Lately we’ve been feeling a bit "crunchy". And I don’t mean organic, tree hugging, crunchy. I mean more of a gas is 4.00 a gallon and milk is 5.00 a gallon crunchy.

My husband has a wonderful job, with great job security. We are very blessed. God has always provided for us. And yet today as I reviewed last months budget I couldn’t help but notice how much more we spend on common everyday items.

We are having to do like a lot of families and cut some corners and conserve our resources. We’ve had to make some tough decisions like, whether or not MayMay is going to continue in piano lessons and do we need to cancel our beach trip in September.

Now, these are not earth shattering decisions and pretty easy to make, but it does require some sacrifice on our part and it leaves me feeling stressed. Not, that I don’t trust God to meet our needs, on the contrary.  I know if He can clothes the Lilies in the field than He can take care of me.  But, I’m left wondering if others are feeling a bit a tight these days.

So, my question is this…

Do you find yourself having cut back or live on a tighter budget? Do you notice this "recession" we’re currently in? What are something’s your family has done to cut cost and make ends meet? Got any great suggestions for the current crunch?

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

Can you hear the waves crashing on the shore and smell the fresh pineapple in the air? Do you feel the cool Hawaiian breeze across your face?

Are you wondering where I am?

I’m at VBS!

This year’s theme is Outrigger Island (so is most of the other VBS’s in GA this year!).  And I’m assisting in a 4th grade class. I’m having a blast! We have a great, manageable group of kids and I’m really enjoying this years theme and music.  I’m tired and it’s hot, but I’m having fun!

This years Mission emphasis is to help build a church and an orphanage in India. The girls have already emptied their piggy banks to give money and they’ve been thinking of creative ways to help collect money.  They were both really moved by hearing about children that have to beg or dig through the garbage for food. They want to help. And I’m proud of them.

They’ve been having a great time this week. Our church does an amazing job pulling off such a HUGE event. It’s an amazing out reach to our community and I’m happy to be a part of it.

So, is VBS on your calendar this summer?

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

Hi…

Well, yes this is Georgia Mom…

Of course you’re welcome to come to the party!

Come on in; grab yourself a glass of sweet tea. The party is out on the veranda, but bring your bug spray the mosquitoes are terrible this time of year.

Thanks for stopping by my neighborhood for a visit. My front door (or blog) is always open (my real front door bolted down like Fort Knox, so creepy people, don’t get any bright ideas!)

As you can guess, I am a born and bred Georgia Peach. I love all things southern. The Magnolia is my favorite tree. I actually do love sweet tea and butter (but I avoid them both for obvious health reasons). I also love a good ripe peach, boiled peanuts, collard greens, grits, fried chicken, and watermelon. Apparently the first house I lived in was owned by Paula Deen’s Aunt (does it get anymore southern?) And I use “y’all” and “fixin to” in my everyday language.

I’m married to the love of my life (who’s not actually southern. He’s a Florida boy. Floridians are their own bred). We’ve been married 14 fabulous years and we’ve managed to produce 2 precious daughters. They are currently 9 and 6.5. I’m a semi-homeschooler. You can read about that here. So between family, homeschooling, friends, church, choir, and my computer I’m a pretty busy gal.

I know some of your other friends are also sharing their favorite recipes. Well, I am a good hostess so I will follow suit. You can find my recipe for Mumba Jumba Pork here. And my Cheese Tortellini and Spinach Salad here. They are delicious and easy for the home cook to prepare.

If you’d like to read about my obsession with Food Network then check out this post. But, I would appreciate you not spreading that word around town. Let’s keep my little obsession between the two of us.

And I guess it’s only fair of me to disclose the most important thing in my life is my relationship with the Lord. I didn’t “find” Jesus until I was 20. I lived a very wayward, misguided life prior to that faithful day in January 1998. And I shutter to think what the past 20 years would have been like with Him. He’s been my Father, Comforter, Healer, Provider, Lord and Faithful Friend all these years. My life is blessed. My life is full. All because of Him. If you know Him too, leave me an “Amen Sister”!

