Is he ready to say good-bye?

Watch this today, and then come back next post to read one of the very first letters that my husband ever wrote to our oldest daughter before their "Dates with Daddy" evening.
You see, I can keep a blog post short...
but it's oh, so hard...you won't want to miss this.
Grab some Kleenex and take a walk down memory lane,
or prepare yourself for that "some day" to come.
This is just a short "storybook" that shares the power of traditions with a father and his little girl.
If this strikes a cord in your heart, we'll ponder the beauty of a new legacy, even if the past hasn't been what you've desired.

Life's Precious Moments ... "In the early morning a father watches as a busy house prepares for his daughter's big day... but is he ready to say goodbye?" Click here to see how Once Upon a Family can bring fathers and daughters closer together.

The Cozy Factor

The cuddly, cozy factor just oozed from my bed.

I was enveloped in my own hiatus...
a haven amidst this simple place I call home.

I was snuggled up with a riveting book (which hasn't happened much since I started blogging), and my third son climbed into bed with me.
We were sharing life together in a precious way -
our hopes, dreams, and the hidden desires of our hearts.
Feet intertwined.

We were celebrating family, and I was reveling in the fact that yes,
middle school boys do love their mommas.
Don't listen for a minute to what everyone else tells you.

He slowly started scratching and rubbing my back. (This is the son we are trying to encourage into the dermatology field...he loves skin, poking, popping, prodding....but, unfortunately, to our financial chagrin - only his family's....he declares.)
Slowly, he drags his finger down my thigh and exclaims in horror, "Holy cow, mom, look at that huge bulging vein. It goes all the way down your leg, and it's so dark blue."
My 5 year old daughter heard the commotion and decided to defend, and encourage my honor.
"Wow, it looks just like a spider web."
(Hmm...does she know that she's on to something? I believe they may have already termed it that, my sweet medically minded princess...spider veins, anyone?)

Since, the thigh analysis was in full force, he decided to trudge forth into the epitome of self discovery. As he smashed his two hands together around that bulging thigh of mine (just as I would imagine my womanly parts would feel during my first mammogram), he simply stated,
"Mom, your thigh is as big as my waist. Seriously, mom. It is.
Just take a look."

Ahh....celebrating life!! Who doesn't love it?
I guess we'll work on his bedside manner before med school. :)

Family Fun meal ideas

Yes, it's my first Homemade Gourmet give away, and I am SO late announcing a winner. It's like being late for the Prom (of which I only went to one of, but we won't get on that topic)...it truly has been one of those weeks.
Our winner is SO sweet, And she is pregnant with two little ones. I know she will be excited to win since she said she is exhausted and sick all the time. Who wants to cook then? Plus, she loves all my crazy creative ideas for meal time, and wants me to share more...so of course, I must oblige.

You don't even need to be a corny home school family to turn ordinary meals into extraordinary ones with a little for thought.
Why don't you have a "Cook around the world" theme night.
Don't just serve tacos next week, but make it Mexican night. Encourage everyone to spontaneously find one unique fact about Mexico, and bring it to the table. I don't mean spend hours researching, but just take one minute to google fun facts about Mexico, and all you computer savvy ladies will have loads of great dinner fodder
(which will probably lead to blog fodder.)
Once you get started, the kids will think it's a blast (and maybe even your hubby if you're an empty nester)..or as my teenage son said, "not a blast mom, but ...ummm...interesting."
Mexican hat dance, anyone?
Here are a few fun facts to get you started:
Did you know that...

Mexico City was built on a lake?

Mexico introduced chocolate to the world?

Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world?
Mexico City is sinking at a rate of 6 to 8 inches a year because it's built on top of an underground reservoir?

This idea works well with any number of foods that you enjoy serving, and it puts a great twist on just regular spaghetti. :)
Now on to Italy.
So, Sarah Mae from Like a Warm Cup of Coffee.....I can't wait to help you get some meals on your dinner table!
Now, how did that little announcement turn into such a long post....man, I thought I was working on that.

