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Five Years…

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Today is our oldest daughter Macey’s birthday. She turned five today and it was such an all around amazing day. The weather was terrific and we just had the best day celebrating Macey. Mickey went out bright and early this morning to Dunkin Donuts and got some donuts for us and a coffee for me. We put a candle in a donut for Macey at breakfast this morning. Macey chose her favorite breakfast which is scrambled eggs and cheese grits. My friend Renee and her two kids had invited us to go to the movies with them, so Macey and I went to see “Alvin & the Chipmunks” this morning and had a great time. We came home, had lunch and had some downtime before her party. Then our whole family went to Bounce U for Macey’s party. Even though it’s a holiday week and busy for travel, we still had a nice gathering of Macey’s friends at the party. It was SO much fun!! After the party, we came home for a bit and then went out to Moe’s with our friends Daniel, Shannon and Eden. Macey loves Moe’s and had gotten an email for a free birthday meal, so we cashed that in tonight. We came home, got the girls bathed and watched a bit of “Enchanted” on dvd which was one of Macey’s gifts. The girls are now in bed. When Macey said her prayers tonight, she was thankful for her birthday which was so sweet. It really was a wonderful day all around.

Five years ago, God entrusted Macey to Mickey and me. Our dream of becoming parents had come true. She was simply the most beautiful baby girl either of us had ever seen. We were head over heels in love with her right from the start. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since our sunshine girl was born. These five year have been nothing short of amazingly blessed. We are so very grateful for Macey, Mariana and the awesome joy of parenthood. 🙂

I got tagged again…

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I got blog-tagged again. This time by Wife and Mommy. So, here goes…

Favorite food?
If I had to pick ONE style of food to call my favorite I would say Southern Home-Style. I could make a meal of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, butter beans and biscuits. All homemade, of course. For dessert, I would probably pick pecan pie. I don’t have just one favorite food, but Southern food is comforting to my very soul.

Quirks about you?
I can’t stand having water on my face. I am constantly drying my face off if there is water on it like when swimming. Something about water being on my face makes me crazy.

I have to have covers on me to sleep. Preferably more than just a sheet. So, when it’s hot that’s tricky, but I manage.

I rearrange eggs in the carton so that the carton is “balanced” when I remove eggs from it.

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less?

I am going to ask Mickey this later and edit my post with his answer.

Any regrets in life?
You know, there are things in my life that I wish now that I had not done. But, I am blessed to know that all is forgiven. I hate to have regrets because I got to where I am today by going down the roads of yesterday. I think it’s better to learn the lessons and move forward in a positive direction than to remain hung up on regrets.

Favorite Charity/ Cause?
Lighthouse Family Retreat
The Lighthouse is incredible. I haven’t been on a retreat in a few years, but it will always be near and dear to my heart and I hope to go on another one some day.

Something you can’t get enough of?
Family time

Worst job you’ve ever had?
I worked at McD’s for a very short time my senior year in high school. It was awful. I had $10 stolen from my purse my first night on the job. It was just not a good experience at all.

What job would you pay NOT to have?
I don’t know. If God called me to any job, I believe He’d equip me for it.

If you could be a fly on the wall, where?
I always say I’d like to be a fly on the wall at preschool so I could watch the girls without them seeing me. I love watching them interact with others and it would be so cool to have that opportunity for extended times.

Favorite Bible verse right now?
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails ~ Proverbs 19:21

Guilty Pleasure?
Frappucinos from Sbux. Although today I got an iced coffee because it was free. Gotta love free.

Got any confessions?
I have accomplished almost nothing today and I don’t feel that badly about it. 😉

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it?
I’d update my wardrobe, for starters. I’d also get a massage, faci and pedicure. And, I’d take my husband on a fabulous overnight date night.

Favorite thing about your house?
We just love our house. We love that it has a basement/play room, a study, a family room and a nice big kitchen.

Least favorite thing about your house?
Well, the back yard is coming along, but could still use some major work.

