We have been kicked out of the Church nursery, have you?

Yes, you read that correctly.

My son was asked to leave the nursery last night.

(OK, not exactly but...)

You see, we attend a very traditional, formal, and strong Methodist Church.

 Last night was The Hanging of the Greens.

The most beautiful service of the year, It is so full of joy and celebration! 

The entire family was eager to get there!

I dropped the Prince off at the nursery, which has become increasingly more difficult. EVERY Sunday it is quite the ordeal!

On nights like last night, they put all of the children together in the same room.

 These volunteers are the ones that work with the younger then two crowd.

He seemed to settle quickly.

 Just the same, I lingered around the corner.

 I finally left and found my seat in the pew with Joe and The Princess.

Just moments shy of the prelude the nursery beeper lit up like the Chrismon tree in the sanctuary. I slinked past the incoming crowds and headed downstairs.

As I stepped off the elevator, I could hear, what I knew to be my child, screaming at the top of his lungs. I arrived to find one SERIOUSLY frazzled nursery attendant, bless her heart, and my two year old hanging from the door, red faced, tears rolling down each cheek; so much slobber he looked like Hooch (Turner and Hooch, cute movie you should see it)  and ........... his diaper bag in hand!

 The instant he caught glimpse of me, he looked at her and said, Bye..... Bye....... and blew kisses. I took the bag and hung it up,  I walked my little prince, hand in hand, around the church. Trying to calm him and explain Mommy would be back soon.  Yeah well,

 no dice.

The first hallway back to the nursery, he started right back up.

 So, as I returned to the door the lady said

he can't stay in here he is too upset.

 GREAT! 

I took his bag and off to the service we went.

 Praying every step PLEASE GOD, PLEASE just let him stay quiet and calm.

I was back in the pew just as the prelude started.

The Prince was quick to turn on the charm!

 He quickly won over all of the people sitting around us.

 Making sweet eyes, blowing them kisses.

They gushed as he folded his hands and prayed.

The looked adoringly at him as he sang with the congregation.

They chuckled politely as he began to fidget and talk loudly out of turn.

Good thing he had won them over early because .................

They all GASPED as my precious little darling sailed a blue crayon into the air.

I watched helplessly as it hoovered for a distance to envy a major league pitcher.

My heart skipped a beat as it whizzed past, none other than, our pastor's head.

It sounded like a 100 lb weight as it hit the red carpet floor in the aisle.

Oh yes, it was one of my finest moments as a parent.

Looks like I will be the one with big black sunglasses

 and a scarf wrapped around her face/head sitting in the back pew!

The Trinity Orchestra is fantastic!

The violins, cello, trumpets, etc.

Not often you get worship and the symphony!

We are so blessed!

Our choir always sound like the angels singing!

Prior to all of the excitement, we had the advent wreath workshop and family supper.

 I adore nights like that at our church!

It is too much fun!

We made our advent wreath

 and had baked potatoes, grilled cheese, salad, and chili

Here are some of the pictures:

The Princess mixing the plaster to anchor our CHRIST candle

Everyone working on the wreath

Almost done, waiting for the Christ candle

At home, CHRIST candle in the center where it belongs!

If you are in the area,

 I urge you to visit with us one Sunday.

 Trinity UMC

was instantly our church home

the moment we walked through

 those magnificent doors.

If you do visit, I promise you will be filled with love and welcomed with open arms.

However, I cannot promise you won't be victim of the next sailing blue crayon!

Thanksgiving recap and a look ahead!

Just a quick recap of Thanksgiving,

I hope yours was bountiful!

We stayed at home and enjoyed our traditions of Thanksgiving.

Staying up all night smoking the turkey.

Waking up with the children in our bed to watch the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Then getting dressed,

 setting the table,

and giving thanks to our heavenly Father for all HE provides!

This was a BIG hit !!

Then,that afternoon we had projects.

How cute are these turkeys?

