Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of our Special Guest for the month of March... ANN GRABER! That's right. Joan guessed it again. It's amazing. She has guessed four out of five of the Special Guests on the first try! (Five if you count the month she was the Special Guest. I imagine you can figure out how difficult the hints will be for our Special Guest in April. One word... IMPOSSIBLE!) Enjoy Part One of Ann's interview below.
The Gallery Pics are from Josh's 16th birthday celebration at Fort Red Rock. I'm sharing half today and half tomorrow. I know his birthday was in October, but with high school football AND college football games to attend, we decided to wait until we could actually enjoy everything the paintballing experience has to offer, and not just squeeze it into an already busy fall. It worked. We had a blast. You'll see more details about Fort Red Rock in the Weekend Review.
Weekend Review
Except for a menu change (Sunday lunch), our weekend went pretty much as planned. Friday, Mikie and I were able to go on our date to The Galleria. As always, a pleasure! Austin and Josh enjoyed a guys' movie night watching Miracle, and Roxie visited a friend.
The paintball party at Fort Red Rock in Bessemer was a huge success Saturday morning. I highly recommend this facility for anyone interested in paintballing. The courses are unbelievable... the refs are great... safety is ENFORCED... and everyone from my 12 year-old nephew to Mikie and Tommy, my brother-in-law, had a great time. It only took 25 minutes to get there from our house, which was another huge plus (and even directionally-challenged people, such as myself, can find it very easily). There were a few bruises here and there, but nothing too, too serious. For more information, you can call Catherine at 424-3223. (And no, I am not getting a discount next time I go because I mentioned it on the blog. As always, I'm just sharing good info with you, the reader!)
Roxie and Mikie went on their date Saturday night and had a lovely time at Bonefish Grill. They topped off their steak dinner with a Krispy Kreme Doughnut, which as everyone knows is the best dessert in the state!
While they were out and about, the rest of us (Austin, Josh, Melia and me) watched Cool Runnings. Do you remember that movie with John Candy? It was about the Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team. It was based on a true story. It was a very good little movie, and as soon as it was over, the 2010 Olympic Bobsled Competition was held... and the Americans won! It was the perfect movie to watch before Saturday night's Olympics.
RANDOMNESS - Here's a little known fact. I LOVE Jamaican music, so that may or may not be the reason I love Cool Runnings. I LOVE steel drums, and I love the accents of the singers. And I don't love just ANY accent. Another little known fact... I don't care for British singers. (I don't even like the Beatles.) And guess why? I don't like singers with British accents. Just saying.
After lunch Sunday, Roxie and I went on the elusive bathing suit hunt... with no luck. But it was still February when we started the search... and now it is March. The pressure is on! We had fun though, and we ended our little shopping date with our favorite pretzels at The Galleria. (I'm a little sad. I said the other day I only go to The Galleria six or seven times a year, and I've been twice in one weekend. I should have spread it out just a little more.)
We all met back after church classes Sunday night and watched The Amazing Race before finishing homework, packing, etc., etc. for the week coming up. March 1. Wow! This year is flying by, isn't it?
All in all, a very nice weekend.
50 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You" (Without Saying the Words) - I mentioned the book Faith Training by Dr. Joe White last week. There is a section entitled 365 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You." As promised I will be sharing ten a day this week.
1. Have a family picnic on a Sunday afternoon.
2. When your child is being punished, undergo the punishment with him or her (occasionally).
3. Say, "I'm proud of you." (OFTEN!)
4. Prepare your child's favorite dinner menu TWICE in one week.
5. Tell your child about things you appreciated most about your own parents.
6. The Bible's love chapter says that love "is kind" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Think of a special way you can show kindness to your child today.
7. Make cookies together. Then put them on the neighbors' porches, ring the doorbell and run.
8. Talk about your favorite characters in the Bible. Why do you admire them? In what ways do you identify with them?
9. Plant trees in your yard in honor of your kids (one for each child). (My Dad did this for me and my sister when we were little. He planted plum trees. It took forever for them to bear fruit, but one year they finally did! I still remember the day we planted them.)
10. Shop together for a model plane or ship. Then build it together.
As you can see, the main idea of saying "I love you" without actually saying the words is spending time, time, time with each child. I'll have ten more tomorrow!
Special Guest - ANN GRABER - Part One
Ann is one of the most joyful people I have ever met. She always has a ready smile and laugh. Kids love her and it is evident, she loves them. She is the wife of Bill, and the mother of Andrew (17 years-old), Amy (16 years-old) and Abby (10 years-old). Her children are all excellent, sweet kids and a pleasure to be around... and Bill is not too bad either.
She's more well-traveled than I will ever be, I'm afraid, but as always, I'm willing to live vicariously through other people's experiences... and be content. I've found it's cheaper to travel that way.
Here is just a sampling of what will be coming up tomorrow and Wednesday.
1. Name three places in the United States you've never been before, but have always wanted to visit... and why?
This was a hard one because I have been to or driven through almost all of the 48 states. However, I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and Alaska. Most of my friends have been to Hawaii and say it's so beautiful, and Alaska looks so majestic!! I'm not a place-oriented person... I go where my friends are and while we are there, we enjoy the place!!!! For my third place, I have wanted to see Crater Lake in Oregon ever since I took Earth Science and saw it on a topographic map!!! (Ann used all these exclamation points herself. I think it proves my theory that happy, glass half-full type people like to express themselves as such... and in interviews on a blog they do so by using a lot of exclamation points to get their point across. I like it!!!!)
2. If your life was made into a movie, would it be considered (mainly) a comedy, drama, action/adventure or a romantic chick flick?
My life would most definitely be a comedy (of errors)!!!
3. Not counting the days you were saved, married, or the birth of your children, what are two of the most significant, life-altering days you can remember, and why?
My most significant life-altering day, besides all the usuals, would be the day I met a lady named Patricia Burk. She is a music and movement specialist who showed me how God intended me to use all the stuff He had given me. I don't think she realized she was sent to me by God, but we just clicked and within a few months I was on track teaching in several schools AND getting my Masters. And to think, I was determined to be a Physical Therapist. God had other plans!!!
4. What was your worst dating experience?
Worst dating experience???? Without a doubt it was a blind date my mother and her tennis partner set up between their two children (me and him). We saw the movie Brubaker (yuck), and all he could talk about was how much money he was going to make (ugh).
5. How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the mix?
I have two. I am the middle child. I have an older brother who lives in California, and a younger sister who lives in Virginia.
6. In as few words as possible, what is the most important lesson you want your children to know before leaving your home?
Everything in life is a choice, and all choices have consequences. (This is a good one, don't you think? I'm collecting all these "lessons" and making sure my kids know them before they leave home. I'm having to e-mail some of them to Austin since he has already left!)
7. What is one surprising thing people do NOT know about you?
I grew up milking cows on my uncle's Dairy Farm. (I think I want to learn to milk a cow before I'm 90. I think I'm going to put it on my list... which will then change the title of my list from "100 Things To Do Before I'm 90" to "101 Things To Do Before I'm 90," but that's okay. I think I need to have this life experience, and I'm pretty sure I could find a local cow and knock it off the list this year. If you have a cow and you know me, call me.)
8. If you could have one physical attribute changed, what would it be?
MY BODY SIZE. I would LOVE to donate about 80 to 100 pounds to anyone in need. (I've tried that one, Ann. No one ever calls.)
9. Are you a dog lover or a cat lover?
Dog lover.
10. What is your favorite meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner)?
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I will eat it ANYTIME!!! (I love breakfast, too. I see a dinner at IHOP in our near future, Miss Ann.)
Come back tomorrow to learn more about one of my favorite people, Ann Graber!!!!
St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas
Need a fun excuse to have a party for your young children? Why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Send out great party invitations and dress the house with decorations and homemade crafts. Festive colors of green and gold coupled with the mischievous antics of the Leprechaun conjure up plenty of creativity. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the “luck of the Irish” here are a few party idea suggestions.
Four Leaf Invitations
Fold white card stock or construction paper in half to form a card. Create a shamrock from green construction paper by cutting out 4 small hearts and a stem. Glue the shamrock to the front of the card and outline with gold glitter or gold glitter glue.
Decorations
Inflate several balloons in white and different shades of green. Yellow balloons will add some color and represent gold. Hang streamers in rainbow colors from the ceiling and walls, and use green cups, plates and napkins for serving your goodies.
Games
Pin The Shamrock on the Leprechaun
Supplies:
Big picture of a Leprechaun
A green shamrock for each child with adhesive on back and their name on front
Blindfold
Blindfold the player, spin them around and let them try to stick the shamrock on the Leprechaun's hat. Give a prize to the player that gets the closest.
Irish Hot Potato
Supplies:
Potato
Celtic or Irish Jig Music
Sit the children in a circle. Hand one child the potato. Explain to the children that when the music begins, they will pass the potato to the person on their right. When the music stops, whoever is holding the potato scoots out of the circle and playing resumes.
This game also provides a great opportunity to discuss agriculture in Ireland. Perhaps they could pass while you talk, and when you stop (every once in awhile) the person holding the potato has to recap what you said.
Gold, Gold, Who's Got the Gold?
Supplies:
A large gold coin
A child is chosen to be the Leprechaun and hides her eyes as a gold coin is given to a child to hide in his lap or behind his back. The Leprechaun then has three chances to guess which child has the gold coin. (All children hide their hands in their laps/behind their backs as if they have it.)
These ideas were taken from www.holidays.kaboose.com. If you want to add some easy St. Patrick's Day crafts for kids of all ages, check out www.crafts.kaboose.com for several more ideas.
Have a lovely Monday. Tomorrow, I have THREE recipes to share with you. Two of the recipes can go with your St. Patrick's Day Party. We'll talk to our Special Guest a little more, and I'll have ten more ways to tell your child "I love you." March is going to be busy, busy, busy... but also a lot of fun.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I have had a ton of pictures in the Gallery recently, so I'll finish the week by just adding one. This is my MamMa's cupcake cake from Wal-Mart. Roxie, Josh and I took it to her house last night, and if she has any drop-ins today (her actual birthday), she'll be able to share her cake. I am loving the Wal-Mart cupcake cake. They are affordable, cute and everyone can serve themselves.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I'll share a few random things with you today. It's been a week of "re-living the past" on A Simple Life, and there have been a few "present day" things going on, also. For instance, I had not one, but two, doctor appointments this week. I'd like to give a shout out to Miss Sheila, the mammogram tech. She was excellent, and it was one of the least painful procedures I've had out of the 30 or so I've endured. I highly recommend her if it is "that" time of the year for you. I got her cell number off of her phone when she left me in the room to check my film, so I can call her any time to schedule! We're like best buds now... if you take away the rummaging through her purse to get her cell number part!
I was also very excited about going to the cardiologist to have my bi-yearly stress test... and I was extremely disappointed when he said WE could wait two more years. "WE" don't have panic attacks. "WE" don't need the reassurance of a bi-yearly stress test to make our life bearable. "WE" are about to be replaced! So I'll be shopping around for a new cardiologist. And when I find one, I'll probably be getting his/her cell number off his/her cell phone when he/she leaves the room for something. (I like having cell numbers of health care professionals on my speed dial. It's a comfort.)
Since this past week was already destined to be riddled with pain (physical and emotional), I tried to get my final appointment to have my temporary crown replaced with a permanent one. My thought process was to get everything over with in one five-day period. The dentist office wouldn't cooperate... even when I explained I needed them to bump someone else's cleaning so I could get this done. "But this is 'Pain Week,' and if I have to wait another week or more to get my crown it will be 'Pain Two Weeks,' and that just doesn't make sense."
Needless to say, none of it made sense to her. I go next week.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am LOVING all of my shows. Two on Sunday (Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice), one on Monday (24), one on Tuesday (LOST) and one on Thursday (Survivor). I try not to think about the months of nothingness which will happen when all five of my shows end the same week. But it's hard. I really have to focus on the here and now.
Special Guest Hints - The last hint for my Special Guest is very descriptive of this woman and her walk with God. She is such a dedicated and faithful Christian, wife and mother. She is a joy to be around.
10. This is her motto... "If GOD says so, I can do it!!"
And she does, too.
Mikie and Belinda - The Engagement
As I told you a few days ago, Mike and I began dating in March of 1987, and we were engaged by August of that same year. It seems fast, doesn't it?
When we met with Dr. Carter for counseling two months into our "courtship," his advice to us was to date and be together for four seasons (an entire year) before becoming engaged. And he believed in a fairly long engagement, too. I think those were extremely wise words. It was his way of saying we needed to know each other, to become best friends, to see not only the good, but the bad as well.
Mike and I didn't dismiss his words, but we had already put in three years of being best friends. (That's 12 seasons!) We had seen each other's "ugly" side several times. We had both been in relationships with the wrong people, and we had no doubt we were with the person God wanted us to marry. No doubt at all.
That being said, Mike went ahead and spoke with my Dad in early August. I knew he had talked to him, and I knew Dad had given his blessing. Now, I just needed my ring.
Little birdies told me Mike had decided to forgo the jewelry store engagement ring. Instead, he designed my ring himself. Little birdies also told me when the ring was ready, and that he had it in his possession. (Aren't girlfriends wonderful?)
Did I mention my birthday is in August. August 26. Considering it was only 22 days from the day he spoke to my Dad, it was a no-brainer. I should have gotten my ring on my birthday. But that was not how Mikie's mind worked. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day... too obvious. He wanted the surprise.
Every day for two weeks when he stopped by the apartment coming home from work, I was dressed to the nines. Make-up... totally redone. Hair... totally redone. Outfit... totally different from the one I had worn to work that day. Deodorant... totally reapplied. (I was a little nervous, and was having some flop sweat problems.)
Every day I would greet him at the door looking for ring box bulges. Nothing. Nada. Let's just say I was getting a little frustrated.
One night, he came in and I just pinned him to the door. "I want my ring. I have all the bridal magazines. I want to start making plans. I want to try on dresses. I want to pick out cakes. I want to register for china. AND I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE RING!" I had totally lost it.
"I wouldn't give you the ring tonight if I did have it," he responded. "You're going to have to settle down a little." He smiled, gave me a peck and slipped out the door. (He had just seen a new "ugly" I had never revealed before. He had just seen a new "ugly" I didn't even know I had!)
After that night, I stopped dressing up every day. In fact, when I got home from work, I put on t-shirts and jeans, and didn't even brush my teeth or comb my hair before he arrived. I had lost the will to groom.
"How about coming over for dinner Saturday night before we go to the Sunday School party? I'll fix everything." I knew he was just trying to soften the blow that I wasn't going to get my ring until some time after my birthday... you know, for the surprise factor.
"Okay," I agreed half-heartedly.
I arrived wearing a T-shirt and jeans, minimal make-up and combed hair. I was clean. "Hey. I ran out of milk, and I need it for the mac and cheese. Do you mind running to the corner store and getting half a gallon for me?" Okay. This was a sure sign the ring wasn't in the picture. Mac and cheese? I had to get the milk?
"Okay," I agreed again half-heartedly.
When I returned, the table was set nicely, but not with candles. We sat down to eat, and I took the napkin off the center of the plate (which for some reason had a napkin ring around it), and in one swift movement slipped the napkin ring off and snapped my napkin and put it in my lap.
"NOOOOO!" Mike screamed.
"AHHHHH!" I screamed back, terrified. And then I heard it. A little ping, ping, ping sound. Mikie was on his knees covering the air conditioning vent on the floor beside the table. I was on my feet. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
"You shot the ring out of the napkin. It kept ricocheting off of things, and I don't know if it went down the vent or not."
"AHHHHH!" I screamed again. By now, we were both on the floor looking for the ring and praying the last ping we had heard was not the ring bouncing it's way down the vent.
"I FOUND IT!" he yelled.
"LET ME HAVE IT!" I yelled back.
He wasn't actually on one knee as much as collapsed in a heap at my feet sweating profusely. "Belinda, will you please marry me? Just say 'Yes.' I can't take much more of this."
And that, my friends, is my ultra-romantic engagement story. The ring was (and is) beautiful, and I was thrilled. Mikie done good! (I know that's grammatically incorrect, by the way.)
And I never eat macaroni and cheese without smiling to myself and remembering that night a little over 22 years ago when I yelled, "Yes!"
Books - I wanted to share a book with the parents out there with children still at home. It is called Faith Training, Raising Kids Who Love the Lord by Dr. Joe White. It is one of the best books I ever read because it gives you step-by-step ways to actually DO what the title suggests. It has resources, devotions and so much more. It even has a list of 365 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You," and I'll be sharing ten a day next week.
It is an "easy" read, and it will literally open your eyes to dozens of ways to teach your children (at any age) how to truly love the Lord.
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend has all the makings of a fun two days. Tonight, Mike and I are going on our date. So far, we haven't missed, but it is inevitable, isn't it? I mean with three teenagers and everything that goes on between August and January in our home, we may just be Spring and Summer weekly daters. We'll have to see if it continues.
Our date tonight is a no-money date. We're going to eat pizza at home with the guys, and then head over to the Galleria to window shop. (Because I'm a member of the Godiva Chocolate Club, I get a free piece of Godiva Chocolate each month. I'm thinking of giving Mikie my piece tonight. I'm not going to commit, because if today turns into a stinker, I may need that piece of Godiva!)
Tomorrow, we're taking Josh (and nine others) to Fort Red Rock for his 16th birthday celebration. I know his birthday was in October, but so was football, band and volleyball. I think we're going to have the perfect weather, and I'll have all the pictures and information about Fort Red Rock (located in Bessemer) for you on the blog Monday morning. The boys have been once before, and they LOVE that place.
Roxie has plans with a friend Friday night, so she is happy. She and Mike are still going on their date Saturday, and she's looking forward to getting all dolled up and eating steak at Bonefish Grill. (Who could blame her?)
