The Birthday Excitement

So today I have officially been around the world because tomorrow is my husband's birthday.  Let me explain.  Today I had 16 things to do/stops to make on my list.  And they all had to be done in a specific order which for some reason makes it more stressful to me.  However, I must admit I did find time to go to Old Navy and get not one, but two, of those great cotton shirts they have (one grey and one polka dot) which are perfect for fall in Georgia.  And to make a great cotton shirt even better, I went to my friend's gift shop where she does monogramming and dropped them off for a little customization of the pocket on one and the sleeve on the other.  Yes, I am a Southern girl; we don't buy it unless we can monogram it.  I'll share photos when I get them back.  Well, I think I will share photos because that was one of my stops, to get a new camera. My camera during our vacation in July suffered an unfortunate drop which caused it to render itself useless.  I'm not  sure how to work this new camera but must figure it out before tomorrow.  Because, and I'm finally almost getting to the point of all this, we are celebrating D's birthday tomorrow with what I am calling his "Sports Extravaganza." 

The man loves all kinds of sports so this pretty much is his dream birthday.  First, he is playing in a charity golf tournament tomorrow (I'm going too as an assistant, not a player); then Friday morning we are going to the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton for a NASCAR experience (yes, meaning he will get in an actual race car and loop around the track for about 30 minutes going heaven knows how fast).  This was his birthday gift from last year.  There were scheduling challenges.  Then Friday night we are headed to the Braves game.  E and N are meeting us there.  This is pretty special because this is the big night for honoring Chipper Jones.  If you're a Braves fan at all, you probably are a Chipper fan.  Then on Saturday, we're headed to Athens for the beloved Bulldogs game. Oh yes we are.  My husband is pretty much over the moon with excitement. 

Tonight is his birthday dinner. On the menu:  meatloaf, mashed potatoes, peas (so we can make bird's nests), green beans (from the garden), cream corn (from the garden), watermelon and biscuits.  For dessert?  I cheated and stopped at Peggy Trueloves for cupcakes.  D said he didn't want a big cake so cupcakes it is.

Oh and I also sneaked a little shopping for a decorating project I've got going.  I'll have to post pictures of that too.  I better get in there and figure out how to use the camera. 

The "Apple" of my Eye

Well, you know how you have to fight some days to keep perspective?  That whole don't sweat the small stuff jazz?  Well, honestly, as I've gotten older I really don't sweat the little things like I used to in my younger days.  You just realize the older you get that some things just aren't as important as they used to be.  However ... one thing that I "sweat" over is my cell phone.  Okay, my name is Crevolyn Wiley and I am addicted to my cell phone.  I'm sure that there is a 12-Step program for me somewhere.   After all, the first step is to admit. 

But this morning I'm almost in a little tiz just because: 1.  I'm switching cell service providers; 2.  I am perfectly happy with this provider which means my comfort zone and I are totally content together;  3. My husband insists that going on another plan will save us some money (but isn't my peace of mind worth something?); 4. I will be without my cell phone all day. Yes, I said all day.  Apparently, according to my husband I'm supposed to back up my phone on my computer.  Who knew?  I honestly thought when Apple came out with iCloud that it was supposed to take that annoying little step away so I just stopped backing up my phone.  I mean really, this phone can do everything else, can't it back it's own self up?   I have better things to do.  All this ranting to say... my phone and computer have to go to the IT department at the store for the day.  The.entire.day.  What in heaven's name takes so long?    So I'll spend the whole day wondering who is calling, texting and emailing me and who is posting great things on Facebook and Instragram; all the while, attempting to pick it up to look up some random fact.  Oh, the craziness of it all. 

Or maybe I'll enjoy the peace and quiet.  Maybe I'll listen and look for other things of much greater importance.  Maybe instead of looking at my phone at the stop light, I'll notice the sky and beauty around me.  Maybe I'll enjoy a conversation with an actual person instead of burying my head in my phone.  Maybe I'll look my husband in the eye when he's talking to me after supper instead of obsessing over Pinterest.    Maybe I'll hear God speaking instead of being so preoccupied with the buzz of electronics.  