Well, thanks for stopping by. I hope the sweet tea wasn’t too much for ya. Next time you come I’ll fix you some biscuits and grits. And if you’re real nice I’ll let you stay and watch Gone with the Wind and Steal Magnolias with me.

If you want to continue this party, then ride on over to Pensive house. She’ll give you directions to your next destination.

Enjoy the rest of your visits!

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

My 9 year old has been wanting a blog. I asked her what she would write about. She said she would like to share her thoughts from a kids perspective. So, I informed her this evening that she can be a "guest" on my blog. Here’s a glimpse into the mind of a 9 year old…

She froze!

She just yelled "I quit" and ran out of the room.

There you have it folks. Straight from a 9 year’s mouth!

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

Last night Hubby and I found ourselves home alone, again! If you remember back in June we had an entire week home alone while the girls were in FL at the Grandparents. Well, last night we found ourselves in the same position.

Now before you go getting all “you’re so lucky to have time to yourself” on me, keep in mind, I homeschool my girls and I’m with them ALL school year. I get no break during the school year and I a little break during the summer. So, it’s all good.

But last night was a little different.

The Bear is in an Art/Music camp at her school (the one she attends 2 days a week and the one that is 40 min from my house). Before school got out last year one of her best little friends in Kindergarten wanted to attend the camp, but only if Bear went with her. So Bear’s friends Mom (did you follow that?) graciously offers to have Bear spend the night 2 times this week, so I don’t have to drive back and forth so much. What a nice lady!

All summer Bear has been excited about her first big girl sleep over. Bear has spent the night off before but never without big sister. So, this was new territory for us. It’s one thing to send her off to Nana’s house, but it’s another thing to send her off to someone’s house that I’m only an acquaintance with. But, Bear was so excited about the prospect of spending the night with her friend, that I wanted to make it happen for her.

I have to admit I was nervous about this from the start. I have meet her friend’s Mom on several occasions and she’s lovely, but we’re talking about letting my baby spend the night off with a family I barely know. This was a new challenge for this Mom. I started praying about this back in May when I signed her up for the camp. And I’ve been nervous about it all summer.

However, it’s been a life lesson for me. It’s been a test in faith, trust and letting go (a little).

I know there will come a day when I’ll pack up my children’s belongings, drive them to some university, drop off them and their belongs in some dingy college dorm and drive away. I know this day will come in the future. But, I’m nowhere near ready for that!

It’s hard to go from “Protective Mom” to “It’s Time to Start Letting My Children Have a Little Independence Mom”.

Protective Mom has young children. She watches her children closely to keep them from fast moving cars, electrical outlet, choking on grapes, wandering off in a store, drowning, falling down stairs and eating dirt.

Letting Go Mom, has older children. She allows her children to walk to the mailbox alone, go get their own drink at a fast food joint, go to the Ladies Room alone (while I’m watching the door), go to play dates at friends houses, let’s them watch The Animal Planet without censoring, allows them out of her site while in a store (but only for about 15 seconds) and let’s them sleep over at a friends house.

You spend the first 7-10 years of parenting with a watchful, close eye on your children. And then you realize that they are growing up and you start to take little steps towards their independence. It’s a hard transition to make.

Now, my girls are not old enough to be dropped off at the mall, drive, date or wear make up, but they are getting old enough that I need to trust them a little more and start making a few steps towards the door that will one day usher them into adulthood. And boy, does that take a lot of prayer!

I sense us all going through this transition. MayMay is already showing signs of impending womanhood and Bear has had an independent spirit for a while. The life I’ve known as a Mom is changing. My prayer life is changing, my children are changing and our world is getting a little bigger. But, this transition is necessary.

How will I ever let them leave the four walls of our home, if I can’t even let them sit on the front porch without me watching their every move? It’s about all the little steps, paving the path to the Big Ones! The path that leads to being an independent, self sufficient, well-balanced and thriving adults. We have to to walk down this road either way. I’m praying by taking little steps now, it will make it easier in the future (Am I kidding myself?)

