Life's Greatest Blessing

 I have been MIA for a couple of days.... busy preparing for a job interview and spending time with my new family for Easter. (missed you MOM, DAD, TUFF & CHLOE)

The Hubby and I had a wonderful Easter weekend with the family in Brewton!!!

We enjoyed a weekend full of fun and celebrations!

 Granny (J.Jay's Grandmother) celebrated her 80th Birthday!!! Granny is such a wonderful woman and has so much love to give. She was so excited to celebrate this special day with all of her children and grandchildren.

Granny and all the Grandchildren & "grandchildren-in-law" (haha if that is a word)

I just love this photo :) everyones smiling face and bright colors!!!

ALL the girls :)

Enjoyed a wonderful lunch to celebrate Easter as well!! 

CHECK OUT THAT SPREAD !!!

Sweet Potato Casserole, Deviled Eggs, Homemade Rolls, Dressing, Green Beans, Asparagus, Homemade Mac & Cheese,  and a YUMMY Honey Baked Ham :)

Stuffing our FACE :) 

ALL OF US!!!

I always wanted a BIG family. :) When we all together = 10 and now soon to be 11 :)

You can see PARKER is about to make his debut ... Sarah and Brad are expecting and I could not be more excited to be an AUNT!!!! Parker will be here for our annual beach trip in AUGUST to Seaside... Cannot wait

SWEETS

Look familiar? 

The PIGS! Everyone enjoyed these this weekend. They look a little rough after the ride to Brewton, but they still tasted good:)

Yummy! Miriam (my mother-in-law) made a delicious homemade Strawberry Cake

We all love Strawberry Cake... 

While I was living in Auburn, most every time that I would go to visit Brewton I would bring a Strawberry Cake from FINDLEY'S. 

***I need to get the recipe so that we can all enjoy***

Granny's beautiful BIRTHDAY CAKE

Saturday morning The Hubby and I went fishing at Paw's pond :)

 It was so peaceful and beautiful!! We caught 7 fish... and I was so proud of myself because I FINALLY caught the 1st fish!! I swear J.Jay has a secret communication with the fish... and he just sweet talks them to his bait...haha  

Some of you may know this, but J.Jay has caught an 11.6 pound bass and that is one of his most prized possessions. Because this was such a HUGE accomplishment he had this FISH mounted... and during the move one of his fins broke.... well he had "surgery" I guess what the men call repair :) but, he traveled back to Daphne with us this weekend and I was given strict instructions not to touch him ... not even my new Coach purse could ride next to him :) BOYS AND THEIR TOYS :) J. Jay told me that he would look great in our new living room, but I quickly told him NO... He looks much better in his office at work!!!

So all jokes aside... when we go fishing I guess I find myself becoming a little stingy when J. Jay always catches the BIGGEST fish. I make sure to tell him every time that it's just  not fair that he has already had his glory!  We always have a great time fishing together and I continue to learn from THE PRO :)

The first fish of the day :) caught by ME!!

The Hubby's Bass....  11.6 pounds

Unfortunately I do not have any photos from Easter morning... I hope that my mother-in-law will get some to me :)

As I mentioned before I am preparing for a job interview this week... :) I ask that each of you please keep me in your prayers! I know that God is working in my life and if this is a part of his plan then it will be DONE.  For I lean hard on God's word everyday and have found great strength over the past 2 months through these powerful words... 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"  Jeremiah 29:11

Early B-Day Gift :)

*WARNING*  my blog today is a little bit of EVERYTHING...so bare with me!! 

great tips though!!

I told my dad... "I will always be your little girl" :)


Look what my sweet Daddy got me for my birthday!!!!

Steve Madden "Fantasik" Sandals

I cannot wait to wear these... they match it all!!! THANKS DAD :)

What else is needed with the PERFECT sandal? .........  Nail Polish!

OPI - Cajun Shrimp 

My favorite polish!

Hair Repair

I thought that I would share with all of you my hair ritual everyday :) For those of you that have dry, wavy/curly hair, colored, & straighten it everyday.... PAY ATTENTION!!  

*These are some of the products that I have found to do the trick for my CRAZY hair...and I have tried a lot. So I figured I would share them with you! 

