Photo A Day - 7

We’re a week into Fat Mum Slim's Photo a Day Challenge and I’ve not missed a day!

Don’t hold your breath, though, a lot can change within the course of the month.*ha*

Day 7: Stars. Take a photo of the stars at night, or stars you see around the place during the day.

Photo a Day - 6



*Fat Mum Slim*



Day 6: From where you live/your country: Take a photo of something from your country – a flag, something unique, a traditional dish, or something a little bit more common.

To me, this barn is a great depiction of Americana. It’s a reminder of freedom. A reminder to support our country and the principles it was built upon. A reminder of hard work reaps a bountiful harvest (literally and figuratively speaking.)

Photo a Day - 5

Day 5: Looking up. Get down on the ground and take a photo from down low, looking up.

I generally go on a walk during my lunch break and today was no different. I enjoy a particular route in town, being that it is convenient, has hills, and is safe for me to go alone.

The library, aka former county courthouse, is along this route. I thought it would be a great idea to run the steps before and after my walk. It doesn’t look that bad, but it is. It hurts in a good way though.

*looking up --- my impending doom*

Day 4

It is Day 4 of Fat Mum Slim's Photo A Day Challenge.

Today's Topic: 

Black + white: Use a black + white filter on a photo of your choice, or take a photo of something black and white.

December Photo A Day (Days 1-3)

Since I have neglected to keep up with my blogging this year, I decided to join Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim for her December: Photo A Day Challenge. 

 

I've posted my photos on Instagram, but haven't posted on my blog yet.  So here goes....

 

Day 1:  8 o'clock.  Take a photo at whatever you're doing at 8am or 8pm.
At 8pm, I was at a dinner theater program, The Gift, presented by a local church.  It was absolutely wonderful and a great way to kick start the Christmas season, as Jesus is the only reason for the season.  The picture I took was of the little note that was on my napkin when I arrived.

 

 

 

Day 2: Peace.  What does peace look like for you? Or take a photo of a peace sign.

I took a picture of part of the lighted garland beneath my counter.  The counter is nearest to the chaise lounge that I generally take my perch.  I was reading a book last night and it was so peaceful and relaxing to see the softness of the lights. 

 

 

Day 3: Something you held.  A child, your phone, a gift, a shopping bag, anything!

My photo is a picture of my hand on my husband's leg as we were lounging on the couch together watching Monday night football.  Personally, I could care less about the NFL, but the Mr loves it and I love spending time with him; therefore, I watch it with him. 

 

Tomorrow's prompt:  Black & White.

First Thanksgiving

Whelp, we did it and lived to tell about it.  Yep, that's right, the Mr and I hosted our First Thanksgiving feast.  We had invited eighteen family members but due to other scheduled meals and sickness not everyone was able to attend.  I was excited, too, because some of my family had not been to our home since we were married last year.  I know, I am horrible.

 

I was worried at first because the whole decision to host kinda came out my mouth before it even registered with the ole noggin.  You know what I mean, those moments when you speak before you think. 

 

I just knew in my heart that something catastrophic would happen and ruin the whole day.  But as always, sweet Jesus, heard my prayers of distress and the entire meal went without a hitch! 

 

It also helped that everyone offered to bring certain items to the meal so not to overwhelm the cook...me!  It was definitely an offer that I quickly accepted!  My dad offered to bring a smoked turkey (I danced a happy dance in my head when he offered.) I was immediately relieved knowing I wouldn't be the demise of the main dish.  

 

On Thanksgiving Eve, I made deviled eggs, mandarin orange cake, my first pumpkin pie, peeled/chopped the potatoes and prepared the cornbread stuffing.  Then the morning of Thanksgiving I put my first ham in the oven, green beans in the crock pot, yeast rolls out to rise, whipped up the mashed potatoes, started the creamed corn, baked the cornbread dressing, baked a Carmel apple pie, and made a pot of coffee.  Oh yeah, I can't forget the can of jellied cranberry sauce, (yep, that's how we do it!) 

 

Before I knew it, it was 11AM and family began to arrive.  The Mister's mother came bearing green bean and broccoli casseroles.  My Dad, Mamaw and aunt arrived with the smoked turkey, sweet potato casserole (my fave), pumpkin pie, zucchini cakes (delicious), coconut cream pie, another pumpkin pie and rolls.  My sister and her husband came in bearing macaroni and cheese, and the Mister's favorite, pumpkin crunch.  My other sister and her husband arrived with pecan and apple pies.  Needless to say, we were not lacking any food!  *ha*

 

After we all ate to our heart's content and stomach's maximum, we enjoyed good conversation, lots of laughs, and watched an episode of Duck Dynasty.