Sunday we're having the traditional pot roast and fixins' for lunch. And I'm seriously thinking about writing NAP TIME in pen on my Sunday afternoon calendar. In fact, I just did!
Have a lovely weekend... the last in February. March is definitely here... and with this month we start concentrating on Spring Things on A Simple Life. Monday I will reveal our Special Guest, and the first three days of March will be spent getting to know her and her family a little better. I have a fun party to share on Monday, too.
Continue to check out Project 365 this weekend.
Take care, and I'll talk to you MONDAY!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I have had a ton of pictures in the Gallery recently, so I'll finish the week by just adding one. This is my MamMa's cupcake cake from Wal-Mart. Roxie, Josh and I took it to her house last night, and if she has any drop-ins today (her actual birthday), she'll be able to share her cake. I am loving the Wal-Mart cupcake cake. They are affordable, cute and everyone can serve themselves.
RANDOMNESS #1 - I'll share a few random things with you today. It's been a week of "re-living the past" on A Simple Life, and there have been a few "present day" things going on, also. For instance, I had not one, but two, doctor appointments this week. I'd like to give a shout out to Miss Sheila, the mammogram tech. She was excellent, and it was one of the least painful procedures I've had out of the 30 or so I've endured. I highly recommend her if it is "that" time of the year for you. I got her cell number off of her phone when she left me in the room to check my film, so I can call her any time to schedule! We're like best buds now... if you take away the rummaging through her purse to get her cell number part!
I was also very excited about going to the cardiologist to have my bi-yearly stress test... and I was extremely disappointed when he said WE could wait two more years. "WE" don't have panic attacks. "WE" don't need the reassurance of a bi-yearly stress test to make our life bearable. "WE" are about to be replaced! So I'll be shopping around for a new cardiologist. And when I find one, I'll probably be getting his/her cell number off his/her cell phone when he/she leaves the room for something. (I like having cell numbers of health care professionals on my speed dial. It's a comfort.)
Since this past week was already destined to be riddled with pain (physical and emotional), I tried to get my final appointment to have my temporary crown replaced with a permanent one. My thought process was to get everything over with in one five-day period. The dentist office wouldn't cooperate... even when I explained I needed them to bump someone else's cleaning so I could get this done. "But this is 'Pain Week,' and if I have to wait another week or more to get my crown it will be 'Pain Two Weeks,' and that just doesn't make sense."
Needless to say, none of it made sense to her. I go next week.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I am LOVING all of my shows. Two on Sunday (Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice), one on Monday (24), one on Tuesday (LOST) and one on Thursday (Survivor). I try not to think about the months of nothingness which will happen when all five of my shows end the same week. But it's hard. I really have to focus on the here and now.
Special Guest Hints - The last hint for my Special Guest is very descriptive of this woman and her walk with God. She is such a dedicated and faithful Christian, wife and mother. She is a joy to be around.
10. This is her motto... "If GOD says so, I can do it!!"
And she does, too.
Mikie and Belinda - The Engagement
As I told you a few days ago, Mike and I began dating in March of 1987, and we were engaged by August of that same year. It seems fast, doesn't it?
When we met with Dr. Carter for counseling two months into our "courtship," his advice to us was to date and be together for four seasons (an entire year) before becoming engaged. And he believed in a fairly long engagement, too. I think those were extremely wise words. It was his way of saying we needed to know each other, to become best friends, to see not only the good, but the bad as well.
Mike and I didn't dismiss his words, but we had already put in three years of being best friends. (That's 12 seasons!) We had seen each other's "ugly" side several times. We had both been in relationships with the wrong people, and we had no doubt we were with the person God wanted us to marry. No doubt at all.
That being said, Mike went ahead and spoke with my Dad in early August. I knew he had talked to him, and I knew Dad had given his blessing. Now, I just needed my ring.
Little birdies told me Mike had decided to forgo the jewelry store engagement ring. Instead, he designed my ring himself. Little birdies also told me when the ring was ready, and that he had it in his possession. (Aren't girlfriends wonderful?)
Did I mention my birthday is in August. August 26. Considering it was only 22 days from the day he spoke to my Dad, it was a no-brainer. I should have gotten my ring on my birthday. But that was not how Mikie's mind worked. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day... too obvious. He wanted the surprise.
Every day for two weeks when he stopped by the apartment coming home from work, I was dressed to the nines. Make-up... totally redone. Hair... totally redone. Outfit... totally different from the one I had worn to work that day. Deodorant... totally reapplied. (I was a little nervous, and was having some flop sweat problems.)
Every day I would greet him at the door looking for ring box bulges. Nothing. Nada. Let's just say I was getting a little frustrated.
One night, he came in and I just pinned him to the door. "I want my ring. I have all the bridal magazines. I want to start making plans. I want to try on dresses. I want to pick out cakes. I want to register for china. AND I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE RING!" I had totally lost it.
"I wouldn't give you the ring tonight if I did have it," he responded. "You're going to have to settle down a little." He smiled, gave me a peck and slipped out the door. (He had just seen a new "ugly" I had never revealed before. He had just seen a new "ugly" I didn't even know I had!)
After that night, I stopped dressing up every day. In fact, when I got home from work, I put on t-shirts and jeans, and didn't even brush my teeth or comb my hair before he arrived. I had lost the will to groom.
"How about coming over for dinner Saturday night before we go to the Sunday School party? I'll fix everything." I knew he was just trying to soften the blow that I wasn't going to get my ring until some time after my birthday... you know, for the surprise factor.
"Okay," I agreed half-heartedly.
I arrived wearing a T-shirt and jeans, minimal make-up and combed hair. I was clean. "Hey. I ran out of milk, and I need it for the mac and cheese. Do you mind running to the corner store and getting half a gallon for me?" Okay. This was a sure sign the ring wasn't in the picture. Mac and cheese? I had to get the milk?
"Okay," I agreed again half-heartedly.
When I returned, the table was set nicely, but not with candles. We sat down to eat, and I took the napkin off the center of the plate (which for some reason had a napkin ring around it), and in one swift movement slipped the napkin ring off and snapped my napkin and put it in my lap.
"NOOOOO!" Mike screamed.
"AHHHHH!" I screamed back, terrified. And then I heard it. A little ping, ping, ping sound. Mikie was on his knees covering the air conditioning vent on the floor beside the table. I was on my feet. "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
"You shot the ring out of the napkin. It kept ricocheting off of things, and I don't know if it went down the vent or not."
"AHHHHH!" I screamed again. By now, we were both on the floor looking for the ring and praying the last ping we had heard was not the ring bouncing it's way down the vent.
"I FOUND IT!" he yelled.
"LET ME HAVE IT!" I yelled back.
He wasn't actually on one knee as much as collapsed in a heap at my feet sweating profusely. "Belinda, will you please marry me? Just say 'Yes.' I can't take much more of this."
And that, my friends, is my ultra-romantic engagement story. The ring was (and is) beautiful, and I was thrilled. Mikie done good! (I know that's grammatically incorrect, by the way.)
And I never eat macaroni and cheese without smiling to myself and remembering that night a little over 22 years ago when I yelled, "Yes!"
Books - I wanted to share a book with the parents out there with children still at home. It is called Faith Training, Raising Kids Who Love the Lord by Dr. Joe White. It is one of the best books I ever read because it gives you step-by-step ways to actually DO what the title suggests. It has resources, devotions and so much more. It even has a list of 365 Ways to Tell Your Child "I Love You," and I'll be sharing ten a day next week.
It is an "easy" read, and it will literally open your eyes to dozens of ways to teach your children (at any age) how to truly love the Lord.
Weekend Happenings
Our weekend has all the makings of a fun two days. Tonight, Mike and I are going on our date. So far, we haven't missed, but it is inevitable, isn't it? I mean with three teenagers and everything that goes on between August and January in our home, we may just be Spring and Summer weekly daters. We'll have to see if it continues.
Our date tonight is a no-money date. We're going to eat pizza at home with the guys, and then head over to the Galleria to window shop. (Because I'm a member of the Godiva Chocolate Club, I get a free piece of Godiva Chocolate each month. I'm thinking of giving Mikie my piece tonight. I'm not going to commit, because if today turns into a stinker, I may need that piece of Godiva!)
Tomorrow, we're taking Josh (and nine others) to Fort Red Rock for his 16th birthday celebration. I know his birthday was in October, but so was football, band and volleyball. I think we're going to have the perfect weather, and I'll have all the pictures and information about Fort Red Rock (located in Bessemer) for you on the blog Monday morning. The boys have been once before, and they LOVE that place.
Roxie has plans with a friend Friday night, so she is happy. She and Mike are still going on their date Saturday, and she's looking forward to getting all dolled up and eating steak at Bonefish Grill. (Who could blame her?)
Sunday we're having the traditional pot roast and fixins' for lunch. And I'm seriously thinking about writing NAP TIME in pen on my Sunday afternoon calendar. In fact, I just did!
Have a lovely weekend... the last in February. March is definitely here... and with this month we start concentrating on Spring Things on A Simple Life. Monday I will reveal our Special Guest, and the first three days of March will be spent getting to know her and her family a little better. I have a fun party to share on Monday, too.
Continue to check out Project 365 this weekend.
Take care, and I'll talk to you MONDAY!
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Father/Daughter ANNUAL Date
Good Thursday morning!
As promised, the Gallery Pics are from our birthday dinner with Austin Tuesday night at Top of the River in Gadsden. He drove from JSU (about 25 minutes) and met us there. Although we had already had his official family birthday celebration on Sunday, I have never missed seeing him on his actual birthday. I know that may happen one day, but not this year. (And not as long as there is breath in me and gas in the Big Gold Van... and vice versa!) Melia and Grandmother joined us, and we had a great time.
Special Guest Hints - I only have one hint today, but it is a good one!
9. Her husband was in a very, VERY famous music video. At one point in your life, there is a very good chance you owned this video if you have children who are now teenagers.
The Story of Austin - Part Three
Austin was healthy, a good eater, a good sleeper... in a word, a blessing! (I, too, am a good eater and a good sleeper. He got that from me!)
The shower I had been so eager to take the afternoon after Austin arrived never came. The very few things I remember about Austin's first day of life are as follows:
1. I remember being in recovery with some kind of strip on my forehead. (I don't know if it was for temperature, etc.) I do know the nurse kept slicking my bangs straight back so they could check the strip easily.
Let's get one thing straight. I'm a "bang girl." Always have been... always will be. I do not look good with my hair slicked straight back. I admire women who do, but I resigned myself many years ago that I was not one of "them," and have lived with bangs every day of my life. (I'm always so excited when I walk by a magazine rack and see a headline, "Bangs Are Back." I know for a few months, I'll be in style.)
As soon as the nurse would slick them back, even in my drug-induced zombie-like state, I would reach up and pull them down. This went on for quite a while I'm told. They finally gave up.
2. I remember waking up and it was dark. I was in my room. Mike was rocking Austin, and I was itching like crazy. I was allergic to morphine. Who knew? So we changed my medication immediately.
3. I remember asking Mike, "How bad does my hair look?" and he told me it was fine. I then remember asking him for a mirror, and he told me there wasn't one in the room. Even on drugs, I knew what that meant.
4. I remember holding Austin for a little bit, but Mike was actually holding him in front of me because I was too out of it to hold him by myself.
5. I remember Mike telling me how many people had come by to see Austin... and how they thought it was cute that I slept and snored through their visit with my head thrown back and my mouth wide open. "Just tell me they didn't take pictures," I said weakly. He assured me the only pictures taken were of the baby. I have to believe him, but only because no incriminating pictures have surfaced over the last 19 years.
6. I remember the next day being much more "aware" of my surroundings and my baby. I was going to get a shower and wash my hair! Life was good.
7. I remember going into the bathroom bent over double because of the incision, taking my shower and starting to get dressed. The best shower of my life! Even better than the shower I take as soon as I come home from a camping trip... and those are GOOD showers.
8. I remember looking at my tummy and wondering why the doctor hadn't "fixed" that right after Austin was born. He was right there. He had all of the "helpers." It probably would have taken all of five minutes.
9. I remember asking a nurse how long it would be before my tummy returned to normal. I remember her laughing... not hysterically, but close. I remember not liking her very much, and I didn't offer her a piece of my homemade divinity (a gift from Mrs. Davis) like I had the night nurse... even though she bent over the box and said, "That looks wonderful." (Can you tell what a great mother I was going to be?)
10. I remember the hour long drive home on the interstate with our precious cargo. Mike was scared to death, and we barely went 50 miles an hour from Birmingham to Cullman, and both of us thought that was too fast.
And from that point on, the memories come fast and furious. Nineteen years worth of them. I will spare you the rest of those. But I will say, Austin has been a joy. Not perfect by any means, but a true joy nonetheless. I loved the baby... I had a ball with the little boy... I survived the teenager (he has been a VERY easy teenager), and I stand amazed at the young man in front of me now.
I used to get so annoyed with women who would say, "Enjoy it now. It will be gone in a blink of an eye."
At that particular time in my life, my days were 36 hours long... laundry, meals, baths, bedtimes, more laundry, bright colored toys EVERYWHERE, more laundry, play dates, runny noses, two more babies, three times the work. But they were right. I made a rookie mistake, and as I stated in an earlier post... I hate making rookie mistakes. I blinked.
And, oh, how I wish I hadn't.
Blog Linkage - I have two links for you today. There's no fluff in here, guys. Once again, these posts will make you stop, take a deep breath and appreciate the here and now.
1. Please go to www.our-journey-to-parenthood.com and read the post entitled "Adopted for Life... and in Death." It is dated February 3, so you will probably need to scroll down. It is about Haiti's earthquake. It is an amazing story.
2. Also, click on Sherri's Blog under My Blog List. A few days ago, Sherri posted Romans 8 verse by verse. That was all. No explanation. Just the chapter. Yesterday, she talked about that chapter and what it meant to her before, during and after the loss of her child. This could very well be your devotion for today.
Father/Daughter ANNUAL Date
Chances are if you live in the South (I don't know about Northern traditions), your local church (or a church near you) has a Father/Daughter Banquet in February. The girls get dressed up in their very best dresses. Their moms fix their hair and paint their fingernails. The dads wear a suit and tie. It's a big deal. There is massive "preparation" for this event. And then one day (around 5th or 6th grade), it's over.
Guess what? I didn't like that. I didn't expect the church to keep having the Father/Daughter Banquet forever. That's not what I mean. I mean Mike and Roxie need to have that special date every year around the same time FOREVER! Even after Roxie is married and has a husband and three children (my GRANDCHILDREN), it would be wonderful if she had a special date with her Dad every February. Granted, it might need to change and be a lunch date or a breakfast date. But it still needs to be something they always look forward to doing together.
The rules are simple.
1. The date always takes place in the month of February. (Roxie and her Dad are going to dinner this Saturday, February 27.)
2. It doesn't always have to be the same restaurant, but Roxie LOVES Bonefish Grill, so this is the third year they are dining at this establishment. (It's not like Roxie and Mike eat at Bonefish Grill all the time. It is special.)
3. It doesn't take the place of the date you have with your wife for Valentine's Day. REPEAT - It doesn't take the place of the date you have with your wife for Valentine's Day.
4. If you have a wife and three daughters, guess what? You have four dates in the month of February. And since February rolls around every single year, I suggest getting an envelope and putting back $5 or $10 every payday so it will not put a strain on February's budget.
5. This is always a big deal. Take a LOT of pictures.
Being a Daddy's Girl is a wonderful thing to be... and there are no cut-offs. You can be a Daddy's Girl forever... not just through 6th grade!
Have a terrific Thursday. Friday's post will include the last Special Guest Hint, Weekend Happenings and Mikie and Belinda's Engagement Story. And believe it or not, that will finish up the LOVE month. It's been quite a month, hasn't it?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
As promised, the Gallery Pics are from our birthday dinner with Austin Tuesday night at Top of the River in Gadsden. He drove from JSU (about 25 minutes) and met us there. Although we had already had his official family birthday celebration on Sunday, I have never missed seeing him on his actual birthday. I know that may happen one day, but not this year. (And not as long as there is breath in me and gas in the Big Gold Van... and vice versa!) Melia and Grandmother joined us, and we had a great time.
Special Guest Hints - I only have one hint today, but it is a good one!
9. Her husband was in a very, VERY famous music video. At one point in your life, there is a very good chance you owned this video if you have children who are now teenagers.
The Story of Austin - Part Three
Austin was healthy, a good eater, a good sleeper... in a word, a blessing! (I, too, am a good eater and a good sleeper. He got that from me!)
The shower I had been so eager to take the afternoon after Austin arrived never came. The very few things I remember about Austin's first day of life are as follows:
1. I remember being in recovery with some kind of strip on my forehead. (I don't know if it was for temperature, etc.) I do know the nurse kept slicking my bangs straight back so they could check the strip easily.
Let's get one thing straight. I'm a "bang girl." Always have been... always will be. I do not look good with my hair slicked straight back. I admire women who do, but I resigned myself many years ago that I was not one of "them," and have lived with bangs every day of my life. (I'm always so excited when I walk by a magazine rack and see a headline, "Bangs Are Back." I know for a few months, I'll be in style.)
As soon as the nurse would slick them back, even in my drug-induced zombie-like state, I would reach up and pull them down. This went on for quite a while I'm told. They finally gave up.
2. I remember waking up and it was dark. I was in my room. Mike was rocking Austin, and I was itching like crazy. I was allergic to morphine. Who knew? So we changed my medication immediately.
3. I remember asking Mike, "How bad does my hair look?" and he told me it was fine. I then remember asking him for a mirror, and he told me there wasn't one in the room. Even on drugs, I knew what that meant.