Graham Webb Heat Therapy 

Shampoo & Conditioner 

(Found it at TJ MAX for $9 )

*usually $29*

Aveda Smooth Infusion

($12)

This stuff is AMAZING... you put it on while your hair is wet and it makes such a difference to help keep your hair from getting frizzy as well as helps with fly aways and most importantly helps fight HUMIDITY!!!!!!!

BioSilk Silk Therapy

( I buy mine at TJ Maxx because it is A LOT cheaper)

What I call "miracle in a bottle" I always put this on my hair after it is styled right before I spray it with hairspray. It helps smooth your and give it great shine!

Last but not least! 

This Round Brush 

(Sally's Beauty Supply)

*on sale right now for $3.99*

This brush helps straighten my hair so much!!!

I hope some of these products may help those of you that have problems straightening 

your hair !!!

Mmmmm.... 

Chicken & Rice Casserole 

*this is not the best picture..... but PROMISE it's delicious*

(THE HUBBY'S FAVORITE) 

Grocery List:

1 can cream of mushroom soup

8 pieces of chicken tenders - seasoned

1 1/2 cups uncooked rice

2 tablespoons pimento 

1 small can sliced mushroom & juice

1 pkg. onion soup mix (dry)

1/2 stick of butter

1/2 bell pepper

Directions: 

In a 3 quart casserole dish melt butter, add rice, pimento and chopped bell pepper and mushrooms. Lay chicken pieces on rice. Spoon soup over chicken. Sprinkle onion soup mix over all. Cover with water. Cover with foil. Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 325 degrees. Remove foil the last 15 minutes to let chicken brown. 

ENJOY!!!!

I know todays blog was a bit ALL over the place.... :)   Have a great day!!! 

(John 15:7) 7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you

                                                                         

            

Sweetie Pie

I cannot wait to try these... :) Let me know if you try any of these!!! 

I am going to attempt to try these to take to Brewton for Easter Weekend!! 

( I am so excited about spending Easter Weekend with everyone in Brewton)

As most of you may know I have an obsession with PIGS... I know...I know :) I have just always wanted a cute little pink pig. I tell J. Jay all the time how I want a pig and he just says "Sam, if we get a pig you have to take care of it" and we all know that PROBABLY would not happen.... then he reminds me "Sam, that pig will become your pet and one day when he becomes BACON you will be devastated"

So this is my closest chance to having a pig :)  haha

How cute are these PIG COOKIES??? 

Ingredients:

Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1-1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 cup (8 ounces) Sour Cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting/Decorating

4 cups confectioners'

1/2 cup butter, melted
6 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 to 4 drops red food coloring
Pink sugar wafer cookies
36 large marshmallows, halved
butterscotch chips and miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:


Baking
Pre Heat oven to 375

*In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

*Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minuets or until edges are LIGHTLY browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting / Decorating


*In a large bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, vanilla and food coloring.

*Frost cookies

*Cut sugar wafers into triangles; place two on each cookie for ears. With a toothpick, poke two holes into each marshmallow half for nostrils; press butterscotch chips into holes. Place noses on cookies; add chocolate chip eyes.


____________________________________________________

These look a bit more challenging.... but so cute!!!

Vanilla Cupcakes: 

• 2 2/3 cups sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 2/3 cup milk

• 2/3 cup water

• 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/3 cups cake flour

• 4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake tins with paper liners. (To avoid cupcakes sticking if they overflow slightly, lightly spray the tops of the pans.) Put tins on a baking sheet. Set aside.

Process sugar and butter in a food processor until very creamy, scraping sides as needed, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs and yolks, one at a time, pulsing after each addition. Add the milk, water, and vanilla and process to blend.

Whisk both flours, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the dry ingredients, in 3 batches to the wet, pulsing, and then scraping batter off the sides of the processor as needed after each addition. Process until the batter is very smooth and pourable like pancake batter, about 2 minutes. Evenly pour the batter into the prepared cups, filling them 3/4 of the way full. Bake until the cakes are just firm and spring back when gently pressed, and the tops are golden, 18 to 25 minutes. Cool slightly in tin, and turn out of tin when cool enough to handle. Cool cupcakes completely on a rack before frosting.

Fluff Frosting:

• 1/4 cup whole milk

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 5 cups confectioners' sugar

• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff

• Pinch fine salt

Whisk the milk and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.