This month we wanted to give you a sample of the BEST that Homemade Gourmet® has to offer...
4 meals in 4 minutes™

Fun Thrifty Finds and a Thank You

(edited to include: Since I already have this post up,
I am adding it to Show and Tell Friday...fun, fun)

Earlier this month, one of my favorite new blogging friends,Shannon at Bless Our Nest, passed on this sweet award. She considered my blog a "must see," and that touched my heart because if anyone's site is a "must see" - it's hers. Thanks so much, Shannon.
This was also a perfect opportunity to thank her (or maybe scold her) because she got me started on a great new hunt...........

for these........precious luncheon sets.
And wow, have I been enjoying the start of a new collection.

Now Shannon gives credit where credit is due, and she found about the luncheon plates from Stacey at The Blessed Nest,
another one of my daily reads.
I had lots of sweet things to say about Stacey, but do you hear me screaming,"NO," all the way from NC?
30 minutes of my work on this post just got deleted, and I having to re-do it!!!
UGH! BLOGGER!! Ok, deep breath...I am much better, thank you.
Just forget any eloquent sentence structure...it's out the window.
I think the gist of my intent was to express that Stacey has a heart for hospitality and home making that matches my own.

Being such a 'professional' thrifter/yard saler, it has been a blast to be on the hunt for something new....and am I ever hunting.
I think of all the sets that I have probably passed over in my many years, but ALAS, a new day has dawned, and wait till you see what I have found in such a short time.

Here are Stacey's....they work great for milk & cookies!

She uses them for LOTS of parties and get-togethers.
They are perfect to hold on your lap.
Below she used the plates only (under the fan) for the goodies at her daughter's birthday tea party!

Here's a close up of one of the sets that she found. It looks like 2 flowers stuck together, and she got them for just .75 each.....20 sets.
I was trying so hard to be happy for her....in a righteously covetous kind of way. :)

So now that you see my inspiration, here are my "damages."
I haven't really mentioned or done a post yet about my tea collection, but I do have an extensive collection of tea cups, saucers and teapots....lace tablecloths, candle holders...all the goodies to put together for a magical time together.

The only problem....I don't like tea.
I have tried, really....I even went to school in England, but coffee is my queen, and she looks beautiful in these cups, as well.
The reason I bring up that fact is that deep, deep down, I adore unique dishes. I had already purchased these luncheon sets ....plates and saucers, but in a Christmas style.

Yes, it's so fun to have a new "eye candy" camera, but I don't know how to use it yet. I took these at midnight when my hubby was already asleep.
Beth, my camera friend with beaut-e-ous pictures, I need you. :)
My 13 year old is sitting here explaining to me what I did wrong last night, and why this particular pictures is blurry... I refuse to retake it, ladies...sorry.
But just think....you will all be able to watch my evolution as a photographer....just you wait.
I am a woman who loves to learn and a fire has been lit.


I found six each of the next two sets....they will be fabulous for fall.
All of them were under .75-$1.50.
I found another six of these for $1.
So often we are tempted to wait for a momentous occasion
to pull out our finery.
My most prized processions are found right here under my own roof in the form of five lively little hoodlums, so why "wait" for the right time? These plates proudly proclaim that they have served soda and Doritoes, milk and Pillsbury toaster strudels, juice and stale toast, and just this morning.....hmmmm.....I'll savor it in silence.
In a few minutes, a mundane moment can become monumental....give it a try.
Doritos by candlelight? It's the best.
Bedlam moment? It's 1 am....what am I thinking?
Don't play Russian roulette with caffeine late at night.

And the winner of the
HOMEMADE GOURMET 4 meals in 4 minutes
give away is........

Free COLDSTONE Creamery/more coupons!

Thank you all so much for all the comment love as
yesterday's featured blogger from Blogging Around the World.
"Balancing it all" is such a deliberate and intentional challenge that sharing the joys and pitfalls has made my adventure that much more exciting.... and humbling. hee hee
If you didn't get a chance "to meet me" on my short cut video...scroll down and click away. I love teen age sons who are gifted with techie know-how. :)

I only a few minutes, but I just realized I forgot to post this last night, and I don't want you to miss some free Coldstone ice-cream "on me". I will start passing on the fun things that I find. Come back later when I announce my Homemade Gourmet winner, and my fun new thrifty finds that Shannon and Stacey turned me onto.