4. I remember holding Austin for a little bit, but Mike was actually holding him in front of me because I was too out of it to hold him by myself.
5. I remember Mike telling me how many people had come by to see Austin... and how they thought it was cute that I slept and snored through their visit with my head thrown back and my mouth wide open. "Just tell me they didn't take pictures," I said weakly. He assured me the only pictures taken were of the baby. I have to believe him, but only because no incriminating pictures have surfaced over the last 19 years.
6. I remember the next day being much more "aware" of my surroundings and my baby. I was going to get a shower and wash my hair! Life was good.
7. I remember going into the bathroom bent over double because of the incision, taking my shower and starting to get dressed. The best shower of my life! Even better than the shower I take as soon as I come home from a camping trip... and those are GOOD showers.
8. I remember looking at my tummy and wondering why the doctor hadn't "fixed" that right after Austin was born. He was right there. He had all of the "helpers." It probably would have taken all of five minutes.
9. I remember asking a nurse how long it would be before my tummy returned to normal. I remember her laughing... not hysterically, but close. I remember not liking her very much, and I didn't offer her a piece of my homemade divinity (a gift from Mrs. Davis) like I had the night nurse... even though she bent over the box and said, "That looks wonderful." (Can you tell what a great mother I was going to be?)
10. I remember the hour long drive home on the interstate with our precious cargo. Mike was scared to death, and we barely went 50 miles an hour from Birmingham to Cullman, and both of us thought that was too fast.
And from that point on, the memories come fast and furious. Nineteen years worth of them. I will spare you the rest of those. But I will say, Austin has been a joy. Not perfect by any means, but a true joy nonetheless. I loved the baby... I had a ball with the little boy... I survived the teenager (he has been a VERY easy teenager), and I stand amazed at the young man in front of me now.
I used to get so annoyed with women who would say, "Enjoy it now. It will be gone in a blink of an eye."
At that particular time in my life, my days were 36 hours long... laundry, meals, baths, bedtimes, more laundry, bright colored toys EVERYWHERE, more laundry, play dates, runny noses, two more babies, three times the work. But they were right. I made a rookie mistake, and as I stated in an earlier post... I hate making rookie mistakes. I blinked.
And, oh, how I wish I hadn't.
Blog Linkage - I have two links for you today. There's no fluff in here, guys. Once again, these posts will make you stop, take a deep breath and appreciate the here and now.
1. Please go to www.our-journey-to-parenthood.com and read the post entitled "Adopted for Life... and in Death." It is dated February 3, so you will probably need to scroll down. It is about Haiti's earthquake. It is an amazing story.
2. Also, click on Sherri's Blog under My Blog List. A few days ago, Sherri posted Romans 8 verse by verse. That was all. No explanation. Just the chapter. Yesterday, she talked about that chapter and what it meant to her before, during and after the loss of her child. This could very well be your devotion for today.
Father/Daughter ANNUAL Date
Chances are if you live in the South (I don't know about Northern traditions), your local church (or a church near you) has a Father/Daughter Banquet in February. The girls get dressed up in their very best dresses. Their moms fix their hair and paint their fingernails. The dads wear a suit and tie. It's a big deal. There is massive "preparation" for this event. And then one day (around 5th or 6th grade), it's over.
Guess what? I didn't like that. I didn't expect the church to keep having the Father/Daughter Banquet forever. That's not what I mean. I mean Mike and Roxie need to have that special date every year around the same time FOREVER! Even after Roxie is married and has a husband and three children (my GRANDCHILDREN), it would be wonderful if she had a special date with her Dad every February. Granted, it might need to change and be a lunch date or a breakfast date. But it still needs to be something they always look forward to doing together.
The rules are simple.
1. The date always takes place in the month of February. (Roxie and her Dad are going to dinner this Saturday, February 27.)
2. It doesn't always have to be the same restaurant, but Roxie LOVES Bonefish Grill, so this is the third year they are dining at this establishment. (It's not like Roxie and Mike eat at Bonefish Grill all the time. It is special.)
3. It doesn't take the place of the date you have with your wife for Valentine's Day. REPEAT - It doesn't take the place of the date you have with your wife for Valentine's Day.
4. If you have a wife and three daughters, guess what? You have four dates in the month of February. And since February rolls around every single year, I suggest getting an envelope and putting back $5 or $10 every payday so it will not put a strain on February's budget.
5. This is always a big deal. Take a LOT of pictures.
Being a Daddy's Girl is a wonderful thing to be... and there are no cut-offs. You can be a Daddy's Girl forever... not just through 6th grade!
Have a terrific Thursday. Friday's post will include the last Special Guest Hint, Weekend Happenings and Mikie and Belinda's Engagement Story. And believe it or not, that will finish up the LOVE month. It's been quite a month, hasn't it?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
100 Days of School
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from my dinner with my cousins and MamMa Monday night. Every Christmas, MamMa gives her grandchildren and their spouses a nice dinner at a restaurant. We pick a date AFTER the Christmas holidays in January or February, and we all meet and eat together. It isn't hectic. It isn't ONE MORE THING to fit into an already busy Christmas schedule. It is relaxed and nice and fun. (It's a great gift.)
Pictures from Austin's Top of the River celebration last night are forthcoming. (Sorry. That's the old legal secretary in me. I'll post those pics tomorrow.)
Special Guest Hints - Three more hints. Monday morning she will be revealed. I have a really good hint for tomorrow's post!
6. She plays the trombone. (I didn't know that!)
7. She graduated in 1979. (Me, too!)
8. She loves to eat out. (Don't we all!)
Except for the trombone part, this could be me! Don't worry. I'm not the Special Guest. Wouldn't that be a let down?
The Story of Austin - Part Two
Really, the choosing of Austin's name wasn't very difficult. We made lists of all the names we liked. We read several Baby Name books. If I didn't like one of Mike's choices, we crossed it off the list. If he didn't like one of my choices... we put a little star beside it.
But one night we said Austin, and we both agreed we liked it. We said Austin Faulkner. We liked that, too. We had already agreed we wanted him to have a "family" name, and Michael was the obvious choice for that one. Austin Michael Faulkner. Not difficult. No big discussions or fights. No tears. It was very easy to name him. And we immediately began referring to him by name. "Do you think Austin's going to like the teddy bear border we picked out?" "Do you think Austin is going to spit up a lot?" "Do you think the way I'm gaining weight, Austin is going to weigh 14' 2" by the time he gets here?"
Yes, I was still gaining weight at warp speed. Thankfully, I had not started gaining weight until I found out I was pregnant, so when I hit 47 pounds on the scale, I knew by the next visit I was going to be the big 5-0! And we all know what that meant... another talk with the doctor about my "caloric" problem. (I had already received four such "talks/lectures," and I wasn't looking forward to number five.)
One week later, and nine days from my due date of March 2, I did indeed tip the scales at 50. The nurse weighing me said, "The doctor is not going to be happy with you today."
To which I replied, "I am an intelligent 29 year-old woman who at any minute is going to give birth. I am thinking I do not want any more lectures from a man who has NEVER been pregnant!"
She must have delivered the message, because my visit with my doctor was incredibly short wherein he informed me "nothing was happening," and he said he'd see me in a week.
I was a little disappointed about the "nothing was happening" part, but I could hold out a few more days. It was definitely time though. My maternity clothes were tight (caloric), my ankles were starting to swell (caloric), and sleeping had become next to impossible (caloric).
I went to Food World and was buying... you guessed it! MORE FOOD. I was halfway through my shopping trip when I sneezed. Uh, oh. If you are a woman who is 38 1/2 weeks pregnant and has put on 50 pounds, you know sneezing is a no-no. "Well, this is just great," I thought to myself. "I'm 29 years old, and I just wet my pants... in public no less! I put myself between my buggy and the food, and waited for someone I knew to walk by so they could walk behind me to my car (for embarrassment sake). No one. Great.
I decided to wait five more minutes and then I would just walk out by myself. I figured that would be when I saw everyone I knew in Cullman.
About that time, a pregnant lady with a small toddler in her shopping cart came around the turn. I didn't know her, but I knew she'd understand. As she started to pass me, I asked her my special little favor. She was so sweet. Her face just melted into compassion, and she gladly offered to help. She left her buggy at the register... I left mine in the aisle, and we both got empty buggies and with one in front and one right behind, she walked me to my car. "I can never thank you enough," I said, relieved.
"If this is the most embarrassing thing that happens to you while you're pregnant, you'll be very fortunate. Are you having twins?" she asked.
"No. I have a caloric problem," I whispered.
"Don't we all, honey. Don't we all." And with that, my helper and her toddler waddled back into the grocery store.
To make a long story much shorter, at 2:00 the next morning, my water broke. Mike and I got ready to make the hour long drive to Birmingham to finally meet Austin face-to-face. We called our parents and the hospital, and I was getting ready to take a quick shower and do my hair and make-up before we left.
First mistake... I told the nurse I was going to take a quick shower and do my make-up before we left.
"Oh, no. You get down here right away. You do not take a shower when you're an hour away from the hospital."
"Well, I take very quick showers, and I'm not having contractions or anything like that. I'll be just fine."
"No, ma'am. You get in that car right now and get to the hospital." She was so bossy, and I was hoping she was going to be off-duty before Austin was born. I didn't want one of the first people he came in contact with to be so unpleasant.
I told Mike what she had said as I was going to the bathroom to get my shower and do my make-up. "No. We're doing exactly what they said to do," he said. I knew he was nervous about delivering on the side of the road... but my hair was not clean, and at 2:00 a.m. I was the kind of girl who needed a little make-up. (I didn't want Austin to be traumatized when he saw his mother for the first time.) But Mike was already dressed and taking the suitcase down the stairs to the car. He immediately came back up the stairs and hurried me along and into the car. I was not a happy camper.
"Well, I guess I could take a shower this afternoon after Austin gets here," I finally agreed as I went digging for lipstick in my purse.
We arrived at the hospital in record time (no traffic at 2:45 in the morning), and we waited for Austin's arrival. Nothing. Three hours later. Nothing. Five hours later. Nothing. But they did decide to start the "drip," which would hurry my contractions along. Nothing. Finally, the doctor decided an ultrasound was in order to see what the hold-up was. Austin was "oblique lie," which in layman's terms means he was side-to-side instead of head down ready to be born. Hmm. Well, what were we going to do?
"We're going to have to perform a C-Section," the doctor told me. So within 45 minutes of the C-Section decision, I was holding my Austin. He was beautiful. He took my breath away. His name fit him perfectly, and although I had thought he would weigh at least 14 pounds 2 ounces, he came in at 9 pounds 6 ounces.
I could hear my doctor thinking, "And the other 40 pounds you gained were... caloric!" I didn't care.
I would worry about that tomorrow... along with my dirty hair and a few other surprises. None of that mattered at that moment... 1:15 p.m., February 23, 1991. Not one bit.
My Birth Day stories are almost as long as my Mikie and Belinda story. Sorry. We'll finish it up tomorrow. Promise!
Wednesday Wisdom - I feel very Dr. "Suess-y" today. I'm not sure why, but I'm not going to question the feeling. Enjoy some of the Dr.'s more famous words.
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You."
"You know you are in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." (This one fits in the LOVE month category.)
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." (Ah. Spoken by a "glass half-full" person!)
100 Days of School
These ideas came straight out of Family Fun Magazine (February 2010). Since the 100th day of school usually falls in late winter, here are six ways to celebrate this event (plus a bonus).
1. Make a paper chain using exactly 100 links.
2. Put together a 100-piece puzzle.
3. Mix up your own 100-piece bag of trail mix. Set out bowls of ingredients and count out 13 raisins, 7 cashews and 80 M&Ms. (I like the way these people think!)
4. On the driveway, pick a starting point and put a piece of tape at the spot you estimate is 100 feet away. Use a measuring tape to figure out how close you got.
5. Link 100 paper clips together and wear the chain to school.
6. Use fabric glue to attach 100 sequins, pom-poms or googly eyes to a T-shirt.
BONUS - Go to Nitty.Gritty under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post labeled Lots of Butterflies dated Sunday, February 21 to see what Jody did to represent 100 days of school on her little girl's cap. It is too cute.
As always, make it your own and have fun.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Let your kiddos know you love them today. Put some of their favorite candy on their pillow to find when they come home from school or go to bed tonight. (A "little" sugar never hurt anyone. It just makes them sweeter. Can you tell I still don't have a grasp on that "caloric" thing?)
Thursday has some of the sweetest Blog Linkage I've shared yet, as well as a special date. And, of course, the last part of Austin's Birth Day Story. On Friday, I will be re-telling my Engagement to Mikie story. Since it is the LOVE month, I have to get it all in by Friday! I just have to!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and "Caloric-ly" Challenged Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from my dinner with my cousins and MamMa Monday night. Every Christmas, MamMa gives her grandchildren and their spouses a nice dinner at a restaurant. We pick a date AFTER the Christmas holidays in January or February, and we all meet and eat together. It isn't hectic. It isn't ONE MORE THING to fit into an already busy Christmas schedule. It is relaxed and nice and fun. (It's a great gift.)
Pictures from Austin's Top of the River celebration last night are forthcoming. (Sorry. That's the old legal secretary in me. I'll post those pics tomorrow.)
Special Guest Hints - Three more hints. Monday morning she will be revealed. I have a really good hint for tomorrow's post!
6. She plays the trombone. (I didn't know that!)
7. She graduated in 1979. (Me, too!)
8. She loves to eat out. (Don't we all!)
Except for the trombone part, this could be me! Don't worry. I'm not the Special Guest. Wouldn't that be a let down?
The Story of Austin - Part Two
Really, the choosing of Austin's name wasn't very difficult. We made lists of all the names we liked. We read several Baby Name books. If I didn't like one of Mike's choices, we crossed it off the list. If he didn't like one of my choices... we put a little star beside it.
But one night we said Austin, and we both agreed we liked it. We said Austin Faulkner. We liked that, too. We had already agreed we wanted him to have a "family" name, and Michael was the obvious choice for that one. Austin Michael Faulkner. Not difficult. No big discussions or fights. No tears. It was very easy to name him. And we immediately began referring to him by name. "Do you think Austin's going to like the teddy bear border we picked out?" "Do you think Austin is going to spit up a lot?" "Do you think the way I'm gaining weight, Austin is going to weigh 14' 2" by the time he gets here?"
Yes, I was still gaining weight at warp speed. Thankfully, I had not started gaining weight until I found out I was pregnant, so when I hit 47 pounds on the scale, I knew by the next visit I was going to be the big 5-0! And we all know what that meant... another talk with the doctor about my "caloric" problem. (I had already received four such "talks/lectures," and I wasn't looking forward to number five.)
One week later, and nine days from my due date of March 2, I did indeed tip the scales at 50. The nurse weighing me said, "The doctor is not going to be happy with you today."
To which I replied, "I am an intelligent 29 year-old woman who at any minute is going to give birth. I am thinking I do not want any more lectures from a man who has NEVER been pregnant!"
She must have delivered the message, because my visit with my doctor was incredibly short wherein he informed me "nothing was happening," and he said he'd see me in a week.
I was a little disappointed about the "nothing was happening" part, but I could hold out a few more days. It was definitely time though. My maternity clothes were tight (caloric), my ankles were starting to swell (caloric), and sleeping had become next to impossible (caloric).
I went to Food World and was buying... you guessed it! MORE FOOD. I was halfway through my shopping trip when I sneezed. Uh, oh. If you are a woman who is 38 1/2 weeks pregnant and has put on 50 pounds, you know sneezing is a no-no. "Well, this is just great," I thought to myself. "I'm 29 years old, and I just wet my pants... in public no less! I put myself between my buggy and the food, and waited for someone I knew to walk by so they could walk behind me to my car (for embarrassment sake). No one. Great.
I decided to wait five more minutes and then I would just walk out by myself. I figured that would be when I saw everyone I knew in Cullman.
About that time, a pregnant lady with a small toddler in her shopping cart came around the turn. I didn't know her, but I knew she'd understand. As she started to pass me, I asked her my special little favor. She was so sweet. Her face just melted into compassion, and she gladly offered to help. She left her buggy at the register... I left mine in the aisle, and we both got empty buggies and with one in front and one right behind, she walked me to my car. "I can never thank you enough," I said, relieved.
"If this is the most embarrassing thing that happens to you while you're pregnant, you'll be very fortunate. Are you having twins?" she asked.
"No. I have a caloric problem," I whispered.
"Don't we all, honey. Don't we all." And with that, my helper and her toddler waddled back into the grocery store.
To make a long story much shorter, at 2:00 the next morning, my water broke. Mike and I got ready to make the hour long drive to Birmingham to finally meet Austin face-to-face. We called our parents and the hospital, and I was getting ready to take a quick shower and do my hair and make-up before we left.
First mistake... I told the nurse I was going to take a quick shower and do my make-up before we left.
"Oh, no. You get down here right away. You do not take a shower when you're an hour away from the hospital."
"Well, I take very quick showers, and I'm not having contractions or anything like that. I'll be just fine."
"No, ma'am. You get in that car right now and get to the hospital." She was so bossy, and I was hoping she was going to be off-duty before Austin was born. I didn't want one of the first people he came in contact with to be so unpleasant.
I told Mike what she had said as I was going to the bathroom to get my shower and do my make-up. "No. We're doing exactly what they said to do," he said. I knew he was nervous about delivering on the side of the road... but my hair was not clean, and at 2:00 a.m. I was the kind of girl who needed a little make-up. (I didn't want Austin to be traumatized when he saw his mother for the first time.) But Mike was already dressed and taking the suitcase down the stairs to the car. He immediately came back up the stairs and hurried me along and into the car. I was not a happy camper.