Maybe I'll let them keep it another day. 

It's a Brand New Day

Does anyone else besides me wake up on Monday mornings with a fresh perspective on life?  This morning has been so therapeutic for me.  For one thing, it is absolutely beautiful outside.  This is my kind of weather!  Yay - for fall!  When I took Kirkley out this morning and breathed in the fresh cool air, I could feel my spirits lift.  That's when my fresh perspective emerged.  I felt energized and renewed!

And boy howdy, did I need it!  Let me just tell you the past few months and weeks have been a whirlwind, especially the past three weeks.  E and I have been blessed to be a part of three wonderful weddings this month.  All three have been outdoor weddings and God has certainly smiled upon us with weather that has been nothing short of incredible.  Can I just tell you that there is a certain stress level that accompanies an outdoor wedding?  Oh yes there is.  But these three have gone off without a hitch!  Weather - amazing!  Sweet families - definitely!  So, what more can you ask for?  We have just had the best time.  My heart soared this morning when E and I received a text from our  last Saturday's bride who from her honeymoon wrote:  "Thank you so much for everything!  My wedding was absolutely perfect. Love you both!"   Literally, brought tears to my eyes.  And that my friends, is why we do what we do.  That makes all the hard work and high stress level totally worth it.

We have a breather of sorts the next couple of months as far as actual events; however, the planning continues for December weddings and several already in the works for next year.  Thank you, Lord for work that we adore!

So . . . all of that to say that this morning I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.  Thankful to God who continues to show His love for me; thankful for my husband and the spiritual leader he continues to be for me and our family; for my family who are the most incredible group of  people I know that bring joy unending to this girl; for a job that I absolutely love; and for fall weather!!  Okay and on the totally superficial side ... for college football (i.e. Dawgs 4-0) and Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I truly believe we need to thank God for all of his good gifts!  :)

So, friends, "this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"   Every minute, every hour and every day is a gift.  Open it and make the most of it! 

A Day in the Life

Where to begin . . .

Let's just jump right back into the bloggin' game with a little Day in the Life.  How 'bout it?
1. Outside my window . . . it is gorgeous!  Access North GA is telling me it's 83 degrees and I can see out my window that it's sunny.  So, basically, perfect.
2.  I am watching . . . oh dear, you are not going to believe this, but I am watching this season's "Bachelorette."  This is the first time that I've watched an entire season without becoming disgusted, disgruntled or disoriented (meaning my head starts to spin when they all start fussing and fighting) and then jumped ship before the Love Boat sailed.    But I love, love Emily who is after all, from south of the Mason Dixon line.  She seems to be on the up and up and keeping it classy.  Let's hope that continues because when it becomes trashing instead of classy, I'm a goner.  And . . . did anyone watch the return of "Dallas" last week?  I don't know how I missed it but I did.  I'll have to go back and HuLu it because I have to see the first episode.  Believe me, I now have my DVR set and even a reminder on my phone.  I can't wait to see Larry Hagman ( and his eyebrows), Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray at South Fork again.  Oh, how I loved "Dallas" back in the day.  I really hope this return doesn't disappoint. 
3.  I'm listening to . . . the new Kenny Chesney album. It just downloaded it today so I'm ill-prepared to give you a review. By the way, does anyone else think it's weird that they still call it an album on itunes?     You know, D and I are off to see Mr. Chesney and his buddy, Tim McGraw this weekend in Charlotte for the Brothers of the Sun concert.  I can hardly wait.  This is going to be so much fun.    D and I are just so weird . . . we are actually going to two concerts this weekend.  Saturday night we'll be in Hiawassee to see the man himself, Mr. Vince Gill.   Some of you are probably remembering that I saw Vince at Christmas at the Fox.  Well, that was fabulous;  however, it was all Christmas music and it was with his wife, Amy Grant.  That was all well and good but I just wanted to see Vince in his element.  Thank you very much.  So, D and I will travel up to the mountains this Saturday; then head to Charlotte on Sunday.  WooHoo!
4.  I am reading . . . as always, lots of different things.  For Bible study, I'm reading the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  The study is actually specifically about Nehemiah but nothing in the Bible is stand alone.  You have to know the context so do to that you need to read what has happened up to that point.  I love the Old Testament.  It is so rich and wonderful.  Loving these books!  I'm also reading the "Happiness Project" which is an interesting concept.  Not really sure how I feel about it yet.  Two of my favorite authors just released new books:  "Spring Fever" by Mary Kay Andrews and "Porch Lights" by Dorothea Benton Frank.  I actually pre-ordered them and have finished both.  They are great reads for your beach bag if you're needing such.
5.  What I'm wearing . . . white linen pants, a white tank, a taupe crocheted (maybe?) long top.  This may be the most comfortable outfit I own.  The pants are wide and flowy which I love.  The wider and flowier, the better I like it.
6.  What I'm thinking . . . wow, that's a loaded one.  I'm thinking I need to write this blog on a regular basis again because my sweet girl really misses it.  And if she misses it, I need to do it.  I'm thinking I need to carve out some time to organize my pictures.  I'm thinking I need to clean my house.  I'm thinking I need to do something nice for a friend who is struggling.  I'm thinking I need to look at my calendar and do some planning for the fall.  I'm thinking I should make a list of all of this before I forget it. 
7.  What I'm doing after this . . . going to work-out.  I haven't missed a day of exercising in two weeks.  So far, so good.  I'm going to the Family Life Center to get on the elliptical.  It's not really that bad and I sure am glad I did it when I'm done.
8.  What I'm cooking for supper . . . after the workout, it's steaks on the grill, bacon-wrapped asparagus and a great new dish using the fresh produce that is coming in from my mother-in-law's garden.  Here's the recipe if you're interested:

