A Love-Lee Affair

Giving

2012-02-11T18:13:00.000-05:00

Around Thanksgiving time, someone in our bible study suggested we get together and make little packages for those that are homeless in our area. We could put things in a bag like granola bars, canned fruit, toothpaste etc, keep the bag in our car, and give them to people in need when we see them.

We all thought it was a great idea.

We just never got around to it. At least Andrew and I didn't know about or attend the "care package" meeting.

The thought never escaped me, though. I see people around town with signs saying that they're hungry or out of work. If you're like me, you feel uncomfortable giving people money because you're not sure where that money is being spent. But keeping these non-perishables in your car is the perfect idea, and I'm not sure why I've never thought of it before.

So I went to the store the other day and got mainly what I wrote above: granola bars, canned fruit, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.

Honestly, I can't wait to find someone in need. I don't think I've ever thought or said that before. I look forward to being a blessing to someone.

You may or not be thinking what I am: what if these people are pulling one over on me? I can't get out of my head the episode of Dateline I saw once that followed these "hungry and homeless" people. They followed them all the way to their perfectly cozy homes; homes that are better looking than mine.

All I know is that we are called to help those in need. We are to be the hands and feet of Christ. If they're pretending to be in need, that's not on me; that's not my concern. And plus, I get grace and mercy when I don't deserve it; others might be getting some amenities they don't deserve.

All in all, this project is intended to truly bless someone. I hope it does just that.

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35

Contentment

2012-02-09T08:09:00.001-05:00

My week is going just about as sweetly as my weekend did. There's seasons that we go through, so I'll take this shower of blessings and tuck it away as a remembrance for when I may need a reminder of love.

In random other news, Aubie is now cone-less! She's a free little lady cat.

I've had so many invitations for coffee this week. And since Andrew won a gift card to Starbucks for Christmas, I'm thrilled to go to all of them at zero cost. I love when things like that happen.

I find it ironic that the two books I'm reading right now are conflicting with each other: What To Expect When You're Expecting and Calm My Anxious Heart.

It's like the world is saying, "Here's what's going to happen." And my heart is saying, "Okay, just settle down."

I wanted to share something so profound, to counterintuitive to how the world works. The points of contentment in chapter 1 of Calm My Anxious Heart:

1. Never allow yourself to complain about anything--not even the weather.

2. Never picture yourself in any other circumstance or someplace else.

3. Never compare your lot with another's.

4. Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.

5. Never dwell on tomorrow--remember that [tomorrow] is God's, not ours.

Oh my gosh, try finding that on the Bravo channel. {Trust me, I watch the trash too. It's my guilty pleasure.}

But seriously, how wonderful to hear those things along with the constant reminder of Philippines 4:8 which states, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

I think I will think on those things.

Blessings

2012-02-06T08:56:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a really good one. One that was good for the heart. Well maybe not the first note is good for my heart...

Friday night we ate at Popeye's. Don't judge. We even dined in and listened to zydeco. Two pieces of fried chicken, smokey red beans and rice, and a heart attack biscuit accompanied with foot-tapping washboard music: it was all a pregnant girl would ever ask for.

Saturday night, we went to a delightful engagement party, and I even went out to a bar afterwards. I figured that I don't have the baby yet, so why not? I stayed out till 12:30 AM. I am proud that my fatigue is waning. I'm cool again.

Sunday morning came early for us. We missed Sunday school, but got to church a little late. You'd think that since our church starts at 10:45, we'd be able to get there on time.

On a more serious note, we enjoyed the most beautiful service worshipping our God of amazing grace. We worshipped through song, Scripture, fellowship, and communion. We needed it. Our souls needed it and were desperate for it. God spoke to our needy little hearts.

I was so full. Everything that I was worrying about seems to be trivial when the God of the universe reminds me of His Sovereignty, Love, and Grace.

On Thursday, I had lunch with my friend, Jennifer, and she invited us to lunch after church this Sunday. So we went with full hearts over to their home. I brought biscuits and a cake. I baked an almond sheet cake earlier that morning that was alright. It wasn't my favorite, but it went well with the coffee that was served to us around 2:30.

Then 3:00 passed. Then 4:00. Then it was The SuperBowl. So we stayed for that. We were all so wrapped up in conversation, and to say that we overstayed our welcome is an understatement. We stayed at their house until 10:00 in the evening! They invited us to lunch, and we stayed till 10 PM. We are that tacky. They say that they wanted us to stay, and were so glad we did. The truth is, I didn't want to leave. I have found such a true friend in Jennifer. She says we are forever friends. I think she's right.

I just thank the Lord for prompting me to make homemade biscuits that Sunday morning at 5:30 AM. I made a big batch and enjoyed 2 while reading that morning.

And since I made so many, I brought some over to Jennifer's house for their breakfasts during the weeks to come. It's a darn good thing I did, given that we completely overstayed our welcome. But these biscuits will always redeem any tacky behavior, I can assure you. They are the best things you've ever eaten in your life. I'm so glad I know the recipe.

Here's where I would give you the recipe, but you know what? I don't want my precious recipe floating around pinterest so carelessly. "OMG! This is the best biscuit EVA'!" And while it is, I don't want any ol' gal knowing this Southern treat. So if you're my friend, like a forever friend, I'll give you the recipe. Just invite me over to your house, feed me lunch, let me stay for 9 hours, feed me dinner, then I'll give you this recipe...

Now that Monday morning is here, I tuck this weekend away as a true gift. I don't want to forget it. In the years ahead, I hope my life gives me moments of fullness like it did yesterday. I hope to always know the goodness of God, the blessing of a friendship, and the sweetness of a Southern recipe. I'd say that's probably the most important things in life.

Update

2012-02-01T13:47:00.000-05:00

Hello there.

Things have been going well for our little expanding family. Yesterday I had my second check up for this thing called pregnancy. My doctor is very pleased at how well I'm doing. She's pleased with the baby's progress too. So now that I have that behind me, I wait for my next visit....and tend to my ailing cat.

Aubie, our cat, got spayed and declawed last week. It's been something else.

She came home with glue on her paws, stitches in her abdomen, and a plastic cone around her neck. It was so pitiful. She was a trouper, though, playing like she had just been released from cat jail, which isn't far from the truth. I put her in the bathroom to contain her and her energy, but when I opened the door a few hours later, she had removed her cone and was licking her abdomen.

Andrew had just come home, and I told her that I think she ate her stitches!

So off to the LSU Vet School we went. And another $120 later, she came back with a fiber cone and a report telling her parents (Andrew and me/Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dumb) that she was fine. Her stitches were internal.

Great.

She's pitiful.

I'm off to the vet again today because I found bloody paw prints on my cow hide rug. I know that cow was dead before the blood got there. I'm just glad Andrew wasn't here to see it because he passes out at the sight of blood. Literally. Mental note: Get Dr. Chauvin to prepare Andrew for labor and delivery.

In other news, I completed a craft project this weekend: antique frame chalk board.

The frame cost about $29.00 and the wood totaled around $9.00. I borrowed the chalk board paint from a friend. I love the way it looks, and it helps us memorize scripture or be uplifted at the least.

It's the little things that get me through the day. I'll get through this pregnancy, my kitty's feline issues, and everything else.

One day at a time, right?

Homemaking

2012-01-27T06:54:00.000-05:00

I came across an article this morning from a blog that I subscribe to. It was such a neat write up on homemaking.

It scratched the surface on the tasks that homemakers do, and what they would get paid, had they received income.

With categories like private chef, house cleaner, child care, driver, and laundry service, the broken down total came out to $96,261 per year.

The writer ended with this:

"The bottom line is this: Only God can place a real value on homemaking. Proverbs 31 makes that infinitely clear. A Christ-honoring homemaker who is industrious and is about the business of serving her King is worth far more than money can buy. Her worth is far above rubies. She is working to build Christ’s Kingdom! When done unto the Lord, wiping noses, cleaning up spilled milk, and speaking wisdom into the lives of children is the kind of work that lasts forever and ever. That is one thing the world will never understand, try as they might; you just can’t place a dollar value on something as noble and beautiful as homemaking."

I thought that was beautiful. It makes me feel like I have so much purpose. I am getting eager to raise my baby, along with my husband, in the way it should go.

Life just got more important

2012-01-20T08:01:00.002-05:00

Let's talk about something a little more meaningful than football, shall we?

I forgot to showcase two very important images from our Christmas celebration:

Gift for the Lee's above.

Gift for the Bolotte's above.

I've been writing on my new baby book blog since I know most folks don't care how my sonogram went. (172 bpm!!!!)

I suppose I'll share more interesting life occurrences and my personal opinions on this blog. Lord knows I always have an opinion.

I'm due August 7.

It's gonna be one long, hot summer!

I'm sorry...I hate writing that.

2012-01-18T07:21:00.001-05:00

I'm starting to feel bad about my mean spirited blog and facebok post. I went to church this weekend with my aunt, and the pastor talked about love, not speaking ill of people etc. While my aunt was convicted about how she speaks towards Obama, I was convicted about my harsh talk toward Bama fans.

I can't believe I'm still talking about this...

You know, I should have never made fun of people who live in the middle of nowhere Alabama. I'm from the middle of nowhere Louisiana and loved my upbringing. So sorry about that.

And about not having teeth, I don't floss often, so I might lose my teeth too one day. And people shouldn't be any less important simply because they are missing a few teeth. I know most Bama fans have teeth. Sorry about that too.

And I'm not sorry about talking about Bama sorority girls. Their dress of choice was inexcusable. They were precious looking girls if you were able to look past their heinous attire. I consider that a demerit on their mother's part.

And the comment about LSU fans being able to look forward to more important things like Mardi Gras, I know Mardi Gras started in Mobile. So Mobile Bama fans, enjoy the Mardi Gras season too.

I slap my wrist for ugly comments. Much of what I say is in jest, so folks need not take things to heart. But I understand that sometimes it's hard not to.

These comments were not Christian, and I hope to raise my kids to talk in an honorable fashion. I also hope to raise my kids to be loving, independent, and smart. If they are all of that, I know that they will not attend the University of Alabama.

There I go again.

Slap my wrist.

Assessment from an unqualified source

2012-01-11T08:03:00.000-05:00

Okay so the 'ship is over. It wasn't good. Not at all.

Now, I should not comment on subjects of which I am not an expert, but this is my blog, and I need to get some things off my chest. That was a disclaimer for those folks on Facebook for fussing at people saying that they shouldn't make sweeping generalizations about something they know nothing of. I agree. But again, there are some questions, concerns, and comments I'd like to make.

1. LSU fans should respect Auburn...a lot. Why? Because those poor things have to deal with the delusional Bama fan base 365 days a year. They think to have, what is it now, 19 National Championships? Can you imagine? When driving through the lovely city of Auburn, I have noticed that Bammers have set up shop by fixing up their shack and staking a huge gay A flag in their yards. Gross. I know these people have to reside somewhere, but I don't think it should be in Auburn. And think of folks living in the beautiful city of Birmingham. They really have to co-exist with these people. All I'm saying is that as fellow Bama haters, we need to give props to Auburn. Join forces, if you will.

2. If I had the chance to really get under the skin of a Bammer, I think I'd choose to say one score: 28/27. See Iron Bowl score 2010.

3. Was Harvey Updyke at the 'ship? If so, why isn't he incarcerated?

4. Some of my favorite postings from Facebook:

- "I love the people that "roll tide" me that have a total of MAYBE 5 teeth. Firstly, u probably never went to Alabama. Secondly, this victory will pass but ur need for dental work will not. Dumbass."

- "REALLY?! You're gonna "roll tide" me from a 1998 Nissan Sentra?! Get a life!!!! These gumps will b the end of me I swear..."

- "I blame Ryan Perrilloux. And yes I'm aware that there's no logical reason to blame him...."

- ‎"F*** it, we gon play anyway!" -Rebirth

- "We may have lost the game, but we didn't lose the party..."

