ABCs of Me: Dinners, Daughters, and Dating

On this blogging journey with Proverbs 31 Mama and others, I have begun to discover things about myself and them along the way.  This week has been hectic.  I have been doing all my planning for the 1st quarter of school this week.  A lot of work, at first, but less work during the actual term.  Middle school(for my oldest) is daunting to say the least.  Anyway, I digress.  Here is my "D" post!

Dinners

Now, I am Southern and proud of it and we say supper but supper doesn't begin with a d so dinner it is.  I love food and I love to eat.  I haven't always loved to cook but as I have matured, I have learned that there is nothing better than watching your family love something that you created for them with love.  I am no Julia Child.  I am more like Paula Deen minus the scandal.  We like our chicken fried and our tea sweet and cold.  That being said, I thought I would list some of my family's favorites.

1. Fried chicken strips.
        Marinate the chicken in Webers herb and white wine marinade for at least an hour. 
        Coat in flour or House Autry chicken dredge.  Cook in about 1 inch of Canola oil until
        brown.  Place on paper towel to dry.  Serve with veggies or over salad.

2. Spaghetti
       My sauce has ruined spaghetti for my kids anywhere else.  Check it out here

3. Salsa
       The freshest, most delicious salsa and it is simple, too.  Find it here

4. Braised pork chops(or anything)
      This is a no brainer.  Whatever meat you choose, chicken breasts(with bone), pork
       chops, ribs, etc, will come out so tender and this is too easy.  Don't tell anyone.
      In a large baking pan, place meat.  Season with salt and pepper and garlic powder.
      Add a little liquid until it fills the bottom about 1/4 inch.  Cover tightly with foil.
     Place in an oven on 300 for about 4 hours.  The smell will drive you mad!


Daughters

Having daughters is amazing!  They see things so differently than boys.  They are a tremendous responsibility!  We have lost the desire for women to be ladies in our society and I find that tragic.  What is wrong with being both soft and strong at the same time?  If it works for Viva paper towels, can't it work for our daughters?  I want to raise my daughters to find their self-worth in their identity in Christ.  I don't want them to compare themselves to those emaciated women on the covers of magazines.  I want them to embrace the bodies that they were given, warts and all.  I want that for myself.  That brings me to my 3rd "D"....

Dating

Boy, am I glad I don't have to be out in the dating world right now!  Seems like a lot of work.  I feel for my daughters and sons as they come of age to date at around 30 ;).  I am so glad that my husband has the gift of discernment because I always wants to see the good in people and often overlook danger.  Beware those who come a calling for my children.  There are some rules that are non-negotiable for dating/courting my babies.  You don't comply, you don't date him/her.  Period!  But, we have many years until they are 30.  We have some time to get used to the idea!

Hop over and check out the other ladies!  Have a great weekend!

'Fess Up Friday-Confessions of a 7 YO

In honor of my sweet, precious, beautiful daughter's 7th birthday, I will be writing all my(her) confessions from a 7 YO's point of view. Mamarazzi is partying over on her site so go and check her out! So give my Baby Girl some love and read her(my) confessions. She is an amazing kid!!!!!!




1) I confess that I made Mommy sick every day for the first few months I was in her tummy.

2) I confess that Mommy's bladder was my favorite playground.

3) I confess that I couldn't wait to be born so I came 4 weeks early(much to Mommy's relief).

4) I confess that Mommy and Daddy were surprised to hear that I am a girl. I knew it all along!

5) I confess that once Mommy fed me, it was on! I didn't want a bottle or Daddy for that matter. My sister can be the Daddy's girl but as for me, Mommy all the way!

6) I confess that I was a little thing. Mommy says that I only weigh 5 lb 11 oz and can fit in the palm of her hand.

7) I confess that people say I am a mini me of Mommy with blond hair and blue eyes. That is a compliment(for Mommy ;) ).

8) I confess that I love my family, even my 2 brothers and my sister is my best friend. I am so happy God gave me to Mommy and Daddy.

9) I confess that I am almost always happy. I have a twinkle in my eye and a ready smile. Daddy mentioned something about boys and a shotgun. I am not sure what he means by that but he looks awfully serious when he says it.

10) I confess that I love Jesus and He lives in my heart. I know that I am going to Heaven one day and that I have a brother who lives there and is waiting for me.

That is all the confessing I am doing cause now it is party time! I have a few friends coming to sleep over at my house and I need to show off my new dangly earrings. Mommy said that I can't wear them until I am 7 and guess what? Today is the day! My Mommy made me a doughnut cake with pink and blue icing and purple sprinkles just like I wanted. So, gotta run! Happy birthday to me!

Sowing the Seeds of Love

No confessions today! Something else happened in our house today and I thought that it warranted a photo documentary. This is the way we began our day:





My sweet sweetie decided that she doesn't like the way I brush her hair(much wailing and gnashing of teeth). There is a little girl in our church who lost her hair due to treatment for a brain tumor. She came back with a wig on and the process began then. Ella was determined to grow her hair long enough to cut it off for Locks of Love. We decided this week to do it for a cute summer look. Here are the pictures as the event unfolded........





Karen McMinn of English & Company on Th0mpson St in Hendersonville was the wonderful stylist who made this little girl into not such a little girl any longer.......Isn't she cute?




She told us last night that she was going to begin to pray for the person that received her hair. That made my heart grow about 2 sizes bigger!