Slowly beat the butter and sugar, in another medium bowl, with an electric mixer until incorporated. Raise the speed to high and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the sides of the bowl down with a rubber spatula.) Add the fluff and salt and reduce the speed to low. Add the milk and vanilla mixture, scrape the bowl down, and mix until fully incorporated. Raise the mixer to high and beat briefly until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Use immediately

Ingredients:  Decorations

• 1 vanilla cupcake, taken out of the paper, recipe follows 

• About 1 cup White Fluff Frosting, recipe follows 

• 1 large marshmallow 

• 2 white candy eyes 

• 1 purple jujube candy 

• 1 short 1/4 inch and 1 long piece 2 inch black string licorice 

• 35 mini-marshmallows 

• 4 purple and 2 pink jelly beans 

Directions: Decorations

Place the large marshmallow in the center. Lightly frost candy eyes and press onto the marshmallow. Frost the back of the jujube candy and put below eyes to for a nose. Frost the short piece of licorice lightly and press underneath the nose to make the mouth. Press mini-marshmallows all around the cupcakes and the face to make the lambs coat. Frost the tips of the pink jelly beans to make ears. Stick the purple jelly beans in the front and back of the cupcake for feet. Curl the long piece of licorice and press into frosting to make the lamb's tail. 

I hope that everyone has a blessed day!!! Let me know if anyone tries these :)  

Beach Fever

The Hubby and I are so blessed to live only 30 minutes from the beach :) but we have not had the time to go since we have moved in!! Beach trip is on our TO DO LIST!


I was looking through the photos on my computer and stumbled across some fun pictures that I want to share with you!!

I am sure most of you have heard of YOLO BOARDING


Well every year The Pitts family takes a week long beach trip to Seaside, FL (we love it there). My brother and sister-in-law (Scott & Stacy) introduced us all to YOLO BOARDING. They enjoyed Yolo Boarding on their honeymoon and they took us to the location this past year during the beach trip.

*YOLO BOARDING = "Stand Up Paddling" (SUP)
* YOLO = You Only Live Once

YOLO BOARD - CHECK IT OUT

As many of you know I love trying new things and the hubby is the same way... I was very excited when Scott and Stacy mentioned the idea. Once we got there and I saw exactly what we were doing..... well I am not going to lie I WAS NERVOUS....the thoughts were running through my mind.... "Oh there is no way I can balance on that thing"   "Now if I fall off what kind of crazy creature is going to get me"   "WHAT HAVE I GOT MY SELF INTO"   "You Only Live Once...what is that a warning or something"

Well needless to say I WAS WRONG and it is very easy to catch on as well as balance. They give you a lesson that is very helpful! Oh, and I almost forgot... NO CRAZY CREATURE GOT ME!!

I hope you enjoy these pictures and you should consider going YOLO BOARDING next time you are at the beach :)

Some of my sisters-in-law

(L - R)

Me, Lindsay & Stacy

See not so bad! You have got to try this... it is so relaxing, enjoyable & you get great exercise!!!

So now the fun begins :)

For all of you that know J. JAY well I just think this picture says it all :)

I believe he was racing everyone at this point... always keeping a smile on my face!!

haha... so I think he wore himself out & tried a different approach! 

So we both had to take a break and enjoy the sun!

US with Scott & Stacy!! Thanks for introducing this to us :)

So as I mentioned in a previous post... I have now have 3 brothers and a father-in-law!!! 

MEET THEM :)

BRENT

BRAD

SCOTT

JOEY (My Father-in-law)

I hope that if you have the opportunity to go YOLO BOARDING that you give it a try and I know that you will enjoy!!!

More Beach Fever :)

As I blogged in an earlier post... I am planning to do what I call a PHOTO MOSAIC on the wall in our bedroom... I had a neat idea as one of the frames to add and wanted to share it with you!!

A shabby chic white frame....

Lined with some natural burlap...

with a white star fish in the middle of the frame...

This just gives me the perfect vision of the BEACH... a vision of a star fish on the sand!!!! 

Like i mentioned before our room is decorated with whites and khaki for a cool, clean, what i like to call beach feeling :)

I CHALLENGE YOU!!!