- "Forever LSU"

5. Does anyone else find it odd that Jefferson said he was "a little off" and blamed Spencer Ware for the interception? I suppose I should stop talking about JJ because he is officially history.

6. Of course there's the question: why didn't he put in Lee? I don't think we'll ever know the answer to this question. I can guarantee you, though, that there is something going on that we're not aware of.

7. I'm more concerned about the bigger picture. I can get over a loss. Anyone can. But think of the recruiting factor, especially say, an amazing QB would like to play for LSU but is hesitant because the coaching is so erratic.

8. The game was obvious. Alabama was the better coached team and the team that was prepared. Props to them. My concern is again, recruiting. How are we going to convince potential players to play with us and not extremely well coached, albeit red neck, Alabama? Again see point #1. They deal with it worse than we do.

9. There are some certifiable freaks on Facebook, of which I will defriend, that are asking "where is your god now?" Umm, seriously. No one is denying God's sovereignty. It's a game that we care a lot about because it's fun. We have great talent, and a sometimes great coach. We like to win. When we don't win, we get mad. We'll get over it. God is still God and God is still good. Let's take for example Drew Brees' story. He injured his shoulder while playing for San Diego, was it? I know that the injury was potentially if not diagnosed career ending. Drew's fans, his family and maybe even Drew himself, said "God, where are you?" I firmly believe that Drew wouldn't be who he is without the Saints and the Saints wouldn't be who they are without Drew. He has said that himself. It was a faith struggle. It was trust. His journey to New Orleans was nothing short of Spirit-led. He places that strength in His God. God never left him. Now, I don't think we should over spiritualize the loss to Bama. It was a loss. Sovereign, maybe, maybe not.

10. My mom said that she's sticking to watching bowling from now on. It's hard to lose; we're not used to it. We'll get behind The Tigers again, but we might need a little hiatus by cheering for The Saints, catching some beads, and going to The P Mac and Alex Box Stadium. Then, we'll be asking, "How many days till September 1?" I'm sure of it.

11. One more thing: FOREVER LSU! I will always bleed purple and gold. Congrats, again, to Bama. You were very well coached. I can't say that I won't smirk when he leaves you, though.

A homemade Christmas

2012-01-09T08:01:00.001-05:00

Greetings on this National Championship Monday!

Andrew and I went to Nola for the day yesterday because I couldn't stand not being there. We walked around the French Quarter, down Bourbon, Royal and N. Peters. We listened to brass bands, tipped tap dancers, saw magicians, marveled at antiques, and ate oysters. New Orleans was alive.

There was a lot of nasty red in our city. But hopefully our purple and gold friends come through. I'll be babysitting tonight; hopefully they go to bed early so Ms. Whit can get her football on.

It's not very fitting to blog about things other than the 'ship on the day of the 'ship, but I wanted to share it anyway: my homemade Christmas gifts.

My mom taught me the basic crochet stitch, so I made little hand towels. I really enjoyed the process. Hopefully, this year, I can learn a new stitch.

I also made homemade lotion bars found here: http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/03/making-homemade-hard-lotion-with-a-diy-lotion-and-lip-balm-kit.html

It was an easy, fun project. I made most of them while babysitting my nephew, so he was even able to help.

I went to an antique store and found about 8 antique saucers for about $1 each.

But the greatest part of many gifts is the packaging.

Andrew helped me with the labels to explain that the towels were made by me and to explain what lotion bars were and the benefits.

I thought it was a nice gift, and I've even had other people want more lotion bars. Girls that I babysit for and my mom's house keeper wanted some!

I would like to try a new, creative homemade gift every year to keep my creative juices flowing and the keep my wallet full.

I hope this inspires you and me for next year's Christmas to get creative and enjoy the process. I thought about these gifts and had been working on them since June. I'd say that's thoughtful and cost-efficient. That's exactly what I was going for.

Also what I'm going for is a big ol' win tonight from my tigers. Les geaux!

Good times at Christmas

2012-01-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Well hello there. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Ours was wonderful and memorable, as the season should be.

Is it horrible that I'm glad it's all over?

I mean, one can only take so much of The Elf on the Shelf.

It's fun to see the kids enjoy it, though.

Our gift to my nephews was a piñata. It's cost efficient and fun!

It makes the season fun. In addition to talking up the upcoming BCS National Championship.

That reads "Honey Badger Takes What He Wants."

"BEAT BAMA again"

And "In Nola to kick their A."

Back to a kid-friendly Christmas, I made reindeer food, and we found a poem to go along with the activity.

So in the cold, we all went out to watch Andrew beckon Santa to "STOP HERE."

He did.

So in conclusion, Santa came and Jesus' birth was celebrated! It was simple celebration this year and it was memorable. Just the way I like it.

But in Louisiana, there is never a dull moment. It's Mardi Gras season. Gear up.

I'm selfish but blessed

2011-12-14T06:54:00.000-05:00

I've recently noticed of how often I complain about not having enough. This month of December can be overwhelming because of the amount of money we can potentially spend, and it's Andrew's birthday soon. I want to make both really special.

I've worried about how much we have. I've worried about how much we don't have. And just this morning, in the very early am, God placed on my heart that he has given me enough. He not only has given me enough, He's given me more than enough. I just have to open my eyes and see it.

Part of being good stewards of what we've been given, is being grateful, in my opinion. I want to show God that we are thankful during each stage of blessings. Whether it be a blessing monetarily or the blessing of us having the opportunity to rely on Him for an awaited harvest.

All that being said, I wanted the chance to give Andrew a great birthday present at very little cost. So I planned a trip to New Orleans to stay with my friend, Bridget. I had also planned for Andrew to get a tour at Martine Chaisson Gallery in the Warehouse district.

I ran into Martine before a football game and asked her if I could use a gallery tour as a birthday present for my husband. She graciously said yes and that she would even show us around the building, which includes her apartment.

This was a surprise to Andrew. I was excited about telling him the morning we left last Saturday. We arrived at Bridget's and took the trolley to the Warehouse district at my suggestion.

Andrew sat and took on the sites as Bridget and I sat one seat behind.

The car got pretty full on a Saturday. And then, I think the driver decided to take a break, so everyone had to "get down" as we say in Louisiana. This makes me laugh because that is so typical New Orleans. People are just more laid back. So when in Rome....we walked the rest of the way to the gallery.

I was too enthralled with the exquisite gallery that I didn't take any pictures, but it was so fascinating. Andrew said he really enjoyed it, and that it was a pleasure to meet Martine. Check out Martine here.

We went on the get a little something to eat at Capdeville's, then went to The Rusty Nail to watch the SEC championship. I told Andrew that there's something about New Orleans bars that have so much character.

It's true.

We watched the game, then had a little bite to eat at a place called Oak. It was so chic and was a wonderful way to end the night. We were home by 9:00, and I was ready for bed. Andrew joked that this was a typical Whitney birthday.

Then it hit me; I had never realized it. It was true.

I felt horrible. We stayed at my friends house so I could visit, he even rode on the streetcar seat by himself. We went to the gallery that I wanted to go to. We watch my tigers play in the SEC championship and went to bed at 9:30. Little did he know the theme would continue when I got up at 7:00 am and wanted to go home.

Still, I felt horrible.

The next weekend he wanted to go hunting with his dad, brother, cousins and uncle, and I told him to bring me home some meat.

Poor thing.

I was out and about like a crazy person on Saturday in Baton Rouge, so I picked him up a little birthday happy.

He was thrilled he could put his business cards in it.

So in conclusion, it's the little things in life, isn't it?

I took a trip to New Orleans to celebrate ~~my husband's birthday~~ me. To make up for that, Andrew went hunting and had a blast in Alabama. I was even able to get him a birthday happy while he was gone.

I have more than enough. I have health, a husband, fine china, a house decorated with the finest hand-me-downs you've ever seen, a jewelry business that keeps chugging along, a great family, and a God who is in control of it all.

I don't want my outstretched hand to God ever cause Him to ask me if I had noticed all that He has given me.

I am truly blessed.

Joy {Ms. Louise Part II}

2011-12-08T08:16:00.000-05:00

It's true what pinterest says:

And while Ms. Louise called me three times yesterday, there has been so much joy to share time with her.

We talked of Psalm 91 as she promised. In Hebrews 12, I was given a lot of insight. And she tells me things of how "exquisitely beautiful" I am. {She has never laid eyes on me.} I'll take the compliment though. When's the last time I was called "exquisitely beautiful"? I can't remember a time.

She says, I suppose to validate her comment on my beauty, that "beauty is a spirit from within that produces joy and peace."

I wish you could hear her elderly, peaceful, very slow-producing voice.

My time talking with her was mainly due to the fact that I felt sorry for her in her old age with no one to converse with most of the day. What's funny is that she probably felt sorry for me for all of the wisdom that I have not yet gained with old age.

The other day she left me with this:

"Every day is a gift; it is an opportunity to serve Him."

I suppose I'll leave you with that too.

My mountain trip and a cliff hanger

2011-12-01T08:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back from my travels. I was gone a week, and while it was wonderful, it was time to come home.

Sunday I left for my 10 1/2 hour trip, and it the only thing keeping me going was getting to a state where I could purchase some boiled peanuts.

I finally got to the glorious mountains. The sites were wonderful, but I had to hurry to get to Highlands for dinner at Paoletti's. {That was part of the reason why I left at 6 am; I heard we had reservations and did not want to miss.}

I decided to let the "grown up's" enjoy their meal with their wine and volunteer to be their designated driver. It was my pleasure.

So I went from escargot and the finest wine {of which I did not have} to down- home country living. That's probably one of my most favorite things about the mountains.

I went from the mountains to Auburn, AL to meet Andrew. We had a nice Thanksgiving playing more dominos and going around the table saying what we're thankful for. There really is so very much. I have a full heart.

Speaking of a full, and in this case, a somewhat confused heart, on my drive to and from the mountains, I had the pleasure of chatting with my newest 84 year-old friend, Ms. Louise.

My friend, Katey, referred her to me because she was in need of vintage clothing. "It just looks better and fits better", Ms. Louise says. While I agree, I wasn't able to help her purchase any clothing. She talks to me about her time in California as a bible teacher. She talks a lot since she is, of course, 84 and probably in need of a friend.

Katey referred her to me with this warning: "I mean, I can't tell if this woman is just wonderful and sweet or kind of crazy. You may want to call from a blocked # or a pay phone... she might call you back, who knows...she is so sweet but I think she likes having people to talk to. Just tread lightly.... I told her about your business and that you sold vintage jewelry and might have some vintage clothing shop recommendations. She can't wait to talk to you. She said she is up early in the morning, so maybe you can call her then? Maybe it will turn into a Tuesdays with Morrie type thing..."

Katey, you are correct on all your assumptions, a little crazy but I think it has turned into a Tuesdays with Morrie type thing. She wanted me to read Psalm 91, then we would discuss it the next time we chat.

I love the unpredictable nature of life.

This story is to be continued...

Greetings from North Carolina

2011-11-21T07:19:00.001-05:00

Greetings from the mountains of North Carolina!

I made the 10 1/2 hour drive by myself yesterday, and for the most part, I enjoyed the relaxation and the trip. Rising at 5 am and getting on the road at 6 is my preference; I have more energy in the mornings. I hear that Jesus was that way too; prefering mornings, rising early, and praying. That makes me feel holy that I have an innate trait like Jesus; the rest of what's good in me does not come naturally, I can assure you.

I could talk longer on why I love mornings, but I'll spare you.

Though the fog and gloom made me tired, I enjoyed the simple sites of the south. I knew I was in Mississippi when I started seeing cotton fields, and of course the "Welcome to Mississippi" sign was an obvious indication.

I knew I was in Alabama when I saw a dirty 18 wheeler with "LSU sux" written by someone's finger. I also like to play "Sweet Home Alabama" when I'm driving through. I love that song, and I just have such a fondness for the state.

