Don't have a lot to blog about this week, but my daughter did ask one hilarious question-"When is God gonna give me big hair". I wasn't quite sure what to say when she asked. At first, I attempted to get a little clarification on what she meant by "big hair". I am going to continue to probe her to find out who she aspires to look like. In the eyes of little ones you never really know what "beauty" means.

One of my favorite times of the year has finally arrived. Football season for my family began last Thursday evening as we traveled to our high school's pre-season game. This weekend we made the trip to UGA for Picture Day. The family is looking forward this Friday's tailgate at our local high school. Just like most southerners, I enjoy tailgating about as much as the game. I thought I would share a few of my favorite recipes.
Mango Meatball Subs
Ingredients
bag of frozen meatballs
1 jar mango jam
1 cup chicken broth
Sub rolls or dinner rolls (12)
1 jar spicy chow chow
Combine meatballs, jam, and chicken broth in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 25 minutes.
Slice rolls (not all the way thru)
Place meat several meatballs in each roll and top w/chow chow.
SEVEN LAYER MEXICAN DIP (recipe from back of old el paso refried beans)
1 sm. can refried beans
1 can Fritos bean dip
1 can guacamole dip
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 pkg. taco seasoning
shredded Jackand cheddar cheese
1 can sliced black olives
3 sm. chopped tomatoes
2 bunches chopped green onion
Mix refried beans and Fritos bean dip; spread in bottom of small rectangular baking dish. Next, spread guacamole dip. Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and taco seasoning; spread. Sprinkle cheese or cheeses to cover the third layer. Sprinkle olives, tomatoes, and green onion in that order. Serve with favorite corn chips or tortilla chips.
Most evenings my family goes walking in nearby neighborhoods in our small town. We almost always walk the same route. For several years we have been appalled by the scent of birds nesting in a vacant lot on a street along our route. We have commented several times on how a controlled burn is the only way to rid this lot and the street of the scent as well as the birds. As we approached this part of our route tonight we heard gun shots. Just ahead we saw a man standing beside his pick-up truck, shotgun in hand, shooting at the lot full of birds. Millions of birds were fleeing. We stopped in the middle of the street and turned around to go a different way. I admit, the birds are a nuisance. Several times we have discussed how the neighbors must hate this disgusting scent surronding their homes. We decided we might need to call the local police just in case this guy was a little off his rocker. I mean, you could shoot for days and kill a few birds, most just flew away. Most likely they will return tomorrow. My husband called and spoke to the dispatcher. The dispatcher commented, "Yep, he done come by here and told us he was gonna shoot them birds". Only in a small southern town could you stand in the middle of the street in a neighborhood and shoot at a vacant lot.

Due to our back to school schedule, the entire family was up before Saturday this morning. I love Saturdays because I allow myself two whole cups of coffee on weekend mornings. We drank the last of the Choco Cherry Kiss coffee. Thank goodness we are headed to the city this afternoon. My list of to-dos (very lengthy) includes: more of my fav coffee, socks (hubby purchased thick tube socks for a dainty little girl-what was he thinking) for my daughter, fabric for more dresses for daughter, towel bar and toilet paper holder. I also plan to go to a drapery/upholstery store to find fabric for master bedroom window treatments. During visit to a local thrift store, I purchased some cornices and plan to recover with a black/ivory patterned fabric. I've also found a great fabric (top pillow in picture) by Kravet in Archy Digest and I think it would look great in my living room. Hubby and a friend are suppose to put in my shower door today. Once they finish, I plan on doing a small window treatment in the master bath. So many projects and so little time.

Monday marked the first day of school for my daughter and the return to school for my son. Both woke about 5:30 a.m. to start getting ready. Everyone was ready by 6:45 a.m., but we did not need to leave home until 7:20 a.m. Thank goodness we had time for first day of school pictures. Our daughter wanted to make sure we got pictures of how her backpack "poked out" with all of the stuff in it. When we finally arrived at the school, we had to park down the block and walk the darlings to class. The entire family walked little sister to class and waited a few minutes until the teacher arrive. We entered and left all of her belongings and kissed her goodbye. Next we escorted our son to his classroom. Said our goodbyes and went on our way. My husband and I have said lots of prayers for our children, their teachers and friends. Our prayer is for the Lord to open their little minds and allow them to soak up all of the knowledge they need, but close their minds to things He doesn't want them to see or hear. We have been so blessed in the past with wonderful teachers.
When we picked them up from school, we were informed by our daughter she had not taken a nap due to a short first day. She was wound up to say the least. Our son was excited about changing classes three times during the day. We made it home, debriefed, and ate a frozen pizza (thought ahead for the first day- I'm always exhausted). Took time during dinner to thank God for the GREAT day we had. Time to pack lunch for the next day. Worked out first day stress by going for a evening stroll.
Special Note: Great LUNCHBOXES from Laurie's Lagniappe- I have a link to her site under my favorite sites. Great customer service- packaging is beyond my expectations.