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Family Traditions

Wow!  The semester is FINALLY over, and I feel like I will be able to breathe for a while.  I've been absent for weeks--delving into the text books to finish the semester.  Glad it's over....at least for a few weeks.

So--Thanksgiving is gone...although I still have pictures to share of Thanksgiving Day with Brett's family. One of their family traditions is making homemade hot tamales. They normally do not make them on Thanksgiving, but because Brett's brother was in from out of state, it was the best opportunity for everyone in the family to participate. It's definitely a lot of work, but it's worth it!

I've always thought about family traditions--and have always thought about the ones I would want to have when I had a family.  Well, now that time is here, and so far I don't know how well I'm doing :)

I love families that have traditions that span the years because it gives everyone in the family something to look forward to.  I remember as a little girl going to look at Christmas lights every Christmas eve night, and coming home to the presents that some how made it under the tree when we were gone!  We were always allowed to open ONE gift on Christmas Eve as well.  Those were fun memories, but I would like to create many more.

My friend, Dana, gets a small "mini" gift every day of December for the kids (and even the adults too--I think). I thought about narrowing that idea down to maybe. . .the 12 days of Christmas (instead of 25). . . and getting little stocking gifts each day.

Of course, I want to share the Christmas story, the real Reason for Christmas celebration, as a family.  I have many friends that also celebrate Christmas morning with a birthday cake to Jesus in celebration of His birthday.

I don't think it is every too late to develop traditions and make memories.  I just may need some ideas :)

So . . . .what kind of family traditions have you had in your family that bring great memories?  Please share!

Much to be Thankful for!

There is something about the holidays--that makes me want to eat turkey!  Every year (for my entire life) I think we have eaten the same thing on Thanksgiving--at least as long as I can remember.  Because I was working this Thanksgiving, I was going to be staying in town with Brett's family.  They were having a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner (more about that later), but I still wanted some good ol' stuffing and turkey!

So--I decided to make my own!  Now--I've never cooked a turkey before or stuffed one.  And I've never made sweet potato crunch either.  I've never had to do these things--because my mother always did them so well ;)  I purchased what I thought was turkey "breasts."  Much to my surprise--it was an entire turkey sans the legs!!  But I think I did a pretty good job of cooking it (even though the injection I bought fell to the floor right before I was about to use it--shattering the glass and sending buttery garlic sauce across the kitchen floor!  I was very Thankful that Lydia was not present!

So--on Wednesday night we had our Thanksgiving meal.  And I have to say....it turned out pretty good, especially for my first turkey :)

Sunday, Pastor Mike spoke about thankfulness (fitting for this week) and about complaining.  There were many other points, but what I walked away with was how important it was to be thankful--and to simply have joy!  So often, it's easy to complain and whine and feel "stressed" out, but in truth, I have much to be joyful about!

I was walking through Wal-Mart when I spotted this mug.  I thought it was perfect!  I am going to have coffee or hot chocolate in it daily--as a pleasant reminder--to be joyful--in season and out of season!

For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross...

(Hebrews 12:2)

Pigs Feet and Paninis

Last week (I think it was last week) I was in Fairhope, AL for four days for orientation for school.  I attend University of South Alabama, but the program is online, except for this one week.  It was difficult to leave Lydia--but Daddy and Dana took great care of her when I was gone.

First, I have to say that Fairhope is awesome!! I want to take my husband back for a little vacation.  We were able to stay at the Grand Marriott Resort for a discount, but even without a discount, it would be worth it for a short vacation.  The grounds are gorgeous!  The property is kind of like an island surrounded on most sides by the bay with "beaches."  You can see the water as well as the whimsical and romantic great oaks surrounding the property.  Here is a link to see pictures Grand Hotel Resort

After our test--I sat out on the beach at the resort--with this spectacular view (Thanks IPhone!)