And Georgia, it had the most foliage. But just as I admired the foliage, the honking of Atlanta traffic caused my grip on the wheel to be tightened. Eight lane traffic ain't nothin' to play around with.

And then the mountains of North Carolina, well that's just spectacular.

I drive through states often; it's been a neccessity these last few years. I don't always notice the sites, though. On this trip, I had a book on tape {"The Paris Wife"} and many songs on my iPod. I may be the person with the most eclectic taste in music with this being on my playlist: George Straight, Griffin House, Patsy Cline, Bob Segar, The Allman Brothers, and *coughMandyMoorecough*

But this time, in between my music choices and my book on tape, I admired the south. I really thought about it's beauty and uniqueness.

These thoughts come on the heels of a "run-in" with some folks from another area. Another area not in the U.S.of A.

They were delightful, really. The only problem was their "matter of fact" assumptions of The Civil War. Yes, we went there. They noticed my last name, and I spoke of how Andrew and his family and now I, were proud of our Civil War heritage. Then one of the foreign folks turns to her foreign friend and said, "Those are the bad guys."

From me: a loud gasp and then, an open jaw.

I can't remember if I said "the south will rise again", but I definitely thought it. All it takes is one viewing of "Gone With The Wind" to respond to comments like that with a gasp.

I tell this story with such drama, but it was more "tongue and cheek" in reality. I don't really take the south, foliage, and life that seriously, but maybe if I did, I could have a column in Garden & Gun.

If only.

There's more to come on my trip. Escargot yesterday and dumpster diving today! I love my southern life.

I got well and got new dreams

2011-11-09T16:57:00.000-05:00

A quick update from your slacking blogger friend:

I was sick last weekend.

Really sick. Hospital-sick. Three bags of IV fluids-sick. The nurse threw away my ice because I couldn't keep it down-sick.

It all started when LSU was about to beat the shiitake mushroom out of Bama. (That was the sign at the produce stand this week.) Andrew and I were at TJ Ribs when I told him we had to go home immediately. We did and things went south for me. Fortunately, not for LSU though. They still came up with the win. And that's all that matters in life, right?

Gatorade was my friend during that trying time.

Andrew was my friend, too. He would take care of me and tell me the LSU score. I would smile, unfazed. When you feel that bad, you wouldn't care if you just won the lottery.

In other news, I went home on Monday to spend some time with my mom and our Texas friend, Ms. Glenda. We ate lunch at a friend's house and while I was there, picked grapefruit, oranges, basil, mint, rosemary, and parsley.

It's the little things in life that make me so blissfully happy.

I realized that day, all I want is a small house on lots of land with babies and a garden. All to share with my husband. Is that too much to ask?

I'd give God all the glory, too. I promise I would.

Kitty life and a hair cut

2011-11-02T15:15:00.000-04:00

Hello there. I've been overwhelmed with life lately, and quite frankly, I haven't had much to write about.

But there's always ~~baby~~ kitty.

How fitting was this birthday present that I got from my friend, Katey.

Katey is so happy for Andrew and me and our new addition.

Even though it doesn't look like it, Aubie is getting to be a bit feisty. She must take after her mama. {That's me.} And to brag on my husband, he is the best cat dad. He even gave her a bath since she's got ring worm. I like to call Andrew "Cat Dad" but some of his family opted for "Kitty Diddy", which, of course, works too.

In other {normal} news, we went to Alabama last weekend, and we were so glad to see some foliage this fall. When you live in south Louisiana, there is none. But while in Alabama, we took in the beautiful change of the seasons.

Oh, I also cut all my hair off. It was time. I like it some days; some days I don't.

This is what I was supposed to look like.

My mama always said she's always liked me better with short hair. She said I reminded her of Natalie Wood.

If only...

The good news is: Andrew likes it. And that's all that matters to me.

I'll be back when LSU hopefully, God willing, beats the stew out of Bama. Gew, that was gross to even write that word.

"Andrew doesn't like cats"

2011-10-20T08:43:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well. It's October 20, so you know what that means. It's Whitty's b.day! That's me!

More enjoyable though, is that today is the anniversary of the glorious day I met Andrew. It's been 4 years. 4 years!

I've said it before, but this is the best birthday present I've gotten yet!

Not to be outdone is the newest addition to our family: Auburnadette. We call her Aubie.

LSU plays Auburn this weekend, so the name is quite apropos. Andrew said the only way she's staying is if she's named Aubie. I guess Mike wouldn't have worked anyway for a girl.

And Andrew's threats are should be taken very seriously. "If she does this, she's gone...If she's not named Aubie, she's gone..."

Yea, okay.

And let's not forget the obligatory "I don't like cats" statement.

He's the one that bought that bottle for her! He sterilized the nipple, warmed her bottle, and tested the milk on his wrist to make sure it wasn't too hot.

Yes, he did.

She is just the sweetest. I had to get up with her in the middle of the night 3 times on night 1, but the past 2 nights, she slept through! Yippie! Now if she'd just learn to use that litter box.

I just realized how long I talked about my new cat. I caught myself showing a picture of our "baby" to our friends. When did I become that person? I've always been so incredulous when people show me pictures of their pets, nieces, nephews, or children for that matter. Honestly, no one cares as much as you do. But apparently, I've fallen victim to this habit.

In other news, let's talk about my birthday again.

Andrew took me to Whole Foods last night so I could pick out my own birthday flowers! That's my kind of shopping.

He suggested the fall mix, which was a perfect choice. We're having company this weekend, and I had planned to put flowers in my mint julep cups.

I thought these did just fine.

They smell so wonderful!

Part of the reason why I love this time of year (other than it being my birthday) is the weather. It's a glorious feeling out there. And football is in the air. Wish Andrew and me some luck as we try to stay married during this tough time...Auburn vs. LSU football.

Stitches, jorts, and football love

2011-10-12T19:45:00.001-04:00

We've been quite social this past week which is conducive to both of our personalities. I think the "biggest talker award" would be a knock out fight between Andrew and me. He would win, though. It tickles me that some people who only know Andrew through my blog think that he's shy. Hahahhahaahahahahahaah!!!! That makes me laugh!

Some of you had the pleasure of meeting my precious Andrew this weekend. Isn't he the best? I hate when people brag about their wonderful husbands, homes, kids, and careers out of some sort of "I have to appear perfect" complex, but Andrew really is so great! Seriously, my life is so far from perfect it's not even funny. Keeps things interesting that way, don't you think?

Funny I should say that because we had a medical mishap this week. I got a job opportunity with a new publication this week (Hallelujah, Thank you, Jesus!), and they asked me to go in at 8 PM on Tuesday night. If you know me you know I was DYING! That's already past my bedtime. To say that I have no energy at night is an understatement. But apparently, that's the way publications work. At least start up's. Props to them for pulling all-nighters and getting it done.

But I was going to prove myself to be professional and reliable.

Then at 7:30 PM, poor, wonderful, great Andrew cuts his poor, wonderful, great finger while making a jewelry case for the grand opening party later that week.

I could not help him. I could not help his poor, white-fleshed, nearly passed-out self. I had to go "prove myself." With a ginger ale, sweet thing got himself together and drove an hour to my parents house to receive some stitches.

He is well. He even managed to eat some delicious supper from Maison Bolotte (my parent's home, for those of you who don't know street French).

He's a lefty, so this injury comes with high stakes.

In other news, there was a lot of gator meat at Baton Rouge tailgates this weekend.

Huh. Imagine that!

There were many other sights, smells, and sounds to consume.

Other than Gator fans in jorts, one of my favorite sights during football season is walking from the gate into the stadium and uphill, you begin to see the sky first, then all of the fans with all of that glorious purple and gold. I snapped a picture of that fine sight, but all I got was a girl's butt with a tacky LSU jersey, so it kind of ruined the moment for me and for my poignant blog description. Maybe my photo skills will be better next time, so I can relay to you my favorite moment of football.

Does anyone out there know what I'm talking about?

Our fall

2011-10-04T18:53:00.000-04:00

I feel like my life is consumed of jewelry and football.

That feeling is actually the truth.

Andrew and I walked to the game from our house on Saturday. I spoke often of how incredibly pleasant the weather was; I spoke entirely too soon. We came home sunburnt. By we, I mean Andrew.

I need to take this time to talk about something that I have a problem with at a college football game. Apparently, the announcer now asks the crowd to stand and participate in a "moment of reflection."

What?

Let's just call is what it is: prayer. Is that so hard?

As Andrew removed his hat, he says, "I call it prayer!"

Then he says in a rather loud tone, "Thank you, Lord, for football!"

I thought my parents would die. They were to the left of me, tickled at Andrew's remarks.

What's weird is that comments like that are usually from me. And comments like that are what usually get me in trouble.

All is well, though.

Andrew has been helping me get ready for the big show on Thursday. I'm hoping for the best.

I'm also hoping my pansies perk up. I may have killed them already.

Remember when I said I felt so blessed to have flowers and life out on our patio? Well, Andrew and I tended to them again this weekend, and we both said how pathetic they were. That makes me laugh.

Maybe I'll stick to pumpkins. Those should last a while.

Have I mentioned that I love fall?

Truth

2011-09-29T13:49:00.001-04:00

It's a Thursday at noon. For the past 3 weeks and for the next 9, you'll know that at this hour, I am a new, free woman.

I'm still doing the Breaking Free study by Beth Moore, and it is just that: freeing.

That Beth Moore; she's somethin'. The God we serve, well, that's even more incredible. I can't tell you how many questions I had going into this study. I've been haunted by truth; what is means, what it is. Today, ironically, Beth spoke on Truth. My heart is still wrestling, but I am awestruck by answers that I got this morning.

I know when someone talks about an experience, whether it be a concert or bible study, other people can't really relate. I always think, good for you; I bet that was nice. But I have really no idea what they're talking about. I did not experience that with them. You won't understand unless you experience it yourself.

So my talk about being "awestruck" and "finding answers to my pursuit of truth" may fall on deaf ears, but my intention is to bring praise, honor, and glory to Him. He is who He says He is.

That's awesome.

On a much lighter note, the Tigers won this weekend. Equally as important to The Truth? Almost.

I kid.

We enjoyed chips and dip, wine, and for Andrew, a pipe.

It's the little things, isn't it?

Amongst my heavy thoughts, chips, dip, football and wine help lighten the mood.

I think our lives are a mix of silly foolishness and a heart that is in pursuit of God. We're in our late 20s, trying to figure this all out, but keeping our immaturity on hand and in-check. We like our youthful foolishness, but we understand the brevity of our growth and walk with Christ. Trust me, though, I think I'm real funny. There's nothing that I love more than making my husband laugh. Even if it's at the expense of my dignity.

Andrew has been reading Acts out loud before we go to bed. I listen to the first few verses, then I drift in and out of sleep with words of John...Peter...Christ...Stephen... I can't help it; Andrew's voice is so soothing. It's one of my most favorite things about him.

I made it a point to stay up for Chapter 7 even though I didn't want to hear about Stephen getting stoned.

Then Andrew prayed; I was sleeping through most of it, but I heard something about barn doors. I woke up. Andrew prayed to the Lord and asked that God would open up doors, even like barn doors, for a blessing.

This is a personal prayer, and I choose not to share everything about my life on this blog. But his words were so sweet to me, and I hope that they will be a blessing to you. I thought of the visual of God opening up these {barn} doors to show us a blessing.

I've been told that His blessing is far more beautiful than the pictures I found on pinterest. Imagine that!

Lately

2011-09-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

Lately, things have been kinda crummy.

I've been sick.

And I've ruined a batch of pumpkin bread pretty darn good.

I don't like to measure much when I cook, so that can ruin a dish when you're baking, so I've been told.

And as much as we cheered, Auburn lost it's first game in over a year.

I told Andrew that he's been spoiled with winning; he forgot what it's like to lose.

It stinks.

