Welcome to the Blog Plantation Y'all

Our family welcomes you and thanks you for stopping by to visit. We are delighted you have taken a few minutes out of your day to spend with us. We are Joe and Jessica. We have two children and one very regal beagle! We post often and it usually includes details of our Christian faith; life here in the South; entertaining our family and friends; tales of our travels; as well as the daily adventures of having two children. Oh, and our passion for Alabama Crimson Tide Football!
Grab a mint julep, relax, and enjoy the site. Don't forget to leave us a message. You can click under any blog entry to do so. We love to hear from our guests.
(Also, please remember that all writings and pictures are the sole property of the blog plantation and it's authors and may not be duplicated, unless otherwise noted. )

Thanks for dropping by Y'all!




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What time I am afraid I will trust in thee
Psalm 56:3

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia

Being a native of Mississippi, I was intrigued when contacted by Patricia. She is an author and lover of all things southern AND Mississippi.
Grab your mint julep or iced tea and take a look.










Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the south and things southern." The author states , "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. In my book I try to show that there is much is more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed .I invite readers to Meet Mississippi (and the south) Through Poetry, Prose and The Written Word."

Here is an example of her work:

SOUTHERN LIFE

If you want a glimpse of Southern life, Come close and walk with me; I'll tell you all the simple things, That you are sure to see. You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees, Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees, Caterpillars on the step, Wooden porches cleanly swept; Watermelons on the vine, Strong majestic Georgia pines; Rocking chairs and front yard swings, June bugs flying on a string; Turnip greens and hot cornbread, Coleslaw and barbecue; Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes, Fried pies and pickles too. There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet, And cool, green grass beneath your feet; Catfish nipping in the lake, And fresh young boys on the make. You'll see all these things And much, much more, In a way of life that I adore.


Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems


BOOK AVAILABLE: www.amazon.com


I am eager to read more.
I hope you will be as well!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

What a weekend!

Joe and I had an amazing weekend.
Whirlwind so to speak.
Two major events.
Friday night, the annual Alabama State GOP Dinner with speaker
He is a fantastic speaker and was signing copies of his latest book.
We really enjoyed ourselves and we were honored to attend.
We met so many of the
candidates for 2010.
You know that my favorite candidate has announced her run for Governor.

My Aunt Kay Ivey!
I hope all fellow Alabamians will visit her website and give her your vote. (and donations)

Saturday night, the annual Shelby County GOP dinner

As most of you know, I chaired the silent auction for our Shelby County annual dinner this year. I had so much fun and the auction made exactly what we had "budgeted." We were very pleased.
It was even better as we had such good friends there this year. I have been so blessed to meet such great people. Matt, Freddy, Jeff, and so many others that I get the honor of working with daily!
Guess who else has joined the ranks?
Laura Beth and TJ!


Here the four of us are!
Joe and TJ were on security detail for the night. They even ate their meals outside of the banquet hall in the lobby to protect the auction items.
What sweethearts they are.



You might recognize these two amazing women I get to call friends!
We had a blast!
Love you girls!
Laura Beth and I were so proud of our BIG hair when we left the house, it fell quickly in the heat and humidity. It made us sad!
Pictures of the tables and auction to come.
Be Blessed!

Friday, June 26, 2009

You have got to try these!



WOW I got to visit the coolest little place today!

Wildflower Wax Candle Studio (be sure to visit that blog)

Anyway, it is the most precious little shop that just opened here in Helena. Jennifer is fabulous and makes candle shopping so fun! You can even make your own candles in the studio. How fun it will be to have a glass of wine and make candles! Jennifer said they may have some acoustic music and lots of fun things coming soon!


This is what I got to bring home today

Blackberry creme brulee

IT SMELLS SO GOOD!





And then there are these darling cinnamon rolls.


They come packaged in a little clear pastry box.


As you can imagine, they smell like fresh baked cinnamon rolls!


The great thing about Jennifer's candles......


they smell a room without even being lit!

I get to go back tomorrow, I can't wait!

So be sure to check out the wildflower wax candle studio


the blog


the website

I am loving the scents in my home tonight, I know you will too

Oh, be sure to tell her Jessica sent you!


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Foodie Friday!

It is Foodie Friday! Be sure to visit our hostess Gollum

We are making Italian footballs.
We are all so busy, I am often looking for something quick and easy. I really don't give my children fast food. So this is a family favorite!
Shopping List:
Giant pasta shells
ricotta cheese
garlic
marinara sauce (of choice)
shredded mozzarella cheese
parsley
First boil shells, while they are boiling
mix ricotta cheese, parsley, and garlic in bowl
spoon mixture into shells

top with marinara sauce


top with shredded mozzarella and chopped parsley
bake at 350 until cheese is melted and bubbly


We have two desserts
one "treat" and one healthy treat

First,

spoon vanilla ice cream into footed glass
place a Madeleine and strawberry on the side
drizzle chocolate syrup






Now something a little more healthy and light:
Crush graham crackers into the bottom of a glass
layer vanilla yogurt
another layer of crushed graham crackers
top with crushed or chunk pineapple

OK, so that is it for this week!
Quick and easy meal, quick and easy dessert!
See you next week!