The children had so much fun with this!

There is so much to catch you up on!

I will be blogging EVERYDAY!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Iron Bowl Game day!

You have heard that here in the south football is a religion.

There is a lot of truth to that.

This is one place that you will find just as many women pumped up for a Saturday of football as any man. Weddings, Christenings, even Funerals are planned around it.

Today in Alabama, the game of ALL games.

The Iron Bowl.

 Alabama VS Auburn.

Nothing, not even Black Friday is more important.

It was a true battle of gladiators and well fought!

Thank goodness our precious Crimson Tide won the day.

We are now on to the SEC Championship next week.

After a little Deep fried Gator, with any luck

we will play in the National Championship!

Here was the celebration at our home.

Before the food

After the Food

sausage balls; chips and dip; southwestern egg rolls;

 and pepper with cream cheese

BAMA Brownies I made this morning

A plate full

Orry had his own little Iron Bowl Game.

It looked more like the A Day Game though!

Looking forward to blogging full time again this week!

 

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

There is so much excitement and activity here at the blog plantation.

Everyone is busy with preparations for the big Thanksgiving celebration.

I will return on Monday, unless I get a moment to check in prior to that.

 Until then, I have some posts that will hit on auto.

I hope you enjoy them!

Most of all I hope you have a wonderful, and plentiful Thanksgiving.

God be with Y'all as you travel and celebrate this time of harvest and bounty!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Foodie Friday!

Be sure to visit Gollum for more Foodie Fridays!

My mother and I have made these for several parties we have hosted over the past couple of years.

 For me in particular, we made these at my son's Christening reception

and most recently Friday night

for the reception here for April Weaver.

This recipe comes from Robert St. John

and The Purple Parrot in Hattiesburg, MS

Robert shared this recipe with us and we were hooked!

He is one of the nicest

and most fascinating people you will ever meet.

You can pick up his latest cookbook

 My South at the Robert St.John website.

So here it is

 a BLT spread

for finger sandwiches,

This is a true southern recipe, y'all get ready

we are going to use bacon AND the grease!

 2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

6 green onions finely chopped

16 oz. cooked and finely chopped bacon (save your grease after you fry)

2 TBL warm bacon grease

mix all of the above ingredients, Let chill over night.

Then cut bread into small circles using a cookie cutter. Spread mixture onto bread add

Roma tomatoes that have been sliced in circles. Add another piece of bread cut into circles and voila!

I cannot tell you how many of these are eaten.

 They go so fast

and they are perfect for a pic nic

or a soirée!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Thursday afternoon fun!

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Tablescape Thursday

 Welcome to Tablescape Thursday!

 Be sure to visit Susan at

Between naps on the Porch 

for more TT!

This week come in and join us for a party!

The  Hors d'œuvres  are ready

Goat cheese and roasted pepper bruschetta perhaps?

What about a martini?

Wait, these martini glasses are filled with shrimp and grits!

Mini quiche?

There is a lot more food to share for tomorrow's Foodie Friday.

BLT spread finger sandwiches,

and strawberry flowers with a coconut filling

that is sure to delight!

Would you care for a glass of wine?

We have lemon water for the designated drivers.

Please help yourself.

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Walk with HIM Wednesday

I am starting a new post on Wednesdays.

This is Walk with HIM Wednesdays.

This is a time to reflect on the wonder and blessings that HE provides.

A sharing of Bible verses, or stories of Faith, miracles.

Won't you join us?

Today I am sharing some of the sunsets that my Daddy has taken.

Celtic lore tells us that the Gloaming

( Noun 1. gloaming - the time of day immediately following sunset )

 is the one time of the day that one can see the face of God.

I grew up sitting in the gloaming.

 It is my favorite time of the day.

My daughter as a toddler would ask to go see God. Meaning she wanted to sit in the gloaming.

 So won't you sit with me in the gloaming today?

You may also like this blog

Scotland in the Gloaming

it is one of my favorites!