So we got out of the house and did married couple errands: we went to Lowe's. We bought mums and pansies.

After we planted our little flowers on our little porch, I told Andrew that I feel blessed. I really do. Flowers and gardening is lagniappe. It's extra. I feel blessed to have a little extra. It's nice to stop and smell the...mums.

Andrew smiled, or maybe laughed, and said that he likes to garden too. Maybe one day we'll have our own yard and garden and maybe we'll get to see God's goodness through a harvest. I can't think of anything more special.

To keep up with my theme of crummy turned good, I started a bible study that's oh so challenging, but oh so wonderful.

Breaking Free by Beth Moore.

Through this study, I've been memorizing Scripture and studying the Old Testament, which I have never done before with the exception of Psalms and Proverbs.

It's the little things in life, isn't it? That's what makes it sweet. At least that's what does it for me: some mums, fall decorations and a good lesson. I'm pleased as punch. Now, if I could just shake off this cold...

They told Andrew to Choot Em

2011-09-14T09:47:00.004-04:00

I think it's safe to say that Andrew had the best weekend of his life.

It's at least in the top 5.

The stage was set. The food was cooked. And as luck would have it, south Louisiana had a bit of a cool front.

Our guests arrived right on time. And if my memory serves me correctly, "Don't Mess With My Toot Toot" was serenading us as we sat outside to enjoy a cold drink and appetizers. Andrew and I made a little cajun zydeco mix for the weekend. I think Andrew enjoyed it the most.

Our hard work paid off as our guests went back for seconds to have more of that sauce picquante!

4:15 AM came quickly for us on Saturday morning. This is post-sausage biscuits, coffee and fruit and pre-gator hunt.

Ain't she pretty in the early morn?

Although Troy, Jacob, and Clint were going out to hunt and film for Swamp People, Andrew and the boys were told the Buckmasters filming crew was in town, and so they were going out into the swamp with some different Landrys. So Guy and Ricky, (Troy's brothers), also expert gator chooters, led that group down to Bayou Sorrell where Willie and Junior usually gator hunt for the early morning action to see what they could find.

Even though they didn't wind up getting to make a scene on Swamp People, they were still honored to get this chance to go out and shoot gators.

Andrew got to shoot a little one, or so they thought. As the monster crept up, or fought up, I should say, the boys took one look at him and an expletive was shouted. But my husband, the gator hunter, shot him.

A 10 foot gator. They say he was about 10 years old.

He's so proud.

The girls met up with those boys, and we got to go in their cooler to take a look at where they store their hunt.

We're smiling, but don't let those grins fool you. The smell. Oh, the smell. Y'all have no idea...

One of the requests was going to The Rainbow. It wasn't open, but a photo op was needed.

Next up: eating again. My mom always said that when cajun's aren't eating, they're planning what they're going to eat next. It's so true. For Saturday night, it was steak and potatoes.

We retired to the living room to watch football.

Here they are with their spoons waiting for their dessert.

Decadent chocolate souffle.

Just in case those Landry's ever ask Andrew back to join them, he and his boots are ready.

What a great, memorable south Louisiana weekend. I hope there are many more.

I know you are all wanting that Cajun Zydeco playlist. If y'all are lucky, I'll give it up.

Covoluted trip but I made it

2011-09-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my other blog, I'm finally home. Finally.

I've been going 90 to nothin' ever since I've been back, but it's been a good thing.

I drove from Anderson to Charleston last Friday. I think I smiled the whole way there. It's no secret that Charleston is my favorite city.

Okay, enough with my love affair with Charleston.

I'll spare you the details of my trip because if you know me, you know I don't like details. I like to cut to the chase. That can sometimes come across as rude when I ask my husband to quit with the details and just hurry up and tell me what happened.

Okay, that is rude, but details give me anxiety.

No idea how I got here....

I went to Charleston for a dear friend's wedding. And what a beautiful wedding it was! Charleston, under the oaks, getting' hitched...nothing more beautiful.

Last picture gotten here.

I was honored to be in this wedding, but I am so happy to be home.

Gator huntin' post ahead. It's this weekend. Should be a good one...

Oh the irony

2011-08-29T15:30:00.000-04:00

What's about to happen in my family may be the biggest irony of all ironies.

Andrew and I are both packing.

But while I'm going to South Carolina for a few special occasions...

Andrew, Mr. Auburn himself, is going with my family to Dallas to watch my LSU Tigers play football.

It's a bizarre life we live.

I will let you know how my trip goes. I'll also let you know how my ol' husband's purple and gold-filled trip goes as well.

On a side note, I'm embarking on a blog series entitled "The Real Housewives of the South: Lessons from the best."

Remember this post? I am gathering my mom and her friends and doing a little project with them. I've learned a lot from these ladies, but maybe more than lessons learned, I've laughed harder than anything. I thought it would be selfish of me not to share the goods.

Stay tuned.

Hidden Valley Ranch

2011-08-26T10:08:00.001-04:00

I feel like I'm cheating when I make my husband's favorite meal.

It's cheating because it's so easy.

But honestly, who could ever go wrong when using this when cooking for your man?

Ranch.

It should be at the top of the "Marriage advice" list.

1. Put God first.

2. When in doubt, use ranch.

So true.

This dish is so good that Andrew's co workers have mixed feelings of love and hate regarding the smell that wafts in their direction when it's heated up in the micro.

Damn, that smells so good.

and

Damn, are you really getting to eat that today?

and

Damn, when is your wife gonna make that again?

I'm just realizing that the last month of blog posts from me have been about food.

Moving on.

Andrew asked me to make his favorite dish because the guys at work had been thinking it had been a while.

So I made it again this week. And to shut them up, I made a serving for his co-worker, Jeremy, along with the recipe.

{Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day...you know the rest}

And this is all it is:

Trust me. Get the Shur-fine brand, cheese only. I tried getting the fancy brand with stuffed sausage and cheese. You'll regret it.

Honestly, this blog post came about because I went to Ralph's market where I get this specific tortellini, and I couldn't find it. I found the manager, and she said that she thought it was being discontinued. I lost my marbles. And said in a slightly raised voice, "Well what am I supposed to do now?!" Like she cares "what I'm supposed to do now." Oh, but whoops, that was another brand she was thinking of. This one's okay. For now. Whew.

Moving on, again.

Top with ranch, your husband's beloved ranch.

It's quite rich, so a little goes a long way.

I think I'm done talking about food for a while. But I am making Paul Prudhomme's Chicken and Tasso this weekend!

Have a good one!

Keep the faith

2011-08-23T10:31:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, it's nice to be a tourist in your own town.

Sometimes, it's nice to surprise your husband with a small gift.

And come to find out, $10 can get you a long way.

I called up and bought these.

Tickets to watch renowned chef, Paul Prudhomme cook and renowned artist, George Rodrigue paint.

Forget People magazine and their "celebrities." These are the kind of people we'd rather hear from: they've actually accomplished goals with their God-given talent. {Not to discredit talented actors. Gah, I hate having to be politically correct.}

We got our drinks and took our seats.

And what a treat it was to see George paint...

And Paul cook...

{I just realized that John and Ringo weren't there. Ha.Ha.}

And all of that inspiration for $10! Ten dollars!

If you know me, you know I love a good inspirational story. It helps me to "keep the faith" through others' testimonies. It's good, it's hopeful, it's inspiring. I need a good dose of those things in the midst of Andrew and I reading the Book of Ecclesiastes. I've referred to Ecclesiastes as the cynical Proverbs.

It is. But to keep me from being too cynical, we now have this on my coffee table:

A signed copy of a Blue Dog book from George Rodrigue himself.

And we have this in our recipe collection:

Blackened chicken and tasso in a cream sauce!

I think George Rodrigue and Paul Prudhomme's success will inspire Andrew and me to keep the faith.

And as fate would have it, I stumbled across what another Paul said just this morning:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7, apostle Paul.

As of late

2011-08-18T19:28:00.002-04:00

That's pretty much what we've been doing. Boring, huh? I find it normal and not so blog-worthy, but it keeps me honest. If this is an account on our life, that was it in pictures. We hosted another nephew last weekend; Star Wars was present, just in Wii form. This week I've also cooked, eaten cookies, beignets, and root beer floats, crocheted, and played some tennis.

After the cookies, beignets, and root beer floats, I'd better look like playing a lot more tennis.

Ah well.

That's life I guess.

Worship Wednesday

2011-08-10T13:57:00.004-04:00

My cleaning challenge said to put fresh flowers in my house today.

Not a problem.

It also said to mop my kitchen, but I haven't gotten around to that yet.

I think the point of the fresh flowers was to reward yourself with a bright new, clean kitchen.

So I did it in reverse. No big deal.

I also don't think you're supposed to put daisies in a rose bowl. Some wise lady once told me that I can do whatever I want to do in terms of decorating and housewares. (I left out the expletive in that wise lady's quote since this is my worship Wednesday post. That is, if you consider the word "hell" an expletive. And now the "expletive" is in my post...). I feel so liberated that I even have served sangria in sorbet glasses and peach cobbler in champagne goblets. I am a rebellious, yet free woman.

Moving on...

Can you believe I got one bunch of flowers for $5, and four rooms in my house have fresh flowers in them? I'd say that's a great use of $5!

They're happy little flowers aren't they? They brighten my day.

These words brighten my day too.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[e]?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34

Home cookin'

2011-08-08T11:27:00.008-04:00

Andrew's home from Alabama. And I'm still up to cleaning my house. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this study and cleaning challenge.

Andrew went to Alabama to get himself a new truck! We are full of joy by God's provision and blessing on us. He truly orchestrates everything in His perfect timing. It takes a truck to make us realize that sometimes. And it doesn't hurt that my husband is now calling me Mrs. Aldean. Maybe I called myself that, can't remember. I called him Andrew Aldean last night. I think he liked it. If you don't like country music, you will not understand my reference.

There's nothing like your man driving a truck, and the sound of pipes coming home to you. (No matter how "classy" you may think you are, pipes can still make a girl's heart flutter.)

Just to be clear, it's not that loud.

I digress.

I think I have forgotten to tell my blog about Andrew's trip coming up in September. He will not have to go far for this excursion, but his cousin and brother are driving a way to participate as well. What are they doing, you may ask?

They are going alligator hunting with Troy Landry.

No, really they are. As you can imagine, they are thrilled beyond recognition.

There was a slight misunderstanding on my part in the fact that I thought I was going too. For about 10 minutes, I was jumping up and down, thinking about what I would wear and what I would recap on the blog. I simply couldn't wait. Then mom says, "Oh, honey, you can't go. It's just the boys."

"What? Seriously? Why? Elizabeth gets to go!"

If you watch "Swamp People", you know who Elizabeth is.

Regardless, I was devastated.

I've come to accept the fact that the girls will just have to go plantation touring and our own swamp tour adventuring. Doesn't sound so bad.

My mom and I quickly realized that we needed to get started in preparing for our September guests.
True to our Louisiana way, there was one thing on our minds: the food.

Since Andrew was away this weekend, I went home and got to work.

It was more like Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning; a two-day process of making the best chicken and alligator sauce piquante for our company! Just enough for this select group of 4 friends.

Mom taught me how to make it from start to finish. Making a roux is the chore that starts this whole process off. That, and deboning your chicken.

Andrew once read about a 3-beer roux. By the time you drink 3 beers, your roux is ready.

That can be a little flaky for my interpretation.

My mom had a nursing school friend who had a "roux shoe." Her friend didn't know what color her roux had to be, so her mom told her to cook it until it was about the color of that shoe. I don't think the mom intended for her to store a shoe in her kitchen, but that's the story of the roux shoe. I guess I'll have to learn my own trick.

I also learned about the Trinity in cajun cooking.

You know, onion, bell pepper, and celery: The Trinity.

The kitchen was really starting to heat up now.

We cut up the gator meat.

To get the game-taste out of the gator meat, we boiled it for a while.