In honor of my BEACH FEVER... I attempted and the BIG word being attempted cooking CRAB CAKES last night and needless to say I can mark that one off the list as a FAIL.   

J. Jay was so sweet and ate them anyway... even though I know they were terrible!!! 

I wanted to post the recipe and see if any of you are brave enough to attempt this :) and share with you a little secret that a friend suggested!! The issue was getting them to stick together...

1 pound lump crabmeat

8 saltine crackers, crushed

1 egg

1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon greek yogurt (her recipe called for mayo, I was out)

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt & pepper to taste

1 tablespoons olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl except oil and stir until thoroughly combined. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. While it’s heating, form the crab mixture into small patties – you will get about 5 to 6 cakes. Place them in the skillet and cook until lightly golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

*Caroline's helpful advice!!!  Use the skillet for only a few minuets and then bake them and they shouldn't fall apart! (Thanks SIS) 


ONE MORE THING!


Another thing that my sister-in-law STACY introduced to me! Last year on the beach trip she was reading this book and I just LOVED the cover and it sucked me in... I am proud of myself because I usually cannot stand to read but I am finding it to more enjoyable!!! So I have had this book a while and just not found some extra time to pick it up and read! I am about half way through and I would highly recommend it :) So if you are looking for a great book to read ... here you are!!! (This is a great one for pool side or laying on the BEACH :) Thanks STACY!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue"

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue" 


DID YOU KNOW:

"Something Old"    symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and past
"Something New"  means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead
"Something Borrowed" usually an item from a happily married family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to pass over to the new bride
"Something Blue"    brides wear blue to symbolize love, modesty, fidelity as well as purity

"Something Old"

I carried my Mother's first wedding band that my Dad gave her attached to my garter

You're going to have to look hard for this one! (under the feathers of the garter a gold band)

A couple of days before the wedding I still didn't have anything "OLD" and my Mom and Dad presented me with my Mom's very first wedding band that my Dad gave my mom on their wedding day. This was very special to me :)

Meet MOM ( SARA)

Already introduced Dad (Curt)

Can you tell I am a DADDY'S girl ???

"Something New" & "Something Borrowed"

(Same Photo)

I wore a pearl and diamond ring for "Something New." A gift from Senator Harri Anne Smith.

For "Something Borrowed" I wore my Mother-in-laws pearl bracelet.

(in the photo I am holding Harri Anne's hand)

I am not sure if you know this, but Harri Anne is my cousin by marriage of her husband Charlie. She gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to work with her for a year! She is an amazing woman and has taught me so many wonderful things in life.  She is a woman of God and through all that she has been through still manages to stand strong and be an amazing woman. When she gave me this ring I could not believe it and could not stop staring at it's beauty!! I am truly blessed to have her and Charlie in my life!

Another great photo of "Something New" & "Something Borrowed" 

It was an honor for J. Jay's mother (Miriam) to allow me to "borrow" her pearl bracelet!! As I mentioned before the "Something Borrowed" item should be from a family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to pass over to the new bride. WOW! What better person to borrow this from? I am so blessed to have J. Jay's loving family and they are such a wonderful example for love and guidance in marriage!!! 

My favorite picture with my mother-in-law. Giving her hug with her "baby" J. Jay in the back ground!

"Something Blue"

The soles of my shoes were my "Something Blue" with the words "I DO" spelled out in rhinestones

I pondered for a while what to wear as something blue... one day I came across these shoes and I knew right away these shoes were ME :)  they were so comfortable and stylish!! 

For all you "TO BE BRIDES" if your interested in these shoes...check them out!!! They have tons and they are so chic :)

( Pour La Victoire Bridal )

The Stars of the SHOW :)

My two flower girls and ring bearer were THE BEST to say the least!! 

Flower Girls:  Sofia Langford (Cousin of the Bride)

Skylar Baird (Cousin of the Bride)

The flower girls wore sheer tutus of sage green and black with a peacock feather clip on the tutu as well as a peacock feather headband! ALL designed by my cousin NIKI (Bella Tu Designs) and they carried kissing balls covered with green buttons with handles of black and white damask ribbon. 

When deciding on the flower girls outfits I knew I wanted to do something different and something that they would like to wear and enjoy later. So I contacted my cousin and told her what I wanted and she got it to me in a week!! 

