Over on Beth Moore's website yesterday, she started this blog conversation about finishing the sentence, "I know this is random but . . . " I think I spent an hour reading all of the fascinating responses to this post about all of the random things that people love . . . smelling their dog's breath (really?), reading when raining outside (love that too), baby's feet (oh yes, without a doubt), office supplies (agreed) and hanging out at a book store for hours (done that). Well, I think I'll play along. Random things I love . . .
1. When my big ole boy calls me "momma" and calls my girl "sister." Melt my heart.
2. Any text message from my husband that begins with "hey babe" or from E that starts, "I've just got to tell you this . . ." Again, melt my heart.
3. When I'm reading God's Word and have one of those "ah hah" moments. When I finally put the pieces together about something and get insight into what God's trying to reveal to me.
4. When the fall issues of magazines come out. What is it about the fall? I want every magazine I see that has fall fashions, fall colors or a pumpkin on the front. I have a stack a foot tall right now that I can't wait to get into.
5. When one of our brides says with tears in her eyes at the end of her wedding day, "thank you. It was so much better than I ever imagined." Oh.my.word.
6. A scone from Panera. That's all I'm going to say about that. And maybe a caramel apple latte from the coffee shop at Books A Million. Trust me.
7. When every single time I see my mom (every time) the first thing she says to me, "honey, you look so pretty."
8. The caramel apple hand soap from Bath and Body Works.
9. When my house is clean.
10. When my jeans aren't tight.
What about you? What random things make you smile?
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
We're all a-Twitter about TV
Okay, I few quick things . . .
This week begins the new fall tv schedule and premiers all of our old favorites. Well, you may well remember that I am huge (did I mention huge?) fan of Castle. I adore this show. I'm really not a fan of most murder/crime solver/police dramas but this one is different. Well . . . last season's finale left us sick at our stomachs because our main girl, Kate, was shot, square in the chest, with lots of lots of blood and ooh and ick while speaking at their captain's funeral. Which is a whole other story. Anyway, Rick professes his love for Kate as she's laying on the ground bleeding. Yes, he does. Says he loves her and everything right to her face. Well, this is a long story and you really need to watch it but thankfully, Kate recovered all in the season premier last night and low and behold tells Rick she doesn't remember anything about the shooting . . . but she was telling a fib. Because at the end, when she's talking to her counselor, guess what? She tells him she remembers everything which means?? Yes, she heard Rick say he loves her. But remember she told him she doesn't remember anything. Oh.oh.oh. Kids, this is going to be good. Good I tell you.
So since we're talking tv, D and I were total nerds last night and set our DVR for all the new shows that we want to check out as well as some old favorites. I'll take you through our line up. Now, keep in mind, we will pick and choose between all of these because after all, we have set a new tv goal to go back and watch all of the seasons of the now-ended series, "Friday Night Lights." I've heard for years how good this show is but sometimes when you come into something in the middle, it's a little overwhelming. So our NetFlix account is now queued up for all 47 seasons. It may take us awhile.
Okay, the new season highlights according to the Wileys:
Mondays: Castle, of course. The Sing-Off (love this show); By the way, Dancing with the Stars - no thank you, not this season.
Tuesday: Slow night for us. We'll check out Biggest Loser but if that doesn't excite, we'll keep the tv off this night.
Wednesday: We'll bounce back and forth between Up All Night (this looks good, we'll see), Modern Family and The X Factor. The X Factor just intrigues me. I want to see what Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have been up to.
Thursday: Ohh . . this is a Big night at our house. D has been just giddy about the premier of the new Charlies Angels. Having grown up with the original angels, I'm kinda curious myself. Of course, The Office has a new boss (can anyone really replace Steve Carell?) and we've got to see how that plays out. Also, love The Big Bang Theory on Thursdays. This has to be the quirkiest, quickest, well-written sit-com on television right now. The ensemble cast is one of the best. I always say that any show that makes me laugh out loud is a keeper. Now, a disclaimer. You either "get" this show and like it or you don't. E and N don't like it so I can only guess that they don't get it. Honestly, it's a strange kind of humor. That's us - a strange kind of humor.
Friday: Okay, a couple of thoughts here. D loves Chuck. I can take it or leave it. But the fact that they have moved Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from Sunday night to Friday night presents a huge problem. However, D and I got out our DVR manuel last night and guess what? You can actually watch one show and record another. Well, there you go. Problem solved.
Also, I've been wanting to watch Blue Bloods. I think this is the second season but I keep seeing that the main character is played by Tom Selleck. I'm sorry but I don't care how old he is, the man is so handsome and I just like him. Is it because I watched every single episode of Magnum P.I. from 1980 til 1988? And then the final season of Las Vegas? And then him and Monica on Friends? Yes, yes it is.