"Well, I guess I could take a shower this afternoon after Austin gets here," I finally agreed as I went digging for lipstick in my purse.
We arrived at the hospital in record time (no traffic at 2:45 in the morning), and we waited for Austin's arrival. Nothing. Three hours later. Nothing. Five hours later. Nothing. But they did decide to start the "drip," which would hurry my contractions along. Nothing. Finally, the doctor decided an ultrasound was in order to see what the hold-up was. Austin was "oblique lie," which in layman's terms means he was side-to-side instead of head down ready to be born. Hmm. Well, what were we going to do?
"We're going to have to perform a C-Section," the doctor told me. So within 45 minutes of the C-Section decision, I was holding my Austin. He was beautiful. He took my breath away. His name fit him perfectly, and although I had thought he would weigh at least 14 pounds 2 ounces, he came in at 9 pounds 6 ounces.
I could hear my doctor thinking, "And the other 40 pounds you gained were... caloric!" I didn't care.
I would worry about that tomorrow... along with my dirty hair and a few other surprises. None of that mattered at that moment... 1:15 p.m., February 23, 1991. Not one bit.
My Birth Day stories are almost as long as my Mikie and Belinda story. Sorry. We'll finish it up tomorrow. Promise!
Wednesday Wisdom - I feel very Dr. "Suess-y" today. I'm not sure why, but I'm not going to question the feeling. Enjoy some of the Dr.'s more famous words.
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than You."
"You know you are in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." (This one fits in the LOVE month category.)
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." (Ah. Spoken by a "glass half-full" person!)
100 Days of School
These ideas came straight out of Family Fun Magazine (February 2010). Since the 100th day of school usually falls in late winter, here are six ways to celebrate this event (plus a bonus).
1. Make a paper chain using exactly 100 links.
2. Put together a 100-piece puzzle.
3. Mix up your own 100-piece bag of trail mix. Set out bowls of ingredients and count out 13 raisins, 7 cashews and 80 M&Ms. (I like the way these people think!)
4. On the driveway, pick a starting point and put a piece of tape at the spot you estimate is 100 feet away. Use a measuring tape to figure out how close you got.
5. Link 100 paper clips together and wear the chain to school.
6. Use fabric glue to attach 100 sequins, pom-poms or googly eyes to a T-shirt.
BONUS - Go to Nitty.Gritty under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post labeled Lots of Butterflies dated Sunday, February 21 to see what Jody did to represent 100 days of school on her little girl's cap. It is too cute.
As always, make it your own and have fun.
Have a wonderful Wednesday. Let your kiddos know you love them today. Put some of their favorite candy on their pillow to find when they come home from school or go to bed tonight. (A "little" sugar never hurt anyone. It just makes them sweeter. Can you tell I still don't have a grasp on that "caloric" thing?)
Thursday has some of the sweetest Blog Linkage I've shared yet, as well as a special date. And, of course, the last part of Austin's Birth Day Story. On Friday, I will be re-telling my Engagement to Mikie story. Since it is the LOVE month, I have to get it all in by Friday! I just have to!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and "Caloric-ly" Challenged Belinda
Monday, February 22, 2010
Benne Brittle and Bridal Shower Party Games
Good Tuesday morning, and Happy Birthday, Austin!
The Gallery Pics are of Austin's family birthday party Sunday. The big 19!
Special Guest Hints - Here are three more hints for Monday's Special Guest. We've had one or two guesses. Any more?
3. She loves music.
4. She has one beagle. (And her beagle loves to look at Sparkle and Copper's pictures on the blog.)
5. Her goal in her high school yearbook was, "Try everything at least once!"
She sounds pretty adventurous, doesn't she? And I love that her beagle likes Sparkle and Copper. When this is all said and done, I may have to set up a Beagle Play Date.
The Story of Austin
I knew something wasn't quite right. Mike and I were living in Cullman. I had quit my job as a legal secretary in Birmingham, and I was taking a few months off before finding another job. However, I had a feeling I might be expecting. So, I did the normal thing and bought a pregnancy test, only to be disappointed when it came back negative. Still feeling weird, I went another week and tried another pregnancy test. Negative. Another week passed and I actually went to my doctor and had a blood test. Negative. Another week... another pregnancy test... negative. One more week... another blood test... nega... OOPS! I mean POSITIVE! Yes! We were thrilled. When I asked the doctor why everything had been so negative, he told me I had a latent pregnancy hormone. It just didn't show up. "Okay, okay. How far along am I?" I asked.
"Well, by my calculations, you are ten weeks," he told me.
You would have to know me five seconds to realize I didn't take that news well. I am really into experiencing "firsts." First date, first kiss (even if it's on someone's nose), first car, first apartment, first month's anniversary, FIRST TRIMESTER! "You mean I only have two more weeks in my first trimester? That's it?" I asked incredulous.
"Well, actually from what I'm looking at... more like eight or nine more days."
"But, I didn't get to whine about being tired, or about my pants getting tight. And I've missed ten weeks of eating for two. I can't make that up!" My doctor didn't understand my reasoning, so I just let it go.
Mike and I had a great time driving to our parents' homes and telling them, and then stopping to tell some friends along the way. It was a joyous occasion.
Then we made the decision to try to live on one salary (his), with the remainder of my pregnancy being our practice time for this big step. Not the wisest decision we've ever made because I had nothing to keep me occupied except food.
Living in a new town away from family and friends, not working outside of the home, and trying to catch up for the first trimester of not eating for two soon came back to haunt me.
Every day at 3:00 sharp, I would head to Sneaky Pete's. Sam would have a hot dog smothered in sauerkraut and Sneaky Pete's sauce and a Coke ready and waiting. Of course, before I went for my 3:00 o'clock snack, I had eaten breakfast, lunch and a plastic bag of powdered doughnuts... every day. Boy, did Austin love and want those powdered doughnuts. (NOTE: Prior to pregnancy, I was very thin -- I have pictures. A little too thin actually, so I was not very concerned with weight gain. It is not smart to NOT be concerned with weight gain!)
As I began going to the doctor during my second trimester, I was amazed how fast the baby was growing. Four pounds one visit, five or six the next. One time I even gained seven pounds. Wow. This was going to be a huge baby. Toward the end of my second trimester, my doctor sat down and had a talk with me. "You are going to have to slow down on your eating."
"I'm really not eating any differently than before I became pregnant. What do you think the problem could be if my eating habits are exactly the same?"
"It's caloric," came the slightly sarcastic reply.
"Oh. See? I knew it had to be something medical. Is that like a gland thing or something? Will it go away after I have the baby?" I was ready, willing and able to take a pill or whatever to solve this "caloric" thing.
"It means too many calories," the nurse whispered to me.
"Oh. Well, in that case. I'll just have to cut back a little," I replied, very offended. I waddled out the door and drove to Sneaky Pete's. Sam was expecting me since I always scheduled my doctor's appointments at 2:00 so I wouldn't be late for our 3:00 hot dog.
"I'm not going to be able to come in tomorrow, Sam. I'm having to cut back to four days a week because of some 'caloric' problems." Sam nodded knowingly. Was I the only person who had never heard that word before?
Mike and I had decided not to find out the sex of the baby. It absolutely didn't matter to us one way or another. So imagine Mikie's surprise on the day we went to the doctor for our first ultrasound (which could tell us the sex of the baby), and I had a complete come-apart in the car. "I have to know. I have to know today."
"What are you talking about? It was your idea to wait until the baby was born. The nursery is yellow with teddy bears. It doesn't matter if it's a boy or girl."
I then began to sob. "If I don't find out today, I will just DIE!! I have to know."
Mike was completely caught off guard, and quickly agreed to let us find out. We walked into the doctor's office, I had my ultrasound and when the doctor asked if we wanted to find out the sex, I didn't even hesitate. "YES. I have to know... right now!"
"Well, it's a boy," he told us.
A boy. Yes. I had always loved little boys. I was thrilled. Mike was still in shock over the "Exorcist" scene that had played out on the drive over where my head had spun completely around, but he was excited about having a son, too.
Now, all we had to do was name him, and wait one more little trimester until he arrived. Piece of cake. Speaking of cake, we had some that night to celebrate our little man.
Yep. I was right. This is definitely a two-parter. We might as well go straight to the recipe for the day...
Benne Brittle
I'm making this tomorrow. It just sounded good to me, and since I like peanut brittle, cashew brittle, almond brittle, etc., I'm pretty sure benne brittle is going to be on my list of brittles I enjoy.
You will need:
1 1/4 cups benne (sesame) seeds
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Cook benne seeds in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring often, 8 minutes or until seeds begin to turn brown. Remove from skillet.
2. Cook sugar and 2 tablespoons water in skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, 10 minutes or until sugar is melted.
3. Quickly stir in benne seeds and vanilla.
4. Pour onto a well-buttered baking sheet.
5. Quickly spread to 1/8" thickness, using a metal spatula. Cool completely (20 minutes). Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
The only things about this recipe that intimidate me just a little are the phrases "stirring often," "stirring constantly," and "quickly" (which was used twice, by the way). I'm not going to be able to wander away from the stove for 18 minutes. This recipe requires a little commitment on my part, but I'm willing to try for you, the readers. Once again, I will remind you... I am a giver!
This recipe was taken from the March 2010 issue of Southern Living.
Bridal Shower Party Game
Sock Guess
You will need:
Tube Socks
Honeymoon Items (Sunscreen, Room Keys, Sunglasses, Flip Flops, etc.)
Paper
Pens
Pins
To play, purchase several pairs of tube socks. Gather the same number of items that the couple will need on their honeymoon -- sunscreen, room key, sunglasses, etc. (7 socks... 7 items). Gather objects that relate to where the honeymooners are going.
Let the guests know where the couple is going.
Place one item in each sock, tie it closed, and pin a number on it.
Guests have to feel each sock using their FEET ONLY and guess what is in the sock.
Write down each guess on a sheet of paper.
Whoever guesses the most items correctly wins a prize.
That sounds fun, doesn't it? I wouldn't mind doing this on a Friday night when we're a little bored!
You may have already heard of all these games, but some of them are a little new to me. It's been awhile since I've been on the Bridal Shower Circuit, but I'm hoping some of these games might be new to you, too.
I found this game on www.411partygames.com.
Have a fantastic Tuesday. Remember, it's National Austin Day, and you celebrate by eating greasy fried dill pickles at Top of the River. Maybe I'll see you there!
Tomorrow I'll have Wednesday Wisdom, more hints about our Special Guest, the last part of The Story of Austin, a Seasonal Tradition and so much more. You MUST come back... you just MUST!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of Austin's family birthday party Sunday. The big 19!
Special Guest Hints - Here are three more hints for Monday's Special Guest. We've had one or two guesses. Any more?
3. She loves music.
4. She has one beagle. (And her beagle loves to look at Sparkle and Copper's pictures on the blog.)
5. Her goal in her high school yearbook was, "Try everything at least once!"
She sounds pretty adventurous, doesn't she? And I love that her beagle likes Sparkle and Copper. When this is all said and done, I may have to set up a Beagle Play Date.
The Story of Austin
I knew something wasn't quite right. Mike and I were living in Cullman. I had quit my job as a legal secretary in Birmingham, and I was taking a few months off before finding another job. However, I had a feeling I might be expecting. So, I did the normal thing and bought a pregnancy test, only to be disappointed when it came back negative. Still feeling weird, I went another week and tried another pregnancy test. Negative. Another week passed and I actually went to my doctor and had a blood test. Negative. Another week... another pregnancy test... negative. One more week... another blood test... nega... OOPS! I mean POSITIVE! Yes! We were thrilled. When I asked the doctor why everything had been so negative, he told me I had a latent pregnancy hormone. It just didn't show up. "Okay, okay. How far along am I?" I asked.
"Well, by my calculations, you are ten weeks," he told me.
You would have to know me five seconds to realize I didn't take that news well. I am really into experiencing "firsts." First date, first kiss (even if it's on someone's nose), first car, first apartment, first month's anniversary, FIRST TRIMESTER! "You mean I only have two more weeks in my first trimester? That's it?" I asked incredulous.
"Well, actually from what I'm looking at... more like eight or nine more days."
"But, I didn't get to whine about being tired, or about my pants getting tight. And I've missed ten weeks of eating for two. I can't make that up!" My doctor didn't understand my reasoning, so I just let it go.
Mike and I had a great time driving to our parents' homes and telling them, and then stopping to tell some friends along the way. It was a joyous occasion.
Then we made the decision to try to live on one salary (his), with the remainder of my pregnancy being our practice time for this big step. Not the wisest decision we've ever made because I had nothing to keep me occupied except food.
Living in a new town away from family and friends, not working outside of the home, and trying to catch up for the first trimester of not eating for two soon came back to haunt me.
Every day at 3:00 sharp, I would head to Sneaky Pete's. Sam would have a hot dog smothered in sauerkraut and Sneaky Pete's sauce and a Coke ready and waiting. Of course, before I went for my 3:00 o'clock snack, I had eaten breakfast, lunch and a plastic bag of powdered doughnuts... every day. Boy, did Austin love and want those powdered doughnuts. (NOTE: Prior to pregnancy, I was very thin -- I have pictures. A little too thin actually, so I was not very concerned with weight gain. It is not smart to NOT be concerned with weight gain!)
As I began going to the doctor during my second trimester, I was amazed how fast the baby was growing. Four pounds one visit, five or six the next. One time I even gained seven pounds. Wow. This was going to be a huge baby. Toward the end of my second trimester, my doctor sat down and had a talk with me. "You are going to have to slow down on your eating."
"I'm really not eating any differently than before I became pregnant. What do you think the problem could be if my eating habits are exactly the same?"
"It's caloric," came the slightly sarcastic reply.
"Oh. See? I knew it had to be something medical. Is that like a gland thing or something? Will it go away after I have the baby?" I was ready, willing and able to take a pill or whatever to solve this "caloric" thing.
"It means too many calories," the nurse whispered to me.
"Oh. Well, in that case. I'll just have to cut back a little," I replied, very offended. I waddled out the door and drove to Sneaky Pete's. Sam was expecting me since I always scheduled my doctor's appointments at 2:00 so I wouldn't be late for our 3:00 hot dog.
"I'm not going to be able to come in tomorrow, Sam. I'm having to cut back to four days a week because of some 'caloric' problems." Sam nodded knowingly. Was I the only person who had never heard that word before?
Mike and I had decided not to find out the sex of the baby. It absolutely didn't matter to us one way or another. So imagine Mikie's surprise on the day we went to the doctor for our first ultrasound (which could tell us the sex of the baby), and I had a complete come-apart in the car. "I have to know. I have to know today."
"What are you talking about? It was your idea to wait until the baby was born. The nursery is yellow with teddy bears. It doesn't matter if it's a boy or girl."
I then began to sob. "If I don't find out today, I will just DIE!! I have to know."
Mike was completely caught off guard, and quickly agreed to let us find out. We walked into the doctor's office, I had my ultrasound and when the doctor asked if we wanted to find out the sex, I didn't even hesitate. "YES. I have to know... right now!"
"Well, it's a boy," he told us.
A boy. Yes. I had always loved little boys. I was thrilled. Mike was still in shock over the "Exorcist" scene that had played out on the drive over where my head had spun completely around, but he was excited about having a son, too.
Now, all we had to do was name him, and wait one more little trimester until he arrived. Piece of cake. Speaking of cake, we had some that night to celebrate our little man.
Yep. I was right. This is definitely a two-parter. We might as well go straight to the recipe for the day...
Benne Brittle
I'm making this tomorrow. It just sounded good to me, and since I like peanut brittle, cashew brittle, almond brittle, etc., I'm pretty sure benne brittle is going to be on my list of brittles I enjoy.
You will need:
1 1/4 cups benne (sesame) seeds
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Cook benne seeds in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring often, 8 minutes or until seeds begin to turn brown. Remove from skillet.
2. Cook sugar and 2 tablespoons water in skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, 10 minutes or until sugar is melted.
3. Quickly stir in benne seeds and vanilla.
4. Pour onto a well-buttered baking sheet.
5. Quickly spread to 1/8" thickness, using a metal spatula. Cool completely (20 minutes). Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
The only things about this recipe that intimidate me just a little are the phrases "stirring often," "stirring constantly," and "quickly" (which was used twice, by the way). I'm not going to be able to wander away from the stove for 18 minutes. This recipe requires a little commitment on my part, but I'm willing to try for you, the readers. Once again, I will remind you... I am a giver!
This recipe was taken from the March 2010 issue of Southern Living.
Bridal Shower Party Game
Sock Guess
You will need:
Tube Socks
Honeymoon Items (Sunscreen, Room Keys, Sunglasses, Flip Flops, etc.)
Paper
Pens
Pins
To play, purchase several pairs of tube socks. Gather the same number of items that the couple will need on their honeymoon -- sunscreen, room key, sunglasses, etc. (7 socks... 7 items). Gather objects that relate to where the honeymooners are going.
Let the guests know where the couple is going.
Place one item in each sock, tie it closed, and pin a number on it.
Guests have to feel each sock using their FEET ONLY and guess what is in the sock.
Write down each guess on a sheet of paper.
Whoever guesses the most items correctly wins a prize.
That sounds fun, doesn't it? I wouldn't mind doing this on a Friday night when we're a little bored!
You may have already heard of all these games, but some of them are a little new to me. It's been awhile since I've been on the Bridal Shower Circuit, but I'm hoping some of these games might be new to you, too.
I found this game on www.411partygames.com.
Have a fantastic Tuesday. Remember, it's National Austin Day, and you celebrate by eating greasy fried dill pickles at Top of the River. Maybe I'll see you there!
