countless #1 hits and by the way, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this Friday. He didn't even mention that during the concert. We just heard that on the radio yesterday. He is a very humble, down to earth singer and song writer. We could not have had a better time.

The concert tickets were a gift to E for her birthday. But D and I would not have missed this for the world. It was a fabulous evening.

I Eat My Words (Again)

Edited to Add: I totally forgot to tell you the very best thing that happened at the Hawks game. If you've been, you know that during timeouts and between quarters they play games and do fun stuff. Well, during the first half, they had a young lady out on the court to play the Home Depot Higher-Lower price game. Well . . . this young lady was on her third price guess, when they flipped the card over to reveal the question . . . "Will You Marry Me?" And there behind her, down on one knee on the court was her boyfriend holding a ring. The Jumbotron was flashing "will you marry me?" and the crowd went crazy! Awwww. That, by far, was my favorite moment of the entire evening. Romantic that I am. I actually started crying and I didn't know these folks from adam's house cat. Since my husband would clearly not understand these emotions, I sent E a text message to tell her all about it. Thanks to her, my femininity was affirmed and all was well.

I have about half a second to tell you that I totally take back my lukewarm attitude about the Hawks experience last night. Shame on me. The game was great. The "entertainment" at timeouts and half time was excellent, the food in that suite was exceptional, . . . so I have to eat my words. I will write one time: I will not be less than excited about a Hawks game ever again.

We are leaving in 15 minutes to go to Alpharetta for dinner with E and N and then onto see Josh Turner and Alan Jackson!!! WOO! HOO! Pictures and details to follow.

Enjoy your weekend!

Food Friday

Well, happy beautiful Friday to you! There is not a cloud in this Georgia sky and the weather is Perfection! It's warm but not hot enough to sweat! So to me that is the perfect algebraic weather equation:
Warm beautiful day + no sweat glands activated = one happy girl! Who says I don't know my math problems?

This actually has been a very good day. Mother and I went out to the local agricultural center where the master gardeners are sponsoring the Spring Garden Expo. It was a pure pleasure for the senses. Then we made a stop at the Christian bookstore where I purchased the latest Point of Grace CD. I've been wanting it for some time and I am beyond excited to plug it my car's CD player, open the sunroof and jam out! This weather just calls for that to happen. And I highly recommend it to all of you.

Then in about an hour we are headed to Atlanta for the Hawks game. I wish I was as excited about this game as my husband is but well, not quite as much. But, ya know, I'll go, watch the people and cheer when everyone else does. The best thing about this whole excursion is that we are sitting in one of those private boxes in Philips Arena which has one major (and I mean major) advantage: it has a private bathroom. And I find that such a good thing. Call me crazy but I just hate to share a bathroom with 10,000 other people.

Oh, yes. I almost forgot why we are here. It's Food Friday. Today's recipe is a recipe I whipped up for Easter morning breakfast. I knew we would need something to grab and go and this filled the bill perfectly. These are to die for if you are blueberry muffin fan. Oh wait, I guess that's why they're called "To Die For Blueberry Muffins." I got this recipe from the All Recipes website and I'm just gonna let you link there for the recipe.

Enjoy! and have a great weekend!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/To-Die-For-Blueberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx

Thankful Thursday

Today I thankful for the clients that God has sent to our Wonderful Events and Celebrations business. So very thankful. E and I met early this morning at Panera to work and talk. We have three weddings between now and the end of May so we had lots to work on and talk about. Tonight we have what we call a "details meeting" with the bride getting married on April 24th. So we were meticulously going over the notes we already have for this event. We also revised and reworked our consultation document so as not to miss a single detail for our brides.

The funny thing about being a wedding planner is that brides don't always think they need you - until after the wedding. Then the bride and their mother, (especially the mother) practically kiss your feet. On more than one occasion, they have said to us, "you are the best money we spent" and "thank you so much, there is absolutely no way we could have done this without you" and "you made this whole process so easy." And that ladies and gentlemen is why we do what we do. Our whole goal is to take the stress of coordinating the mountain of details involved with a wedding off of the bride and her family so they can enjoy the day and then to handle those details in a thorough and professional manner.

I am going to be posting more about this subject here and on the WEC website very soon. Stay tuned!

Happy Thursday! What are you thankful for today?