I should confess: maybe I wouldn't be suited to go out on the lake and gator hunt. This smell was about all I could handle. I don't know how, but the finished product was delicious. How do we cajuns do it?

Having the best cook books known to man doesn't hurt, either.

I think the best ones are not shown; family favorites from our family and our family friends. You'll want to get your hands on those.

We planned out our menus: breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner. The morning of the hunt, the boys need to be at the lake for 5 AM. My mom was worried that the boys wouldn't eat till that evening; we weren't sure if they stop to eat or what? My only thought was "when have you ever known a cajun to go hungry?"

My mom conceded with this reply: "No truer words have ever been spoken."

I know I'm right, but I also said that I would wake up and give them a to-go breakfast.

This is all, of course, if everything goes according to plan. We're praying that this hurricane season doesn't interfere with the boys' hunt and our cookin'. Every true south Louisiana girl has to think of such things. As you know, September is prime hurricane season in our area. It's something we're very aware of; we've been used to it our whole lives. That's why you will never see a Louisiana girl get married around that time. Or if she does, she knows she's taking a huge risk.

This year, there is a Hurricane Whitney if we ever make it to the W's with the named storms. Let's hope that will not the case because Whitney is certain to be a category 5. You can bank on it.

So let's hope for good weather, good food, and good times in south Louisiana as this hot summer comes to a close. And you know what that means? Football season is mere weeks away. A good, southern girl knows her blessings: her man with a truck, the ability to cook good food, and the joy of college football season.

Amen.

The jambalaya lesson recap

2011-08-05T11:46:00.002-04:00

If you recall, I told you that Andrew wanted to do a blog post about his first time making jambalaya. Well, he has realized that blogging can be somewhat time consuming, especially if you're not used to churning out these little anecdotes on a weekly basis.

So he asked me to tell the story. Here goes.

It started when we moved to Louisiana (back to Louisiana, for me). Andrew was enjoying the culture, as was I. We took cajun dance lessons, ate good food, and gained some weight. Andrew had mentioned he'd love to learn how to make jambalaya. That was to be "his thing." His brother had BBQ. There's no competing with that. But the title of "expert jambalaya maker" was up for grabs, and Andrew wanted that to be his.

So February rolled around, and I wanted to get Andrew a Valentine's Day "happy." We're not big into spending big bucks on V day, but I thought it would be nice and thoughtful to give him jambalaya cooking lessons. So I did.

And last weekend, we finally made it happen.

Our friend, Mr. Larry, taught Andrew to cook jambalaya. Award-winning jambalaya. Mr. Larry is also teaching Andrew wood carving. He's quite the Renaissance man, wouldn't you say?

Look at that sweaty smile!

Andrew served his guests.

By the looks of it, no one's talking. It's because they're eating.

Getting that recipe!

After everyone had eaten, I found Mr. Larry and asked him where Andrew was. He smiled and said, "I told him to go clean the kitchen. That's part of the process that he's gotta learn."

Can I get an "amen?"

After the beer had been drunk and the jambalaya eaten, there was just one thing left to do: a photo shoot for my friend's boutique.

In our group, there were three photographers: Andrew, my sister, and my friend, Sarah's boyfriend, Marcus. We looked legit.

Here's two of our favorites. I was just glad to take a few with sweet Sarah.

Shortly after, we drove home to good ole Baton Rouge.

Until our next country day...

What I enjoy these days

2011-08-01T12:20:00.001-04:00

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Andrew and I had a great time in the country this weekend. We finally got to enjoy the Valentine's Day gift that I gave to Andrew. He wanted to do a blog post about his experience this weekend, so I'll leave that up to him, but I'll give you a hint: it involves really good eatin'.

I also wanted to share a link that you homemakers may be interested in. It's a 31 day cleaning challenge with Scripture studies along with it. The study is called 31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House in the Mary Way. I just downloaded it for $4.99 and I'm way too excited about the next 31 days. You can find the link here.

What has my life come to? I don't really know how I got to "this place", but I have to say, I'm enjoying this stage of life even though "this stage" also involves car insurance, budgeting, and saving for our phantom-children's college tuition. If cleaning and bible studies make me happy, so be it.

Nephews are fun

2011-07-30T07:43:00.000-04:00

Shhh, they're still sleeping. Please don't wake them.

Andrew and I had two little nephews stay with us last night. They are a handful, and they are very much boy.

Last night, we had chocolate, pizza, soft drinks, chips, and beer. Sorry, not beer; I just got carried away. That will happen in about 15 years for these young lads.

We played the Wii.

They got a little rowdy like boys can get. Out of nowhere I said things like "You must use your inside voices" or "If you do not obey, there will be a consequence" and the classic, "1....2....you'll lose your privilege if I get to 3...."

But overall, they were really good despite the belches, toots, screams, and rough housing.

Andrew and I instructed them to get their jammies on, brush their teeth, and come back in the living room to watch the movie Andrew had promised them: Star Wars.

Lawd.

So they did as instructed.

As they brushed teeth, Andrew and I turned down their bed.

How cute: pillow pets on my guest room bed. (Pardon the 1960s lamp shade; it's ridiculous when you have the save up for a nice lamp shade. Do you know how much they're going for these days? Welcome to adulthood. Maybe if I wait long enough, they'll come back in style.)

Back to Star Wars....

I was not thrilled about this, but I told them if we started at the fourth one, we'd watch it. Apparently, the fourth one is the first one, chronologically. Whatever.

I quickly started to realize that if I were ever the mother of all boys, at least I'd be the Queen of the Castle, right?

Funny I should say that because about three minutes of "galaxy", "Obi wan kenobi", and "Luke Skywalker", I was done. I retired to my ~~throne~~ bed.

I have to hand it to you moms: this job is tough, especially with boys. But they are so precious. When Andrew came to bed, he told me about all the funny things they had said. Boys are so wonderful. Bless you who have to raise them.

They're up now. But they are so cute!

Worship Wednesday

2011-07-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

I want to worship this morning, so maybe you do too. This is one of Andrew's favorites! He sings, "I am bound for the promised land" pretty loud and it makes me pretty happy! Enjoy!

Southern weekends

2011-07-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, Andrew and I attended our first ever Aquapalooza on Lake Martin in Alabama. It was quite fun, and we were glad we went. Unfortunately, no pics were taken. At first, Andrew was upset that I forgot the camera at the camp before we went out on the boat. (Louisiana people call lake homes "camps." As a matter of fact, any second home is called a camp.) But after the downpour, he was glad I had forgotten the camera. It wasn't worth getting ruined.

But my mom hosted a bridal shower at her house last weekend. I was sorry to miss because I heard about the menu and the decorating plans.

That momma does so good. She doesn't even need pins! Can you believe that? True Southern women don't need pins. They just know.

The silver was polished and the flowers cut from the yard. It's funny, I would have felt right in my element had I been there. It's also funny, I did feel right in my element with a baseball cap and my husband's Columbia shirt on over my old swim suit this weekend.

I recently read Garden and Gun's essay about Southern women. It's caused me to noticed such things like polished silver and dingy swim suits.

You can't categorize Southern women, and I like that about us.

Here's an excerpt from this month's issue:

" For better or worse, we are forever entangled in and infused by a miasma of mercy and cruelty, order and chaos, corn prone and cornball, a potent mix that leaves us wise, morbid, good-humored, God-fearing, outspoken and immutable. Like the Irish, with better teeth."

Whether you ate from a silver spoon or swam in your dingy suit this weekend, enjoy the summer, enjoy the south, and read Garden and Gun.

Just call me Susie

2011-07-20T08:22:00.003-04:00

On my Susie Homemaker day off, Monday, I went home and enjoyed all things domestic.

I crocheted and made homemade angel biscuits biscuits.

These are the best little buttery delights you've ever tasted.

As I referenced, the secret is butter. Paula, you've got competition.

Mom 'bout had a conniption when I went to wash the sifter. "You never wash a sifter!!!" I thought it was some crazy, voodoo kitchen ritual that she didn't want to break, but in truth, she didn't want her old sifter to rust due to water. Well, that makes more sense now that I think about it.

I confess that we did start off the biscuit making process with a little mix. Pioneer baking mix to be exact. I find this to be the best one. Even the Ms. Mary at the Chi O house used this mix when making her infamous pancakes. I tried to recreate her specialty but can't ever seem to do it justice. I think the secret was the cast iron skillet that was rather ancient. Yep, that's probably it. I'm so glad that I didn't pass up those pancakes for granola, almonds, and raisins like most other girls. You gotta live a little.

And speaking of living a little, you're missing out if you don't crochet. I'm being sarcastic, but I really am having a lot of fun making part of my Christmas presents for this coming year.

Since I decided to do a homemade Christmas this year, I had to start early.

My list looks something like this:

1. Make crochet towelettes.

2. Learn to crochet.

It's nice to learn a new skill, but I have to remember to start off small. I can't make a rug or sweaters in the near future, but towelettes, maybe.

This is what my mom is working on:

It's from this publication. From 1956. Have I mentioned that we like old things?

That about wraps up my Monday. I've been working in an office since then and I assure you, no one wants to hear about that! Until next time....

Wood shavings are precious to me

2011-07-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

Do you get frustrated with a messy house sometimes?

I do. A lot.

We live in a relatively small space, and we have too much stuff. I think our lifestyle causes us to have more things than other families. By lifestyle, I mean Andrew's art supplies and my jewelry supplies and everything that goes along with that. I would love a place for everything and to put everything in it's place.

But that's not what we have right now, and I'm just trying to do the best I can.

Sometimes I get aggravated with Andrew's mess, and I complain to him. Just seeing his stuff makes me mad. Frustrated. Aggravated. All of those emotions toward him!

Then I saw something that warmed my little heart.

That's wood shavings.

I just thought it was the cutest thing when I walked up stairs to the loft. There's so much mess up here, but I thought, I love my husband so much. I didn't think in the history of marriage has a wife seen a big ol mess and thought, I love my husband so much. Not sure what's going on there, but his new hobby is so precious to me. You should see how he works so hard at carving this bird.

This feeling may wear off. It probably will especially if this mess isn't cleaned up soon. But I'm enjoying the feeling while it lasts, however long that may be.

It might be like when we first got married, and I took so much pleasure in washing and folding his clothes. His socks, boxers, and undershirts were so precious. It's not quite that way anymore, but it can be a labor of love.

To think about your husband when you clean is a wonderful thing. Whatever gets you through the day, right girls?

Auburn, LSU, and food

2011-07-14T08:06:00.002-04:00

I'm still working hence why there's been such a lack of blogging on my part.

This week has been crazy in particular with church functions, tennis, drinks with friends, and a wedding this weekend.

But on most days, this is what I have the pleasure of seeing.

Post-it notes, high lighters, a stapler, hole puncher, and tape. Oh yea, and my Auburn lunch sack. My mom made the cutest lunch bag for Andrew that's blue with his initials on it. I'm waiting for her to make mine in purple. Until then, this is what I've got.

It doesn't bother me too much, though. I like Auburn, and I am in need of a lunch bag. So this one does just fine.

It reminded me, though, of something I heard recently that's been bothering me.

An Auburn fan recently said while telling a story "and that's when they were so mean to me." This is of course in reference to those horrible LSU fans.

You know what I thought? I thought I've been through the same thing too, with LSU fans from time to time. And with Auburn fans.

Gasp! I know you Auburn fans reading this will just not believe that your precious fan base had done such a thing.

It's true. You know how I handled it? I took this Auburn fan aside. No kidding I did. I couldn't stand the mocking and the pointing and the name calling. It was solely directed to me as I was the only LSU fan standing there watching the 2010 Auburn/LSU game at last year's tailgate. So I took him aside and said, "I know you love your school. I love mine too. But Auburn has a love that pride's itself on community and family. My sweet husband is from Auburn and some of my closest friends have gone here. They are 'salt to the earth' kind of people. They 'believe in Auburn and love it' and you should too. I have to say that by your actions, you are a disgrace to your school and everything they stand for."