Saturday: Reserved for SEC football. End of story.
Sunday: Okay. Like I said, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Undercover Boss have always been staples here. However, time marches on and things change and now, well, we're a couple without a show. Oh yes, there's always Sunday night football. :) Again, the tv will probably stay off this night.
Okay, so that's the DVR schedule for the 3 major networks but you know that there's always The What Not to Wears and The Say Yes to the Dresses on our TLC channel. And of course, the Cake Boss. Oh, I watched The Cake Boss, Baby Edition last night. I'll swan, Mrs. Cake Boss looked like a movie star giving birth to the baby boy and when Mr. Cake Boss sobbed when he held that child, well, I did too. And that man, as a surprise to the Mrs. for her baby shower, made a cake the exact (exact I promise) replica of the baby's new nursery. I have never seen anything like it. He's incredibly talented. He likes to act all tough and stuff but the man's a teddy bear when it comes to his family. Gotta love him.
One more thing . . . since we've been away from each other, I did something big. I have joined Twitter but I don't tweet. I just stalk everyone else just like I do on Facebook. E says because of our business that we need to be tuned into these social media-type things. I try not to spend too much time on them because honestly, if you aren't careful, you can waste some serious time on there. But I did see one of Rick Warren's tweets for today. I know this because I follow him on Twitter. While he tweets. Okay, seriously, this is good. You might want to give it some thought.
We want intelligence. God wants obedience.
We want confidence. God wants dependence.
We want relevance. God wants reverence.
And that my friends is good stuff. Lots better than any ole television show will ever be.
This week begins the new fall tv schedule and premiers all of our old favorites. Well, you may well remember that I am huge (did I mention huge?) fan of Castle. I adore this show. I'm really not a fan of most murder/crime solver/police dramas but this one is different. Well . . . last season's finale left us sick at our stomachs because our main girl, Kate, was shot, square in the chest, with lots of lots of blood and ooh and ick while speaking at their captain's funeral. Which is a whole other story. Anyway, Rick professes his love for Kate as she's laying on the ground bleeding. Yes, he does. Says he loves her and everything right to her face. Well, this is a long story and you really need to watch it but thankfully, Kate recovered all in the season premier last night and low and behold tells Rick she doesn't remember anything about the shooting . . . but she was telling a fib. Because at the end, when she's talking to her counselor, guess what? She tells him she remembers everything which means?? Yes, she heard Rick say he loves her. But remember she told him she doesn't remember anything. Oh.oh.oh. Kids, this is going to be good. Good I tell you.
So since we're talking tv, D and I were total nerds last night and set our DVR for all the new shows that we want to check out as well as some old favorites. I'll take you through our line up. Now, keep in mind, we will pick and choose between all of these because after all, we have set a new tv goal to go back and watch all of the seasons of the now-ended series, "Friday Night Lights." I've heard for years how good this show is but sometimes when you come into something in the middle, it's a little overwhelming. So our NetFlix account is now queued up for all 47 seasons. It may take us awhile.
Okay, the new season highlights according to the Wileys:
Mondays: Castle, of course. The Sing-Off (love this show); By the way, Dancing with the Stars - no thank you, not this season.
Tuesday: Slow night for us. We'll check out Biggest Loser but if that doesn't excite, we'll keep the tv off this night.
Wednesday: We'll bounce back and forth between Up All Night (this looks good, we'll see), Modern Family and The X Factor. The X Factor just intrigues me. I want to see what Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have been up to.
Thursday: Ohh . . this is a Big night at our house. D has been just giddy about the premier of the new Charlies Angels. Having grown up with the original angels, I'm kinda curious myself. Of course, The Office has a new boss (can anyone really replace Steve Carell?) and we've got to see how that plays out. Also, love The Big Bang Theory on Thursdays. This has to be the quirkiest, quickest, well-written sit-com on television right now. The ensemble cast is one of the best. I always say that any show that makes me laugh out loud is a keeper. Now, a disclaimer. You either "get" this show and like it or you don't. E and N don't like it so I can only guess that they don't get it. Honestly, it's a strange kind of humor. That's us - a strange kind of humor.
Friday: Okay, a couple of thoughts here. D loves Chuck. I can take it or leave it. But the fact that they have moved Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from Sunday night to Friday night presents a huge problem. However, D and I got out our DVR manuel last night and guess what? You can actually watch one show and record another. Well, there you go. Problem solved.