Summer Vegetable Bake: 

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced

1 potato, thinly sliced

 1 tomato, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded Italian cheese

Directions:

1.       Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.       Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet with olive oil until softened (about five minutes).

3.       Spray the inside of an 8x8 square or round baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the softened onion and garlic in the bottom of the dish.

4.       Place the thinly sliced vegetables in the baking dish vertically, in an alternating pattern. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.

5.        Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.

So, there you have it.   A day in the life of this ordinary girl who loves her ordinary life. 

Happy Mother's Day 2012!

Well, look who's back.  I know ya'll thought I was gone for good but apparently I felt I needed a sabbatical so I took one.  I appreciate the one of you who missed me and sent me an email encouraging me to get back on the blog horse, so to speak. 

So it's Mother's Day and I had a fabulous one!  It really started at 4:00 this morning when my baby boy busted through our bedroom doors and said "I'm Home!"  Scared the absolute fool out of me and D but we recovered quickly when we realized that he was home safe and sound for a whole 4 days!  G had gotten off work about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, went home, couldn't sleep and decided to drive to Gville in the middle of night.  Now, if I had known that I wouldn't have slept a wink. Oh, thank you Lord for his safety!  We finally went back to sleep and woke up with the best feeling knowing that boy of ours was right upstairs.  We went to church together and D's mom joined us, something she hadn't felt up to doing in the past few months.  We were so thankful to have her and G there with us.    Our church service this morning was amazing.  Our pastor announced the totals from our new building and debt payment campaign, Sharing the Vision, and let me just say, God is so good and faithful.  I won't go into details right now but God provided above and beyond our wildest dreams. 

After church, we came home for a few minutes, changed clothes, picked up the Mimi and headed to E's for lunch.  She and N had fixed a wonderful meal and we loved the time we spent with them and N's parents and sister.  I've said several times how much I enjoy them and today was no exception.  We talked and laughed for over two hours.  So much fun. 

I am so blessed to be a mom.  I told D this morning that when you have children they become your biggest source of joy and heartache.  My children are funny, smart and amazing.  I truly enjoy them beyond words.  I have also been blessed with a great woman in my life. My mom, who has shown me unconditional love my entire life, is still going strong at 86 years old.  She is one of those people who sees life with the glass half full.  She has been dealt some tough things in life and is still filled with great joy for life.  What an inspiration she is.  I am so thankful for her. I walked into a room the other day and she said, "there's the sunshine of my life."  She greets me like that almost every time I see her.  She loves all the girlie things in life which is right up this girl's alley!  We are truly two peas in a pod.  I'm truly blessed to have her in my life.