Boo ya.

He was shocked. I think I may have offered him a cold beverage in addition to my monologue. I don't remember.

But my point is this: Auburn fans, you have 2 choices regarding your attendance in Baton Rouge for the LSU game this year. I know many of you are deliberating.

You can a.) quit your crying and stay home or b.) quit your crying, stand up for yourself, and have one heck of a time in cajun country.

I don't have to tell 'The Story of the Mean Auburn Fan' a lot because I know there's plenty of stories of the nice Auburn fan. And what's the point of sharing this with my Auburn friends and family? What are they going to say in response to this? I feel the same way about LSU fan stories. We've all heard them, but what good does it do anymore? I get it; we're rowdy, we taunt. It's mostly to get a rise out of you anyway, and we've clearly accomplished that. Let's focus on the good traits we have. Like our food. If nothing else, let's just focus on food.

Just a plain ol' weekend

2011-07-11T16:33:00.001-04:00

You know those weekends that you don't do much of anything, but it's just oh, so good?

That's what we did this weekend. It was perfection.

I woke up and made Saturday breakfast like I usually do when we're home on the weekends, which that is a rarity these days.

I love making Saturday breakfast. Andrew still calls it a "PawPaw lake breakfast" like he had growing up at his lake house.

Then I decided to cook ahead of time for Sunday after church, 'cause I hate cooking on Sunday's after church.

There's spaghetti in that pie!

And while I ran errands, Andrew played a little golf with my dad.

I met up with them at the country club for a quick, HOT bit.

We ate dinner with my parents and a few little chillin's.

I don't know which they love more, Andrew or his phone.

Later we went out for a drink downtown and then called it an early night. Andrew made my heart so happy when he danced with me in our living room to Brad Paisley, Ray LaMontagne, and Jason Aldean. We thought we were real cool and gansta singin' about "our smoke blowin out our windows and our cold beer sittin' in the console."

We went to bed early to get up for Sunday school, and then I did something so out of character for me: I slept until 9:30! If you know me, you know this never happens. So we missed Sunday school but made it to church. This would have been a perfect weekend had I not completely lost my marbles due to the fact that Andrew was making me late for church. I am always ready on time. He is always late. Correction, I am always ready ahead of time. To me, being on time is late.

It's a problem. I know. Call it what you want; character flaw? I guess we've both got the flaw, just the opposite problem. It's rude that he's always late. It's rude that I nearly strangle those who make me late.

Other than that, it was the perfect weekend we needed. Staying home is good for our soul.

What I know with all my heart

2011-07-08T10:50:00.000-04:00

This week, we've both been working outside the home. Except I have the pleasure of staying at home on Friday's and Monday's for the time being. But in those 3 days in the middle, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I have to work.

I need help with fixing 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches now.

It used to be my job. It was a labor of love in the mornings. I listen to Kingsborough Hymns that I found in our collective stash after we got married.

I think Andrew was pleasantly surprised that I found this old CD. I know he was glad that we both get a change from the previous CD I had in there. There's nothing wrong with the songs; he just hates that I can listen to the same CD everyday for 6 months straight. When I like a song, I like a song. (And don't you like I still listen to songs on CD's!?)

My favorite on the CD above is #5, "How Deep the Father's Love For Us." It's probably the most beautiful song ever written. And on Tuesday, when Andrew was making his own lunch in the kitchen, that song came on. I couldn't help but think how I should be at home, making his breakfast and lunch everyday, doing something worthy inside my home.

Maybe it's the homemaking blogs that I read. The writers value homemaking as a true art, and it causes me to cherish my time at home. But I often fail at home, still. Even though I've come a long way since using a sheet as a table cloth. That's not really what I'm talking about, though. They'll always be the day-in, day-out cleaning of our house and recipes to conquer. I'm talking about the day-in, day-out cleaning of my heart and conquering a good attitude.

I don't have children, and I haven't landed that dream writing job for me to stay at home. I don't know how things are going to work out. I don't know the future.

But there are many more important things for me to focus on. Like what I do know: I know He so gently leads me back to His cross.

"...This I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom."

God bless the USA

2011-07-05T17:57:00.001-04:00

I took one measly picture from the lake this weekend. Here it is.

I can't believe I didn't take a still shot of the patriotic Budweiser can Andrew wanted to buy. The boy loves his branding.

When we {finally} got home, Andrew mentioned we watch the fireworks show that appeared to be at the Baton Rouge lakes. We were tired; I'm scared of them; we went home instead.

An hour later, a store-bought pizza was heated and we were flipping the dials between LBP and NBC. The fireworks show via television is better for my nerves.

And the patriotism! The patriotism! I wasn't farmklempt; I was crying. Full on crying. We both agreed that while Beyonce's rendition of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" was good, it didn't beat the original.

Andrew and I sang along to the patriotic songs we knew and enjoyed the instrumental patriotic songs too. We both noticed how no one makes music like that anymore. I realized then, as we were sitting on our couch, eating a store-bought pizza, I am an old, old girl. Maybe it sounds better if we call me an old soul. How 'bout that?

5 o'clock drinks coming soon

2011-06-28T19:31:00.001-04:00

I started my new job today.

It wasn't so bad.

The time actually flew by. Surprisingly, I didn't think "10:04 AM...12:52 PM...2:33 PM...3:14 PM..."

Would I rather be dumpster diving for antiques? Yes.

Am I glad to have a pay check every two weeks? Heck Yea.

I'll be doing my jewelry just as much as I did before. Maybe I'll even appreciate my time fooling around with that old jewelry all the more.

Cheers to having a job. Be grateful for it.

Carving, cooking, and the country

2011-06-27T15:59:00.005-04:00

What is it about the south? About being in the country? About going home?

Andrew and I thought about those things when we went to my home on a hot Saturday morning. Andrew had an opportunity to learn how to do some wood carving. And I had the opportunity to learn how to make a tarte a la bouille cake. Remember this post? So we woke up early on Saturday and drove an hour to the country.

In my hometown, you can find experts; true, award winning experts on subjects that Andrew and I want to learn about.

So as Andrew carved wood, I made cake.

Oh Mon Dieu. Y'all. I've discovered it! The best cake ever!

To cause your custard to not form a top layer, put saran wrap on it. Learn somethin' new everyday.

According to John Folse, this is the best custard recipe. If John Folse thinks so, you can bet that's the truth.

Ta Da! No icing. Not needed.

While the cake was cooling, Ms. Wendy's (my teacher for the day, neighbor, and life time friend) other next door neighbor brought over some figs because Ms. Wendy and her husband love figs and fig preserves. How nice.

Ms. Wendy and Mr. Bryan wouldn't let me leave without fig preserves either. How even nicer?

Right as the cake had cooled, Andrew was ready for me to pick him up. I shared cake with the family that was hosting him for the day. And since we were so close to the lake, 3 miles, I mentioned we should take a ride down to Lake Verret. So we did.

We even turned the radio off, rolled our windows down and let the stench of the air envelop us. More enjoyable, were the birds, frogs and insects talking to us as we drove past the swamp. If alligators could chatter like their swamp friends, I'm sure they'd be talking to us too. But I think too many people are "chootin' em."

We talked about some of his family that we thought might love to join us on the lake one day.

We also talked about how many "Mary" statues there were. Andrew noticed them in their little shrines. He had never seen them before. I guess I just don't notice them much anymore. He snapped a pic. You can barely see her here.

Andrew asked me why the people in south Louisiana do that?

As soon as we got home, I put on the white beans and rice, and Andrew was eager to get back to where he left off with his wood carving.

You can tell he loves it. I thought he might like a cold drink.

Only true cajuns eat their white beans and rice with a little ketchup in it.

And if the cake you made is really that good, have another piece. And so I did.

Right as Saturday Night Live started at 10:30, I fell asleep. I couldn't stay up any longer. We woke up a few times during the night as Andrew exclaimed, "Psychotic Ninja cat!" This is in reference to one of my mom's two cats. Before my parents left town, they forgot to mention the bed time protocol for the kitty's. One sleeps in the laundry room; he causes trouble. You can bet that the new-found freedom of the night caused the cat to go plum nuts.

As I woke up early to let the dog out, I noticed how pretty and bright the early morning sun was. As good as it is to be in the country, it was time to go home.

Until our next carving, cooking, country time lesson...

I'm back from Florida

2011-06-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

Whew. I 'm back from my vacation to Florida with the girls in my family. It was a whirl wind.

First stop, Tampa.

We brought live crawfish on the plane to boil hot once we arrived.

Next up, baby shower.

Then on to the beach at St. Pete.

The next day, we drove to Dade City, where my mom grew up.

Of the hundreds of times that I've been to Dade City, I never realized how much land it has. It was beautiful and uncommon these days. I just hope it stays that way...it's American.

One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Florida was to go back to Webster flea market. It's my first antiquing memory. It was with my Nana.

How many people remember their first antique trip? I feel lucky that I know where the love for the hunt started.

Nana would have enjoyed being with us. I bet she never thought that taking me to get fresh produce and a little prize would leave such an impression on me. It did.

We spent several hours there, and then it became just too hot. So we went back on the country roads and in between the hills, we ended up on Bellamy Brothers Blvd and found their estate. If you don't know who the Bellamy Brothers are, I'll give you a hint. "Just let your love flow."

We went back to take a picture of my favorite house in Dade City. That porch is just so inviting.

I enjoyed my trip so much and can't wait to go back.

I hope to show my kids these kinds of cities one day. They might not appreciate it until they're 27, but at least I'll try.

Leaving organized

2011-06-16T08:20:00.000-04:00

I'm going out of town. In my house, you can definitely notice that I'm going out of town.

I want to make sure Andrew doesn't starve while I'm gone. Correction. I want to make sure Andrew doesn't eat at fast food restaurants while I'm gone.

I'll be in Tampa with some of the girls in my family for a few days. I'm looking forward to it and have everything in place while I'm gone. I like to think ol' A.Lee needs me. It's nice to be needed. I bet it's also nice to have all the laundry done and food prepared for you day and night, but he works real hard and is always so grateful. He makes it a pleasure.

Speaking of pleasure, I'm going on my trip to Tampa! I'll update you when I get back.

Low key perfection

2011-06-13T12:04:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the wonderful relaxation we needed.

Andrew painted. I ~~aggravated~~ watched.

We were upstairs in the loft while the sun was setting, and I took some pictures because the light was so good and because my husband is so good.

Andrew is painting a canvas for my mom to put in her beloved mountain home.

In my ~~holy~~ holey jeans, I caught him.

I wrapped myself in my favorite quilt that mom made for me.

We listened to Ray.

And Miranda.

And feasted our eyes on the finished product. A masterpiece. Don't you think a gift is more beautiful when it's made by someone you love? I think so. Of course, I'm partial.

Then, I made a huge mistake. I had the envie for some chocolate, so I went to the store to buy the ingredients to make this:

Sinful. Decadent. Huge mistake.

So sinful and so decadent that I decided to bring it over to my cousin's house and let the rest of the family eat it.

That's pretty much our weekend: low key and chocolate-filled. Aka: perfection.

Sweet as an Alabama peach

2011-06-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again: produce stand shopping! Every Monday, I go to the grocery and now, the produce stand. I have to say, I miss the produce stand in Anderson, but Baton Rouge's Southside Produce will just have to suffice.

I usually get tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, grapes, blueberries, and pears.

As I was picking those Alabama peaches, a black lady yelled at me as she was shopping, "Honey, you know that those Alabama peaches are the best in the world, don't you?"

I replied, "Yes, m'am. Last time I was here, I asked the workers which were sweeter: the Georgia peaches or the Alabama. They assured me the Alabama peaches were."

I told her that my husband is from Alabama and that I was going to make him a peach crisp.

She said, "Honey. He is gonna love you foreva."

I said, "That's what I'm workin on."