10 More

Last week, or sometime, I did one of those 10 random things posts. If it's one thing I do have, it is some randomness in my life. And if that isn't all well and good, I'm always glad to share it. I'm an over-sharer like that. So . . . y’all may not give a hoot or a holler about this, but give me a break, blog subjects aren’t always the easiest thing to create.

10 more random things about me.

1. My husband and I had our first date on January 10th, got engaged on March 22nd and married on June 2nd – of. The. Same. Year!! (1984)

2. On our honeymoon, we missed our plane and when we got to our destination they had already closed the luggage office with our luggage locked inside. Now if you’re following me here, you are understanding that we had no luggage on our wedding night and that’s all I’m going to say about that.

3. My first car was a 1975 orange Chevrolet Camaro. Yes, I said orange and it had a white vinyl top and it was totally awesome and I wish I still had it. I could tell you some adventures surrounding this car while in high school, but my mom, inlaws and/or children might read this. So I won't.

4. My second car was a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am - just like Burt Reynolds drove in “Smokey and the Bandit.” Except mine was white with a blue bird on the hood. All the college boys wanted to go out with me just so they could drive my car. Interestingly enough, I had the same boyfriend for all four years of college. He drove my car. We broke up the week after we graduated.

5. My favorite dessert is hot chocolate chip cookies and very cold milk.

6. As I’m driving in the neighborhood at night, I like to look in people’s houses when their lights are on and you can see inside. Not in a weird way – just to see how their houses are decorated. Okay, that may be weird.

7. One of my greatest joys in life is giving someone I love a gift that they love.

8. I cannot stand flip flops because that thingy between my toes drives me insanely crazy.

9. I only paint my fingernails OPI Red or OPI Dutch Tulips. I wear Red from about October through February. Then switch to Dutch Tulips from March through September. Kinda surprising given my personality, isn't it?

10. I love to talk to my children while in the car. I call it having a captive audience. No music or radio. Just good ole conversation going down the road. While this wouldn't necessarily be categorized as random, it just reminds me of my love for my children - more than words can even begin to express. Those two young people are the absolute joy of my life. A mother's love, no one can fathom. Just gives us a glimpse of our Heavenly Father's love for us. Amazing.

Easter in Pictures

Well, I’m just hoping you had just half as good of an Easter as we did. Can I just tell you - it was wonderful!

Saturday night late, E and her hubby came to the house after attending a wedding here in town. They didn’t want to drive home and then back early Sunday morning so they spent the night. That meant that I had all of my children under my roof Saturday night. And that brings me much joy.

I didn’t really have adequate time to enjoy it as that ridiculous handbell director I live with made us be at church at 8:00 on Sunday morning. Which by the way reminds me that one of these years I want to attend the sunrise service on Easter morning. The fact that it starts at sunrise is the only thing standing in my way.

Anyway by 9:30, the handbell prelude had been played and as I walked down off that platform and to our pew, I could have just cried. Sitting there were four of the most amazing and beautiful young people I have ever seen. Just look for yourself.

They really didn't plan the matching outfits, it just happened that way. I couldn't have planned that better if I'd done it myself. :)

Oh, these boys are my favorites in the whole world!

Okay, and these girls are pretty much my favorites too!

After a quick change and getting our food together we headed up to the apple orchards of north Georgia to D's aunts house. These two are anxiously awaiting the egg hunt!

The swings in the back yard were a huge draw for my "children." Reliving their childhoods?

D is getting some serious air!

G's dismount! He's so talented.

Daddy and daughter.

These two are pretty excited about their egg discoveries.

What I Love about April 2010!

What I Love about April 2010!

After an extremely busy March, I’m ready to slow down a little and enjoy the spring! So let’s see, what’s going on in my little word during the month of April!

1. Easter. Love Easter. It is the most important day of celebration of our Christian faith. I love to go to the Easter service at our church. I love to play in our handbell choir during the service. I love to see all of the beautiful children in their Easter outfits on that day. I love to get together for family time. It’s a favorite day of mine.

2. I will get to see my boy this weekend! It has been way too long and I’m missing him like crazy. I just want to see his face and look into those eyes. You don’t know how much you miss that until they leave home. I just want some “face time” with him, to talk to him and hear his heart. I want him to kiss the top of my head. Silly maybe but my heart aches for him.