Today, Thursday, Sept 25, don't miss the 7th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream and family fun. Just show up tonight from 5:00 - 8:00PM, and you will be treated to a 3 oz. serving of Jack or Emily's Creation. All donations will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

My couponing friends.....Link to over 50 coupons for the month
Remember to check your grocer's BOGO free items and then double up on these coupons. For example, Lowe's foods has Blue Bunny on sale BOGO. *typically $5.69 for one
Remember, I posted a coupon for $1 off here on my CVS post?
Well, print off 2 of these and you will then receive each ice cream 1/2 gallon for $1.85. That a great deal for quality ice cream.
Here's the break down:
$5.69.....now BOGO, so you get 2 for $5.89.
Print off my coupons and receive an additional $2 off....YEA!!

Welcome, y'all, to North Carolina

Welcome my new Blog Around the World friends!
(and any Heart of the Matter friends that might visit...added very late, of course)
I am so, so, so glad that you are coming to visit me today in NC.

Just so you know, I had to spell check how "y'all" was spelled
since I am still a "you guys" kind of gal.
I was born and raised in the North (Go Packers), but have been a southern girl for 13 years, and wouldn't change a thing.
These past few days have been one of those 'do I even have a moment to breathe" kind of weeks, and so here I am ALL excited to have my new BATW friends come hang out, and my post is going to be...well, a bit boring....just tellin' ya.
So, yep, I am cheating...and welcoming you personally before I show off this UN-BE-LIEVE-ABLE state of ours.
Click below to "meet me."
I know, I never watch them either, but it's only a minute.
(I have been in the middle of saving money on grocery/couponing posts, so for you new friends who want to meet my family and me, please click on older posts at the bottom of the page. This is a tour of NC, right, so it wouldn't be good if it was all about me.)



Ok, now that we have been formally introduced, let me highlight a few of our favorite spots.

N.C. is a state of incredible variety.
We live in the northern part of NC, and within 1 hour we can be here -
the marvelous mountains of the Blue Ridge

or drive another hour into the mountains and find this beauty in Asheville.

The Biltmore House is the largest home ever built in America, and it is so far beyond fantastic that I won't even begin to describe it. You must come see it personally, and then come see me. I have always wanted to open a bed and breakfast, but then reality hits and I realize that I would have to have my house clean....all the time, and laundry picked up....all the time, and my dream shatters, since that will never happen.
But I can give you a nice cozy bed and bountiful breakfast. :)
That counts, doesn't it?

The beaches of NC/SC are breathtaking (well, maybe not as in Hawaii breathtaking, but I'll take them non the less :), and depending on who is driving in the family, we can be there in three hours...our front door to bare feet buried in the sand.
Ahhh- wish I were there now!
(oops, don't get me wrong, of course you come first, but ....you know what I mean).

Since we didn't get the opportunity to go to the beach this summer - yes, I know, no lectures.
It's only 3 hours away , we should have no excuse. I hear you!
Ok, I got that little guilt off my chest so I can go on. The Lord graciously gave us an oasis within walking distance from our house. We live minutes away from this lovely lake.

That's not our new found treasure - we've always known there was a lake and my boys do bike to it, but without a boat, it makes the water sports non existent since there is no accessible beach....until we found this.....hmmm....it's a path....that leads to this....
A 30 foot high rope swing that is nestled in a cozy, deserted cove.
The rope swing is "famous" on the lake, and we have heard about it for years.
Yep, even spied it a few times when we were on our friends' boats,
but little did we know that we could access it on our very own two little feet.
Talk about some boys' summer time dream!
We can take the whole family, and the girls just swim in the shallow cove - after they risk their lives climbing down the cliff to get to it.

I am so thankful for my son who graciously took these pictures as we drove around today. I ended up only popping in the house for 30 minutes between 7:30 am and 9:15 pm,
and was in crunch mode.
As we drive, I realize that our spot in the country is also a mixture of beauty and bedlam because right next to enormous houses like this.....