One thing you are bad at?
I am really bad at staying ahead of housework. Or even keeping up remotely.

One thing you’re good at?
I am good at cooking.

If you could change something about your circumstances, what?
I would love to have our home be in another school district. Our elementary school is great which is nice, but our high school zone is not desirable, really. But, we have a few years yet to think about that.

Who would you like to meet someday?
Mark and Katharyn Richt

Who is your real life hero?
Mickey because he is the best husband and family provider I could ever imagine. He does so much for our family and works so hard for us. He’s amazing!!

What is the hardest part of your job?
Keeping the kids from being bored and keeping us from being in the poorhouse.

When are you most relaxed?
When things are in order at home.

What stresses you out?
Big messes which seem to be everywhere

So, if you are reading this and you have a blog…consider yourself TAGGED!!!

RIP UGA VI

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Per a report from ESPN, UGA mascot UGA VI passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2008 from heart failure. The Bulldawg Nation will mourn the loss of this beloved Dawg.

I remember being at the game in 1999 while UGA VI took the helm from his daddy, UGA V. It was a very cool day to be at a UGA game, to say the least. UGA V was a great dog and VI followed right in his paw-prints. He was a fine dawg, indeed.

RIP, UGA. Surely Heaven is air conditioned and has ice packs, just like your Dawg House. You’ll be missed.

Two Delicious Summer Desserts

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I wanted to post and share two of my favorite summertime desserts. Both of these feature a lemonade theme because, really, what says summer more than lemonade, right?

Lemonade Layer Cake
from Cooking Light

Ingredients
Cake:
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups fat-free buttermilk
Cooking spray

Frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 teaspoons thawed lemonade concentrate
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare cake, place first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs and egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; stir well with a whisk. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat well after each addition.

Pour batter into 2 (9-inch) round cake pans coated with cooking spray; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack.

To prepare frosting, place 2 tablespoons butter and the next 4 ingredients (2 tablespoons butter through cream cheese) in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, and beat at low speed just until blended (do not overbeat). Chill 1 hour.

Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator.

Yield: 16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Nutritional Information
CALORIES 322(28% from fat); FAT 9.9g (sat 5.9g,mono 2.9g,poly 0.5g); IRON 1mg; CHOLESTEROL 53mg; CALCIUM 60mg; CARBOHYDRATE 54.1g; SODIUM 293mg; PROTEIN 5g; FIBER 0.5g

Cooking Light, APRIL 2002

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Lemonade Pie

2 ready made graham cracker pie crusts
1 can frozen lemonade
1 regular size tub frozen whipped topping
1 can condensed milk

Mix lemonade, whipped topping and condensed milk together until well blended. Pour into two graham cracker pie crusts. Cover and put in freezer for at least 6 hours. Serve cold.


ENJOY!

Book Review – Healing Stones by Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

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918900: Healing Stones, Sullivan Crisp Series #1 Healing Stones, Sullivan Crisp Series #1

By Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn / Thomas Nelson

When Demetria Costanas finally confronts a fellow professor to tell him that their affair is over, it’s more than the relationship that’s finished. After a photo is delivered to the university president and her husband, she may lose her career and marriage, too! Will sorting things out with Christian counselor Sullivan Crisp help? 400 pages, softcover from Nelson.

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Kelly’s Review:

Healing Stones is one of those novels that drew me in from the very beginning and never let go. The character depth in this novel connects them to reality and gives powerful insight into their lives, faith and struggles. The turmoil and strife for resolution that the main character, Demitria, faces is intense and believable. The back stories and sub plots are also powerful and intriguing. I didn’t want this book to end. The lessons contained were so true for all of  us – even those who will never face the exact same challenges in life. The reminders of God’s infinite grace, love and forgiveness are interwoven beautifully throughout the novel.

I’m glad to know that this is a series. I wasn’t ready for this one to end and I am eager to read more. I recommend this book as a great read!!