Day Twenty-Eight : Zzzzzz....

For some of us, it's just one of those days...

Day Twenty-Seven : I'm Not a Sassy Girl

So says this young lady stiking a pose before soccer practice.

My sweet girl associates the word "sassy" with talking back and bad manners. This is fine-especially if it's not the kind of person she wants to be, let alone called. But I tried explaining that "sassy" is not the same as "sassing". "Sassy" can mean you're a fun, silly person with a good attitude. She looked at me, tilted her head, and puckered her lips as she was thinking.

"Allright. I understand." She went back into the dining room to grab a book to read on our ride to Randolph Field. She stopped, asked to have another picture taken, and did a perky little dance on the way to the car. Before she got in, she touched my hand and looked at me with an earnestness only an eight-year old could give you.

"Mom, I like having a good attitude and I'm happy. But I am not a sassy girl."

God bless her. It seemed to be very important to hear that I agreed with her, so I gave her a hug, which made her smile, and I said,"Okay, sweetie. You're not a sassy girl."

Right.

Day Twenty-Six : Pancake Supper

This past Tuesday, you may have been able to tell that I was pouring my New Orleans heritage onto my family.

We used the mantle in our hearth room to hang up our Mardi Gras masks. They looked pretty underneath the sketch of Notre Dame we picked up at a Parisian flea market. Our eldest loved it, and it also prevented the wee one from ripping the feathers to shreds.

My little guy ate all of his meals with spoons of purple, green, and gold,

And he was even able to enjoy a little fun with his sister's Mardi Gras fan while listening to some Zydeco.

All in all, an easy, fun, and festive day.
Now as some of you may not know, Mardi Gras is also known as World Pancake Day. Every year our school has a fantastic pancake supper, and every year for one reason or another we've never been able to attend.

Not that it's stopped us from enjoying our own pancakes at home. Not at all.

For the second year in a row, my daughter has decided to give up all things sweet and sugary for Lent. It has to be hard, especially since she's only eight, so I'm doing my part in joining her in her Lenten sacrifice. This means that the syrup we poured on those luscious pancakes? Fare thee well until Easter (which just happens to be her birthday this year).

If we need our fix, we'll have to look to these pictures we took the eve before Ash Wednesday and salivate over them. They'll have to do.


Oh, delish! Someone looked so happy to enjoy her pancake supper. And apparently someone else wanted to help her enjoy it as well.


Sneaky bebe. I'm glad she enjoyed our meal, but even happier that she's embraced the Lenten season with open arms. Her sacrifice obviously isn't as great as the one Jesus made for us, but to her it's every bit as hard. She'll make it through with a little help (and I know she'll help me as well).

In the mean time, we'll take the energy we'd be spending nibbling sugary goods and make some positive changes during these next couple of weeks. Lent isn't just about the sacrifice, after all, it can also be about the good that you can do.
P.S.-The best super-quick recipe for pancakes is on the back of that Bisquick box. We add a few drops of vanilla for a little something extra, but it's fabulous on its own. Enjoy!

Day Twenty-Five : Our Lenten Season, Ash Wednesday

Day Twenty-Four : It's Time for the Mardi Gras!

Our family has felt the build-up to today's celebrations. Mardi Gras is here! The King Cake is almost completely gone, the Meter's will fill our home with festive music this afternoon, and red beans and rice will be our indulgence tonight as we're nowhere near the Parades and the Krewe of Rex.

Maybe next year. (Yes, husband, that is a hint)

Until then, though, we'll enjoy with my heirlooms from growing up in New Orleans and the tastes, sights, and sounds of this wonderfully alive city.*
*From the comfort of our own home, naturally!

Day Twenty-Three : Food. Again. Are You Serious?

I'm sure by now y'all are thinking, "Does this family do nothing but eat?" The answer, my friends, is pretty simple. Yes, we love to eat. But we eat because we need the energy to keep up with our busy life (children).
I suppose the reason I've posted many images and recipes lately is because we've been preparing many of our favorite meals, or enjoying them courtesy of our friends back in New Orleans. It's not often that they make an appearance all in one week! But I thought I'd share and hopefully, give a few of you some new ideas for a meal that you could enjoy. Win-win, yes?