Ring Bearer:  John-Braxton Rhodes  (Cousin of the Groom)

The ring bearer wore a black tux with a matching tie to the groomsmen and carried a moss covered gift box tied with satin plaid ribbon.

When deciding who we would use for the flower girls and ring bearers J.Jay and I knew without a shadow of doubt we would ask these 3. They entertained everyone all day and especially at the RECEPTION!!! The photos will prove their talents :) John-Braxton and Skylar impressed everyone with their dance moves... we all swore that they took lesson ... NO WAY!!! It just came natural!

This was at my Bridesmaid luncheon ( Skylar on the left and Sofia on the right) They had matching outfits and for their baby dolls

John Braxton

These two (Skylar & John Braxton) owned the dance floor...they were not nervous at all and didn't care if anyone was watching! They dance the entire time :)  I think we should get them on dancing with the STARS!!!

I hope that these pictures bring a smile to you today!!! These are some of the most favorite things from our wedding weekend! We are so blessed!  

I ask that each of you keep me in your prayers this week... I see God working in my life. I will continue to keep you updated as I have more information! But, I know that prayer works because God is beginning to open doors for me to live my dream to make a difference in the lives of others!!! I will see soon if it is in God's plan for me and I will keep you updated!!!

Have a great day!!! 

Only 3 more days until the weekend (we are spending it with my cousin Jeremy, his wife Nicole, and their kids Sofia and Davis!!! The boys are playing golf and the girls are shopping and relaxing :)

UPDATE: 2nd Blog of the Day

I know I have already blogged today but I couldn't wait for this....


Remember me introducing you to my cousin Niki @  Pish Posh & Polka Dots  she has decided to help with the funds that are set up in honor of Brittany and Shep!! 100% of the proceeds go to one of the three foundations set up in their memory. 
My cousin did have the opportunity to know Brittany throughout the years...but I must say only vaguely! Brittany always touched people with her giving and free spirit and loving and warming smile :) She touched my cousin in just the short times she spent with her and she is continuing to make a difference in peoples lives to this day!! 


Check out this story that my cousin sent me about her inspiration to contribute to the foundations in memory of Brittany and Shep ...


I'm hoping I can raise the family some money and pass the memory on of Brittany! She was such a beautiful soul! I met a lady in Michaels yesterday and she just happened to ask me a question about a ribbon, I answered and then she asked what i was making with my yellow and white ribbon. I told her about Brittany and what happened and what a beautiful person she was and that I wanted to do something for her family and to help keep her memory alive thru everyone. This lady began to cry, I asked what was wrong and she said she didn't know why she started crying, but something touched her heart and she wanted to passon her condolenses to the family and that she loved what I was doing. She told me that God puts people in each others paths for a reason, and that she was put there for a reason at that time to talk to me....well guess what....she bought a bow! I haven't even posted them, she gave me her info on where to ship it and paid me the $10, and told me to tell the family that thier baby was in heaven doing good things for people and she will Never be forgotten!........All I can say is Wow! I knew at that moment that I needed to go thru with this! I am going to make the bows, headbands with daisies and a tutu all the proceedes will go to one of 3 charities set up in her name, Her church for a Playground, Her School for Books, or Her School for a Playground. I'm going to let me customers pick which one they want their money to go to. I know I didn't know Brittany as well as you or most people, However, I remember Brittany growing up and I know who she was as a woman, and I feel that I can do a little something to help....it may not be much, but I have to try!  NIKI


All of us that had the opportunity to meet Brittany are so blessed, but because of our great Lord he is allowing everyone to continue to meet Brittany and get to know her loving and caring spirit!! We are so lucky to have had such a wonderful friend and I am so blessed to have family that cares about me and my friends to help make a difference in their memory!!! 
Thanks Niki... this means the world to me and I know that Brittany and Shep's family is so appreciative as well as all the friends!!








***Right now she has little girl hair-bows & as of now she is working on Tu-Tu's and headbands and more  :)*** 


Go check it out on her ETSY website and her BLOG!!


BLOG:http://pish-poshandpolkadots.blogspot.com/2011/04/remembering-brittany.html?spref=fb


ETSY:http://www.etsy.com/listing/72016875/remembering-brittany-bow-100-of-proceeds?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share