We had our laugh. She made my day.

And that night I made my peach crisp. It's my friend's from last year. Click here for a recipe to keep your husband "lovin' you foreva."

Take a cork for the memories

2011-06-07T13:22:00.001-04:00

Last weekend at the wedding, I asked one of the bartenders if I could have one of the corks from the empty bottle of wine. He looked at my funny, and then I explained why. I told him that I save the corks from wine, and with a marker I write the date, who I was with, and save it in a big bowl I have at home.

I told him, "thank you" and went on my merry way. Throughout the course of the evening, he gave me a hand full of these little keepsakes. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I only wanted that one.

So by the end of the night, my purse looked like this:

Maybe I'll use the rest for a craft or something. Who am I kidding. I'm never going to do that.

For starting this little project around my junior year of college, I have sure gained lots of corks.

Why Craig Morgan songs get my mind off of car repair problems

2011-06-01T12:52:00.001-04:00

I had to go to Midas today. You know, the car repair place. What a terrible experience I had. I even started off at Meineke, but that was the shadiest place below the Mason Dixon. So, Midas had the privilege of taking my $311.75. And I came away with a laundry list of new repairs I get to have done!!!!!!

- Alternator Belt
- Valve Cover Gasket Set
- Upper Plentum Gasket

I might as well have just written "kjwetro;iehratkl&na" above. That's how much I understand it.

I tell ya, the longer I've been married, the more and more I want to live in a small town. In my hometown, my mom would dial the car repair shop's number, which she knew by heart along with several other businesses, they'd chat for a second, you know, to see how their momma n 'em are doing. And they'd come to our house, pick up the car, repair it, clean it, and then bring it back. The amount was charged to Miss Debbie's account, which they also knew by heart. The repair shop was just across from the baker shop with the.best.donuts.you've.ever. had. ever.

I know what people have to say about people from small town's. How we're backwoods or "country" (pronounced in Alabama, "curntry"). But don't you think it's a simpler way? Don't you think you can trust these people like car mechanics?

So basically, if you tell me "You're so country", chances are I'm going to say, "Why, thank you. I'm glad you noticed. I must be sweet."

I'm really not that sweet. I'm nice but not sweet. Well I can be, just sometimes. That's neither here nor there.

The point is this: I hate getting my car fixed, but it's necessary. I'm blessed to own a car. Really, I see that I am lucky. But at the end of the day, I just want the simple life. To be around people I know by name. To trust a car repairman. To be around folks that keep their word. I've recently been around the same mountain with people that haven't kept their word, and I've been disappointed.

Really disappointed.

But Andrew cheered me up yesterday when he told me that Craig Morgan was at his office. I said, "Who?" All Andrew said after that was, "35 cents off a ground round, baby cut that coupon out!" And I said, "That's what I love about Sunday's!"

That's a little inside joke we have. I love the verse of the Craig Morgan song that Andrew sang to me. I think it's so funny. I sing that part the loudest of all the other lyrics in the song. And we also have a disagreement about the pronunciation of the word, "coupon." He says, "que-pon"in his Alabama-native way. I say, "coo-pawn"in my south Louisiana way. This little argument dates back to when Andrew and I were dating.

And you know what, Andrew was even able to tell Craig Morgan himself how his little wife likes to belt out her favorite verse in her thickest cajun accent. He liked it. He laughed.

Songs like that make me think of my roots. Small town, yes they are.

Through those Alabama pines

2011-05-31T11:39:00.003-04:00

You know those weekends that are all-American and full of good, clean fun?

I know those kinds of weekends. They're sweet and special.

That's not what happened this past weekend.

It started off that way, though. Sweet and special.

We pondered about the south and it's loveliness. We talked about those "Alabama pines" and even sang the song on Pandora...twice. We even ate Cracker Jack's.

But things got fun. Real fun.

Sometimes you need a weekend like that to get away from all of the problems of work and life in general. We might have been o.o.c. (out of control), but at least we sang Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American" at the top of our lungs at a bar on the lake. That's what I'm told anyway. We had a blast on Lake Martin; we always do.

Our crazy-selves had a long ride home last night, but I realized I'm grateful for the drive. We reflect on things. We talk about life. I realize that if we didn't have those long drives, I might never even notice those beautiful Alabama pines. I realize on these drives that I don't have my "ducks in a row", and that's okay. I'll be grateful for a settled life when and if that does ever happen. And in the midst of complaining about my ducks being scattered about, I finally realize that we have great family, great friends, and we are really blessed to live this fun, American, southern life.

"No one gives a damn about the things I give a damn about The liberties that we can't do without seem to disappear like ghost in the air

We don't even care, Until it vanishes away."

Alabama Pines

It's the thought that counts

2011-05-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

There's been lots going on in our household this week! I may or may not have a job. I may or may not have 2 jobs. It's still unclear. I'll let you know just as soon as I figure this whole thing out myself.

As you know, it was anniversary week for us. I'll give you a run-down of our little gifts to each other. I use the word "gift" very loosely here. I should say "happy." We gave each other such small little gifts, it's considered "happy's."

I've cooked. We've drank. We've been happy.

I cut these at my parents house when I went to get my hair cut. Oh yea, I cut 7 inches off because I just felt like it. I'm such a loose cannon.

Last Saturday, Andrew treated me to Waffle House per my request. When we've "made it big" we'll go to The Court of Two Sisters or something equally as fabulous.

Andrew's been painting...

And the gift giving begins...

I picked up this letter opener for $7 at a cute little store in Baton Rouge. Andrew loved it!

And ever since we've been married, I've heard over and over and over again that "Andrew didn't get a piece of his groom's cake."

So I fixed that real quick. I called the lady that made our cake 2 whole years ago, and she did it again. I think there's something sweet (no pun intended) about a simple chocolate cake (filled with fudge of one side and raspberry on the other.)

Damn it's good. I will say, though, that I wasn't going to have a groom's cake at my wedding because I had 5 months to plan a wedding, and I thought it would be one less thing to have to worry about. Then my oldest sister pitched a raging fit saying, "Plenty of times, that's the only reason I go to wedding's is for the groom's cake." Oh Mon Dieu! So my wedding cake lady whipped this up 2 years ago for basically, my sister's satisfaction. This year, Andrew was overwhelmed with my thoughtfulness! Win!

As Andrew and I talk about our future and things to come, we have to encourage one another when things seem confusing and challenging. I write him notes almost everyday in his lunch, but this week it's been particularly meaningful.

I really love packing his lunch. I can't wait to do this for my children. Today's lunch menu is chili fritos, grapes, fig newtons, and andes mints.

And finally, in keeping with my childhood past time, I re-gifted a book to Andrew for our anniversary.

For the last 2 years, Andrew has seen this cookbook that we got for a wedding present, and he's said, "I'd like to cook with you one night." For some reason, I never made it happen. But I decided to re-gift the book and pawn it off like a real present...without spending any money! I told him that he could choose the day and the recipe, and I would go to the store and buy all the ingredients to cook with my husband. I say this is a "past time" of mine because one of my first memories is re-gifting and wrapping up a stationary set for my sisters for Christmas that they had given me just months before. I remember it even had their name already on it. I also remember the tone of them saying "Awh...Thanks, Whit..."

Re-gifting or not, you can't say I haven't been thoughtful. Now let's hope that I can come up with something just as sweet and inexpensive next year!

I love my husband!

2011-05-23T10:05:00.000-04:00

Today is our 2 year anniversary.

I have to say that's it's been fun.

Full of fun, of up's and down's, of growing and learning each other still.

We've had to ask each other's forgiveness. Sometimes that proves harder than others. But it's worth it. The grace that Andrew gives me is astounding. The Grace we've been been given is even more so.

I am grateful for it. I don't ever want to know a day without it. We can try to "white-knuckle" it through marriage, but the only way it will thrive is through Christ alone.

I don't claim to know the secrets of a successful marriage, but I do know that to be true. And that's all I need to know.

Random thoughts

2011-05-16T15:03:00.000-04:00

Stream of consciousness blogpost:

1. Andrew and I went to the baseball game yesterday and froze. Yes, froze. It was that cold...in the month of May...in Louisiana. Strange, I know.

Even odder than that, Andrew wore his LSU hat and ate a corn dog. Yes, really he did.

2. I keep thinking of this picture below, and it makes me happy.

It was the first thing Andrew ever drew for me. It was on the paper table cloth at Macaroni Grill. Isn't it just so good? I'm in awe of his talent. {He now hates me for posting this.}

3. I went from being completely overwhelmed and clueless at this new pintrest thing, and now I can't stop pinning. It's my new hobby. That along with tennis every Sunday. I'm enjoying both thoroughly.

4. I am researching gifts that I can make for Christmas this year. Yes, I do realize it's May, but the holidays really do creep up on ya. And if I want to save some money, I'd better start my new craft now! If you're lucky, you might just get a little happy made by yours truly.

I'm even thinking of learning to crochet the tops of mason jars! Let's not get too carried away though.

In closing, {do streams of consciousness have "closings?"} we have lots happening on our calendars lately. Hope to update soon.

Have a great week, everybody!

From my camera phone

2011-05-11T16:11:00.000-04:00

I finally came into the modern era and got a new phone. I've had my previous phone before I even dated Andrew. Although it was technically and iPhone, it hardly counted since now it's considered a genuine antique, being the first version and all.

So here's my image purge from my camera phone.

Enjoy the trip down my memory lane.

The first flowers Andrew sent me. I was sick.

My nephew. He's 4 now.

I wish he were still that little. He's still that silly, though.

The first dinner I ever made Andrew. We ate on my balcony with music and lights. The chicken was under-cooked.

Under the trees at Auburn University.

Auburn University. Setting up the tailgate for Auburn/LSU in 2008.

Babysitting my nephew. Loved his little feet.

Graham took to Andrew and only wanted him to read. November 2008.

Fortune cookie a few months before we left Anderson, SC and moved to Baton Rouge.

"Time is prime to take a new professional direction."

Love the kitty and the boots.

My mom and her cats.

My heart is happy when Andrew creates.

A Tuesday night sketch. I consider it a masterpiece. Can I frame it?

Leaving the LSU basketball game. Graham grabs Andrew's hand.

Andrew photographing shacks.

Sweet memories. I'm grateful. I'm blessed.

I've got an answer

2011-05-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

I usually like to keep things light-hearted here on the ol' blog. And for the most part, I will.

But I have to be honest in telling you what I've been "chewing on" as of late.

I just can't stop thinking about this blog post. I admire how sweet Dorothy tied in the week's news so perfectly. The Scripture from the Royal wedding tied up with the killing of Osama Bin Landen in some haphazard way.

I won't go all political on the blog; not because I don't have an opinion. Trust me, I do. It's because I'm not qualified to go deeper than the surface of a particular argument.

But I will tell you what I found. It really is so exciting.

I've been reading and trying to understand The Book of Romans this month. This morning I came to Romans 12, the Scripture that Dorothy referenced the day I decided to get all philosophical. It was also the Scripture read at the Royal wedding. I couldn't get a grasp on what these words were really saying, and how I was to make sense of killing someone that is, in fact, evil. I was so proud of our Navy Seals and overjoyed over the bravery of this group of people that make America so great. But I was haunted by those who were {mis}quoting Martin Luther King, Jr., also adding not to repay evil for evil.

I found words that have allowed me to put to rest my questions. You should read chapter 12 in Romans, but the last verse of the chapter states, "21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

My study bible says, "Overcoming evil with good will ordinarily include acts of kindness toward evildoers, but it may sometimes also include the "good" of the civil government stopping evil through the use of superior force (military or police), as Paul explains in Romans 13:3-4."

Is it just me? Does this answer questions just for me? It excites me to have found a concrete answer not just anywhere, but in God's Word.

Okay, that's enough. I just had to share.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with silliness, vulgarity, and photos.