Tomorrow I'll have Wednesday Wisdom, more hints about our Special Guest, the last part of The Story of Austin, a Seasonal Tradition and so much more. You MUST come back... you just MUST!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Bridal Shower Party Games
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic for the week is of Austin and Melia at his family birthday party Sunday. I just thought it was a really good picture of the two of them, and although I have a ton of pics to share this week, this was one of my favorites.
The Gallery Pics are of the Mardi Gras dinner I had Saturday evening for some friends. (I have discovered I am a very good Chicken Gumbo "maker.") The recipe I posted last week was easy AND super delicious. Mikie and Austin loved it, and they already want more. Patience boys, patience!
Since this was once again a big picture weekend, I'm going to share the rest of Austin's birthday pics tomorrow.
Special Guest Hints - Next Monday, I will reveal A Simple Life's Special Guest for the month of March. I will give you a hint or two each day this week, and we'll see if our expert panel of "guessers" will once again come up with the correct answer. Joan, Cam and Robin are really good at this game, but I'm determined to stump them before it is over with.
1. She is the mother of three and wife of one.
2. She is not a native Alabamian. Before she landed here, she lived in two other very different states from Alabama (Code for NOT IN THE SOUTH). But she fits in perfectly with all of us Southerners!
TOPIC OF LAST WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Five
Mikie's dating commitments were finished. He was sitting beside me on a packed pew at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. He smelled really, really good. But I digress. He wanted to talk to me for just a few minutes after the service. Hmmm. What could he possibly want to talk about?
All of our friends scattered, and he walked me to my car. "Would you be interested in going out to eat and to a movie this Friday night?" he asked almost immediately.
"Are you sure you can afford it? You've spent a huge amount of money these past three weeks. I don't want to put a strain on your savings account!" I hate playing games, but I was still more than a little miffed.
"Friday's payday. And even if it wasn't, I am more than able to afford dinner and a movie with my best friend."
Okay. Now he wasn't just smelling good... he was talking good, too. I accepted.
Friday night finally came, and I wore my new blue and white striped jumpsuit with huge shoulder pads and new Connie flats. (Trust me. It was the 80s. I looked great.) Mike showed up a few minutes early and we went on our first date... dinner at Milo's and a movie. I didn't mind the fast food dinner. Milo's has always been one of Mikie's favorites, and as long as we were seeing a movie (one of my favorites), I knew he had covered all the bases.
As you can imagine, having been the best of friends for over three years, conversation never lagged, hand holding was very natural, and I can honestly say it was the first "first date" I had ever been on where I wasn't so nervous beforehand I was sick to my stomach. Easy breezy. That's how I would describe our first date.
After it was over and he was walking me to the door of the apartment, he asked me a couple of questions. "How many kids do you want?"
"Three. Two boys and a girl."
"Yeah. Me, too."
"Do I get to kiss you good night?" (Just for clarification... Mikie asked me!)
"Nope. Not on the first date."
"Well, technically... ," he started to whine.
"Nope. There's nothing technical about it. Third date, buddy."
Then I had a question for him.
"Did you kiss the girls you dated the last three weeks?"
"No. And I told them I wouldn't be calling them back for another date. I said it nicer, though."
All right. As they say in all the astronaut movies, "We were clear for take-off." And take-off we did. To finish this long, long story, I'll give you the rest of our courtship tale in the form of a timeline.
March, 1987 - First date.
March, 1987 - Third date (Mikie says, "I love you," and I agree.)
April, 1987 - I meet Mikie's family for Easter lunch. (Mikie has already met my family in the three years we had been friends.)
May, 1987 - We meet with Dr. Charles Carter for counseling. We know we want to get married, but we also know how "fast" this will seem for our families. He gives us very good advice. We sort of take it.
August, 1987 - After Mike has talked to my Dad and asked for my hand in marriage, we become engaged. (The engagement story will be told on Thursday of this week.)
January, 1988 - Mikie and I become husband and wife. I married my best friend. And he smelled really, really good!
Weekend Review
We had a crazy weekend, but fun. Friday night Mike and Josh went to the Bass Masters at the Civic Center. They had a ball. They met Bill Dance and some other famous fishermen. Josh even got a country singer to sign his hat. I know it wasn't Josh Turner, Dolly Parton or Randy Travis... but it was another equally famous guy.
Roxie and I went to Subway with friends, and later she went to the movies with another friend, so she was very happy.
Austin, Melia and Melia's little brother, Peyton, saw Percy Jackson and the Olympians (and LOVED it).
We were scattered, but everyone had a good time.
Austin left before sunrise Saturday for a Flag Football Tournament in Montevallo. It was for the BCM and schools from all over Alabama were represented. Jacksonville finished second late Saturday night. It would have been nice to bring home the trophy, but Austin had a great time... except for the last game. You know. The one they lost.
We had our Mardi Gras dinner Saturday night with some family friends. It was a lot of fun, and as I said earlier in the post, I discovered I make a mean Chicken Gumbo. I also discovered when I cook ahead, I forget to put the potato salad on the table. I knew something was missing, but I wasn't sure what it was. We found it Sunday morning. Very disappointing.
Sunday was Austin's 19th birthday celebration a couple of days early. We had 18 in attendance, and he enjoyed himself immensely. I don't care if you're 19 years-old or 99 years-old... receiving wrapped gifts and cards containing money is a good thing!
Austin had to leave last night because he had to be in a line around 6:30 this morning to obtain new housing. A call a few minutes ago verified he did indeed get the housing situation he wanted. Same roommate (very good), two bedroom apartment, sharing one bathroom and a living area... SWEET! Yet another answered prayer!
Although I haven't gotten to see The Boy very much the last two weekends, he's been having a great time (going on the Mission Trip and spending time with his new BCM friends), so I'm pretty content. Of course, I hope I see him a little more this coming weekend. We'll just have to see. He's a busy guy!
Bridal Shower Party Games - Since this is the LOVE month, I thought I'd share a few Party Games to use at showers. I'll probably post one a day for three or four days.
Life Thread
You will need a spool of thread.
To play, pass around a spool of thread, and tell each guest to break off a piece. (Don't tell them what it's for or how much to take.)
As soon as everyone has taken a piece of thread, go around the room and have each person talk about themselves as they wrap their piece of string around their finger.
They are not allowed to stop talking until the string is completely wrapped around their finger. Be careful that no one inadvertently cuts off her circulation! In the interest of saving your circulation, you can play the same game with toilet paper. For each square you take, you have to tell the group one fact about yourself.
Whoever takes the longest string/piece of toilet paper and can give the most facts about themselves is the winner.
I liked this game. I thought it would be fun to play at other parties with a group of people you are just getting to know.
I found this on www.411partygames.com. I'll have another one for you tomorrow.
Have a great Monday. February is almost over, but don't wish it away. There is still so much fun to be had this month! Tomorrow's recipe is divine! (I haven't used an "enchanting" term in quite a while, so I thought I'd throw one in there.) I'll have two more Special Guest Hints. You may now begin guessing. Tomorrow, I will also be posting Austin's "birth" day story again. (I posted it last year on his birthday. It's the exact same story... just told 19 years later.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic for the week is of Austin and Melia at his family birthday party Sunday. I just thought it was a really good picture of the two of them, and although I have a ton of pics to share this week, this was one of my favorites.
The Gallery Pics are of the Mardi Gras dinner I had Saturday evening for some friends. (I have discovered I am a very good Chicken Gumbo "maker.") The recipe I posted last week was easy AND super delicious. Mikie and Austin loved it, and they already want more. Patience boys, patience!
Since this was once again a big picture weekend, I'm going to share the rest of Austin's birthday pics tomorrow.
Special Guest Hints - Next Monday, I will reveal A Simple Life's Special Guest for the month of March. I will give you a hint or two each day this week, and we'll see if our expert panel of "guessers" will once again come up with the correct answer. Joan, Cam and Robin are really good at this game, but I'm determined to stump them before it is over with.
1. She is the mother of three and wife of one.
2. She is not a native Alabamian. Before she landed here, she lived in two other very different states from Alabama (Code for NOT IN THE SOUTH). But she fits in perfectly with all of us Southerners!
TOPIC OF LAST WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Five
Mikie's dating commitments were finished. He was sitting beside me on a packed pew at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. He smelled really, really good. But I digress. He wanted to talk to me for just a few minutes after the service. Hmmm. What could he possibly want to talk about?
All of our friends scattered, and he walked me to my car. "Would you be interested in going out to eat and to a movie this Friday night?" he asked almost immediately.
"Are you sure you can afford it? You've spent a huge amount of money these past three weeks. I don't want to put a strain on your savings account!" I hate playing games, but I was still more than a little miffed.
"Friday's payday. And even if it wasn't, I am more than able to afford dinner and a movie with my best friend."
Okay. Now he wasn't just smelling good... he was talking good, too. I accepted.
Friday night finally came, and I wore my new blue and white striped jumpsuit with huge shoulder pads and new Connie flats. (Trust me. It was the 80s. I looked great.) Mike showed up a few minutes early and we went on our first date... dinner at Milo's and a movie. I didn't mind the fast food dinner. Milo's has always been one of Mikie's favorites, and as long as we were seeing a movie (one of my favorites), I knew he had covered all the bases.
As you can imagine, having been the best of friends for over three years, conversation never lagged, hand holding was very natural, and I can honestly say it was the first "first date" I had ever been on where I wasn't so nervous beforehand I was sick to my stomach. Easy breezy. That's how I would describe our first date.
After it was over and he was walking me to the door of the apartment, he asked me a couple of questions. "How many kids do you want?"
"Three. Two boys and a girl."
"Yeah. Me, too."
"Do I get to kiss you good night?" (Just for clarification... Mikie asked me!)
"Nope. Not on the first date."
"Well, technically... ," he started to whine.
"Nope. There's nothing technical about it. Third date, buddy."
Then I had a question for him.
"Did you kiss the girls you dated the last three weeks?"
"No. And I told them I wouldn't be calling them back for another date. I said it nicer, though."
All right. As they say in all the astronaut movies, "We were clear for take-off." And take-off we did. To finish this long, long story, I'll give you the rest of our courtship tale in the form of a timeline.
March, 1987 - First date.
March, 1987 - Third date (Mikie says, "I love you," and I agree.)
April, 1987 - I meet Mikie's family for Easter lunch. (Mikie has already met my family in the three years we had been friends.)
May, 1987 - We meet with Dr. Charles Carter for counseling. We know we want to get married, but we also know how "fast" this will seem for our families. He gives us very good advice. We sort of take it.
August, 1987 - After Mike has talked to my Dad and asked for my hand in marriage, we become engaged. (The engagement story will be told on Thursday of this week.)
January, 1988 - Mikie and I become husband and wife. I married my best friend. And he smelled really, really good!
Weekend Review
We had a crazy weekend, but fun. Friday night Mike and Josh went to the Bass Masters at the Civic Center. They had a ball. They met Bill Dance and some other famous fishermen. Josh even got a country singer to sign his hat. I know it wasn't Josh Turner, Dolly Parton or Randy Travis... but it was another equally famous guy.
Roxie and I went to Subway with friends, and later she went to the movies with another friend, so she was very happy.
Austin, Melia and Melia's little brother, Peyton, saw Percy Jackson and the Olympians (and LOVED it).
We were scattered, but everyone had a good time.
Austin left before sunrise Saturday for a Flag Football Tournament in Montevallo. It was for the BCM and schools from all over Alabama were represented. Jacksonville finished second late Saturday night. It would have been nice to bring home the trophy, but Austin had a great time... except for the last game. You know. The one they lost.
We had our Mardi Gras dinner Saturday night with some family friends. It was a lot of fun, and as I said earlier in the post, I discovered I make a mean Chicken Gumbo. I also discovered when I cook ahead, I forget to put the potato salad on the table. I knew something was missing, but I wasn't sure what it was. We found it Sunday morning. Very disappointing.
Sunday was Austin's 19th birthday celebration a couple of days early. We had 18 in attendance, and he enjoyed himself immensely. I don't care if you're 19 years-old or 99 years-old... receiving wrapped gifts and cards containing money is a good thing!
Austin had to leave last night because he had to be in a line around 6:30 this morning to obtain new housing. A call a few minutes ago verified he did indeed get the housing situation he wanted. Same roommate (very good), two bedroom apartment, sharing one bathroom and a living area... SWEET! Yet another answered prayer!
Although I haven't gotten to see The Boy very much the last two weekends, he's been having a great time (going on the Mission Trip and spending time with his new BCM friends), so I'm pretty content. Of course, I hope I see him a little more this coming weekend. We'll just have to see. He's a busy guy!
Bridal Shower Party Games - Since this is the LOVE month, I thought I'd share a few Party Games to use at showers. I'll probably post one a day for three or four days.
Life Thread
You will need a spool of thread.
To play, pass around a spool of thread, and tell each guest to break off a piece. (Don't tell them what it's for or how much to take.)
As soon as everyone has taken a piece of thread, go around the room and have each person talk about themselves as they wrap their piece of string around their finger.
They are not allowed to stop talking until the string is completely wrapped around their finger. Be careful that no one inadvertently cuts off her circulation! In the interest of saving your circulation, you can play the same game with toilet paper. For each square you take, you have to tell the group one fact about yourself.
Whoever takes the longest string/piece of toilet paper and can give the most facts about themselves is the winner.
I liked this game. I thought it would be fun to play at other parties with a group of people you are just getting to know.
I found this on www.411partygames.com. I'll have another one for you tomorrow.
Have a great Monday. February is almost over, but don't wish it away. There is still so much fun to be had this month! Tomorrow's recipe is divine! (I haven't used an "enchanting" term in quite a while, so I thought I'd throw one in there.) I'll have two more Special Guest Hints. You may now begin guessing. Tomorrow, I will also be posting Austin's "birth" day story again. (I posted it last year on his birthday. It's the exact same story... just told 19 years later.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, February 19, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
Well, it's here. The weekend. And while this time last week we were waiting for our promised Winter Weather Event, this week we're going to enjoy highs in the upper 50s. Is it just me, or does it seem like we had our Event a year ago instead of a mere seven days?
The Gallery Pics are from Roxie's Heart to Heart Banquet Tuesday night, AND the band concert last night. I had a lot of pictures to share this week. You'll notice there are no major appliance photos in the Gallery.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we both were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Let's see. This weekend is going to be fun, I think. Tonight is a little up in the air, but we have several things which may or may not be happening. I'll report on those Monday.
We're going to share a Mardi Gras meal with another family tomorrow night (chicken gumbo, potato salad, dirty beans and rice, moon pies, King Cake). I'll let you know how that turns out. The only food I'm certain will be edible is the potato salad. (I make a pretty good potato salad.) Oh, and the moon pies. I get to buy those!
Austin is playing in a BCM Flag Football tournament in Montevallo all day Saturday. He is so pumped, and I'm excited for him. A whole day of doing one of your favorite things in the world! Life is good when you're 18 years-old (almost 19) and your body parts still work. I remember it well.
We'll be celebrating Austin's 19th birthday Sunday after church. My goodness. That is such a huge number, isn't it? It has been the best 19 years of my life though. I wouldn't trade them for anything, and I stand amazed at the man he is becoming. It will be a good day.
His actual birthday is February 23, but he'll be at school. However, the Faulkner Five and Grandmother are heading to Gadsden to take him out to eat at Top of the River for a little "day of" celebration. (I'm getting the fried pickles... just so you know.)
I hope you have a great weekend. I know there are many things to celebrate in this life, but I'm also aware of many, many people who are going through some very dark times right now. Even if your life is going well, do not forget to reach out to those who are not so fortunate. I promise... It will not bring you down. Helping others with a kind word or deed is an uplifting experience. And it will always, always leave you feeling grateful for your own blessings.
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Well, it's here. The weekend. And while this time last week we were waiting for our promised Winter Weather Event, this week we're going to enjoy highs in the upper 50s. Is it just me, or does it seem like we had our Event a year ago instead of a mere seven days?
The Gallery Pics are from Roxie's Heart to Heart Banquet Tuesday night, AND the band concert last night. I had a lot of pictures to share this week. You'll notice there are no major appliance photos in the Gallery.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Four
The ball was now in Mike's court. We had discussed the situation calmly and rationally... while I was in the kitchen and he was in the den. We had agreed to begin dating. He had been told how the friend/church division would play out if the dating did not work. (In case you forgot, I would retain custody of all the friends AND the church... but I had found another fine church for Mike to attend IF everything fell apart.) All the bases had been covered. Or so I thought.
I saw Mike at church that very night. We always sat in a big group and whoever you sat beside was usually luck of the draw. Mike and I did not sit together. The group went out to eat after church that night. Mike and I were comfortable with each other... except for the stupid grin he wouldn't wipe off his face. The same stupid grin was on Kerry's face, too, so I knew he was "in the loop."
We all said our big group good-bye in the parking lot of the restaurant, and each of us went our separate ways.
Kerry called when I walked in the door of the apartment to say he thought everything went very well, and Mike was excited about the prospect of us dating. Okay. A little more confirmation. I needed that little bit of encouragement very, very badly. Now I would wait.
And wait I did. I waited Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday was the last possible day he could ask me out for a date for the upcoming weekend. I would not accept an invitation from him on Thursday or later. It was just not done.
Wednesday nights we both were in different sections of the church. I worked with Children's Choir, and he went to the regular service. It was not unusual for us not to see each other on a Wednesday night. But it was HIGHLY unusual for us not to talk for three days in a row. It was unheard of. Hmmm.
I saw him a couple of times the next weekend, and things were starting to get a little awkward. No stupid grin. Maybe a little avoidance. I decided the following Monday morning I was making a call to Dawson Memorial to get their service schedule and New Member Package. It looked like Mikie was going to need it!