Above is my daughter's absolute favorite comfort food: a fried egg sandwich. My husband and I first saw Emeril Lagasse prepare this sinful looking dish on his now canceled "Emeril Live!" show.
It was simple, and had some of our favorite ingredients: eggs, cheese, bread, and for those of you who want it-bacon or ham. I'm sure Emeril, my man from the Crescent City, wasn't the first to prepare it. But goodness did he know how to make your mouth water!
So when my daughter has spent the better half of an afternoon playing soccer in almost freezing temperatures, what do you think she was craving? Oh, yes. The fried egg sandwich.
And she devoured two.
Is your pencil ready yet, friends?
Fried Egg Sandwich
Two slices of bread (we prefer whole grain)
One slice of cheese (eldest loves muenster)
One egg
One tablespoon of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat your skillet to medium-high. Make sure it's sprayed well and once hot, add your egg. Wait for the white to be firm (near solid) then flip over. You may choose to add a dash of salt and pepper now. Place one slice of buttered bread, buttered-side down, into the skillet. Add the slice of cheese and the egg. Place the second slice of buttered bread on top, and flip. Keep on skillet until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. This will take approximately one minute for each side. Then serve and enjoy!
This will yield just one sandwich, so if you want more, simply do the math.
I hope you've all enjoyed this yummy recipe, but I promise-tomorrow will not even be about food. It's Fat Tuesday! What do you think this Southern Lady will be posting images of?

Day Twenty-Two : La Galette du Roi

As we Southerners-myself the actual native New Orleanian-prepare to welcome Lent on Wednesday, we're also readying ourselves to say goodbye to our season of sugary and bead-filled debauchery. Would you all care to guess what we've been dining on for the past few breakfasts?

King Cake, of course! Courtesy of our wonderful friends and former neighbors from the 'hood, the Haydels.
Best. Bakery. Ever. Please order from them now.
Laissez les bon temps rouler, y'all!

Day Twenty-One : Adding It All Up

Mathematics seems to be a theme in our family. I'm terrible at it, my daughter excels at it, my husband and the male members of his family all have careers in it.

This abacus belonged to my father-in-law, a greatly respected accountancy professor and more importantly, much loved father and grandfather. He passed away almost four years ago. His presence is still missed, but my husband and the rest of our family enjoy looking at this old mathematicians tool and thinking of him. He actually taught my husband and his brother how to use it properly. It should be in my husband's office, but as it's still a work in progress, it currently sits atop my piano.
My eyes always drift to it while I'm sitting down to do my exercises. He was a good man and teacher, and it brings a smile to my face as I recall his devotion to his profession and his family. The sight of this abacus reminds me to put just as much devotion into my life, faith, and family. Even now, he's still teaching us.

Day Twenty : Quiche, Quiche!

Do you all remember how I mentioned that my daughter and I love quiche? As promised, we got out all of our ingredients and prepared to make one for the weekend.

Despite the fact that she was already eating her dinner, my daughter wanted to help fix the quiche. Like I was going to say no!

We added a new blend of cheeses: Harris Teeter's Gourmet Sharp Cheddar Blend. It's delicious when it's not melted, so we can't wait to taste it inside of our savory pie.

Et voila! The finished proudct had a nicely browned crust and lovely, mottled golden center.

Once we've dived in to enjoy a slice, I'll let you know how it's received. Hint: I doubt it will last the day.

Day Nineteen : Snuggle Bunnies

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." -1 John 3:18

It's no secret that we're an affectionate, touchy-feely, snuggle-happy kind of family. These two especially are guilty of needing (getting) much of this thing called "togetherness". We don't mind it one bit-we love a good snuggle as much as they do. It's so nice and at times, extremely comforting. It's especailly sweet to see it in action. We're truly blessed to have an older child with a heart filled to the brim with love for her wee brother. She is such a joy!
Besides, wouldn't you want to get a little closer to these two munchkins?

*For the record, yes, that is his sister's slipper that he's gnawing on. Heaven help us, we just let him. God made dirt, right?

Day Eighteen : The Cultivated Palate

I'm kidding. Seriously. I love to eat, and I'll try almost anything. But my daughter has a tendancy to eat the way I did when I was her age: she's a little picky. It's fine, she eats good foods and I've no doubt she'll become more adventurous as she gets older.

One of the meals I grew up on was Quiche Lorraine with various sides: marinated asparagus, mixed veggies. It was such delicious, simple food. Eldest happens to love quiche as much as I do, so guess what I'm usually fixing once a week?

