Archive for 2010

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia

Several friends are doing a blogs or Facebook posts everyday in preparation for Thanksgiving. Each day they are writing post about all of their blessings. The posts have been super sweet and I enjoy reading them. I wanted to do this, but I know I'm not going to be able to write everyday. Just like most I am thankful for my family, friends and relationship with God, but this week I have been reminded of how blessed I am.

This week I encountered several situations at work that remind me of the struggles I have not encountered. As a high schooler, I was fortunate to have parents to provide for all of my needs. My family was never what I would consider wealthy, but I was never in need. If I asked for money to take college entrance exams I got it. On the morning of the test I never worried about how I would get to the testing site. I've learned some don't go because they simply don't have a ride. If I wanted to visit a college all I had to do was ask and my parents made the arrangements. During my school years I was never sent home or called to the office for inappropriate clothing, but I also had parents at home that made sure I had clothing and would not let me leave home in unacceptable clothes. I've realized the dreaded washing machine is also a luxury we never appreciated. When a school trip was announced there was never a doubt I could go. During the trip we might go to a restaurant and their was never a doubt about whether or not I could eat. If I needed supplies for school I had them. On a few occasions I missed the bus, but I always had a ride from my parents if needed. My sister and I never considered coming home to a house with no power, but some do. Did you ever want to play sports, but did not have the opportunity because your parents work and you don't have a ride home from practice? I realize this is a bunch of random thoughts, but you just might realize why I have left work in tears several times this week as I praised God for my many blessings.

We are about to begin a very busy holiday season. My prayer is each of us recognize the gifts we already have and bless others with some of the same. Several friends and I have discussed how we have decided to make this year a slim Christmas. With the current economy many are saving instead of spending. Many of us have realized our children really don't NEED anything. My husband and I are working to help our children realize how blessed they are. I encourage everyone to consider your own blessings. These gift unlike those wrapped up under the tree will last forever in our hearts.

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia

I know I've said it before, but life in a small town has never a dull moment. Recently another citizen said it is almost as if we live in Stars Hollow. This is the fictional town from the television show The Gilmore Girls. We have an ecletic bunch of citizens just as the people you might find in Stars Hollow.. Our downtown is bustling with cute shops, an art gallery, a movie theater and a fabulous restaurant. It seems there is always an art gallery opening, concert down town or something going on in the park. We barely make it to the city due to all of the things we find to do on the weekends.

This weekend our family attended the regular Friday night football game and enjoyed the first chili of the season at our weekly tailgate. Nothing says fall like football and chili. I must say wetailgate with a bunch of GREAT cooks. They even let me cook my favorite fall dessert- Pumpkin Crisp. Thank goodness our team came away with a great win. Next week will be a lot tougher and we are on the road.

On Saturday we attended the wedding of two very special neighbors. The weather could not have been more perfect. Our very old church was the perfect setting for a lovely afternoon wedding. I must say the music was outstanding- violin and piano. The reception was held at a local plantation. Guest were treated to delicious fare- fried chicken, pork loin, salmon spread, pasta, croissants and rolls, cheese ring, potato salad, fruit w/chocolate fondue, and fresh veggies. Instead of the traditional groom's cake, they served a variety of southern favorites- chocolate cake w/cooked chocolate icing, lemon cheese, pound cake, coconut cake, etc.---YUMMY! The flowers were grown locally. Local hands arranged the blooms and presented them in simple glass vases- just perfect for the outdoor setting. The flowers were accentuated by locally grown ferns (I've never seen ferns this big anywhere else).

Our next invitation took us to our flower girl's house for a pumpkin carving, snacks and beverages. Our flower girl (she is in her twenties now) is so sweet to our children. She babysits, assist with school projects and just adores our children. The pumpkin carving got underway on her mother's rug (I was about to die for fear pumpkin mush would forever stain it). Our daughter had lots of assistance carving the Georgia "G" while our son learned to punch out a more traditional design before carving. The results were amazing.

Little did we know the party was about to move again. Our Dawgs played last night, but we could only pick up the game on one channel. Our friends have satellite and do not get the channel so the entire gang packed up and moved the party down the street to our my in-laws so we could view it on cable.

We are looking for to Trunk or Treat this coming weekend. My daughter (with the assistance of my sister) will be an "exercise lady" while my son has decided to be a little grown-up and go as a Georgia fan. I hope his costume is just what we need on Saturday to get the win over the Gators.

Wrote by Home of a Magnolia