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.

 

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?

News flash- men have cravings too!  For the last week my hubby has been requesting fish tacos for dinner.  I asked if he had ever had fish tacos- NO.  We have been to several restaurants serving the tacos, but he has never ordered one.  I went on to look up a few recipes and show him the ingredients.  He did not seem very impressed with the Baja recipes I located, but still insisted he wanted fish tacos.  So glad he trust me to get creative and allowed me to just make something up.  After considering the flavors, our roots and his taste I created a southern version.  Watch out Paula Dean! My dear hubby has already asked for a repeat so I guess he liked my new recipe.

As of today my family has been asked to complete 11 Census forms.  We were mailed two forms- filled out the first one immediately and mailed it back.  Evidently, it was lost, misplaced, disregarded, skipped or whatever.  Beginning in mid May we started receiving visits and phone calls from Census workers.  Each time we either filled out a new form or confirmed one we have already completed.  At this point I have gotten very rude with the Census workers.  I've stopped answering the phone.  My children have suggested we block the drive way and put up posters "Census Workers Not Allowed".  On the last visit the worker forgot to ask for our birthdates so I'm sure she will be back.

Due to our situation I have talked to many people and done a little research.  We are not the only family having to deal with numerous visits from the 2010 Census.  I have also learned Census workers are being fired and hired to boost employment numbers.  In May over 400,000 workers were hired by the Census.  I also learned the original plan was to have these workers utilized hand held computers to enter the data, but there were lots of problems so they went back to paper.  I was told by one worker that every fifth form is kicked out causing them to need to revisit households.  As I was concerned about being counted more than once I inquired how they would prevent this problem.  I was assured this couldn't happen because each FORM had an ID number-  not sure how this would prevent being counted multiple times if you are completing multiple forms???  One local friend told me the Census workers made an appointment w/her family on Mother's Day!  She said the workers went into all types of information on healthcare (I told her she should report this situation- either they were not Census workers or they were Census workers w/an agenda).

My parents owned their own business for many years.  Small business owners could teach the federal government a lot about efficiency and cost cutting. Our government is BROKEN- why would you trust the government to run anything- healthcare, education, banks, automobile companies, etc.  I'm horrified by the pics of the devastation caused by the oil spill in the gulf, but our federal government has NO business telling anyone how to manage or clean up this mess.   I suggest any government agency or politician suggesting he/she knows how to deal w/the oil spill take his/her hiney back to DC and put his/her own house in order.

I really don't intend this as any type of political message just frustration w/all politicians and government agencies suggesting they actually have any expertise in any area.  Wouldn't it be cheaper to count homes and estimate the number of people living in each home.  As of today, according to the 2010 Census there are 44 people living in my house.