Well, I'll admit I didn't fix this one. My mother and I dined at Bronte Bistro while she was visiting and I had to take a picture of this devine meal: asparagus, tomato, and blue cheese quiche. Add a light mixed-green salad and I was sold!
Sinec my big girl has soccer tonight and spending the evening with friends, we won't be having any quiche tonight. But tomorrow...
Are you ready for another recipe, friends?
Classic Quiche Lorraine
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
8 bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces(optional)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheese, divided
6 large eggs
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
Fit piecrust into a sprayed 9-inch pieplate according to package directions; fold edges under, and crimp.

Bake at 400° for 7 minutes; remove from oven

Cook bacon pieces in a large skillet until crisp; drain on paper towels, and crumble. Sprinkle bacon and 1 cup cheese into prepared crust.

Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour mixture into crust, and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese and nutmeg.

Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until set.
I think Pillsbury makes the best pre-made pie crust (you can find it in the refrigerated section near the cookies and butter). And if it saves you time, all the better. Use whatever extra yummies you'd like for your quiche and enjoy with your family.
It's quick, it's easy, and most importantly, it's delicious. Enjoy!

Day Seventeen : Kiss My Grits!

In the South, grits are a staple like iced tea. Creamy, warm, and easy to take up a notch, they're one of the simplest little things to prepare. In our home our kicked up grits are more of an indulgence and for my birthday, my husband made my favorite kind: cheese.
Thank you, you wonderful man!

Don't they look super yummy?
I love adding my own extras like maple bacon, scallions, extra butter. No, we don't eat this alot, which is why I call it an indulgence. But when we do, I embrace the fat. Embrace it with a bear hug.
Since it's a beautiful, cold day in Charlotte, I'm eating a bowl while my wee one sleeps. It makes me feel warm from the inside out, and it tastes really good.

Want our super simple recipe for your own files?
Cheese Grits
1 c. grits
4 c. water
1 stick butter
8 oz. grated cheese
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)

Pour grits in boiling water. Reduce heat and cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add butter and cheeses and stir until melted. Salt is optional as some cheeses are more salty than others. Add to taste. Serve.

And then you're done! Easy, right? You can add whatever you want or keep the smooth, creamy dish simple and unadorned. Now go enjoy and indulge a little yourself. Y'all deserve it.

Day Sixteen : The Pearls Return

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Driving down a street in Dilworth last week I passed a home with this homemade sign out front. I thought it was brilliant. Driving is a time where people spend time thinking, and what could be better than to consider these simple words?

Day Fifteen : Happy Birthday to....

This sleepy little boy who turned eight months old and...

This Southern Lady!
It was a sweet, joy-filled day spent with family, a wonderful brunch prepared by my husband,dinner with my family, and KING CAKE! The entire day was a celebration of life and love. Thank you family!


"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you" ~1 Thessalonians 3:12

Day Fourteen : Pink and Red and Sweet All Over

As Valentine's Day approaches each year, the world becomes a pink and red explosion. It's not that I don't like these colors; they're pretty, bright, and cheerful.

But I'm ready for them to take a backseat after the actual candy-filled celebration.

Let's see the lovely shades of spring with kelley greens and cerulean blues.

While I wait for them to appear, I like looking back at the pictures of Valentine's with my children. Seeing their joy and excitement makes everything worth it. Eldest is still engrossed with the fact that gorging on candy is actually encouraged. Score! Our youngest, though, just liked the shiny papers and envelopes.

And he LOVED his new blanket.

Where ever he went, along came his heart-covered blanket.

When you have children, holidays or days where you have cause to celebrate become something more precious. You'll go that extra mile to see them smile and discover a creative facet you never imagine existed. Because really, before my children did we ever make heart-shaped pancakes and grilled cheeses?

Not that I can remember. But I thank God for these two little hearts with great spirits. They encourage me daily to be a better person and to love and give with all of my heart.

And isn't that what Valentine's should be about?

Day Thirteen : Valentine Swag

It's for the children-promise!
With my mother here, there has been a lot of shopping. A lot. We've hit all of our favorite haunts : Home Goods, Target, Marshall's. Oh, yes. Damage has been done.

But it's all been in the name of the children, and it's been for Valentine's. This is okay.

My mother brought the cutest felt bags for the children and their happies, and naturally, we picked up a few more because, gosh, Target was having a sale. Now how is it that the word "sale" translates into spending more than you intended in the first place? Tricky Target stores!

Our eldest has new jammies coming her way, along with sweets, and some fun heart-shaped cookie cutters that we'll make pancakes with. And did I mention the fabulous Valentine muffin tins?