Be sure to comment and link your Walk with HIM Wednesday!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Political Fundraiser here at the blog plantation

We hosted a reception at our home to elect

April Weaver to the

House of Representatives Dist. 49

It was so much fun and we think the world of April.

Please visit her site 

I know you will agree!

This was the host committee

this is April Weaver

This was the food.

I will have more on this for

Tablescape Thursday

 and Foodie Friday!

I had such a great time with this event.

Laura Beth was a huge help to me

and excellent co-hostess.

Matt Fridy prepared some of the food as well,

and it was fabulous!

Thank you both so much

I couldn't have done it without the two of you!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support April.

It makes a difference when you really believe in the person

you are working with and you have the privilege to call them friend.

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Animal crackers in my soup!

We have a very sick little Princess at home today.

 I certainly hope her lunch makes her feel better!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

I will post more tonight!

Pimento Cheese recipe

I know I said I would post again tomorrow, but already I have gotten a ton of emails and a few comments asking me about my pimento cheese.

So I  wanted to respond.

This is my Mother's recipe, shhhhh don't tell her I shared it!

Oh wait!

She reads this everyday.

Oh well, I am sure she won't mind as long as you promise to keep it between us.

Pimento Cheese

1 can rotel tomatoes (drained)

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 tsp of Worcestershire ( I do not use this much you can to taste)

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1 (4 0z) jar of chopped pimentos (drained)

16 oz of block sharp cheddar cheese ( you must grate this yourself. It just taste different if you don't)

combine first 4 ingredients and then gently fold in remaining ingredients.

Let chill over night

Now, that one has just a touch of a kick.

My precious friend Libby over at

Twirl and Taste,

 provided this post with two more versions of pimento cheese.

Epitome of Southern Comfort Food

Southern Pimento Cheese

8 ounces extra sharp cheddar

8 ounces American cheese or white cheddar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 ounce jar of whole pimentos

1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Dash of onion powder

Dash red pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Blend pimentos and cheese in food processor until well blended. Add dry ingredients and mayonnaise and blend. Last add Worcestershire sauce. Add more mayonnaise as needed for preferred consistency. Scrape sides of bowl to ensure well-blended texture.

Cooked Pimento Cheese

2 tablespoons sugar;3 tablespoons mayonnaise;1 small jar pimentos, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter;1 tablespoon sweet pickle juice;1/4 cup milk;1 pound Velveeta cheese

Combine in medium saucepan, all ingredients except pimentos. Cut cheese into small blocks and let melt over medium heat with other ingredients in saucepan. When cheese is melted combine pimentos with mixture. Stir and store in the refrigerator.

Hope this helps and be sure to pop over

 to Libby's Twirl and Taste

and see what she is up to.

She is AMAZING!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Deep South Paninis

Please forgive me for my absence. It has been crazy around here and I have had so much going on. I cannot wait to share EVERYTHING with you! I promise that through this week I will do just that! We hosted an event here that was so much fun I cannot wait to show you the pictures.

Today is a quick post to share with you our game day food as we cheer on the

New Orleans Saints ( I am so proud of them!)

DEEP SOUTH PANINIS

Pimento Cheese

Cooked Bacon

Spread pimento cheese onto a

wonderful sour dough bread.

 Top with bacon.

 Put panini together. 

 Butter the outsides and toss onto your panini press

(I do not know how I EVER lived without mine)

That is it!

It is fabulous!

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!

Honest Scrap, bet you were tagged!

Here are the rules for the award:

1)You must thank the person who gave the award and list their blog and link it.

2) You must share "10 Honest Things" about yourself.

3) You have to present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4) Last, you must tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award


I want to thank Laura Beth @ Ruminations of a Working Mom for this award. I love her desire to make the world a better place and her earthy charm! Be sure to stop by and see her blog!