You might have something like this....
(This is where my husband insists I must say something about NASCAR since NC is all about Nascar and basketball), I explain to him the fact that I have 5 minutes to finish typing up the blog post so here goes...the famous Nascar Driver Kevin Harvick lives here.
Right down the road from us.
I gawk at his house, and try really hard not to have a "keep up the Jones" mentality every time I drive by.
Well, I guess this time it would be "keep up with the Harvicks" and keeping up with him would be really hard, wouldn't it? I hear he's REALLY fast!

It looks to me like he tried to copy the Biltmore....I'll take this impersonation any day.
Here is the poor little neighbor of the famous Nascar driver.

Oh, poor neighbor. It's rough! And yep...I have to drive by these houses EVERY DAY!!
That's character building for you.
The irony is that I also drive past these houses every day.
Yep, beauty and bedlam.
I love country living. It does express the real US to me.
Everyday they hang their clothes on the line.
What a pain, but I bet they sure do smell splendid.
My son zoomed in on a bunch of their undies, and my kiddos thought it was hilarious. They were cracking up in the back seat, along with MANY photos of people driving by in cars. They would zoomed in and caught many people doing some very weird things while they were driving.
Can you tell we got a new camera with a great lens?
I now understand how paparazzi can catch people without their knowledge...we definitely got a few of those today.
I won in the battle of "to post or not to post" question.

And down the road, our neighbor's sweet lovely log cabin....it's SO cozy!!
And the gentleman built it himself 40 years ago.
Another few castles I pass on a regular basis.
And since my son is so proud of the shots from the van window,
I can't crush his spirit by deleting them.




Most of you probably know that NC is famous for Furniture and Tobacco, but do you know what tobacco actually looks like?
Here it is....a whole field full.... and it's worth a whole lot of money.
The house with the underwear?
Many of the farmers live in "shacks" but are sitting on millions in land/crops.
It's really very interesting to learn about this industry.
Old abandoned tobacco barns are littered everywhere in the country.
They have so much character, and I wish I had one on our property.
My brother has one through the woods, so I vicariously live through his.


Are you wondering what this amazing vine is that grows bountifully up and over this tree?
Well, if you live any where in the Southeast, you know it well.
KUDZU, and it's here for keeps.
Kudzu was introduced to the United States in 1876 when countries were invited to build exhibits to celebrate the 100th birthday of the U.S. Everyone was blown away by Japan's beautiful arrangement. The love it because it grows normally in their country, but in the warm weather of the south, can you say, "invasive predator?"
It grows 7 feet a week and nothing can control it.
One plant can stretch for 7 miles!
Look closely in the background. Do you see how it's covering every tree and has already taken over all the open space? That is Kudzu throughout the field, not some wonderful crop that a farmer is growing.


Ok, I am out of time....I have to have this up now...midnight EST, and it's midnight!!
It's a race against the clock....don't we teach our kids about the devastating effects of procrastination?
Sheesh!! Who is their mom anyhow?
Today's blog was a family event. These next pictures were uploaded here by mistake, but I did take them, so I'm leaving them....Come on back....with my new camera, I will finally have some eye candy for you, and a new and improved blog. Just have to figure it out first.

Thanks so much for coming on by, y'all.....you guys.
Let me know you stopped by and can't wait to meet you....if we haven't already. :)
Balancing Beauty and Bedlam,
jen

This is like a big P.S.
These are on my windowsill (added from a prior post).
Wait till you see this zoomed in close.
We have no idea what kind of insect it is, but can't wait for you to help us identify it.
Yes, I vicariously live through my alter ego every week as a 16 year old named "Cammie."
This was last Sunday as we crammed during our dress rehearsal. Can I just tell you that my memory is not what it used to be? I have become the master of hiding lines in the most creative places....I think some of you designer types call it "creative concealment?" :)


Yes, so cheesy....but I am 16......and like, you know, I am like so supposed to be totally...ummm.....like this!