The next week was more of the same. I didn't hear from him. I saw him the following Sunday (two WEEKS after our initial agreement), and things were more awkward still.
I received another phone call from Kerry. "Just be patient. Mike has to take care of a couple of commitments before he asks you out."
Well, you don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that one out. He had to finish dating. Three weeks of pre-arranged dating with three different girls. Hmmm. I told Kerry to tell Mike he could pick up his New Member Package any time. In fact, next Sunday looked like a great time to start!
One more week of no calls... nothing... nada. And then came the third Sunday morning since our infamous "agreement." I was sitting in a pew in between my chicks when I heard a voice say, "Could you scoot over just a little, please?" I looked up to see Mike standing in front of my friend. She looked at me to see if it was okay. Technically, Mike was supposed to be sitting in a pew ALONE at Dawson Memorial at that particular moment, but I nodded my head and she scooted over... and he sat down.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied. And as everyone in the entire world knows, when a girl says "Fine," it means "You are SO dead."
"I need to talk to you a minute in private after the service today, please. Would you like to go to lunch?"
"I already have plans, but we can talk before I meet the girls." I wasn't changing my plans... but he did have a lot of explaining to do.
I'll finish the tale next week. Needless to say, things became much easier after our talk, and luckily for you, the rest of this story goes by much more quickly.
Weekend Happenings
Let's see. This weekend is going to be fun, I think. Tonight is a little up in the air, but we have several things which may or may not be happening. I'll report on those Monday.
We're going to share a Mardi Gras meal with another family tomorrow night (chicken gumbo, potato salad, dirty beans and rice, moon pies, King Cake). I'll let you know how that turns out. The only food I'm certain will be edible is the potato salad. (I make a pretty good potato salad.) Oh, and the moon pies. I get to buy those!
Austin is playing in a BCM Flag Football tournament in Montevallo all day Saturday. He is so pumped, and I'm excited for him. A whole day of doing one of your favorite things in the world! Life is good when you're 18 years-old (almost 19) and your body parts still work. I remember it well.
We'll be celebrating Austin's 19th birthday Sunday after church. My goodness. That is such a huge number, isn't it? It has been the best 19 years of my life though. I wouldn't trade them for anything, and I stand amazed at the man he is becoming. It will be a good day.
His actual birthday is February 23, but he'll be at school. However, the Faulkner Five and Grandmother are heading to Gadsden to take him out to eat at Top of the River for a little "day of" celebration. (I'm getting the fried pickles... just so you know.)
I hope you have a great weekend. I know there are many things to celebrate in this life, but I'm also aware of many, many people who are going through some very dark times right now. Even if your life is going well, do not forget to reach out to those who are not so fortunate. I promise... It will not bring you down. Helping others with a kind word or deed is an uplifting experience. And it will always, always leave you feeling grateful for your own blessings.
Take care, and I'll talk to you on Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, February 18, 2010
50 Dates
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from our Valentine's Day Banquet Sunday night. Basically, it is a big ol' pink breakfast, but we like it and it's fun.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Three
Yes. Mike was very... hmmm... what's the term? Enamored? Besotted? Crazy about? Anyway, he really, really liked this chick... and I was getting really, really tired of hearing about their dates, etc. So, I kind of backed out of the picture. Not in a bad way. I just went about my business without Mikie.
A month or so later when the relationship ended because (EXCUSE ME) he wasn't dating the person God wanted him to date, we were able to pick up where we left off in our friendship. But, I was no longer happy JUST being Mikie's friend. It was pretty frustrating.
During this "frustrating" time, Mike's best "guy" friend and roommate (who was also a good friend of mine) called me. Kerry had talked to Mike about dating me. It was apparent to all of our friends that Mike and I were supposed to be "together," and Kerry wanted to know what I thought. I agreed. Then Kerry told me some unsettling news. He had already to talked to Mike about asking me out... and Mike had said no. "We are best friends. If something goes wrong, it will mess up everything."
I told Kerry I would handle the situation.
I called Mike and asked him over for Sunday dinner. I cooked a slow cooker pot roast with all the fixings. (I loved my slow cooker even back in my single chick days.) I set the table and had a flower centerpiece. I had candles even though it was in the middle of the day. My presentation was dead on!
This wasn't Mike's first pot roast Sunday dinner at my apartment, but I made sure it had a little extra! As he sat in the den watching the races on TV, I fixed the glasses, etc. and worked up my courage to talk to him. My roommate was due back from church any minute, so what I had to say had to be said quickly and succinctly.
"Mike. Stay on the couch. Do not get up," I yelled from the kitchen.
"Uh. Okay." I could hear the confusion in his voice.
"Why don't you ask me out on a date?" I yelled again.
I heard the couch squeak. A sure sign someone was getting up when he had been told NOT to move.
"Do NOT come in here," I repeated.
The couch squeaked again. He had sat down. "Well. What if it didn't work out? It would ruin everything. It would make everything awkward at church. It would make everything awkward with our friends. It would just be awful."
"You're wasting a lot of time and money dating a bunch of girls you are NOT supposed to be with. If it doesn't work out, we'll deal with it, but we both know we're supposed to be dating each other."
Another squeak. "I'm not telling you again. Sit down! Do not come in here."
And then I put his mind at ease. "I've thought about the church thing. If for some reason we're wrong and we're not supposed to be together, you will have to go to Dawson. They have a good Singles Department and their pastor is wonderful. I know several people who go there, and I will introduce you to them if it gets to that point."
He started laughing then, so I had to add, "I am NOT kidding."
And then he was at the kitchen door. "Okay. You're right. We need to be dating." And he was smiling and looking amused, and instead of feeling happy and triumphant, I was just mad.
"Since you didn't handle this part well, I expect you to take over from here, and I'll be waiting for your call. I'm not supposed to ask you to ask me out. You're going to have to man-up!" (I may not have used that exact term, but you get the idea!)
"So I don't get Sunday lunch?"
"You may have Sunday lunch, but then you must leave and we will never speak of this again."
In walked my roommate, and we sat down to pot roast and fixings and one of the strangest meals I've ever shared with Mike Faulkner.
When I walked him to the door, he smiled and said, "I'll be calling you soon."
To which I replied, "Whatever."
You would think with that auspicious beginning, everything would just fall into place, wouldn't you? We still had to overcome a few bumps in the road, but we'll talk about those tomorrow.
Oh, and the only reason I'm telling this story after I specifically told Mikie we "would never speak of this again" is because... Well, he told everyone!
Blog Linkage - I just have one blog I want you to check out today.
Click on "tara whitney photography" and look carefully at the pictures taken of McKenna and her Dad, Jeff, under "Friday Night" dated February 15. (You'll have to scroll down a little.) Then read what Tara writes about the two of them. It's a beautiful reminder of savoring the "little" things life has to offer. Loved it!
50 Dates
Here are 25 more dates. There has to be something in this list you and your hubby can enjoy together!
26. Go hiking. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner.
27. Go to open houses. You may want to research for some ahead of time.
28. Get disposable cameras and go sight-seeing in your own town.
29. Ride the bus around the nearest large city. (Now that would be an adventure, wouldn't it?)
30. Have a progressive fast food dinner (bread sticks at Pizza Hut, salad at Wendy's, etc.).
31. Donate blood together. (I'm sorry. I just thought this one was funny. When I go on a date, the main objective is not to come home bandaged!)
32. Go to an interesting location like a gazebo, park lake, or parking lot and order a pizza.
33. Ride go-carts. (I love this one. I am AWESOME in a go-cart. And I think that non-bumping rule is for sissies.)
34. Have a Paris theme night. Get a baguette, some non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, and cheese for dessert.
35. Play board games. (We love backgammon.)
36. Do a volunteer activity together.
37. Take ballroom dancing lessons. (We did this a couple of months after we married. It was so much fun.)
38. Go to the driving range.
39. Go kayaking.
40. Visit the pumpkin patch.
41. Go to a play (local theater or the Broadway series).
42. Visit a place listed in an entertainment book.
43. Visit another nearby city.
44. Go to a college basketball game.
45. Go to a book signing of a favorite author.
46. Visit an animal shelter and pick out a new puppy.
47. Take a trip to the hobby store, and pick out a project to work on together.
48. Take a walk around a lake in the moonlight.
49. Go to an ethnic festival.
50. Visit the zoo. (My favorite. And don't forget to ride the train!)
Have a tremendous Thursday. Tonight we have a band concert at the new school. We are so excited to finally be sitting in nice, comfortable auditorium seats instead of the bleachers. YEA! And, of course, when we get home... Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains! Yes. It's going to be a very good Thursday. I can feel it!
Check back Friday for Weekend Happenings.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from our Valentine's Day Banquet Sunday night. Basically, it is a big ol' pink breakfast, but we like it and it's fun.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Three
Yes. Mike was very... hmmm... what's the term? Enamored? Besotted? Crazy about? Anyway, he really, really liked this chick... and I was getting really, really tired of hearing about their dates, etc. So, I kind of backed out of the picture. Not in a bad way. I just went about my business without Mikie.
A month or so later when the relationship ended because (EXCUSE ME) he wasn't dating the person God wanted him to date, we were able to pick up where we left off in our friendship. But, I was no longer happy JUST being Mikie's friend. It was pretty frustrating.
During this "frustrating" time, Mike's best "guy" friend and roommate (who was also a good friend of mine) called me. Kerry had talked to Mike about dating me. It was apparent to all of our friends that Mike and I were supposed to be "together," and Kerry wanted to know what I thought. I agreed. Then Kerry told me some unsettling news. He had already to talked to Mike about asking me out... and Mike had said no. "We are best friends. If something goes wrong, it will mess up everything."
I told Kerry I would handle the situation.
I called Mike and asked him over for Sunday dinner. I cooked a slow cooker pot roast with all the fixings. (I loved my slow cooker even back in my single chick days.) I set the table and had a flower centerpiece. I had candles even though it was in the middle of the day. My presentation was dead on!
This wasn't Mike's first pot roast Sunday dinner at my apartment, but I made sure it had a little extra! As he sat in the den watching the races on TV, I fixed the glasses, etc. and worked up my courage to talk to him. My roommate was due back from church any minute, so what I had to say had to be said quickly and succinctly.
"Mike. Stay on the couch. Do not get up," I yelled from the kitchen.
"Uh. Okay." I could hear the confusion in his voice.
"Why don't you ask me out on a date?" I yelled again.
I heard the couch squeak. A sure sign someone was getting up when he had been told NOT to move.
"Do NOT come in here," I repeated.
The couch squeaked again. He had sat down. "Well. What if it didn't work out? It would ruin everything. It would make everything awkward at church. It would make everything awkward with our friends. It would just be awful."
"You're wasting a lot of time and money dating a bunch of girls you are NOT supposed to be with. If it doesn't work out, we'll deal with it, but we both know we're supposed to be dating each other."
Another squeak. "I'm not telling you again. Sit down! Do not come in here."
And then I put his mind at ease. "I've thought about the church thing. If for some reason we're wrong and we're not supposed to be together, you will have to go to Dawson. They have a good Singles Department and their pastor is wonderful. I know several people who go there, and I will introduce you to them if it gets to that point."
He started laughing then, so I had to add, "I am NOT kidding."
And then he was at the kitchen door. "Okay. You're right. We need to be dating." And he was smiling and looking amused, and instead of feeling happy and triumphant, I was just mad.
"Since you didn't handle this part well, I expect you to take over from here, and I'll be waiting for your call. I'm not supposed to ask you to ask me out. You're going to have to man-up!" (I may not have used that exact term, but you get the idea!)
"So I don't get Sunday lunch?"
"You may have Sunday lunch, but then you must leave and we will never speak of this again."
In walked my roommate, and we sat down to pot roast and fixings and one of the strangest meals I've ever shared with Mike Faulkner.
When I walked him to the door, he smiled and said, "I'll be calling you soon."
To which I replied, "Whatever."
You would think with that auspicious beginning, everything would just fall into place, wouldn't you? We still had to overcome a few bumps in the road, but we'll talk about those tomorrow.
Oh, and the only reason I'm telling this story after I specifically told Mikie we "would never speak of this again" is because... Well, he told everyone!
Blog Linkage - I just have one blog I want you to check out today.
Click on "tara whitney photography" and look carefully at the pictures taken of McKenna and her Dad, Jeff, under "Friday Night" dated February 15. (You'll have to scroll down a little.) Then read what Tara writes about the two of them. It's a beautiful reminder of savoring the "little" things life has to offer. Loved it!
50 Dates
Here are 25 more dates. There has to be something in this list you and your hubby can enjoy together!
26. Go hiking. Bring a picnic lunch or dinner.
27. Go to open houses. You may want to research for some ahead of time.
28. Get disposable cameras and go sight-seeing in your own town.
29. Ride the bus around the nearest large city. (Now that would be an adventure, wouldn't it?)
30. Have a progressive fast food dinner (bread sticks at Pizza Hut, salad at Wendy's, etc.).
31. Donate blood together. (I'm sorry. I just thought this one was funny. When I go on a date, the main objective is not to come home bandaged!)
32. Go to an interesting location like a gazebo, park lake, or parking lot and order a pizza.
33. Ride go-carts. (I love this one. I am AWESOME in a go-cart. And I think that non-bumping rule is for sissies.)
34. Have a Paris theme night. Get a baguette, some non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, and cheese for dessert.
35. Play board games. (We love backgammon.)
36. Do a volunteer activity together.
37. Take ballroom dancing lessons. (We did this a couple of months after we married. It was so much fun.)
38. Go to the driving range.
39. Go kayaking.
40. Visit the pumpkin patch.
41. Go to a play (local theater or the Broadway series).
42. Visit a place listed in an entertainment book.
43. Visit another nearby city.
44. Go to a college basketball game.
45. Go to a book signing of a favorite author.
46. Visit an animal shelter and pick out a new puppy.
47. Take a trip to the hobby store, and pick out a project to work on together.
48. Take a walk around a lake in the moonlight.
49. Go to an ethnic festival.
50. Visit the zoo. (My favorite. And don't forget to ride the train!)
Have a tremendous Thursday. Tonight we have a band concert at the new school. We are so excited to finally be sitting in nice, comfortable auditorium seats instead of the bleachers. YEA! And, of course, when we get home... Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains! Yes. It's going to be a very good Thursday. I can feel it!
Check back Friday for Weekend Happenings.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
50 Dates
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are from Zac's 12th birthday party held last Sunday (a little early). His birthday celebrations are always fun because he still gets "wrapped" gifts instead of a pile of cards with money. I LOVE wrapped gifts. And truthfully, so does everyone else because even the adults wanted to play with his remote control helicopter and other cool toys. (Money is highly overrated. That being said, never buy me a remote control ANYTHING... I'll take the cash.)
My weekly date with Mikie was fun, yet simple. I am convinced the best time to celebrate Mother's Day is the weekend AFTER Mother's Day (absolutely NO lines anywhere), and the best time to celebrate Valentine's Day is in the middle of the week a few days AFTER February 14. We walked into our movie and sat down with six other people. We ate dinner after the movie at Waffle House. (I know. How romantic!) But it was romantic... and we had fun... and I had a BLT which I had been craving for quite some time. So there!
Roxie attended the Heart to Heart Banquet our church held for the 6th to 11th grade girls. The Senior girls served. Roxie absolutely loved this banquet. On the way to school this morning, she was still talking about the speaker (Denise), the message and all the fun the girls had together. It was a huge hit!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Two
Let's see. Where did I leave off? Oh, yes. I was in the balcony of Shades Mountain Baptist Church with my friend, Kelley. She had just pointed out Mike, as well as her friend, Alesia, who we were to meet after the service.
Alesia turned out to be very established in the Singles Department at the church, and we met literally dozens of people our first two Sundays visiting there. Kelley, Alesia, and another girl, Celeste, and I became close friends, and it wasn't long until we were doing EVERYTHING together. Beach trips, shopping, movies, more shopping, out to eat, and even more shopping. Many of our activities were "group" activities, and along with Kelley, Alesia and Celeste we had many other friends (male and female) in our core group. Mikie was one of our guy friends.
Mike and I hit it off immediately. He was incredibly easy to talk to, and he was fun to be around. He was considerate and sweet. He was a good listener... and I was a good talker.
Over our next three years together at Shades Mountain, he became my best male friend. Also, during our next three years together at Shades Mountain, it became obvious Mike's one and only goal was to date as many nice, Christian women as possible. And this was a goal he met!
It honestly did not bother me. Many times after a date, Mike would call and we would talk about anything and everything. I knew his story from beginning to present, and he knew mine. Because we were going on trips and retreats with the Singles Department, he had definitely seen me with no make-up, little sleep, and very grumpy, and I could say the same of him. Well, except the no make-up part. As far as I know, Mike has never worn make-up. (That would have been a deal breaker.) It didn't matter. We were friends.
I can remember the first time it bothered me when he called after a date. The girl he was dating at the time was wonderful, and she was a friend of mine. (Not close, but a friend.) Mike really enjoyed dating this particular girl, and she obviously, enjoyed his company, too.
At the time, I wouldn't have said I was jealous, but looking back, I'm sure I was. I was not livid or pouty or incredibly sad, but it definitely DID bother me... and up to this point, who Mike chose to date had never bothered me at all.
He, of course, was oblivious, and when he asked me my opinion of whether they should continue to date, I found myself hesitant to answer honestly... because I had to admit, the honest answer would have been, "NO! Are you insane? Open your eyes, man!"
Instead, I deferred and asked him what he thought. HUGE mistake. Having to listen to him go on and on and on for an hour or so about how this girl was SO wonderful and SO sweet and SO funny and SO cute was pure torture. And it was only made worse because she was definitely all of those things and more. I even thought so!
It was probably the first time I was happy when he said, "Well, good-bye," and we were able to end that very one-sided conversation.