Also, I've been wanting to watch Blue Bloods. I think this is the second season but I keep seeing that the main character is played by Tom Selleck. I'm sorry but I don't care how old he is, the man is so handsome and I just like him. Is it because I watched every single episode of Magnum P.I. from 1980 til 1988? And then the final season of Las Vegas? And then him and Monica on Friends? Yes, yes it is.
Saturday: Reserved for SEC football. End of story.
Sunday: Okay. Like I said, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Undercover Boss have always been staples here. However, time marches on and things change and now, well, we're a couple without a show. Oh yes, there's always Sunday night football. :) Again, the tv will probably stay off this night.
Okay, so that's the DVR schedule for the 3 major networks but you know that there's always The What Not to Wears and The Say Yes to the Dresses on our TLC channel. And of course, the Cake Boss. Oh, I watched The Cake Boss, Baby Edition last night. I'll swan, Mrs. Cake Boss looked like a movie star giving birth to the baby boy and when Mr. Cake Boss sobbed when he held that child, well, I did too. And that man, as a surprise to the Mrs. for her baby shower, made a cake the exact (exact I promise) replica of the baby's new nursery. I have never seen anything like it. He's incredibly talented. He likes to act all tough and stuff but the man's a teddy bear when it comes to his family. Gotta love him.
One more thing . . . since we've been away from each other, I did something big. I have joined Twitter but I don't tweet. I just stalk everyone else just like I do on Facebook. E says because of our business that we need to be tuned into these social media-type things. I try not to spend too much time on them because honestly, if you aren't careful, you can waste some serious time on there. But I did see one of Rick Warren's tweets for today. I know this because I follow him on Twitter. While he tweets. Okay, seriously, this is good. You might want to give it some thought.
We want intelligence. God wants obedience.
We want confidence. God wants dependence.
We want relevance. God wants reverence.
And that my friends is good stuff. Lots better than any ole television show will ever be.
Monday, September 19, 2011
What I Love about September 2011
Remember back in the day, when I used to blog on a regular basis, before my life turned into a big ole whirlwind of activity, that I used to post about what I love about a particular month. Like on the first day of the month. Well, here it is the 19th day of September but I'm not going to let that stop me so here we go . . .
What I Love about September 2011
When you start on the 19th, you have to look at some things in the rear view mirror so that's what we'll do with the first few . . .
1. The Labor Day weekend was anything but restful for E and I as we were in Athens assisting with Sarah and Daniel's gorgeous day. Hey, one advantage to doing this two weeks in, their amazing photographer has already posted some of their pictures so if you're interested, you can have a sneak peak at this beautiful wedding.
http://melissatuckblog.com/
2. A certain young woman who is special to our son celebrated her birthday on September 7th. The Big 21! Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl - inside and out!
3. The second weekend in September, D and I made a whirlwind trip down to Savannah and back up through Statesboro for visit with our boy. Savannah was as beautiful as ever, what little we saw of it. This trip was quite the experience for a variety of reasons but always a fun time when D and G are involved.
4. Okay, so this past Friday night D had his college reunion. Oh yes he did. I knew three people in the whole room of 75 but that's better than not knowing anyone I suppose. This event was so special to D and I loved that he could reconnect with old friends. Since this was a reunion of the folks from the Baptist college he attended his first two years, this wasn't the typical college reunion. It began with a time of Praise and Worship; followed by a little preaching/inspiration from one of the classmates and then a share and prayer time. It was amazing. I actually loved it and even though I didn't know hardly anyone, I came away from there truly uplifted by the whole experience.
5. E and I completed about 9 months worth of planning with one of our precious couples when they married this past Saturday at Montaluce Winery outside of Dahlonega. This was an outdoor wedding down by the pond and the weather could not have been more beautiful. This was such a fun wedding! There was a Mariachi Band during dinner; a great dance band called Str8 Pipe for the reception; then a DJ for the post reception. To say that these folks had a par-tay is an understatement! They partied so late into the morning that I finally crawled into bed about 3 a.m. E drove home and I don't know if we were overtired or just wound up tighter than a string, but we talked non-stop for the 30+ minute drive. This wedding was executed by all vendors flawlessly. I by no means am taking credit for that but when you have some extremely talented folks coming together, you get an amazing event.
6. Okay, so now I am caught up to current. Tonight I get to go out with my Birthday girls and I am pumped! I had to miss last month's get together and I have mourned that for the past four weeks so I just cannot wait to see these girls. They are some of the coolest women on the planet.
7. On Friday, I'll be heading on over to the FBC Gainesville for the Hearts and Hands Emporium. I love this shopping event. Admission goes to a great cause, The Gateway House and the shopping well, it's awesome. I'm considering beginning my Christmas (really? Christmas? Ahhhh!!) shopping this weekend at this event. Can't wait!
