Wow! I Love Your Blog!

I’ve been awarded the “I love your blog” award by Bevy at It’s A Golden Day. Some of you might have read my post about meeting Bevy recently at the store in Aiken, South Carolina. Thanks so much to Bevy for this recognition- I've enjoyed discovering some really neat blogs over the last year.  I must say I’m very surprised anyone other than my immediate family even reads my blog. I started blogging last year to give family and friends updates about what is going on in our household. Blogging has been lots of fun so far and I enjoy the connection I have made with other bloggers.

Now I must:

• List ten things I love
• Pass this award on to 5 blogs I love
• And link and thank my friend who gave the award to me.

 Ten Things I Love:

1. My husband and children- My husband is the best- he is my very best friend and partner in life. He is an amazing father to our children. My children and I are so blessed to be loved by a Christian man. My children are truly gifts from God. My son has the kindest heart. He amazes me everyday with the things he is learning. My daughter is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I love to sit back and watch and listen as she plays. She reminds me to use my imagination.  I thank God for my wonderful blessings each day during my prayer time.


2. Living in small town/South- I grew up in a small town and moved to my husband’s hometown (another small town). I love going to town and constantly running into people I know. The people in a small town really rally around other locals when they are in need.

3. Cooking- I started cooking at a very young age in my mother and grandmother’s kitchens. My mother would allow me to make cookies and Rice Krispy treats as my younger sister napped. My grandmother let me help her roll and cut out dumplings and biscuits. As a teenager I worked for a local caterer and decided to major in Family and Consumer Science (Home Economics). Cooking allows me to relax and create something yummy.

4. Football- I started enjoying football as a middle school band student. I never missed a high school football game for seven years straight. I continued attending games during my college years. God was preparing me because I married a SPORTS NUT. He starts getting pumped about football in August. We usually attend the spring games for both our high school and favorite college team. My hubby is the announcer for our local high school team so we never miss a game. We love it even more when we get to go to the playoffs and extend the season into December. During the fall we usually attend several college games. After high school and college ball are over we focus on the NFL season. I love playing the brackets with my boys- I’ve won the last few seasons- They still owe me my prizes. Time to collect.

5. Entertaining- Whether it is a BBQ, Cocktail Party or Elegant Dinner Party- I love to entertain. My hubby and I host an annual Derby Party every May. Having friends over for a good football game is just a great excuse for me to cook and serve. My newest entertaining idea is to host a neighborhood get together this spring.

6. The Pond- Our family’s home away from home. Just outside the city limits my husband’s family owns a small farm with a pond, pool and small cabin. We affectionately call it “The Pond”. We swim, sun, fish and relax at the Pond. No phone, no computers, just outdoor fun. We joke about entering the cabin at the Pond for an extreme makeover due to the hodge podge décor and furnishings. Basically, whatever you don’t use at your house- we use as furniture or décor at the Pond. If we spruced it up it would probably lose its charm. It has been the location for some of our fondest family memories.

7. Stephen Bonanno Sandals- These sandals are all leather and fit better than any shoe I have ever worn (might have something to do with my toes being so free). Best of all- the sandals are MADE IN THE USA. I just sent a pair for repair- can’t wait to get them back. At the end of the month Stephan Bonanno’s will be $20.00 off. Check out the website at www.stephenbonannos.com

8. Girls Night Out- I love my once a month date with two of my dearest friends. We have so much in common and have the best time together. Once we even went for a girls weekend and spent three hours sitting on a swing over looking the marsh. I’m not sure what we discussed, but it was great fun. We’ve traveled hours together just to buy clothes for our children. Sometimes we just love to go to the Cabin (a girlfriend’s home away from home) or the Pond and relax. Nobody can have more fun than we do watching the Bachelor.

9. A Canvas Bag- Just call me the bag lady. I love a Land’s End or LL Bean tote. I have found myself using them as luggage on our yearly beach trip. I also tote stuff back and forth to work in the bags. I’ve used them to tote blankets, pom poms, snacks and cowbells to football games. The bags are just so versatile. I have one in every size and color. They are great for toting all of my stuff. My favorites are the oversized ones I use for bathing suits and beach towels during the summer. I can’t say enough about these bags- one of my favorite gifts to give.

10. Tomato Sandwiches- Nothing taste as good as a slice of homegrown tomato between two slices of trimmed white bread w/a dab of Hellman’s mayo, a little grated onion and a few sprigs of fresh basil. I don’t have a green thumb so I have to go to our local farmer’s market to fetch fresh tomatoes. Last year I got to the farmer’s market (only open on Saturday morning) several times only to find the grower sold out- before the market opened.  Homegrown tomatoes were hotter than any illegal drug sold.  Thank goodness I know the farmers wife and got the inside scoop on how to score some fresh tomatoes before the farmer's market.  She mentioned he has a permit to sell fresh produce to food stamp receipents at the DFACS office on Friday mornings.  Guess where you'll find me on Friday mornings during the summer?

I am excited to pass this honor along to these bloggers:
 Kitchen Belleicious 
Jillian Inc.
Mom of Redheads
Southern Somedays
Laurie's Lagniappe