Tomorrow, things turn around a little, but only because I took matters into my own hands (which, by the way, I do NOT recommend).
Wednesday Wisdom - Of course, today's quotes will be about first dates. There aren't too many good ones to choose from, so I guess you all know what I'll be working on the rest of today... First Date Quotes!
"If you think there are no new frontiers, watch a boy ring the front doorbell on his first date." Olin Miller. (I only know how it felt from the other side of the door.)
"I can't imagine dating a boy, meeting him only outside the home. What's a home and family for if it's not the center of one's life?" Loretta Young. (Being a mother of boys, I love this quote. I know many would consider it "old-fashioned," but I also am a lover of all things "old-fashioned.")
50 Dates
Since Mikie and I are trying to date weekly (and I emphasize the word "trying"), I thought today AND tomorrow I'd share 50 Dates to keep it interesting AND fun AND affordable. Below are the first 25 Dates...
1. Pick a good TV show, get a whole season on DVD and set a time to watch it (ALONE) together each week.
2. How about dinner and then stargazing at the planetarium's evening show?
3. Try brunch and a matinee. Fancy restaurants are more affordable in the morning.
4. Pick up an order of your favorite fast food and head for the drive-in.
5. Museums usually have one free night a week.
6. Hit the local arcade. (I know I'm considered older than dirt by the "arcade crowd," but Mikie and I both love pinball! I would definitely do this.)
7. Head to the highest point in town. Spend an early evening watching the twinkling lights turn on. (Take a picnic basket of sandwiches, drinks and snacks.)
8. Leisurely walk through your local botanical garden.
9. Sign up for a one-night class at your local college (TOGETHER). (Mikie would LOVE this. Me... not so much.)
10. Hit a farmers' market and look for dinner you can cook together.
11. Hit a flea market.
12. Take a tour of garage sales in the ritziest neighborhoods.
13. Don't you just drive each other up the wall sometimes? Prove it... at an indoor climbing gym.
14. Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun.
15. Poke around an antique shop.
16. Stop at a fancy bakery and pick out a tasty treat for each other.
17. Feed the ducks at the pond.
18. Frisbee. Try throwing it around in a park.
19. Rent a tandem bike and go for a ride.
20. Get up early, fix a pot of coffee and watch the sunrise.
21. Head to a batting cage and swing at some balls.
22. Hit the bowling alley.
23. Get in the saddle for a horseback-riding lesson or a trail ride.
24. Map out a long bike ride through a local park.
25. Go play paintball.
Mike and I have done most of these things with the kids, but only 11 out of 25 ALONE as a date (since the kids arrived). We need to get busy! There will be more ideas for dating fun tomorrow.
Have an exceptionally good Wednesday. I cannot believe it is already the middle of the week. Friday will be here before we know it. Come back tomorrow for Blog Linkage and 25 more fun date ideas. Oh, and I'll be telling a little more of The Mikie and Belinda Story. (It was on the New York Times' Best Seller List for over four weeks, you know.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are from Zac's 12th birthday party held last Sunday (a little early). His birthday celebrations are always fun because he still gets "wrapped" gifts instead of a pile of cards with money. I LOVE wrapped gifts. And truthfully, so does everyone else because even the adults wanted to play with his remote control helicopter and other cool toys. (Money is highly overrated. That being said, never buy me a remote control ANYTHING... I'll take the cash.)
My weekly date with Mikie was fun, yet simple. I am convinced the best time to celebrate Mother's Day is the weekend AFTER Mother's Day (absolutely NO lines anywhere), and the best time to celebrate Valentine's Day is in the middle of the week a few days AFTER February 14. We walked into our movie and sat down with six other people. We ate dinner after the movie at Waffle House. (I know. How romantic!) But it was romantic... and we had fun... and I had a BLT which I had been craving for quite some time. So there!
Roxie attended the Heart to Heart Banquet our church held for the 6th to 11th grade girls. The Senior girls served. Roxie absolutely loved this banquet. On the way to school this morning, she was still talking about the speaker (Denise), the message and all the fun the girls had together. It was a huge hit!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part Two
Let's see. Where did I leave off? Oh, yes. I was in the balcony of Shades Mountain Baptist Church with my friend, Kelley. She had just pointed out Mike, as well as her friend, Alesia, who we were to meet after the service.
Alesia turned out to be very established in the Singles Department at the church, and we met literally dozens of people our first two Sundays visiting there. Kelley, Alesia, and another girl, Celeste, and I became close friends, and it wasn't long until we were doing EVERYTHING together. Beach trips, shopping, movies, more shopping, out to eat, and even more shopping. Many of our activities were "group" activities, and along with Kelley, Alesia and Celeste we had many other friends (male and female) in our core group. Mikie was one of our guy friends.
Mike and I hit it off immediately. He was incredibly easy to talk to, and he was fun to be around. He was considerate and sweet. He was a good listener... and I was a good talker.
Over our next three years together at Shades Mountain, he became my best male friend. Also, during our next three years together at Shades Mountain, it became obvious Mike's one and only goal was to date as many nice, Christian women as possible. And this was a goal he met!
It honestly did not bother me. Many times after a date, Mike would call and we would talk about anything and everything. I knew his story from beginning to present, and he knew mine. Because we were going on trips and retreats with the Singles Department, he had definitely seen me with no make-up, little sleep, and very grumpy, and I could say the same of him. Well, except the no make-up part. As far as I know, Mike has never worn make-up. (That would have been a deal breaker.) It didn't matter. We were friends.
I can remember the first time it bothered me when he called after a date. The girl he was dating at the time was wonderful, and she was a friend of mine. (Not close, but a friend.) Mike really enjoyed dating this particular girl, and she obviously, enjoyed his company, too.
At the time, I wouldn't have said I was jealous, but looking back, I'm sure I was. I was not livid or pouty or incredibly sad, but it definitely DID bother me... and up to this point, who Mike chose to date had never bothered me at all.
He, of course, was oblivious, and when he asked me my opinion of whether they should continue to date, I found myself hesitant to answer honestly... because I had to admit, the honest answer would have been, "NO! Are you insane? Open your eyes, man!"
Instead, I deferred and asked him what he thought. HUGE mistake. Having to listen to him go on and on and on for an hour or so about how this girl was SO wonderful and SO sweet and SO funny and SO cute was pure torture. And it was only made worse because she was definitely all of those things and more. I even thought so!
It was probably the first time I was happy when he said, "Well, good-bye," and we were able to end that very one-sided conversation.
Tomorrow, things turn around a little, but only because I took matters into my own hands (which, by the way, I do NOT recommend).
Wednesday Wisdom - Of course, today's quotes will be about first dates. There aren't too many good ones to choose from, so I guess you all know what I'll be working on the rest of today... First Date Quotes!
"If you think there are no new frontiers, watch a boy ring the front doorbell on his first date." Olin Miller. (I only know how it felt from the other side of the door.)
"I can't imagine dating a boy, meeting him only outside the home. What's a home and family for if it's not the center of one's life?" Loretta Young. (Being a mother of boys, I love this quote. I know many would consider it "old-fashioned," but I also am a lover of all things "old-fashioned.")
50 Dates
Since Mikie and I are trying to date weekly (and I emphasize the word "trying"), I thought today AND tomorrow I'd share 50 Dates to keep it interesting AND fun AND affordable. Below are the first 25 Dates...
1. Pick a good TV show, get a whole season on DVD and set a time to watch it (ALONE) together each week.
2. How about dinner and then stargazing at the planetarium's evening show?
3. Try brunch and a matinee. Fancy restaurants are more affordable in the morning.
4. Pick up an order of your favorite fast food and head for the drive-in.
5. Museums usually have one free night a week.
6. Hit the local arcade. (I know I'm considered older than dirt by the "arcade crowd," but Mikie and I both love pinball! I would definitely do this.)
7. Head to the highest point in town. Spend an early evening watching the twinkling lights turn on. (Take a picnic basket of sandwiches, drinks and snacks.)
8. Leisurely walk through your local botanical garden.
9. Sign up for a one-night class at your local college (TOGETHER). (Mikie would LOVE this. Me... not so much.)
10. Hit a farmers' market and look for dinner you can cook together.
11. Hit a flea market.
12. Take a tour of garage sales in the ritziest neighborhoods.
13. Don't you just drive each other up the wall sometimes? Prove it... at an indoor climbing gym.
14. Head to an ice skating rink and strap on skates for some icy fun.
15. Poke around an antique shop.
16. Stop at a fancy bakery and pick out a tasty treat for each other.
17. Feed the ducks at the pond.
18. Frisbee. Try throwing it around in a park.
19. Rent a tandem bike and go for a ride.
20. Get up early, fix a pot of coffee and watch the sunrise.
21. Head to a batting cage and swing at some balls.
22. Hit the bowling alley.
23. Get in the saddle for a horseback-riding lesson or a trail ride.
24. Map out a long bike ride through a local park.
25. Go play paintball.
Mike and I have done most of these things with the kids, but only 11 out of 25 ALONE as a date (since the kids arrived). We need to get busy! There will be more ideas for dating fun tomorrow.
Have an exceptionally good Wednesday. I cannot believe it is already the middle of the week. Friday will be here before we know it. Come back tomorrow for Blog Linkage and 25 more fun date ideas. Oh, and I'll be telling a little more of The Mikie and Belinda Story. (It was on the New York Times' Best Seller List for over four weeks, you know.)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Chicken Gumbo
Good Tuesday morning!
Believe it or not, after our wonderful, snowy four-day weekend, I received a call at 5:38 a.m. this morning saying school would be delayed until 10:00 a.m. because of road conditions. (Did I mention it started snowing AGAIN last night?) That was fine with me. After I recovered from the heart attack I had at 5:38 a.m. this morning because the phone rang, and it had to be HORRIBLE news, I rolled over and went to sleep again for two more glorious hours. Other than summer vacation, the only thing better than a four-day weekend is a four-day weekend... plus two hours! We'll take it!
The Gallery Pics are from Mr. Faulkner's birthday celebration last Saturday. I have too many pictures from this weekend to post them all in one day. We're going to have to spread them out a little.
NOTE #1 - We have some Newbies on the blog, so I'll refer you to my sidebar. Click on Newbie Info for intricate "How To" instructions.
NOTE #2 - Also, if you are a Newbie, please read Josh's Journey (also listed on my sidebar). It's the main reason I started A Simple Life.
NOTE #3 - We'll be introducing our March Special Guest Monday, March 1. She's working on questions as this "goes to press." Hints will be forthcoming next week.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part One
I am almost 100% certain I have already written about how Mikie and I came to be, but it's not in last February's posts (the Love Month) and it's not in last January's posts (our anniversary), so I'm going to share a little of our story THIS February, and hope I don't bore you to tears. (If nothing else, there's a good Chicken Gumbo recipe below!)
Mikie and I met at Shades Mountain Baptist Church when we were both 22 years-old. I had recently moved to Hoover into an apartment with a roommate, was working as a legal secretary downtown, and I was looking for a new church home.
I had grown up in a smaller church in Trussville, so leaving the familiar and comfortable behind was exciting, but also terrifying. Thankfully, I had a friend from my law firm who was also looking for a church home, and she was more than willing to accompany me to Shades.
Our first Sunday morning there, my friend, Kelley, and I sat on the front row of the balcony overlooking what was then the largest church I had EVER seen in my life. How would we ever meet people? The Sunday School classes must have at least 100 people or more in each class. It was just too big. It was just too scary. It was just too... interesting. My goodness. It was a people-watcher's dream!
Kelley already knew some people who attended the church. Her childhood friend, Alesia, was a member of the Singles Department at Shades, and we were supposed to meet her as soon as the service was over. As we were waiting for the service to start, Kelley leaned over and whispered, "There he is." She had recently been on a date with a young man from Shades, but they both knew after the date they were supposed to be friends.
"Which one?" I asked, and she pointed out a very nicely-dressed guy with a mustache talking to a group of people below us. I watched as he threw his head back laughing and took a seat with several other people.
"He's cute," I whispered back.
"He's really sweet, too," she said. "Oh, and he's sitting a few seats down from Alesia." I then turned my attention to Alesia and the other people sitting next to her. Little did I know, that packed pew of people would impact the rest of my life in such a sweet and wonderful way.
And little did I know, I would one day be writing a little story about meeting a cute guy with a mustache who threw his head back while laughing that very Sunday morning.
Because, you see, I met my husband that day... as well as several of my groomsmen and bridesmaids. It's pretty wonderful how God works, isn't it?
I wish I could say we met, dated, and married within a year, but our storybook wedding was almost four years away from that first meeting. And I'll share more details tomorrow.
Chicken Gumbo
In honor of Mardi Gras (and people who do not cook gumbo with a lot of seafood ingredients), I found a Chicken Gumbo recipe I think will do the trick. I know it has a lot of ingredients... but it makes up for it because you just throw EVERYTHING into the slow cooker. It's okay. Really.
You will need:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2" pieces)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra (thawed)
2 links diced andouille sausage
1 cup chopped onions
2 chopped celery stalks
1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups reduced-sodium tomato juice
2 cups cooked rice
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken and all remaining ingredients except the rice. Mix well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Serve over rice.
See? The ingredients may be a little voluminous, but you can't beat the directions! And when you take into consideration 9 out of the 17 ingredients are just a 1/2 teaspoon of this or a 1/4 teaspoon of that, it is not that difficult a recipe, is it?
This recipe was borrowed from www.foodnetwork.com.
I'm fixing the Chicken Gumbo, Dirty Beans and Rice (or is it Dirty Rice and Beans... hmmm) and a King Cake Friday night for some friends coming over. We're going to do Mardi Gras a little later than normal, but I think it will still be fun. I'll have pictures next week. (And for my friends who are coming for dinner... and who may be reading this... and are now worried about the menu, there will be hot dogs in slow cooker #2... and did I say King Cake? If worse comes to worse, we'll just have cake!
Have a fabulous Tuesday. Mikie and I are going to attempt to have our weekly date tonight. (That's three out of three! We're doing great so far. Only 48 weeks to go!) Tomorrow's post will have a fun Seasonal Tradition, as well as Wednesday Wisdom. Part Two of The Mikie and Belinda story will be posted, also. I know you can't wait!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Believe it or not, after our wonderful, snowy four-day weekend, I received a call at 5:38 a.m. this morning saying school would be delayed until 10:00 a.m. because of road conditions. (Did I mention it started snowing AGAIN last night?) That was fine with me. After I recovered from the heart attack I had at 5:38 a.m. this morning because the phone rang, and it had to be HORRIBLE news, I rolled over and went to sleep again for two more glorious hours. Other than summer vacation, the only thing better than a four-day weekend is a four-day weekend... plus two hours! We'll take it!
The Gallery Pics are from Mr. Faulkner's birthday celebration last Saturday. I have too many pictures from this weekend to post them all in one day. We're going to have to spread them out a little.
NOTE #1 - We have some Newbies on the blog, so I'll refer you to my sidebar. Click on Newbie Info for intricate "How To" instructions.
NOTE #2 - Also, if you are a Newbie, please read Josh's Journey (also listed on my sidebar). It's the main reason I started A Simple Life.
NOTE #3 - We'll be introducing our March Special Guest Monday, March 1. She's working on questions as this "goes to press." Hints will be forthcoming next week.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - The Mikie and Belinda Story - Part One
I am almost 100% certain I have already written about how Mikie and I came to be, but it's not in last February's posts (the Love Month) and it's not in last January's posts (our anniversary), so I'm going to share a little of our story THIS February, and hope I don't bore you to tears. (If nothing else, there's a good Chicken Gumbo recipe below!)
Mikie and I met at Shades Mountain Baptist Church when we were both 22 years-old. I had recently moved to Hoover into an apartment with a roommate, was working as a legal secretary downtown, and I was looking for a new church home.
I had grown up in a smaller church in Trussville, so leaving the familiar and comfortable behind was exciting, but also terrifying. Thankfully, I had a friend from my law firm who was also looking for a church home, and she was more than willing to accompany me to Shades.
Our first Sunday morning there, my friend, Kelley, and I sat on the front row of the balcony overlooking what was then the largest church I had EVER seen in my life. How would we ever meet people? The Sunday School classes must have at least 100 people or more in each class. It was just too big. It was just too scary. It was just too... interesting. My goodness. It was a people-watcher's dream!
Kelley already knew some people who attended the church. Her childhood friend, Alesia, was a member of the Singles Department at Shades, and we were supposed to meet her as soon as the service was over. As we were waiting for the service to start, Kelley leaned over and whispered, "There he is." She had recently been on a date with a young man from Shades, but they both knew after the date they were supposed to be friends.
"Which one?" I asked, and she pointed out a very nicely-dressed guy with a mustache talking to a group of people below us. I watched as he threw his head back laughing and took a seat with several other people.
"He's cute," I whispered back.
"He's really sweet, too," she said. "Oh, and he's sitting a few seats down from Alesia." I then turned my attention to Alesia and the other people sitting next to her. Little did I know, that packed pew of people would impact the rest of my life in such a sweet and wonderful way.
And little did I know, I would one day be writing a little story about meeting a cute guy with a mustache who threw his head back while laughing that very Sunday morning.
Because, you see, I met my husband that day... as well as several of my groomsmen and bridesmaids. It's pretty wonderful how God works, isn't it?
I wish I could say we met, dated, and married within a year, but our storybook wedding was almost four years away from that first meeting. And I'll share more details tomorrow.
Chicken Gumbo
In honor of Mardi Gras (and people who do not cook gumbo with a lot of seafood ingredients), I found a Chicken Gumbo recipe I think will do the trick. I know it has a lot of ingredients... but it makes up for it because you just throw EVERYTHING into the slow cooker. It's okay. Really.