8. On Friday evening, D and I are looking forward to attending the John Jarrard Concert held on the Brenau University campus. This is always a fun event and this year it will be held two nights, Friday and Saturday. Again, proceeds go to some mighty fine organizations. Music and dinner under the stars - yes, please.
9. On the 27th, my hubby will have a birthday and much fun will be had. Still ironing out the details for this special time so more to come here.
10. Our church is having a church-wide study right now, called "If God is Good." This study is based on the book by the same name by Randy Alcorn. We have joined a small home group for this study that meets on Sunday evenings and while we've only been once (last night), let me just tell you, it was blessing.
Well, that's the highlights for September 2011. More to come . . .
What I Love about September 2011
When you start on the 19th, you have to look at some things in the rear view mirror so that's what we'll do with the first few . . .
1. The Labor Day weekend was anything but restful for E and I as we were in Athens assisting with Sarah and Daniel's gorgeous day. Hey, one advantage to doing this two weeks in, their amazing photographer has already posted some of their pictures so if you're interested, you can have a sneak peak at this beautiful wedding.
http://melissatuckblog.com/
2. A certain young woman who is special to our son celebrated her birthday on September 7th. The Big 21! Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl - inside and out!
3. The second weekend in September, D and I made a whirlwind trip down to Savannah and back up through Statesboro for visit with our boy. Savannah was as beautiful as ever, what little we saw of it. This trip was quite the experience for a variety of reasons but always a fun time when D and G are involved.
4. Okay, so this past Friday night D had his college reunion. Oh yes he did. I knew three people in the whole room of 75 but that's better than not knowing anyone I suppose. This event was so special to D and I loved that he could reconnect with old friends. Since this was a reunion of the folks from the Baptist college he attended his first two years, this wasn't the typical college reunion. It began with a time of Praise and Worship; followed by a little preaching/inspiration from one of the classmates and then a share and prayer time. It was amazing. I actually loved it and even though I didn't know hardly anyone, I came away from there truly uplifted by the whole experience.
5. E and I completed about 9 months worth of planning with one of our precious couples when they married this past Saturday at Montaluce Winery outside of Dahlonega. This was an outdoor wedding down by the pond and the weather could not have been more beautiful. This was such a fun wedding! There was a Mariachi Band during dinner; a great dance band called Str8 Pipe for the reception; then a DJ for the post reception. To say that these folks had a par-tay is an understatement! They partied so late into the morning that I finally crawled into bed about 3 a.m. E drove home and I don't know if we were overtired or just wound up tighter than a string, but we talked non-stop for the 30+ minute drive. This wedding was executed by all vendors flawlessly. I by no means am taking credit for that but when you have some extremely talented folks coming together, you get an amazing event.
6. Okay, so now I am caught up to current. Tonight I get to go out with my Birthday girls and I am pumped! I had to miss last month's get together and I have mourned that for the past four weeks so I just cannot wait to see these girls. They are some of the coolest women on the planet.
7. On Friday, I'll be heading on over to the FBC Gainesville for the Hearts and Hands Emporium. I love this shopping event. Admission goes to a great cause, The Gateway House and the shopping well, it's awesome. I'm considering beginning my Christmas (really? Christmas? Ahhhh!!) shopping this weekend at this event. Can't wait!
8. On Friday evening, D and I are looking forward to attending the John Jarrard Concert held on the Brenau University campus. This is always a fun event and this year it will be held two nights, Friday and Saturday. Again, proceeds go to some mighty fine organizations. Music and dinner under the stars - yes, please.
9. On the 27th, my hubby will have a birthday and much fun will be had. Still ironing out the details for this special time so more to come here.
10. Our church is having a church-wide study right now, called "If God is Good." This study is based on the book by the same name by Randy Alcorn. We have joined a small home group for this study that meets on Sunday evenings and while we've only been once (last night), let me just tell you, it was blessing.
Well, that's the highlights for September 2011. More to come . . .
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Blog Story
Before we talk blogs (I promised yesterday that we would), I've just got to say how excited I am about the beginning of football season! Some compare it to the anticipation of Christmas. Not sure I would go that far, but I am pumped! Love love some high school and college, i.e. Bulldog football. This weekend will be quite the whirlwind in that E and I are working a wedding on Sunday night in Athens and I'm attending a wedding on Saturday. Yes, that's correct - someone decided to get married right smack dab in the middle of the Georgia/Boise State game. Just for the record, when we are involved with the planning of a wedding in the fall, we always check the football schedules. It's just what you do in the South. D swears he's wearing all red to this wedding because it is "spread the red" for the game. We'll see. As long as his ensemble doesn't involve silver britches, I'm okay with it.