In addition, you can fish, boat (there is a Marina), a Spa (which I was too buy to visit--but desperately needed/deserved ;)  And then there is the little town!  Oh my--what a quaint little community filled with shops and great little eateries!  If you are looking for a new little place to go that's only 3.5 hours from Baton Rouge, I recommend it -- especially if you don't like commercialized vacations!  Go to Beautiful Fairhope for pictures and info.  And by the way--no one has paid me for this advertisement ;)

So why pigs feet and paninis?  Well, I ate at Panini Pete's one day.  They were featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives--a very cool show that I love to watch.  (I stole this pic from Panini Pete's website--didn't have my camera.)  And by the way--the panini--was awesome!


And now to the pigs feet -- well-- that's what I practiced suturing.  A kind pig allowed me to perfect my skills!  But I have to say that embroidery and smocking DEFINITELY helped my suturing!

Only 2 tests to go!!  I finish the semester in mid-December and CAN'T WAIT!!!! Only one more year to go!

Worthwhile Reading

So.  Yes.... I have been gone ....too long.  But this post is not to talk about where I've been :)

I was just sitting at my dining room table...studying (of course) and thinking about my dearest friend, Lisa.  Lisa and I have known each other since I was 16....so that makes 22 years!!  That is a very long time.  I was the maid of honor in her wedding (wearing the green velvet dress with my very SHORT CURLY permed hair--we will spare the pictures and the laughs for now) and her 9 year old daughter was the maid of honor in mine -- (She refused to put on any kind of bride's maid dress--and I threatened a velvet one ;) Just kidding!

I was just studying about children's obesity, and I thought about how I have been at her house on early school mornings when she is fixing salads and fruit and sandwiches and homemade taco soup to send with her kids to school.  She tries to avoid excess sugars and fats--to help her children to develop healthy lifestyles.  She sings with them, reads to them, and teaches them wisdom and godly ways.  I could go on and on about how wonderful of a mother she is.

She recently wrote this post on her blog--and I have been delinquent in posting a link to it.  It is such worthwhile reading.  I hope you stop by her blog http://www.smallmomentslittlethings.blogspot.com/ and take a peek.  Her posts always inspire me to develop family traditions and value the relationships of those around you--especially family.

So....has Lydia been "Worth the Sacrifice" --  You betcha!!

9 months old--already!!  My big girl has 6 teeth and is already starting to stand on her own!!

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month. . .

in honor of Aunt Ricki :). . . .with PINK bubble wrap!!

If you know my husband....You'd understand :)

Some things new

Wow--it's been a while since I've posted.  Been a little "hairy" around here.  For the last 3 weeks I've had a test every Monday.  Each test covered 300-500 pages of material!!  Oh my!  So I've been studying a lot.  And crying a lot.  And being REALLY thankful for my dear friends who've been helping out!!

So, on Tuesday--I took a breath.....and we all played!  Brett, Lydia, and I all went to Tanger Outlet.  We shopped, ate out, and we came home and Brett and I watched Letters to Juliet.  It was a great day. It made up for the last 3 weeks.





 So onto the NEW things....Lydia wore shoes for the first time!  I got these cuties at a consignment sale.  Never worn--for $10 (regular $36!!)  I was afraid she would hate them...but she didn't flinch.  That's my girl--she's ok for change (at least now)

Lydia also got "teething biscuits" for the first time!  What a mess, but she loved them.

And I got new jeans.  Well sort of (hehe).  Brett has ALWAYS wanted me to get a pair of "worn" jeans.  I always refused.  So when he told me they were only $14.99 I agreed to try them on.  And I thought....I spend most of my time in coffee shops or at home on the porch studying anyway.  So why not.  He was happy......and I was too.  After all--only $14.99 for a pair of $49.99 jeans.  Just don't tell my mother I paid money for an "old" pair of jeans!

Of course, these "new" things are all temporary, but ONE DAY--we will all be able to experience how God will take all of those things hurtful or painful and make them ALL NEW!  Revelation 21:1-5

Be encouraged today--remember.....it is only a SEASON!