So, I'm sitting here now surrounded by my people.  And that is my favorite way to spend this Mother's Day and every day.    Love and blessings to all mothers.  It's a daunting job but don't grow weary, it's totally worth it.

It Could Not be more Random

I just want to jump on here to talk about a few random things of no importance whatsoever and in no particular order.
Actually this first one is of importance.  It is the only one of the list that is. 
1.  God was so good to me today.  He totally answered my prayer and the prayers of those who were praying for me as I spoke to the Challenged Child Women's Advocacy Group this morning.  I remembered what I wanted to say.  Even though I had notes, I hardly ever used them.  I got my display set up in time.  Everybody was so supportive and encouraging.  Bottom line, it could not have gone better.  I am so very thankful for those who prayed and so thankful that God honored those prayers. 
2.  I just ate an entire Dove Chocolate bar.  If you remember, it was in my Valentine's bouquet.  Please do not judge me.
3.  I am probably the last human on earth to download on my iphone/ipad/ihome/iwhatever Adele's album titled "21."  Oh my word it is amazing.  I liked having new music on my i-device that I downloaded Vince Gill's new CD, "Guitar Slinger."  As I think I might have mentioned once or a hundred times, I am a huge Vince Gill fan.  His new music is somewhat different than the honky-tonky stuff of his past but that voice is amazing and the music is just as good or better.  Love it.
4.  I have the new InStyle and new Southern Lady magazines sitting over there in the chair waiting for me to open them and I could not be happier about it. 
5.  Speaking of magazines and i-devices, I noticed in my new issue of Southern Living that if you are a subscriber you could download the magazine onto your iPad.  Well, okay.  I followed the directions just like they said and lo and behold, the new issue of SL came up on my iPad.  However, I'm just not sure how I feel about reading it on there.  You know how I struggle with the whole Kindle concept and even though I try to be a friend to technology, there is just something about having a book and/or magazine right in front of me.  I want to touch and smell those pages.  I'll let you know how this electronic magazine thing turns out.
6.  I am loving the new season of "The Voice." I sorta liked it last year but I am all about those four judges and the whole concept this season.  The judges actually are nice, respectful, encouraging and constructive with their advice. And I love that more than one judge can "turn their chair" for the artist.  Then that artist gets to chose which judge he or she wants to work with.  You see the judges trying to sell themselves to these talented individuals.  Sort of a role reversal of sorts and definitely a fresh approach.  Hands down better than American Idol and certainly Simon Cowell's new show, The X Factor.
7.  I have two new electronic personal care items.  (that may be the most ridiculous thing I've ever written).  It's true.  D got me a Sonicare toothbrush for Christmas.  And y'all thought he was such a romantic after those roses and chocolate.  Yes, the man bought me an electric toothbrush for Christmas.  Thankfully, he padded that gift with some other items that totally made me forget that he got me a toothbrush with a cord.   I really don't tell him how much I love this toothbrush for fear he'll buy me a new vacuum cleaner next year.  So that got me to thinking how much I really would love to have the Sonicare toothbrush's sister,The Clarisonic Mia.  Have you seen her?  I had been going back and forth on investing in one of these little beauties because I wasn't sure if it would really work like they say, or would it make my face break out, or could I send it back if I had already used it on my face or most importantly, can I really justify the cost both initially and the cost with the replacement brushes.  And do I want one more thing laying on my bathroom counter.   Clearly, I am an overthinker.  But one night, after wearing myself out with all of this overthinking, I gave up and ordered it.  I could not be happier with her.  I'm not sure my face looks any different but it feels amazing.  Smooth as a baby's behind.  I am not kidding.
Check it out.  I ordered mine in Turqoise. 
http://www.amazon.com/Clarisonic-Mia-Skin-Cleansing-System/dp/B002XURD32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329865472&sr=8-1
8.  I met a friend for breakfast yesterday morning at Panera and thought I might try something new there.  The thing that's funny about this is that I have one of two things every single time I go to Panera and I go to Panera a lot.   But since it was breakfast and I was feeling, well, like walking on the wild side, I tried their new Mediterranean Egg White Breakfast Sandwich.  And let me just say, slamdunk, Panera, it was great.  And I don't really even like egg whites. 