Okay, blogs I follow. I'm just going highlight a few because I follow alot of blogs. I'd love to hear your favorites.
So, you know there are tons of fashion blogs out there. People who chronicle what they wear everyday and post it. Whew - that's alot of pressure if you ask me. I've thought that might be fun but then I'm just not sure I have the commitment level for it. But this girl does and she is so adorable. She is no celebrity, just a normal girl with an affordable wardrobe and photographer husband. Yes, I can imagine that comes in handy.
http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/
My favorite celebrity fashion site that I follow. This girl is gorgeous. The world may agree.
http://whatkatewore.com/
I'm a house lover and a chronic peeker. So when I can see inside other people's homes, I'm pretty much content.
This is a great one for celebrity, movie and popular homes:
http://hookedonhouses.net/
This blog follows an every day single girl fixing up a run-down house into something adorable. Inspiring.
http://bradfordavenue.com/
Okay, I could talk about wedding blogs from now til Tuesday and there are tons, and I mean tons of fabulous ones but I think this is my favorite. Well, today it's my favorite.
http://iloveswmag.com/
One of my favorite cooking/baking blogs:
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/
For a solid word, I'll click on over to the following:
http://lysaterkeurst.com/
http://blog.lproof.org/
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I just looked at my favorites list and probably 80% of them are blogs. Oh, I do love the internet for this reason.
Happy Wednesday!
Okay, blogs I follow. I'm just going highlight a few because I follow alot of blogs. I'd love to hear your favorites.
So, you know there are tons of fashion blogs out there. People who chronicle what they wear everyday and post it. Whew - that's alot of pressure if you ask me. I've thought that might be fun but then I'm just not sure I have the commitment level for it. But this girl does and she is so adorable. She is no celebrity, just a normal girl with an affordable wardrobe and photographer husband. Yes, I can imagine that comes in handy.
http://kendieveryday.blogspot.com/
My favorite celebrity fashion site that I follow. This girl is gorgeous. The world may agree.
http://whatkatewore.com/
I'm a house lover and a chronic peeker. So when I can see inside other people's homes, I'm pretty much content.
This is a great one for celebrity, movie and popular homes:
http://hookedonhouses.net/
This blog follows an every day single girl fixing up a run-down house into something adorable. Inspiring.
http://bradfordavenue.com/
Okay, I could talk about wedding blogs from now til Tuesday and there are tons, and I mean tons of fabulous ones but I think this is my favorite. Well, today it's my favorite.
http://iloveswmag.com/
One of my favorite cooking/baking blogs:
http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/
For a solid word, I'll click on over to the following:
http://lysaterkeurst.com/
http://blog.lproof.org/
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I just looked at my favorites list and probably 80% of them are blogs. Oh, I do love the internet for this reason.
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
This, That and a Blog
Good morning, sweet friends!
I just woke up in the best mood this morning which is highly unusual given the circumstances. Let me explain. My husband decided to stay at the farm last night. We are in high gear up there preparing for an extremely busy fall. Beginning this weekend, we'll be hosting two weddings and the store's Vendor Party, all in the course of about eight weeks. D's parents have been super busy preparing the house and land for these events while D, E and I have been busy with all of the event planning details. While some parts of event planning are glamorous, D's part this evening was anything but. Bless his heart, he hauled tables, chairs and miscellaneous sundry items up there and unloaded them. But since he was already there, he decided to stay and ride the 4-wheelers. I really can't blame him. He's also going to work with the farm crew to install new lighting over the deck this morning so I think the man deserves a little ride through the woods! I hate I missed that part because I really like riding 4-wheelers especially at night, except for the bugs in your teeth but really D only gets those because I hide my head behind his. He's quite the protector.
Actually, I was at church until almost 10 last night helping with a regional training event that our church hosts every year. I told D to just go ahead and have all the fun. E and I are headed up to the farm this evening to meet with the bride who is getting married there in October, her mom and the caterer for a tasting. Now, I will just have to admit, tastings, whether cake or dinner, are one of our favorite things to do. On several occasions, E and I have been the pleasure to sit in with our brides who are getting married at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega. Can I just say, Montaluce tastings rock! Not only do you have the opportunity to taste their exquisite food but you also get to taste their wines. After all, we are there to assist our bride in all possible ways. It's our job. Yes, it is. Somebody has to do it.
Okay, where was I? So all of that to say, I usually don't sleep well when D's not beside me but while I didn't go to sleep until after 1:00 a.m., I did sleep like a rock til 7. So, rise and shine, let's get this day started!!