You will need:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2" pieces)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra (thawed)
2 links diced andouille sausage
1 cup chopped onions
2 chopped celery stalks
1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups reduced-sodium tomato juice
2 cups cooked rice
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken and all remaining ingredients except the rice. Mix well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
2. Serve over rice.
See? The ingredients may be a little voluminous, but you can't beat the directions! And when you take into consideration 9 out of the 17 ingredients are just a 1/2 teaspoon of this or a 1/4 teaspoon of that, it is not that difficult a recipe, is it?
This recipe was borrowed from www.foodnetwork.com.
I'm fixing the Chicken Gumbo, Dirty Beans and Rice (or is it Dirty Rice and Beans... hmmm) and a King Cake Friday night for some friends coming over. We're going to do Mardi Gras a little later than normal, but I think it will still be fun. I'll have pictures next week. (And for my friends who are coming for dinner... and who may be reading this... and are now worried about the menu, there will be hot dogs in slow cooker #2... and did I say King Cake? If worse comes to worse, we'll just have cake!
Have a fabulous Tuesday. Mikie and I are going to attempt to have our weekly date tonight. (That's three out of three! We're doing great so far. Only 48 weeks to go!) Tomorrow's post will have a fun Seasonal Tradition, as well as Wednesday Wisdom. Part Two of The Mikie and Belinda story will be posted, also. I know you can't wait!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Mardi Gras Party
Good Monday morning!
We actually thought we would wake up to snow, but we were a little too cocky, I think. It's okay though. Everyone is still talking about the wonderful snowy day we enjoyed ALL day Friday. Those memories will last us a while.
Which brings me to my Showcase Pic. That's right. A pretty snow scene.
The Gallery Pics contain the rest of the snow day pictures I took Friday. (I'll be sharing Mr. Faulkner's birthday, Zac's birthday, our Valentine Banquet, etc. as the week continues. There is no sense using ALL 49 of my pictures in one day!
Weekend Review
I woke up a sceptic Friday morning, but I went to bed Friday night a believer! Lots of snow (for us), but we kept our electricity and the roads were clear. Perfect! We were able to eat at Chick-Fil-A AND go sledding AND warm up in a nice warm house when it was all said and done.
Austin DID get to chaperone the 7th grade boys on the Knoxville Mission Trip. He was 15 minutes late because of wrecks on the back roads of Jacksonville (trying to get to the interstate), but around 99 people cheerfully waited on him before the buses pulled out. He ran in my front door... I shoved a packed duffel bag in his face... he kissed/head bumped me on the forehead... and he ran out the door. (It was one our sweeter mother/son moments!) He had a wonderful time.
Roxie's dance remained canceled, but she was happy because she still spent time with friends all day Friday.
Mike and Josh did NOT go to the Car Show Friday night. They opted for a guy movie, and I crawled into my nice warm bed very early Friday night... and pretended we were in the mountains.
Saturday was spent in Oxford with Mike's family celebrating Mr. Faulkner's 83rd birthday. We ate, talked and played Wii for several hours. They even let me Wii Bowl again... as long as Matthew (my great-nephew) was not in the room. (This is in reference to Christmas when he walked behind me while I was bowling and I hit him in the forehead... hard. Really, really hard. I got a strike, but I'll never forget how he looked at me after I smacked him. When you ACCIDENTALLY hit a baby in the head, even a strike in Wii bowling doesn't make you feel better. Well, not a lot better.)
Sunday we went to church and then we were off to my sister's for a birthday celebration for my nephew, Zac. Since I am officially his 8th day of the "12 Days of Zac," he spent the night with us and today we are taking him to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I'm looking forward to seeing that movie. It looks like a good one.
Last night we waited until Austin arrived home from the Mission Trip (around 7:30), and had our family Valentine's Day Banquet. As I stated in Project 365, I'm not sure how much longer this tradition will last for all five of us. We're on a year-by-year basis now, but I was glad we had at least one more year. It was fun to be able to include Zac in the festivities, too.
That's it. Some of the things I had planned for the weekend took place. Actually, most of them "came to be." And we had a few surprises along the way (sledding invitation, etc.) which were so much fun.
It was a good weekend, and I'm thankful it isn't quite over for me, Josh, Roxie and Zac. Four day weekends are the next best thing to summer.
Mardi Gras Party
I've never been to Mardi Gras, and I have to admit it is not on my "List of Things To Do Before I'm 90." That being said, I wouldn't mind learning a little more about this event (which is celebrated February 16 this year), AND maybe having a King Cake at the house. (I think purple and green cakes are pretty... and I LOVE when surprises are baked in a cake, don't you?)
The purpose of Mardi Gras is to partake of food, drink and fun before the beginning of fasting for the Catholic holiday Lent. (Being a Southern Baptist, this would probably explain why I've never celebrated Mardi Gras. But even though I'm a Southern Baptist, I still like to experience and learn about new cultures, customs and traditions. And let's face it. Anything nicknamed "Fat Tuesday" can't be all bad!)
1. Leave this invitation on everyone's pillow in your home. Buy regular-sized chocolate bars. Carefully remove the label. If there is not a foil wrapper on it, wrap it neatly in aluminum foil. Take gold or yellow construction paper, and cut it to size so it will wrap around the chocolate bar. Write your party invitation with green and purple pens or markers and wrap the paper around the bar with the information on the inside. On the outside of the label, write the words, "Laissez les bon temps rouler," which means, "Let the good times roll." (This is going to be my new mantra this week. It is just so free-spirited... so "un-me.")
2. Here are some tips for decorations... Traditional colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple and gold, so you'll want to include as many of these colors as possible. Hang holiday lights around the room if you can find a set in a single color. Green is usually easy to find around Christmas. Use purple and gold streamers, and try to find your table cloths and table settings in the traditional colors.
Go to Party City and buy some solid colored face masks (the ones that cover the eyes and nose). Coat them with craft glue and lay them in a foil tray filled with gold glitter. Hang them around the room.
Get green, gold or purple Christmas ball ornaments. Tack a string or clothes line across a wall. Hang the ornaments on the string so that they are right next to each other, touching. This garland will look like a giant string of popular Mardi Gras beads.
Make a centerpiece by putting floral foam in a bowl or basket and stuffing the mouthpiece of the noisemakers into the foam. They will stand up like a noisemaker bouquet. The kids can take them out of the centerpiece to toot during (or after) the celebration.
3. Have some New Orleans brass band music or Cajun country music playing during the party. If you don't have a certain theme party music (cowboy, Hawaiian, Cajun country, etc.), you can call the Birmingham Public Library and they have a huge selection. They will even tell you over the telephone if they have something there and hold it for you. You check music out just like a book!
4. The following are some activities and games for this great party:
Everyone can make their own Mardi Gras masks. You can purchase pre-made plastic, cardboard or foam mask shapes, and have an assortment of decorating materials: craft glue, beads, markers (paints will take too long to dry), fabric scraps, and, of course, a big bag of assorted colored craft feathers. They can wear their masks during the party.
Play "pass the baby." This is a game like "hot potato," only using the traditional Mardi Gras baby, which stems from the celebration's religious roots. Play music, and have everyone pass around the baby. Whoever is holding the baby when the music stops is out. Keep going until one winner emerges. You may wish to "crown" this person with a paper crown and make them king or queen of the Mardi Gras Ball.
Have a "Treasure Hunt" game. Before the party starts, hide a large quantity of Mardi Gras beads. You can buy Mardi Gras beads at Party City (and they are very inexpensive). Let everyone go on a hunt to find as many as they can. Everyone can wear them with their mask during the party.
5. What to eat? What to eat? Hmmm. Here are a few suggestions.
Go for the traditional Louisiana fare... gumbo, jambalaya or steamed craw fish! If your family and friends are not sea food enthusiasts, try making a chicken gumbo or pork jambalaya with bits of ham and rib meat. Don't forget the dirty beans and rice.
Make colorful punches out of fruit juices, ginger ale and sherbets for your guests.
No Mardi Gras is complete without a traditional "king cake." This delectable pastry cake is decorated with icing and sprinkled with colored green, yellow and purple sugars. If you don't want to make a king cake, make a regular cake and sprinkle the white frosting with pixie stick sugars. Or, line up cup cakes, each sprinkled with a different color sugar on a tray. (You can buy "king cakes" at Wal-Mart or local bakeries the week before Mardi Gras.)
You can plan this JUST for your family, or invite another family to participate. The more the merrier!
The idea for this party came from www.essortment.com.
ANNOUNCEMENT - For more Mardi Gras party ideas, check out my comment section (the first comment) from my friend, Jennifer. If she's throwing her 9th Mardi Gras party for 100 or so people, I think the girl knows what she's talking about, don't you? Thank you, Jennifer.
Have a fantastic Monday! I hope if you're out of school you enjoy every minute of your day off. I know we will! Tomorrow I have a fun main course recipe and I might have some Randomness to share... or a Topic of the Day. Since it is still the "Love Month," I may regale you with the story of how Mikie and I came to be. You never know what will happen on a Tuesday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Free-Spirited Belinda
We actually thought we would wake up to snow, but we were a little too cocky, I think. It's okay though. Everyone is still talking about the wonderful snowy day we enjoyed ALL day Friday. Those memories will last us a while.
Which brings me to my Showcase Pic. That's right. A pretty snow scene.
The Gallery Pics contain the rest of the snow day pictures I took Friday. (I'll be sharing Mr. Faulkner's birthday, Zac's birthday, our Valentine Banquet, etc. as the week continues. There is no sense using ALL 49 of my pictures in one day!
Weekend Review
I woke up a sceptic Friday morning, but I went to bed Friday night a believer! Lots of snow (for us), but we kept our electricity and the roads were clear. Perfect! We were able to eat at Chick-Fil-A AND go sledding AND warm up in a nice warm house when it was all said and done.
Austin DID get to chaperone the 7th grade boys on the Knoxville Mission Trip. He was 15 minutes late because of wrecks on the back roads of Jacksonville (trying to get to the interstate), but around 99 people cheerfully waited on him before the buses pulled out. He ran in my front door... I shoved a packed duffel bag in his face... he kissed/head bumped me on the forehead... and he ran out the door. (It was one our sweeter mother/son moments!) He had a wonderful time.
Roxie's dance remained canceled, but she was happy because she still spent time with friends all day Friday.
Mike and Josh did NOT go to the Car Show Friday night. They opted for a guy movie, and I crawled into my nice warm bed very early Friday night... and pretended we were in the mountains.
Saturday was spent in Oxford with Mike's family celebrating Mr. Faulkner's 83rd birthday. We ate, talked and played Wii for several hours. They even let me Wii Bowl again... as long as Matthew (my great-nephew) was not in the room. (This is in reference to Christmas when he walked behind me while I was bowling and I hit him in the forehead... hard. Really, really hard. I got a strike, but I'll never forget how he looked at me after I smacked him. When you ACCIDENTALLY hit a baby in the head, even a strike in Wii bowling doesn't make you feel better. Well, not a lot better.)
Sunday we went to church and then we were off to my sister's for a birthday celebration for my nephew, Zac. Since I am officially his 8th day of the "12 Days of Zac," he spent the night with us and today we are taking him to see Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I'm looking forward to seeing that movie. It looks like a good one.
Last night we waited until Austin arrived home from the Mission Trip (around 7:30), and had our family Valentine's Day Banquet. As I stated in Project 365, I'm not sure how much longer this tradition will last for all five of us. We're on a year-by-year basis now, but I was glad we had at least one more year. It was fun to be able to include Zac in the festivities, too.
That's it. Some of the things I had planned for the weekend took place. Actually, most of them "came to be." And we had a few surprises along the way (sledding invitation, etc.) which were so much fun.
It was a good weekend, and I'm thankful it isn't quite over for me, Josh, Roxie and Zac. Four day weekends are the next best thing to summer.
Mardi Gras Party
I've never been to Mardi Gras, and I have to admit it is not on my "List of Things To Do Before I'm 90." That being said, I wouldn't mind learning a little more about this event (which is celebrated February 16 this year), AND maybe having a King Cake at the house. (I think purple and green cakes are pretty... and I LOVE when surprises are baked in a cake, don't you?)
The purpose of Mardi Gras is to partake of food, drink and fun before the beginning of fasting for the Catholic holiday Lent. (Being a Southern Baptist, this would probably explain why I've never celebrated Mardi Gras. But even though I'm a Southern Baptist, I still like to experience and learn about new cultures, customs and traditions. And let's face it. Anything nicknamed "Fat Tuesday" can't be all bad!)
1. Leave this invitation on everyone's pillow in your home. Buy regular-sized chocolate bars. Carefully remove the label. If there is not a foil wrapper on it, wrap it neatly in aluminum foil. Take gold or yellow construction paper, and cut it to size so it will wrap around the chocolate bar. Write your party invitation with green and purple pens or markers and wrap the paper around the bar with the information on the inside. On the outside of the label, write the words, "Laissez les bon temps rouler," which means, "Let the good times roll." (This is going to be my new mantra this week. It is just so free-spirited... so "un-me.")
2. Here are some tips for decorations... Traditional colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple and gold, so you'll want to include as many of these colors as possible. Hang holiday lights around the room if you can find a set in a single color. Green is usually easy to find around Christmas. Use purple and gold streamers, and try to find your table cloths and table settings in the traditional colors.
Go to Party City and buy some solid colored face masks (the ones that cover the eyes and nose). Coat them with craft glue and lay them in a foil tray filled with gold glitter. Hang them around the room.
Get green, gold or purple Christmas ball ornaments. Tack a string or clothes line across a wall. Hang the ornaments on the string so that they are right next to each other, touching. This garland will look like a giant string of popular Mardi Gras beads.
Make a centerpiece by putting floral foam in a bowl or basket and stuffing the mouthpiece of the noisemakers into the foam. They will stand up like a noisemaker bouquet. The kids can take them out of the centerpiece to toot during (or after) the celebration.
3. Have some New Orleans brass band music or Cajun country music playing during the party. If you don't have a certain theme party music (cowboy, Hawaiian, Cajun country, etc.), you can call the Birmingham Public Library and they have a huge selection. They will even tell you over the telephone if they have something there and hold it for you. You check music out just like a book!
4. The following are some activities and games for this great party:
Everyone can make their own Mardi Gras masks. You can purchase pre-made plastic, cardboard or foam mask shapes, and have an assortment of decorating materials: craft glue, beads, markers (paints will take too long to dry), fabric scraps, and, of course, a big bag of assorted colored craft feathers. They can wear their masks during the party.
Play "pass the baby." This is a game like "hot potato," only using the traditional Mardi Gras baby, which stems from the celebration's religious roots. Play music, and have everyone pass around the baby. Whoever is holding the baby when the music stops is out. Keep going until one winner emerges. You may wish to "crown" this person with a paper crown and make them king or queen of the Mardi Gras Ball.
Have a "Treasure Hunt" game. Before the party starts, hide a large quantity of Mardi Gras beads. You can buy Mardi Gras beads at Party City (and they are very inexpensive). Let everyone go on a hunt to find as many as they can. Everyone can wear them with their mask during the party.
5. What to eat? What to eat? Hmmm. Here are a few suggestions.
Go for the traditional Louisiana fare... gumbo, jambalaya or steamed craw fish! If your family and friends are not sea food enthusiasts, try making a chicken gumbo or pork jambalaya with bits of ham and rib meat. Don't forget the dirty beans and rice.
Make colorful punches out of fruit juices, ginger ale and sherbets for your guests.
No Mardi Gras is complete without a traditional "king cake." This delectable pastry cake is decorated with icing and sprinkled with colored green, yellow and purple sugars. If you don't want to make a king cake, make a regular cake and sprinkle the white frosting with pixie stick sugars. Or, line up cup cakes, each sprinkled with a different color sugar on a tray. (You can buy "king cakes" at Wal-Mart or local bakeries the week before Mardi Gras.)
You can plan this JUST for your family, or invite another family to participate. The more the merrier!
The idea for this party came from www.essortment.com.
ANNOUNCEMENT - For more Mardi Gras party ideas, check out my comment section (the first comment) from my friend, Jennifer. If she's throwing her 9th Mardi Gras party for 100 or so people, I think the girl knows what she's talking about, don't you? Thank you, Jennifer.
Have a fantastic Monday! I hope if you're out of school you enjoy every minute of your day off. I know we will! Tomorrow I have a fun main course recipe and I might have some Randomness to share... or a Topic of the Day. Since it is still the "Love Month," I may regale you with the story of how Mikie and I came to be. You never know what will happen on a Tuesday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Free-Spirited Belinda
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Friday...
Finally, some new basketball action shots.
The JV team had two 40-minute games Friday, so I thought I would just go ahead and start filming now!
And here's the obligatory Bryant Tuggle pic. He's a HUGE supporter of our baskeball team. Always has been... always will be. Well, until he gets his own driver's license!
Saturday...
We spent the day with the cousins Saturday. Monica, Amy, Roxie and I shopped at Brookwood, ate at Yolo's and went to the movies (Pirates 4). It was a great day, but the best part was our celebrity sighting...
That's right! Will Ferrell! (Please feel free to use your imagination. I know we did!)
Sunday...
Mikie's 50th Family Birthday Celebration! Everyone knows 50 year-old men LOVE the Green Lantern...and their wives really like Ryan Reynolds! (How cool would it be to have your picture on a birthday party plate package? Another goal, perhaps?)
What do you give a 50 year-old guys for his birthday? Cards... filled with money, Ricky Skaggs' concert tickets, a True Grit DVD and a Red Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Icing (from his Mom). It was a very good day!
Lovely Melia gave him the True Grit DVD. (I LOVE that movie!)
And it wouldn't be a birthday without a hug from Roxie!