My friend Amber has submitted an entry in Kelly's Korner weekly show off. You can check out her blog at
The Dowdys Doings.
Lately, we have enjoyed leftovers from several meals. Last week I made meatloaf. This is one of my favorite entrees. The next day I enjoyed an even better meatloaf sandwich. This simple sandwich consist of toasted wheat bread, freshley torn lettuces, a slice of locally grown tomato and my own special sauce. The sauce is nothing more than mayo, mustard and sweet pickle relish. Yummy!
Last night I prepared dinner for a couple of girlfriends. While the kids were still in the house I set the table for dinner. My kids were envious and asked "Why can't we eat like this?" I promised them I would prepare the same meal and set the table in the same way for them really soon. Since we had leftover chicken parmesan and homemade bread I decided leftovers for lunch would provide the perfect occassion for following thru on my promise. I enlisted the children to set the table as to get a little pratice. My daughter was so proud she could set it just like Mommy. I recently gave my son my old digital camera and so he got to work taking pictures. I finally convinced them to sit together and allow Mom to take a picture of their handiwork. Note: I realize candles are not really needed during daytime hours, but they had to have the same setting as Mommy and her friends. Glad they enjoyed this meal. We've decided to go back to something more manageable for everyday meals- my son dropped a 1/2 gallon of milk on the floor while attempting to get the tea pitcher out of the fridge. I dropped one plate of food onto the rug as I got it out of the micorwave. Lunch was delayed as I attempted to scrub the rug w/Greased Lightening (good on carpets). Hubby has city council tonight so we might attempt peanut butter and jelly on a papertowel for a gourmet dinner.
The french bread recipe I used last night was so easy as it required the use of the food processor for preparation- no kneading. I don't normally do homemade bread as most of the frozen bread doughs are great, but this attempt at homemade french bread was good.
My friend Amber suggested I share the recipe for my last minute pre-dinner beverage. I sent hubby to the grocery and asked him up something fruity. He came home with Strawberry flavored Arbor Mist. I thought boy I need to get creative to make something out of this cheap sparkling wine. I mixed an entire bottle with 2 quarts of Peach Crystal Light and about 1/4 cup amaretto. Served it over ice cubes with a squeeze of lime. Very light and refreshing as well as very inexpensive. The color is beautiful too. I think I'll make this for the Pond this weekend.
Bribery works when photographing your children
It has been a fun couple of weeks since I last posted. We have returned from a trip to the beach and encountered a problem with our modem. Finally got a new modem installed and I'm back in business.
Since returning home I've realized the kids will return to school in about a month and I feel a sudden sense of urgency. Time to start cleaning out closets to determine what fits and what needs to go to the local thrift store. Thank goodness we can wear summer clothes until late October so we will really only need to find new shoes. I truly believe fresh air, swimming and sunshine makes kids grow by leaps and bounds. My son's foot has surpassed mine and is most likely the same size as my hubby. My five year old is beginning to want more say so in what clothing she wears. In the next few weeks we have to load up on needed school supplies and establish that back to school schedule. I hope to sew a few things for Miss Priss. In the mean time I want to dwell on memories of a glorious summer.
The kids always want a silly picture.
We are enjoying a week at the beach. Each evening we venture out to the beach with our chairs to take advantage of the ocean breezes. Usually the children entertain us as they play in the waves, sand or fly kites. Last night we were fortunate enough to witness a wedding. So sorry I did not take my camera since we thought it might rain. I promise to not go anywhere without it after this occassion.
As we watched the photographer take pre-wedding pictures I noticed a variety of outfits- anything from madras to sequins, shorts to evening gowns. The poor florist struggled in her attempt to decorate an arch with tuelle. I had several thoughts about how beautiful and simple a beach wedding could be. I like many southern brides had the big hometown wedding, but after witnessing a few beach weddings think it might just be the way to go.
My thoughts on planning a beach wedding:
Do not attempt to decorate the beach with things not found at the beach. God has done it for you. If you need decoration consider sand scupltures or sandcastles. Stand at the water's edge and marry as the water brushes against your bare feet.
All beach wedding attire should be made of natural fibers (silk, cotton and linen) and in colors you might find at the beach or in the ocean. The traditional wedding gown, tuxedos, and bridesmaids dresses were not intended for the beach. Wedding guest take note on the attire. Don't forget to tell the preacher about the color scheme. Grooms leave the gold chains at home. Barefoot is great and make sure everyone gets the message- stilletos and sand do not mix.
Flowers- flower tattoos should not be substituted for corsages- please cover tattoos. Keep flowers simple and in keeping w/colors you might find at the beach or in the ocean. Do not wear artificial flowers in your hair- especially royal blue in color.
Children at a beach wedding will find it tempting to play in the sand or simple run due to the wide open spaces- be prepared if you invite children.