Well, that's all the worthless information that I know for today.  Stay tuned.  It's got to get better than this.

Food Friday Reappears

Last week on the What's for Supper? segment we built a great meal for a special occasion, specifically Valentines Day.  This week on the segment we have talked about slow-cooker meals.  We are even giving away a 6-quart Crock Pot during the segment today!  Super fun, right?  I just love to give stuff away!  With two weeks of great recipes to choose from I can hardly decide which ones to share here but I'll try.
This Beef Tenderloin recipe is amazing.   You can easily adjust the basting ingredients based on your taste and diet restrictions but any way you go, it's delicious and oh so easy.  And don't forget the key to making any meat great is to let it rest after cooking and before slicing.  It really makes all the difference in world, in the world of meat anyway.
The Sweetheart Salad was devoured by my family.  I'm not a fan of cherries so next time I'm making it with strawberry pie filling.  It would work just as well. 
Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms - what can I say.  This is a staple at our house and pretty much the easiest and most delicious side dish you can  do.   Love this recipe.
Man, I thought I would just do a couple recipes but I can't stop.   I've got to include a slow cooker recipe because my slow cooker is probably my favorite kitchen appliance.  Well, it and my Kitchen Aid stand mixer.  I just couldn't function in the kitchen without them.  Anyway, I'll just have to say, with no pride I promise, that the slow cooker recipes this week were great.  If you're interested in the recipes, you can go on the store website, www.jandjfoods.com and look them up.  Here was the line-up:  Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes (de-lish); Parmesan Honey Pork Roast (have mercy); Chicken Parmesan (another staple at our house); Triple Berry Cobbler (love a dessert in the slow cooker) and a new one that my family loved - Creamy Mushroom Chicken. 

Hope you enjoy!

Fabulous Beef Tenderloin

Ingredients:
1 (3 pound) beef tenderloin roast
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup melted butter
Garlic Pepper, to taste
Granulated garlic, to taste
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place roast into a shallow, glass baking dish. Pour soy sauce and melted butter over the tenderloin.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, then turn the roast over, and continue cooking 35 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally until the internal temperature of the roast is at 140 degrees F for medium. Or, cook to your desired degree of doneness. Let meat rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Sweetheart Salad

Ingredients:

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 15 ¼ - ounce crushed pineapple, drained

1 21-ounce cherry pie filling

1 cup chopped pecans

1 8-ounce whipped topping, thawed

Directions:

1.        Beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar.

2.       Fold in pineapple, cherry pie filling, pecans and whipped topping.

3.       Chill and serve.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, quartered

2 teaspoons olive oil

Sea salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with vegetable cooking spray.

2.        Place the asparagus and mushrooms in a bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil, then season with   salt and pepper; toss well.

3.        Lay the asparagus and mushrooms out on the prepared pan in an even layer.

4.       Roast in the preheated oven until the asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Ingredients:

¼ cup butter

1 .7-ounce package Italian dry salad dressing mix

1 can condensed mushroom soup

½ cup chicken broth

1 8-ounce cream cheese (can use reduced fat/calorie)

2 8-ounce package fresh mushrooms, quartered

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Hot cooked rice or angel hair pasta

Directions:

1.        Melt butter in a saucepan and add Italian dressing packet.  Stir in soup, broth and cream cheese until it combines and cream cheese melts.

2.       Spray slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner. Place mushrooms in the bottom of the slow cooker. 

3.       Place chicken on top of mushrooms and pour sauce on top of the chicken.

4.       Cook on low for 5 hours.

5.        Serve hot with rice or pasta.