I smell chocolate-chip muffins! Stay tuned for the recipe.

Now since our youngest is well, young, we kept things very simple and friendly. There are little chewies since he's a teething machine and this darling fleece blanket.

It's not only great because it's Valentine appropriate, but we'll be able to use it at soccer games and all outdoor play. Win-win, right? It's not that girly, husband of mine. For it's multi-functional usage, it'll do just fine.

We also picked up a few little candy colored boxes for our teachers at school and filled them with sweets and treats. Believe me, friends, these ladies have earned it.

But I do have a confession to make. There may have been a little non-Valentine shopping. My weakness? Fabrics and dish towels. I am such a housewife. But aren't the colors gorgeous? They make me think of Spring.

They're going to go beautifully with our new kitchen curtains. Yes, you heard right! I switched out the fun ones from Target for some new ones.
More on that later, friends. For now, the best of Valentine wishes to you all. I'm going spend the weekend with my loved ones and enjoy a nice birthday.

Cheers!

Day Twelve : The Big Arrival!

Someone was coming from New Orleans for this Southern Lady's birthday.
The little guy was all a-giggle and smiling as we waited for our most special loved one.

Mimi!!

Mimi and her little bundle of sweetness kiss and snuggle. We can only wonder what fun will be had over the next few days.

This blog post was brought to you by this adorable burrower. He loves his little fort.

Day Eleven : The Rainbow Connection

1.)Damask from playroom bulletin board, 2.)Silk multi-colored check from bed skirt and curtains in eldest's room, 3.)Awesome bulls-eye curtains from Target, 4.)Silk check from guest suite, 5.)Beautiful Asian inspired design atop tonal damask from eldest's comforter, 6.)Blue floral atop tonal damask (What? Again? Seriously?)originally from guest suite and bath.

It's more of a symphony of color than an actual rainbow, but you all get the connection. Right?

After the entry about our kitchen and the curtains (which are to be moved into the husband's office), I thought I'd share a few other fabrics from projects I and my mother have done throughout the homestead.

Aren't they pretty?

Yes, we made each and every one, or in the case of Target's product, hemmed it. And after actually typing the brief descriptions, it seems I have a thing for damasks.

Who knew?

Day Ten : "Jones"-ing to be Your Valentine

This is my daughter.

Oh, allright. That was her at four months. This is my daughter now.

This is her first crush. Not my personal choice, then again, I had the two Coreys. What do I know about taste?

She also fancies this guy here. This one I understand completely. Go figure, right?

It makes perfect sense that she'd love this film.

So are these really that surprising?

Not even a little.

Day Nine (Part Two) : A Second Glance

After learning of Baby Cora's passing yesterday, I couldn't help but hug my children a little (a lot) longer, tell them I loved them more times than usual-earning a laugh and a "Mom, I know you love me," from eldest.

My husband caught me on the verge of tears more times than I could count. It was an emotional day.

But the sadness I felt for the Macs was overcome with the joy and love I found in my family this weekend. I was hugged back a lot longer, and despite her "like, duh!" response,even my eldest told me how much she loved me-more than usual.

Maybe they understood a little of what I was feeling. It's not that I can identify with Joel and Jess' pain, but as a family we sense when we need to come together a little more. When one hurts, the others comfort and love. We lift each other up.

This helped a lot. So did the many prayers I offered to God.

This morning I woke up feeling as if my eyes were being re-opened, and I took a little more time playing with our wee one as he woke up. I helped my daughter prepare her snack and get ready for school instead of leaving her to do it independently. I felt awake enough to tease my husband about his penchant for worrying over his work clothes.

It's a new day with many things to celebrate, blessings to rejoice over.

I'll begin with these two-God's greatest gifts to myself and my husband.

Day Nine : Prayer

Please pray for Joel and Jess McClenahan. This morning their sweet angel, Cora, went home to her heavenly Father. My heart is breaking for them, and with them. Hold this incredibly strong family in your hearts and in your thoughts, for they can help them in ways we cannot.

God bless them, and be with them, through this difficult time and beyond.

Day Eight : 'Tis the Season

The soccer season, that is.

They're off on another season-our eldest's seventh-which began with a tournament yesterday. I had to attend an awards banquet for our Academic Games children, so I missed her first two games. Thankfully, her daddy and little brother were there as her biggest cheerleaders.

Today we'll head back down to the gorgeous soccer complex at the Palisades for the final game in the tournament. Best of luck, soccer girl!