 

My sister has been taking guitar lessons for the past 10 months or so and I hadn't heard her play.  So I asked her to bring her guitar so she could show me her new skills.  I am very proud of her as she is doing really good with her new passion.  After listening to Nancy play a few songs, Mamaw Betty couldn't keep her fingers still.  She was itching to get her hands on Nancy's guitar.  And once she did, it was on. 

 

I pulled out my hymnals and we picked out a couple songs to sing while Mamaw played.  We have "made music" together with Mamaw on the holidays for as far back as I can remember.  It is something special that we enjoy and it is always a blast. 

 

While we were looking for a song to sing, Mamaw began playing one of my absolute f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e songs that I love to hear her sing/play.  I would love to tell you the name of the song, but in all my years, I don't know the name of the song.  I've always called it "T for Texas" although I'm sure it has a more formal name.  it is a song that Mamaw has played forever and she yodels the chorus.  It is positively priceless!

 

After a little bit of pickin' and grinning, everyone began to slowly depart.  At the end of the day, it was a great day, a great experience and a success if I must say so myself.

 

I was sad that my mom, nephew, sister and sister-in-law and her family couldn't be with us for the occasion but we understood that it was for reasons outside of their control.  I am thankful for my family, friends and for what they mean to me and my husband.  They have made us into the people that we are today.  I am thankful that our families get along and  are able to come together for fellowship together. 

 

My prayer is that in the next year we remember to always thank the Lord in the good times as well as the bad and to share His love in all that we do. 

 

And now its time to share some photos, because what's a post without pictures!?!

*Let's eat!*

 

*nom nom*

*more yumminess*

 

*dessert, the best part of the meal*

*my beautiful sister and brother-in-law*

 

*my pumpkin and Carmel apple pies*

 

*My Aunt, Mamaw Betty and Dad*

 

*Nancy pickin' the guitar*

*Hymns of Praise*

*Mamaw Betty Pickin' and Yodelin'* 

 

Seven

My parents left last week for a mission trip in Vermont & Maine.  In their absence, the Mr and I kept our nephew, Lucas, for the weekend.  However, this wasn't just any weekend, it was his 7th birthday weekend.

Let me back up by saying first, that when the situation involves my house and Lucas, I no longer exist.  I am simply the person who makes him behave resulting in my being a stick-in-the-mud.  The Mr., his brother and my in-laws are his absolute favorite. 

From the moment he arrived on Tilley Creek, he was wide open.  He couldn't wait to see Matt Matt, Luke, Mr. Sammy & Mrs. Michelle.  He also was very concerned as to when he was going to be able to open his birthday present(s).  He talked of what his hoped his gift would be, how cool he knew it was going to be, and how he couldn't wait to open his presents.  He was one anxious child.

Saturday morning arrived all too early, as I was woken by a tap on my shoulder, "Deej, is it time to get up?"  We got up and I had to send the Mr to the store to pick up icing for the birthday cake and to get Lucas' birthday present.  While he was gone, I began working on Lucas' birthday breakfast, french toast.

Matt finally got back home and Lucas was able to open his present.  Out the door Lucas flew as fast as he possibly could.

*A fierce Shark helmet.*

*Look at that face!  He's trying real hard to get the wrapping off.*

*A BMX bike and a Shark helmet for a Big 7 year old boy!*

 

Lucas had a special present from Papa.  It was a collector's edition John Deere knife.  He kept saying how awesome that it was a John Deere knife.  Papa made his day!

After he opened his bike and rode it up and down the driveway and through the garden, oh, some gazillion times, he came inside for his French Toast Breakfast.  Birthday candle included.   

 

He literately snarfed his breakfast down and then back outside he went.  While he and the Mr went fishing, rode bikes, and played with the dogs, I finished icing the birthday cake.

After getting showers, we went to our niece's soccer game.  Afterwards the game, Lucas & Alannah piled into the truck and headed to Asheville to the WNC Nature Center.  I had never been to the Nature Center and I had a blast.  The only animal that we didn't get to see was the Bobcat.  It was hiding really well. 

*Black Bear*

*Three Stinkers and a random kid*

*Mountain Lion*

 

After the Nature Center we headed to the mall so the kiddos could jump on the trampoline thing. They had a blast! Once the jumping and dinner were over, it was time to head home.  Although this time, Alannah was coming back home with us for a sleep over along with Lucas.  The two of them were thrilled. 

We arrived home and Lucas and Alannah had us all in stitches laughing at their antics. 

*Got any cheese?*

We turned off all the lights, lit the birthday candles and sang Happy Birthday to Lucas.  He was beaming from ear to ear, it blessed my heart. 

*Happy Birthday, dear Lucas*

 

Happy 7th Birthday, Lucas.  I hope that it was all that you wished it would be!  XoXo.