Set up chairs for your guest or request they bring a chair. It is difficult for people to see if they are standing.
Since you are saving so much money on decor and location- splurge on the photographer.
Last week my son attended two football camps, practiced for Allstar games and played in two Allstar games. Let me just state- I don't have an athletic bone in my body. I love all things girly, but for the last week I have been totally emersed in the world of sports. This would all occur during the hottest week of summer. One afternoon the heat index on my car read 107 degrees. By Sunday, I was exhausted. Who knew it was possible to sweat that much? I told my husband I would be glad to have the television tuned in for the US Open (it was Father's Day), but once it was over I needed a week w/o sports. Don't worry, I haven't deprived my boys- I hear ESPN on the television in the den as I type this entry.
Seriously, the week was absolutely awesome for my son. My husband's uncle is a coach and invited our son to attend his football camp in another town. Each morning we would wake and hit the road by 7:30 a.m. only to return after lunch. In the evening we would practice for baseball Allstars. On the last day of football camp we ate lunch and headed to the first game of the Allstar Tournament. By the time I arrived home I was exhausted. The following day we made the two hour trip to the second Allstar game.
Since we did not win our second game we did not advance to the next round. This was sad, but made way for my son to attend a one day football camp on Saturday hosted by Fernando Velasco of the Tennessee Titans. He brought along lots of friends from the NFL and former University of Georgia players. We also had a Georgia Tech player present. My son was extremely pleased with the instruction he received from former UGA quarterback, Joe Cox. All of guys did a great job of teaching the boys some drills for improving their skills in their desired offensive/defensive position. The guys also promoted a positive message of putting Christ first in your life. Several of the professional players shared how important education is to any professional athlete's career. After a great lunch the boys were allowed to get autographs. I spent 5 1/2 hours watching drills and taking pics. I was exhausted, but it was worth every minute. My husband would normally take on this daunting task, but he had a work committment. If you know anything about my hubby, you know he was a bit jealous of all the time I spent on the field during the week. Thank goodness my mother-in-law offered to entertain my little drama queen.
My son is growing up so fast and I'm so glad I get to share these special moments w/him. I love to watch him as he enthusiastically participates in school and sports. He is like a sponge soaking up all of the coaching and advice. We have been so blessed to have these opportunities to expose him to world of sports.
Hopefully, Lifetime or Hallmark has some good movies scheduled this week. I could really go for a few romantic comedies.
Happy Father's Day to the man I love! He has so many great characteristics. I love that life with him is never boring.
He has a great sense of humor. As city councilman he joked about this being the new means of public transportation.
He is a great team player.
He loves his community.
He praises my cooking.
He is a sports nut and has instilled the same love of sports in our son.
He adores our children.
He has fond memories of fatherhood.
This is his favorite memory with both of our children- an afternoon nap on Daddy's chest.
He reads the bedtime stories.
I'm missing a few pics of the many fun things he loves- mowing grass after dark (sorry neighbors), blowing the pinestraw/leaves in the driveway EVERYDAY, and vacuuming- even if it is only the middle of the floor. Seriously, I could not ask for a better father to our children and a husband for myself. We are truly blessed.
Enjoy your day! Enjoy being a Daddy!
Several months ago we attended the baptism of my niece. She attends a Southern Baptist church and was dunked. We are Methodist so my children were baptized as babies. Afterwards my five year old daughter asked lots of questions about baptism. I explained she was baptized as an infant, but could be baptized later if she felt led. We talked about what baptism meant and why different churches use different methods. She said she wanted to be dunked. I jokingly told her she could be dunked this summer at our pool since our church doesn't have a baptismal pool. She went on to ask who could dunk her. Again jokingly, I said I would do it. She said "No, you can't you're not an old man w/o hair". The preacher baptizing my niece was bald. Too funny!!!
The story continued yesterday when she started asking about baptism again and what it means to be a Christian. I talked to her about praying and asking Jesus to live in her heart. She quickly responed, "He is already in there". I asked her how she knew and she responded "I can feel him clapping in there". Out of the mouths of babes---I don't think I will ever forget this comment.
I posted recently about a classmate of my daughter's passing away from meningitis. Due to this situation we talked about death, our spirit, heaven and lots of other stuff before I told her about the classmate. When I finally worked up my nerve to tell her the classmate passed away she said "Oh, Mommy she is going to meet Michael Jackson". I had to laugh. I didn't think about the fact the only person she remembers dying was Michael Jackson. She saw the news reports and the stories about his children after his death. My daughter later mentioned how much she thought her classmate would like Michael Jackson's music. I was so concerned and prayed and prayed about how I would tell my daughter such devastating news about her sweet classmate. Who knew God would use the Michael Jackson story to pave the way?
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