Restless Night

Monday evening I had a truly restless night. I got a call from my boss Monday morning asking me to meet with him before our department meeting that was scheduled for this Thursday. When he said I could bring the kids (because I explained I had lost my sitter) I knew his message would most likely not be positive.

I have known for a while that things were affecting business. Thankfully, Chick-fil-A still does pretty well despite what is going on around them - I chop it up to God blessing the fruit of the labors of those who founded that company. So when my boss informed me that my position was being absolved I wasn't completely surprised.

I am officially unemployed. Being laid off has its ups, I mean, I have just been handed what I have wanted for FOREVER - to be home full time and to concentrate my creative energy on The English Pea. But what I am experiencing is a little blow to the ole ego. Oh, a good dose of humility can't hurt me, but I am amazed at how much it makes me question my ability, talents, and even my creativity. It is definitely a form of rejection and in its worst kind for this people pleaser - rejection from a superior.

Thankfully God is good and I couldn't have planned it for myself any better. The finances will work out and we will one day look back on this and smile at God's grace, mercy, and provision. And honestly, how can I be disappointed about less stress, more playdates, picnics, and creative energy to give to the two cutest kids I know. I get to go forward creating memories and truly relishing in the wonderful life I have been given.

So, for this laid off lady I am going to brush it off and venture forward living out my dream of being wife and mother - with a little creativity thrown in between.

8 years ago...

I married my best friend. Today Doug and I celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. It is actually hard for me to believe it has been that long.

We celebrated over the weekend with a fondue dinner and a night out away from the kids. We had a nice time - and enjoyed our little fondue experience.

I can't say enough about how much I love this man. I am one lucky girl. He is wonderful in so many ways - dedicated, loyal, good provider, man of faith, wonderful father, adventurer, supporter (both emotionally and financially), great friend, but most of all he loves me for me - faults and all.

Thank you, honey, for the last 8 years. It has been a fun and wild ride. I look forward to many more years together. I love you!

boo boo

Well we had a boo boo of a week last week with Doug going back to school. I know, cry me a river, right? I had my hubby home for 2 months. I mean, there is nothing to feel sorry for me over is there. No, there is not, but it is always a transition and we did enjoy having him around.

The week brought us some unexpected changes - like having to part ways with my wonerful sitter because of some scheduling issues (Oh, we will miss her) and a summertime cold for everyone so far but daddy. We are on the up and up and determined to have a better week. There is nothing like a little transition to develop a little character and boo boo's - whether physical or emotional - can do just that.

Had to share the picture above with you. We sport Dora Bandaids over here at our house and Charlotte busted it nicely over a week ago. She is almost healed, but still insists on a "Dandaid" as she likes to call it. On this particular day her brother was not to be outdone - he wanted one too for his itty bitty scrape so they are showing them off here. If it is any consolation - seeing as my son is wearing a Dora bandaid - I did purchase Spiderman and Shark snacks this week at Publix (since they were on sale of course). It was high time that poor kid had some more masculine things purchased for him.

Happy Monday!

New Look

So I have been thinking of updating my logo for a while now. Since I am gradually learning my new software program it is making things like updating a little easier - most of the time. I'd love to know what you think!

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

Brownie Sundae Cheesecake

I fell in love with cheesecake many years ago when I taseted Michelle Gerlach's delictable concoction at her husband's restaurant Gerlach's in Atmore, Alabama. That restaurant is long time gone and with it this delicious dessert, but it was truly the best cheesecake I have ever eaten.

My young, teenage mind was not aware how easy this dessert was to make and when I attempted a Southern Living recipe for a dinner I was having for friends I was amazed at how delicious and easy it truly was.

So, if you are intimiated of making a cheesecake - don't be. Just follow the directions for this piece of heaven and enjoy. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Brownie Crust:
Make your favorite box of brownie mix (I love Betty Crocker the best). Follow the directions on the box and pour it into a greesed spring form pan (you can easily purchase one at Walmart, Target for aroun $10.00)

Deluxe Cheesecake Recipe - from the Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook (with a few things omitted for this particular dessert)
3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanialla extract

Beat cream cheese at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy (I start with my cream cheese at room temperature and then cut it in cubes before I mix it, it seems to mix more smoothly - no lumps); gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beateing after each addition. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until cheesecake is set - you want to avoid cracks so don't overcook it. You will know it is set because it won't jiggle mutch or look like there is liquid in it)

Cool at room temperature on a wire rack; cover and chill 8 hours. Enjoy!

Splendid Summer

Today Doug heads back to work. I am totally in denial as I keep pushing the fact that it will be nine long months until his next break again. I have been one spoiled girl.

But we did have a splendid summer. These photos are the ones I spoke of after our 4th of July weekend with Suzie and Brad Kimmel. If you remember, Suzie is my photographer friend and I am one lucky girl to have such beautiful "every day" kind of photos of my kiddos in their normal element.

Every time I look over these pictures I will think of this summer - the fun we had as a family, our vacation, time with friends, swimming and just spending time together. These pictures help me appreciate how precious this time in my life truly is. Doug's job will eventually take more time, our summer's will be shorter, and my kids, well, they will soon be more interested in their friends and their own activities than hangin with the fam. So this summer was just, to put it simply, splendid.

So thanks to Suzie for capturing my little family - once again - in our element and allowing me to see just how special and happy this time in my life truly is.

Man's Best Friend

or in Charlotte's case - girl's best friend. This poor animal is one of my very neglected puppies. We have two - Jemison (not pictured because he hasn't liked the kids since we brought Charlotte through the door and he was replaced) and Mo (the poodle you see here) - our little protector (or tolerator).

Both of the kids have really begun to admire, love, and care about our Mo. They would Jemison too if he would give them the chance. I don't blame him as Mo normally tolerates ear pulling, patting a little on the hard side, and squeezing just a little too tightly. Thankfully he is sweet and allows the kids to love on him.

Had to capture this moment with Charlotte. It was a rare occurrence of Mo actually being somewhat relaxed while being held by her. Glad that even if they aren't getting enough lovin from me, they are getting at least a little from my two kiddos.