3. Next weekend, we are headed down to the Verizon Amphitheater to hear our favorite Georgia boy, Alan Jackson. Call us country, but we are what we are. When he sings “Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee” and “The Little Man” –trust me, we’ll be singing and dancing like crazy people! We can hardly wait!

4. On the 12th, my girl and her husband will celebrate their second anniversary. Seems unreal that they have been married that long. What a joy to see the happiness and love she has found.

5. We will be part of such a special time in the life of a bride later this month! Honestly, E and I get so caught up in these wedding moments, we feel like we are part of the family. On more than one occasion, we have stood at the back of the church and cried during our bride’s wedding. Maybe out of relief :) but more likely out of happiness for that sweet couple.

6. I’m going out of town with my husband this month! I’m just telling you, I love to do that. He will be working some of the time but that’s okay, I’ll find something to do – reading, or maybe reading. Or maybe I may work in a little shopping, we’ll see.

7. Believe it or not, I am actually looking forward to working in the yard which is not always the case for me. I’m a fickle gardener at best. All the conditions have to be just right for me – not to hot, not to cold, not too many bugs, etc., etc. But April and May are the perfect months of playing in the dirt. And I plan to.

8. The Corporate Challenge is later this month. And I’m gonna be ready, just wait and see! The official name is The Get Fit Stay Fit Corporate Challenge and it is sponsored by the Hall County Chamber of Commerce. It is a program that promotes health, wellness and fitness among area companies and their employees and families. It is a 5 K run-walk. Our company has been a corporate sponsor every since this program began and we always have a big group participate. We even won “Most Team Spirit” last year!

9. D and I are participating in a class during the month of April at our church called “Bible-ology.” We will be learning how better to interpret the Scripture from a Bible professor from one of our local colleges. We are so excited about this and really looking forward to expanding our knowledge, which is somewhat limited at best right now.

10. As of last Wednesday night, about 30 women from our church completed the Wising Up study – Yeah and Woo Hoo!! I co-led this group with a close friend and we just had the best time with these women! I could not have enjoyed this diverse group of women more! We had young, older, married, single, widowed, working women, stay at home moms, new mothers, grandmothers, mothers and daughters taking it together . . . it was just phenomenal!
This past Monday, the Monday night girls began the Revelation study. As you might remember, I started this study a few weeks ago and honestly, was completely overwhelmed with it. But as instructed, I began praying for understanding and a fresh revelation! And God has already honored that. Within about 24 hours of our Monday meeting, God worked a mighty work in the life of one of the ladies . . . and I mean a mighty work, something that could only be explained as God. Talk about a fresh revelation! You better believe it. God is good! All the time!

Happy April!!!

Food Friday

On Easter Sunday our family is going to D's aunt's home to celebrate with their family. We'll get together for a good old traditional family pot luck, which I love. D's mom is overseeing the menu coordination and has asked me to bring two things - this Sweet Potato dish and cookies. It's a twist on your traditional Sweet Potato Casserole. I can't even remember where this recipe came from but it quickly became a familiar request from the family. The best part, you make it in the crock pot so I will put it on early Sunday morning before we leave for church and it will be ready when we get home.

I hope each and every one of you have a blessed Easter!

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

3 1/2 - 4 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 20 oz. can apple pie filling
2/3 cup golden raisins or craisins
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter, cut into 1/4 in. slices
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Lightly coat 3 1/2 - 4 quart crockpot with cooking spray. Layer sweet potatoes, apples, raisins, brown sugar and butter slices. Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Sprinkle with pecans before serving.

Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for Easter and all it represents! Our Redeemer Lives!
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies." John 11:25

For several years, D sang this song during the Easter season. These lyrics just make me cry, not because I'm sad but because I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the sacrifice Christ made for us. Just for a moment think about that sacrifice and

"The Day He Wore My Crown"

The city was Jerusalem
The time was long ago
The people called him Jesus
The crime was the love He showed
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all the pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown

He brought me love that only He could give
I brought Him cause to cry
And though He taught me how to live
I taught Him how to die
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all the pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown

He could have called His holy Father, and said,
"Take me away, please, take me away."
He could have said, "I'm not guilty.
And I'm not going to stay
I'm not going to pay."
But He walked right through the gate
And then on up the hill
And as He fell beneath the weight
He cried, "Father, not My will."
And I'm the one to blame
I caused all His pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown.

And I'm the one to blame
I caused all His pain
He gave Himself, the day He wore my crown.