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Tablescape Thursday

Table scape Thursday, our hostess is the most charming

We had "TWO A DAYS"
a football themed two year old birthday party



This was the team table.
The "GO TEAM" banner
added so much color and fun don't you think?
Football plates and cups,
football field napkins,
with lots of field goal posts
A football field cake, with two little football candles.
Can you see them?
(lower right hand corner of the cake)

football snack bowl filled with snacks for tailgating
and can you see the chocolate football suckers?
This table was themed, colorful, and fun. All things a perfect party table should be. Hope you think so as well!
Orren certainly enjoyed the "Big Game"

Swim Meet!

Gobbler's Knob wins again!
Gobbler's Knob ~ 279
Mountain Brook ~ 189
(Olivia in the jersey and her precious friends: Maddie, Maggie, and Elaina)
Swim meet against Mountain Brook Gobbler's knob won!

Olivia had another great meet. This was a really BIG meet lots of swimmers.


Freestyle~ bettered her time by almost 3 and 1/2 seconds for a time of 50.25


Breast stroke~ 6th place and bettered her tim2 by 2 seconds for a time of 1.00.09


Back stroke~ Won her heat, came in first with a time of



Next week, we swim against Riverchase Country Club

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Updates

POTTY TRAINING!




We have started "potty training"
We had to get Joe's meds filled today and while we waited we thought we would check out the training potties. Orren fell in LOVE with this one and had to have. Sooooo we are going to give it a shot





It has a sensor in it that "cranks" the truck and beeps like a construction truck when the
bowl begins to "fill"



Then of course you have to get a reward sticker!

I want to thank Leigh

For my award.

MOST CHARMING BLOG AWARD

"This is how the award works: This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

So here it goes... seven random things.

1. My Husband and I own Titled land in Scotland. We are legally Lord and Lady Breland

2. I have a deep love of politics

3. I love to plan and organize parties. I LOVE being the "hostess"

4. I have a black belt in taekwondo

5. None of my food can touch any other food on my plate

6. I can get lost in a paper bag

7. All things must be even in my world. symmetrical.

Now for the 8 bloggers that I tag! I can't do it to Leigh, or the Dust Bunny

Someone got them already

BUT I so would! ; )

1. Laura Beth

2. Abbey

3. Wendi

4. Libby

5. Charnita

6. Charlotte

7. Jonna

8. Emily

OK so visit and see why they are so precious to me. I know you will think so to!

Have a great one,

GOD LOVES YOU!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Just another MANIC MONDAY!

I took this picture at the beach. I mindlessly watched that umbrella float around the beautiful yachts until Joe fished it out. After all of our excitement good and bad recently, I thought we could all use a moment to just day dream.
Please feel free
..........................
I will wait
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................
All done? Oh, OK I can give you another minute
........................................................................................
LOL
I wish that I could have some how made the little umbrella move. Or played the Jeopardy music.
This is what happens when you are cooped up too long! SORRY
OK well, Olivia has swim practice this morning then we are trying to get Joe into his Doctor for an appointment. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. I will remain a nervous wreck for a while!
I want to say how proud of Orren I am.
He is on day 5 of NO BINKY!
He hasn't even asked for it.
GO ORREN!!
We are also about to start potty training!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

First, let me give thanks to our Heavenly Father
and glorify him on this
Father's Day!
Well, were blessed to have another Father's Day,
(even though it was in question briefly )
AND to have my Daddy here for this one! Things were not elaborate today as my shopping and planning was put on hold after Joe's heart attack. But, we tried to make it special. Here are the pictures of this morning.
My Daddy is my world and always has been. I am so blessed to have him and I love him more than words could ever say.
Thank you Daddy for coming to my side, AGAIN ;)
I LOVE YOU!


Olivia made this VERY special treat for them to go with their breakfast. Foodie Friday will include it and recipe. Come back and check it out!

Joe, you are an amazing father and husband.

We love you and we are so thankful we had today!

Let me also steal a little thunder from the guys a brief moment as I thank my Mom for EVERYTHING she did to help us through this, and to get our family on their feet to move past this.

I love you MIM!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Orren's Birthday




Well, even though we had to cancell the BIG game ( the Birthday party) we still wanted to make it special for Orren. So here is the celebration for just us. Keep in mind I am holding several of the pictures until Thursday for Tablescape Thursday so be sure to stop back by then for more!

The GIFTS!





He got that Football chair, the Columbia fishing shirt, the Fishing pole,



Golf Clubs

and the four wheeler!

Here is the link to see them all! Two A Days

It's TWO A DAYS



HAPPY BIRTHDAY ORREN!!!!!




It is all things football and with Orren turning two,
we are having "two A Days"
Here are his invitations



How can it be that two years has passed? Well, it has. Today my Baby boy turns TWO!


Here is a look at the past two years


When He first arrived his Daddy was so proud



Bama Baby safe in Mommy's arms

Sweet Big Sister waited so long for him



Charming from the very beginning







Christening, @ 6 months





1 Year old birthday, after cake and clothes change



LOL




We love you Darlin'

Happy birthday!