So my 10 honest things:

1. I am a Christian. Saved by the blood of Christ.  As such, I fail everyday and thank God that he forgives me for those shortcomings and loves me through it.

2. I am a person that has a difficult time allowing others to know, or see my imperfections. You know things like, when my house isn't perfect. Clean, picked up and ready for a magazine shoot at any given moment. This has become increasingly more difficult with a two year old. Or to admit that I cannot do everything. Although I do try! So if you are one of the RARE few that get to see me or my home that way.... well, that speaks volumes about my love and trust for you!

3. I love my family more than words could ever say. They are everything to me and I live each day to give them memories to last a lifetime.

4. One of my biggest fears is that I won't live to see my children grow up. Even as a christian and with the promise we will be together again, my weakness of the flesh is that fear.

5. I adore cooking ( doing the dishes not so much) interior decorating and entertaining! I love to find new creative fun ideas for the children to have for holidays and day to day.  I love cooking  meals for the family. My children do not eat typical "kid foods" because of it. My children are the ones asking for broccoli and asparagus in place of french fries. Shrimp and grits, Eggs Benedict and paninis instead of Happy Meals and Chicken nuggets. You should see the response from wait staff when that happens. I adore that. I want them to try new things and to know that there is so much to see and experience in this world!

6. I am obsessive compulsive. Germs are not my friend. I disinfect the counters 20 times a day. Make my children eat on place mats I bring from home when we go out to eat. And I wash my children's hands too much!

7. Family meals are important to me. We eat at the table for every meal. The places are set, even if it is just the Prince and I for lunch. I even put chargers under the soup bowl for chicken noodle soup!

8. I am a southern Belle born and raised. I adhere to etiquette (to the best of my ability, but like being a Christian I fail at this often as well). So I do not believe in paper napkins, plates, or plastic cups. THIS IS A HUGE PET PEEVE of mine.

According to standard, one never uses these in their home. Now, this does not mean that if we are grabbing something quick to take in the car, or someone is very ill that  I never use them. In fact you can find some very stylish paper products for that very purpose here at the plantation. It just means that you as my guests will never use them and my family will never use them unless we are eating on the fly (meaning in our car)or having a BBQ! Then it is perfectly acceptable to use these stylish products in the back yard!

I use these to take drinks with me ALL the time to swim meets and soccer games and Sunday morning coffee on the way to church.

So there are exceptions to the rule,

 but that is just what they are

exceptions and VERY rare!

Also, we don't eat chips, and popcorn, etc out of the bag.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS

use a bowl!

9.  I adore traveling and fine dining. We do not exclude the children from going with us just because they are children. We take them and they know they are expected to behave and they do. This is how they learn and grow. In fact, our children misbehave  more at "kid friendly" destinations!

10. I think one should live life everyday as they would on vacation.

So here are my seven tagged These are AMAZING precious blog friends I have made and I look forward to reading them EVERYDAY! I know you will as well!

1. Jane @ Artfully Graced

2. Cass @ That Old House

3. Libby @ Twirl and Taste

4. Barb @ Grits and Glamour

5. Karen @ Ladybug Creek

6. Emily @ Emily Horn Designs

7. All of those that read and comment here at the blog plantation. I read so many blogs and love them all. Please link yourself in the comments so that others may read you as well!

And, I did not tag because they had already been tagged, but certainly my favorites as well.

Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville

Jennifer @ Dustbunny Hostage

Well, that is it. i hope you enjoyed a rare inside peek.

I am unusually transparent today!

Thanks for dropping by y'all!

Tablescape Thursday

Be sure to stop by Between Naps on the Porch

for more tablescape Thursdays!

An award winning tablescape this week.

A couple of weeks ago, the Baldwin County Pops held an outdoor concert. For this symphony event they encouraged attendees to create tablescapes while they tailgated.

 Sounds just like something we would love right?

So my Mother and her friends, did just that.

AND THEY WON!

See it here in pictures:

Congratulations Mother and friends!