One of my early morning rituals is reading several blogs. Actually I read lots of blogs throughout the course of the day. I love them, what can I say. But lately, I've been in like with one in particular. I've just got to share it in hopes that you will be as blessed as I have by it. It's called "Bring the Rain," written by Angie Smith. I guess I'm a little behind in that I knew Angie was a gifted speaker as she tours regularly with Women of Faith. But I had no idea what a gifted writer she is. Oh.My.Word. When any one's written word, brings me to tears, I am smitten. So I am smitten with Angie and her powerful message. I'm linking a couple of her amazing posts. Let me say, please don't be tempted to rush through them. They are deep and moving. Love them.
This one, entitled The Stone had me at hello.
http://angiesmithonline.com/2011/08/the-stone/
And I think you'll love this one, too. I've included the follow up article which involves our own Atlanta Braves.
http://angiesmithonline.com/2011/06/honeysuckle-and-fireflies/
http://goodguysports.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/norris-the-atlanta-brave/
Tomorrow, I'm going to share a few more blogs I love. I think you'll like them too because if you read this one, anything is a step up. Thanks for reading - I love both of you!
I just woke up in the best mood this morning which is highly unusual given the circumstances. Let me explain. My husband decided to stay at the farm last night. We are in high gear up there preparing for an extremely busy fall. Beginning this weekend, we'll be hosting two weddings and the store's Vendor Party, all in the course of about eight weeks. D's parents have been super busy preparing the house and land for these events while D, E and I have been busy with all of the event planning details. While some parts of event planning are glamorous, D's part this evening was anything but. Bless his heart, he hauled tables, chairs and miscellaneous sundry items up there and unloaded them. But since he was already there, he decided to stay and ride the 4-wheelers. I really can't blame him. He's also going to work with the farm crew to install new lighting over the deck this morning so I think the man deserves a little ride through the woods! I hate I missed that part because I really like riding 4-wheelers especially at night, except for the bugs in your teeth but really D only gets those because I hide my head behind his. He's quite the protector.
Actually, I was at church until almost 10 last night helping with a regional training event that our church hosts every year. I told D to just go ahead and have all the fun. E and I are headed up to the farm this evening to meet with the bride who is getting married there in October, her mom and the caterer for a tasting. Now, I will just have to admit, tastings, whether cake or dinner, are one of our favorite things to do. On several occasions, E and I have been the pleasure to sit in with our brides who are getting married at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega. Can I just say, Montaluce tastings rock! Not only do you have the opportunity to taste their exquisite food but you also get to taste their wines. After all, we are there to assist our bride in all possible ways. It's our job. Yes, it is. Somebody has to do it.
Okay, where was I? So all of that to say, I usually don't sleep well when D's not beside me but while I didn't go to sleep until after 1:00 a.m., I did sleep like a rock til 7. So, rise and shine, let's get this day started!!
One of my early morning rituals is reading several blogs. Actually I read lots of blogs throughout the course of the day. I love them, what can I say. But lately, I've been in like with one in particular. I've just got to share it in hopes that you will be as blessed as I have by it. It's called "Bring the Rain," written by Angie Smith. I guess I'm a little behind in that I knew Angie was a gifted speaker as she tours regularly with Women of Faith. But I had no idea what a gifted writer she is. Oh.My.Word. When any one's written word, brings me to tears, I am smitten. So I am smitten with Angie and her powerful message. I'm linking a couple of her amazing posts. Let me say, please don't be tempted to rush through them. They are deep and moving. Love them.
This one, entitled The Stone had me at hello.
http://angiesmithonline.com/2011/08/the-stone/
And I think you'll love this one, too. I've included the follow up article which involves our own Atlanta Braves.
http://angiesmithonline.com/2011/06/honeysuckle-and-fireflies/
http://goodguysports.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/norris-the-atlanta-brave/
Tomorrow, I'm going to share a few more blogs I love. I think you'll like them too because if you read this one, anything is a step up. Thanks for reading - I love both of you!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
It's Me Again Margaret
Well, I could try to explain where I've been and what I've done but that would take too long and frankly, I would be exhausted and so would you. There's a lot in the my life right now that requires energy, time and truth be told, more smarts than I've got some days. But you know, if God gives it to you, I figure it's in my best interest to just go with it. All of that to say, that there's a lot on my plate of late. But you blog friends have never been far from my mind. I've missed you.