It was a mint julep weekend

2011-05-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

I know it was Mother's Day this past weekend, but my mom was out of town. She was vacationing in her beloved mountains of North Carolina.

Since we didn't celebrate Mother's Day in the traditional sense this year, Andrew and I decided to go "all out" for another event: The Kentucky Derby.

We took an impromptu flight to Louisville, bought a hat and made our way to Churchill Downs.

I tease. We did not do that.

We stayed home and drug out our mint julep cups to celebrate instead.

This was our reward for checking off our "to-do" list, cleaning house, and running errands.

I was all ready. I had a beautiful wide brimmed hat....that I just needed to locate. I looked and looked but just couldn't find the darn thing.

"Moving on to bigger and better things", I said. We had mint juleps to tend to. I found a great julep recipe from the internet, and all we needed to do was buy the mint leaves. Andrew went to two grocery stores, and they were fresh out. Other couples in Baton Rouge must have been doing the exact same thing: buying fresh mint for their mint juleps.

So here's the score card:

* no ticket to Churchill Downs.

* no wide brimmed hat.

* no mint leaves for a mint julep.

Boo hiss.

But you know what they say, "When life hands you no mint leaves, you make bourbon and ginger 'cause that's what you have stocked in your home."

Beautiful phrase.

We did just that.

And when you have a clever husband who loves mint, you can count on him doing the right thing: buying Mint Milano cookies in their stead.

All of that hoora for a two minute race.

It's the memories. I told Andrew that I want my kids to learn these iconic Southern things as we learn them, too. Nothin' like a kid knowing the important things in life: the perfect mint julep recipe. We'd probably serve ginger ale to the children.

It's no secret that I like to make a big deal over these kinds of things. It's fun. Why not?

Next year, though, I'll be ready.

Until then, bon appetit!

Timing is everything

2011-05-05T10:53:00.001-04:00

In keeping with last year's theme of "I blog about my anniversary during the entire month of May" here's something that's been on my mind: I'm upset about issue #2 this anniversary.

Let's not forget issue #1 of my sterling silver candleabras.

Issue #2 is yet another tick on the column of my stupidity.

I pride myself on giving good gifts. I give special, meaningful gifts, often ahead of time. {Bet you couldn't guess that by me getting my anniversary present in April when my anniversary is May 23. When you find it, you find it.}

Andrew and I had come home after a sweaty work out sometime last week. Wheel of Fortune was on, and I had just sat down after cooking dinner. In the living room, Andrew was in his ugly recliner and I on the sofa. My point is this: not the most opportune time to talk anniversary present.

That's when it happened. My inability to keep a damn secret. I blurted out what I think he would like for a gift. The gesture was met with complete excitement on Andrew's part. He thought it would be a wonderful gift. Then I realized, what have I just done? Could I have not waited for a special moment? Maybe I could have even written him a letter saying what I had come up with.

Earlier that day, I had been thinking of what I wanted to get him for his anniversary present. It hit me. It was to be a mandolin. I called several music stores to get a range of prices and had done pretty extensive homework.

I did it all because Andrew loves a good mandolin tune. Every time we hear a song on the radio, he'll point out the mandolin and how much he loves it if there is one strumming.

Currently, Mean by Taylor Swift is the tune he is tapping his foot to. There's many other jingles he likes, too. Who doesn't love Maggie May by Rod Stewart. That's the classic mandolin.

It's funny when you get married how your interests rub off on each other. I love hearing the mandolin even when I'm by myself. I think, "Oh, Andrew would like this." And Lord knows I would have no interest in Auburn University if it weren't for him. And Lord knows Andrew wouldn't know what good food was if it weren't for me. That's of course with the exception of last night's dinner. It was gross.

I'm glad to be exposed to new, wonderful things. It's a good thing about marriage. I know you've heard this before, and you've probably heard me say it: when two sinful people come together, your sin is very exposed and has the potential to really hurt each other. It's true. But you know what's so wonderful about two people coming together? When you see God-given talent in your spouse, and you can help bring those talents to fruition.

That's what I was trying to do with giving my husband a mandolin.

Now if I could only work on my timing, it would have been perfect.

How gypsies cope

2011-05-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

If you know me personally, you know that I got a new sister this weekend! Andrew's brother got married, and we couldn't be more thrilled. And we couldn't be more regretful that we didn't take a single picture of the nuptials and festivities.

On the drive up to beautiful Birmingham, I started to document our 6 hour journey quite well. I was planning on having an awesome wedding post, but like I worded earlier, we didn't take any pics.

I wanted to at least describe to you our trip up there and answer some of the questions that we get a lot. For example, "Whitney and Andrew, y'all sure do drive a lot. How do you handle it?"

I can answer that question with a single sentence: We play Name That Tune.

Dum, Dum...

"Curtis Lowe by Lynyrd Skynyrd!"

Seriously, people, it's the little things in life. We have driven more 6-hour drives in our life than anyone I know. We have truly made it a fun experience. Of course, I am over the moon because Andrew usually forgets that the radio isn't on, and we've just had 6 hours of quality time! That's of course when we don't play Name That Tune.

In true south Louisiana fashion, my ears started popping as we were entering the Birmingham area; like it's the north or something. It's ridiculous, I know, but it's the truth.

So cheers to long drives with your husband. Your relationship will benefit from it either because of how you trick your husband into some serious quality time shared, or he will feel like an olympic gold medalist because he's so good at the game, Name That Tune.

Side note: our hearts go out to those who endured the tornados and destruction in the great state of Alabama. We were able to see some of the damage, and we heard stories of your fear this weekend. Blessings to you.

What would Easter be without the little things?

2011-04-25T10:45:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! Hope yall had a wonderful Easter!

What's Easter week without a crawfish boil? I don't even want to know.

And what's Easter without bunnies, eggs, and egg hunts?

Or Southern magnolias?

Or your husband who's native to Auburn, AL grilling in an LSU apron?

Or really fun pool parties?

There would be no Easter celebration in my heart without the King of kings and Lord of lords dying for me and you and conquering death.

"Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:6-11

I exhalt You

2011-04-23T08:30:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the simpliest words are the best ones.

"You give me life
You give me breath
You give me a heart to love You with
And all I can do is worship You.
I exhalt You for you give me life."

Shane and Shane, You Give Me Life

How great is that word, 'exhalt?'

Happy Easter!

New thoughts on silver

2011-04-18T12:07:00.001-04:00

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

Romans 8:5

That's the Scripture I read the day after I shed my last tear from the loss of my beloved candleabras. I didn't go searching out these words; they were in my daily reading for the day.

My study bible goes into more detail on this passage using the word 'pursue.' As in, what am I pursuing? God and what He desires or the world?

Eek. Conviction.

On Saturday, we went back to the store where they sell all the silver. I got an anniversary prize with a better attitude and a grateful heart.

I came away with a different piece of silver that is from the late 1800s.

I can even put a wedding picture in my new-old sterling silver picture frame.

I've been thinking, what if I pursue the heart of God as much as I pursue deals on silver and antique jewelry. It puts things in perspective. Maybe this picture frame will remind me of what Andrew bought me for my second anniversary present, and more importantly, it may remind me of what God wants me to pursue: Him, first.

"Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God."

Proverbs 2:3-5

You win some, you lose some

2011-04-14T17:11:00.000-04:00

I'm so mad I could spit. I could actually spit a nail, take a shot of whiskey, and smoke a cigarette.

And I don't smoke cigarettes.

It all started last week when I went hunting for jewelry. I was enjoying such a beautiful spring day by browsing and even stopping to smell the ~~roses~~ whatever these little flowers are.

I stumbled upon a new antique store with lots of Indian pottery, which I'm not interested in, and sterling silver, which I am interested in.

As I walked in, there they were: two beautiful sterling silver candleabras. I admired them but restrained myself as they would certainly be too expensive for a girl like me.

They looked very similar to these.

Very, very surprisingly, they were $95 for the pair. For the pair! You can't find that for less than $1,000 with the price of sterling these days! And the work on them was just impeccable.

I told the owners that I'd like to ask my husband if I could have them for my anniversary present coming up. He said they'd be happy to sell them to me even though the price has gone way up since they bought these gorgeous beauties in 1985. Then I start envisioning my new candlesticks on my table. I told Andrew all about them, and he said that we could go take a look this Saturday.

This Saturday couldn't come soon enough.

I took a ride out to this shop again this afternoon. I know $95 is a steal.of.a.deal. for these, but in WhitneyWorld, there's always a deal to be made. Maybe I could haggle a bit, is what I thought.

I walk into the shop. The owners look surprised to see me. I ask if they remember me and my admiration for the candleabras. They hesitantly tell me that they had been bought just minutes before by some lady in her 70's.

Oh no.

I really got sad. My one chance to own sterling candleabras is gone. I'll never find them at that price again, and I know it. The shop owners proceed to reiterate that truth as well. Many times over.

The owners surprise themselves by being sad about that situation too. They say that they had just talked about me yesterday. They say they wish it wouldn't have sold to that other lady just mere minutes before I walked through the doors.

Sigh, well I tell myself, "You win some, and you lose some." I usually win, though. I'm always on the hunt getting the best deal and striking when the iron's hot. I don't regret needing to talk it over with my husband first. That's the way we do things, and after all, it was supposed to be an anniversary present. The least I could do is to tell him what I'm getting myself for my anniversary with his permission. And it would only be appropriate that he come with me as we buy that anniversary present.

We're still going back on Saturday. They have a few other sterling pieces on hold for me. I have a "thing" for sterling. It's a very expensive "thing" to get interested in, I know.

Those owners sure felt bad for me. I wasn't too upset in front of them; I waited till I got in my car to cry. I think they'll give me a deal on some other pieces, but it's no match to those candleabras.

My life will go on, and as it does I will count my blessings, even if it's a life without sterling silver candleabras.

Some of my favorite things

2011-04-13T10:19:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you all are certain that I like Brad Paisley's new song Old Alabama. You're right. I do.

Even the band, Alabama, makes a cameo since, after all, it's basically a new take on the song Dixieland Delight.

You know my heart flutters when I hear that good old country song.

I'll admit it, I like country music. Gasp.

I like Brad Paisley, too. And since I'm being honest, I'll reveal a few more things that I like whether it's "cool" or not.

I like one piece bathing suits. Small towns. Wagons. Not like Radio Flyer wagons, but real, drive-able wagons. Like this:

I also like the early morning. Like 5 AM.

I like sunscreen, snail mail and farmers markets too.

Que Julie Andrews singing Favorite Things. Or maybe not. I don't really like Julie Andrews.

When the cat's away the mice will play.

2011-04-08T18:37:00.000-04:00

James and I greet you this Friday afternoon. James Taylor, that is.

Andrew's away at his brother's bachelor party in Memphis, so I thought I'd turn up the volume on my greatest hits CD that I've "worn out" apparently.

Whatever.

Tonight I'm having a girl's night. With myself. And I suppose James is invited, too.

I'm cleaning and tagging jewelry, drinkin some vino, and watching trash on TV.

You should have seen the tizzy that A. Lee got into as I watched The Real Housewives of New York City last night. I know, the trashiness doesn't even deserve to be italicized. But while Andrew's gone, I think I'll get all my guilty pleasure, trash TV-watchin' out.

I'm way too excited about this weekend.

That's pitiful.

Pat Green likes April 7

2011-04-08T09:54:00.000-04:00

It was April 7, 2005. Two of my friends birthday's. Pat Green concert at The Varsity in Baton Rouge.

It was also my nephews day of birth. And I missed it because I was attending said concert in extreme form.

Wouldn't you know that we were invited to a Pat Green concert at The Varsity yesterday, which was April 7, 2011. We decided not to go because of me being a budget-nazi this month. I also realized it was Brooks' birthday, and he wanted a party at his house.

Six years can really change a person. Here's what we're up to these days.

I've got a husband who budgets expenses and celebrates nephews birthday parties with me. That was not on my radar six years ago. I'm glad it's my reality now.