So let's go forward and discuss a few important subjects:
1. D and I went to see "The Help" and it was phenomenal. I had read the book last summer so I've been anticipating the release of this movie ever since I heard it was going to happen. Oh so very good. Let's just assume that we all know that the story line is awesome and discuss the fashion. The movie is set in the early 60s and let's just say, I should have been born in that fashion era. I adore everything these girls wore. I even like the hairstyles. You know big hair never gets old. Big hair and tiny waists. These girls had the tiniest waists of anybody I've ever seen. And you know that the camera adds 10 pounds so I can't imagine what their waists look like in real life. On second thought, maybe I am glad I'm not wearing the 60s fashion. I don't have the waist for it.
2. Our precious boy is back in Statesboro at Georgia Southern and couldn't be happier. We got him all settled in last Friday and he was just beside himself to be back with his buddies and to get on with school. We sure do miss him around here! My mother's heart yearns for this boy but I know that he is doing what he needs to be doing right now. I'm left here to pray for and encourage him. You better believe, that's what I'll be doing.
3. I get to see my Birthday Group girls tonight! Well, Yay and WooHoo! It's been a while since the whole group has been around the table together so I couldn't be more excited to catch up with them. These women mean the world to me and I am beyond blessed to have them in my life.
4. On Saturday, a group of us will go up to New Beginnings to love on those precious ladies. This is a quarterly trip for us to celebrate the birthdays for many whose birthdays don't even get a mention. We'll have cake and ice cream and then set up a little mini-salon and spa for hair cuts and hands/feet pampering. This is a blessing for all of us. I just cannot tell you how much more of a blessing we get by being in their midst. If you have time, please say a prayer for us as we go. For many reasons, I firmly believe that God has something big and huge planned for this Saturday. He has gone to great lengths to get us all together for this day specifically. We would appreciate your prayers.
5. While Mother was in the hospital (she's fine now but we had a rough couple of weeks), I read "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews. I highly recommend this book. It will blow your socks off.
6. We are having a giveaway on the What's for Supper? segment this week. This is only the second time we've done this and I just thought that it was time to share some more fun with the listeners. And it's a great giveaway - Southern Living's 1001 Ways to Cook Southern Cookbook. It's just over 900 pages. It was on my Christmas list last year and I have enjoyed it so much the past few months. Fabulous recipes and tips in this cookbook!
Well, how was that for a list of the most random things you've ever heard? I'm a little overwhelmed at the amount of things I could talk about since I haven't blogged in weeks so that was just what came to mind first. But no worries, I'll not stay away so long. I've missed you.
So let's go forward and discuss a few important subjects:
1. D and I went to see "The Help" and it was phenomenal. I had read the book last summer so I've been anticipating the release of this movie ever since I heard it was going to happen. Oh so very good. Let's just assume that we all know that the story line is awesome and discuss the fashion. The movie is set in the early 60s and let's just say, I should have been born in that fashion era. I adore everything these girls wore. I even like the hairstyles. You know big hair never gets old. Big hair and tiny waists. These girls had the tiniest waists of anybody I've ever seen. And you know that the camera adds 10 pounds so I can't imagine what their waists look like in real life. On second thought, maybe I am glad I'm not wearing the 60s fashion. I don't have the waist for it.
2. Our precious boy is back in Statesboro at Georgia Southern and couldn't be happier. We got him all settled in last Friday and he was just beside himself to be back with his buddies and to get on with school. We sure do miss him around here! My mother's heart yearns for this boy but I know that he is doing what he needs to be doing right now. I'm left here to pray for and encourage him. You better believe, that's what I'll be doing.
3. I get to see my Birthday Group girls tonight! Well, Yay and WooHoo! It's been a while since the whole group has been around the table together so I couldn't be more excited to catch up with them. These women mean the world to me and I am beyond blessed to have them in my life.
4. On Saturday, a group of us will go up to New Beginnings to love on those precious ladies. This is a quarterly trip for us to celebrate the birthdays for many whose birthdays don't even get a mention. We'll have cake and ice cream and then set up a little mini-salon and spa for hair cuts and hands/feet pampering. This is a blessing for all of us. I just cannot tell you how much more of a blessing we get by being in their midst. If you have time, please say a prayer for us as we go. For many reasons, I firmly believe that God has something big and huge planned for this Saturday. He has gone to great lengths to get us all together for this day specifically. We would appreciate your prayers.
5. While Mother was in the hospital (she's fine now but we had a rough couple of weeks), I read "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews. I highly recommend this book. It will blow your socks off.
6. We are having a giveaway on the What's for Supper? segment this week. This is only the second time we've done this and I just thought that it was time to share some more fun with the listeners. And it's a great giveaway - Southern Living's 1001 Ways to Cook Southern Cookbook. It's just over 900 pages. It was on my Christmas list last year and I have enjoyed it so much the past few months. Fabulous recipes and tips in this cookbook!
Well, how was that for a list of the most random things you've ever heard? I'm a little overwhelmed at the amount of things I could talk about since I haven't blogged in weeks so that was just what came to mind first. But no worries, I'll not stay away so long. I've missed you.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Food Friday - 4th of July Edition!
You know, writing a blog and talking on the radio are a weird thing. Because you can't see your audience, you somehow think that no one is really reading or listening. Then you run into one of your friends and they say "okay, so why haven't you been posting on your blog more?" Or even weirder, someone you barely know who says "did you have a good time at the beach? I heard you say on the radio that you had been over the weekend." I'm not sure I'm really very comfortable with that but it's the nature of the business I guess. But when it comes to the blog, I really don't worry too much about putting myself out there because let's face it, there's about 20 of you sweethearts who read this on a regular basis. But I really do have to smile to know that there are those of you who have stuck by me through the random and ridiculous. So thank you to my little circle of blog friends. I'd give you a hug if I could.
That has absolutely nothing to do with food but before I get started on that do you realize that it is July 1st!! That this year is officially half over. I will say there are some things in my life that I'm thankful have came and gone but honestly, where does that time go? My children are 25 and 21 years old for goodness sake. I don't really think about my age until I think about theirs. So Happy Half 2011 to You!!
And that makes me think about something else. If you think I'm an over-obsessive party planner now, you should have been around when my children were little. Get this - we had "1/2 Birthday" parties! like at 6 months. 1 1/2, etc. Oh we had the traditional round number parties too but we (I) just added to all of that 1/2 s. So when E was 6 months old, we had a 1/2 of cake; and 1/2 of a candle; you get the picture. Okay, weird right? You'll be glad to know that I don't do that anymore not to say I don't think about it.
Well, I'll finally get to the point: food. One of my favorite subjects. All this week my recipes for the segment have been about building a great menu for the 4th of July. When preparing for this I stumbled upon one of the best recipes for roasted corn I've ever tasted. We've had it twice this week. We use the grill a lot in the summer and this is easy and awesome. The first night we had it with filet mignon steaks, shrimp and sauted zucchini, yellow squash and vidalia onions. Last night, we grilled chicken and I made a caprese salad to go along with it. Just thought I'd mention that to maybe spark a few menu ideas for you.
Parmesan Roasted Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
5 ears corn, husk and silk removed
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.
2. Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on each ear of corn. Sprinkle the corn with the Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Wrap each ear with non-stick aluminum foil (or spray foil with cooking spray) and place on the grill.
3. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Note: I forgot to get parmesan cheese and made it without it both times. Still delicious. The first time I just sprinkled the corn very lightly with the chili powder. The consensus was that the corn should be thoroughly covered with the chili powder. Good move. All of that to say, don't be afraid of the chili powder. It will be your friend in the end.
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
That has absolutely nothing to do with food but before I get started on that do you realize that it is July 1st!! That this year is officially half over. I will say there are some things in my life that I'm thankful have came and gone but honestly, where does that time go? My children are 25 and 21 years old for goodness sake. I don't really think about my age until I think about theirs. So Happy Half 2011 to You!!
And that makes me think about something else. If you think I'm an over-obsessive party planner now, you should have been around when my children were little. Get this - we had "1/2 Birthday" parties! like at 6 months. 1 1/2, etc. Oh we had the traditional round number parties too but we (I) just added to all of that 1/2 s. So when E was 6 months old, we had a 1/2 of cake; and 1/2 of a candle; you get the picture. Okay, weird right? You'll be glad to know that I don't do that anymore not to say I don't think about it.
Well, I'll finally get to the point: food. One of my favorite subjects. All this week my recipes for the segment have been about building a great menu for the 4th of July. When preparing for this I stumbled upon one of the best recipes for roasted corn I've ever tasted. We've had it twice this week. We use the grill a lot in the summer and this is easy and awesome. The first night we had it with filet mignon steaks, shrimp and sauted zucchini, yellow squash and vidalia onions. Last night, we grilled chicken and I made a caprese salad to go along with it. Just thought I'd mention that to maybe spark a few menu ideas for you.
Parmesan Roasted Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
5 ears corn, husk and silk removed
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.
2. Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on each ear of corn. Sprinkle the corn with the Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Wrap each ear with non-stick aluminum foil (or spray foil with cooking spray) and place on the grill.
3. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
Note: I forgot to get parmesan cheese and made it without it both times. Still delicious. The first time I just sprinkled the corn very lightly with the chili powder. The consensus was that the corn should be thoroughly covered with the chili powder. Good move. All of that to say, don't be afraid of the chili powder. It will be your friend in the end.
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
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