So, back to the sleep over…

I checked on Bear this morning and all was well. She had a good nights sleep, she didn’t cry out for Mommy and didn’t want to come home. I feel like we’ve both accomplished something this week. She had a taste of independence and I didn’t freak out. We’re making progress.

And by the Grace of God, we’ll all get their together.

One last thing… you may be wondering where MayMay was during all of this. She was at Nana and Papa’s house having her own sleep over. And she was ready for it. While I was dropping her off yesterday I spent about 30 min. visiting with my Mom. After half an hour May says “Mom, when are you leaving?” See, they will want their independence from us, whether we like it or not!

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

We have rain people!

It has rained almost everyday for a week. Yeah! We needed the rain so badly. I’m very thankful!

It’s only mid July and I already feel like summer is drawing to a close. I’ve received my school supply list for August. At Target yesterday all the summer stuff was on sale and school supplies were already lining the shelves. And I’ve received my Lands End "Back to School" issue.  And yet according to the calendar I still have 5 weeks left of summer.  I’m going to enjoy every minute I have left!!!

I’m finally done with Lost. And I’m just as "Lost" as ever! What a great show. Now, I understand what all the buzz was about. I’m glad I was able to watch it back to back. I think I was able to pick up some things that might have been missed if you watched it over a 4 year period. I heard (this could be a rumor), that this season will be the last. And that JJ Abrams will answer everyone’s questions.  I really don’t want it to end. But, how long can you carry on with this story line. My thought is about 5 years!

Did anyone watch The Bachorlorette? I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I did watch it. But, what’s more embarrassing is how much I enjoyed it!  Watching Jesse and DeAna on the last episode was great. It was just so sweet. There I’ve outed myself!

Now onto my other addiction… So You Think You Can Dance. What a great summer time show! The dancers are amazing and each week I’m left thinking "How can many move their bodies like that without splitting in half?"  Crazy!

I was very disappointed last night by the special guest. I don’t even know her name (I just googled it and it’s Katy Perry) and  I was only half paying attention to it, but the song was about kissing a girl.  My hubby (who seems to be up on these things) tells me that her song is a HUGE hit and that she was raised in a Christian home. Her parents were very strict about what music she listened to growing up, but sometime in her teens she got a hold of Queen album and the rest is history.  Wow, who would have thought that a Queen album could have kind of impact on a persons life. Of course being a Christian and a Mother I found the song to be horribly offensive (after I got over the shock and confusion I fast forwarded passed it). I also find it sad. But, I’ve been a little bit of a downer recently, so I won’t go on anymore about it.

Okay, enough about TV…

My SIL is moving this weekend to AL from NC. Her husband is in the military, so this is not the first time they’ve moved. But, it is the first time they are only going to be a few hours away from us. And I’m very excited because she’s having a baby in Sept!  I haven’t had a new niece/nephew in 8 years! I can’t wait to get my hands on that baby!

They are torturing us and not finding out what they are having. I personally don’t understand how any could wait 9 months to find out they are having, but it’s their choice and I respect it (but it does drive me NUTS!).  I did thank her because it has saved me a ton of money. I would have been out buying all kinds of stuff for the baby, but I’m holding off until I know what they are having.

I do feel bad for her because they move around so much she’s not going have any big baby showers.  She still needs so many things for the baby. They just bought a new house this week, they are moving, she’s 7 months pregnant and I just got off the phone with my MIL and my SIL air conditioning went out on her car and that’s going to run them 3,000 to repair it. Poor girl!  She got her hands full. I’m sure my MIL and I will make sure she has what she needs.

We are driving down tomorrow to see the house and visit with them. I might have to make a trip out this afternoon and play Santa tomorrow.

I think I’ve rambled on long enough. Have a great weekend!

Georgia Mom

First, I want to make a public apology. I may have hurt or offended or upset or slightly perturbed a close friend of mine by quoting something on my blog. What I quoted was not important, but the fact that I might have done anything to hurt our relationship is what matters most to me.

Have you ever met someone and had an instant connection with them? And within a few weeks you felt like you had been friends forever and couldn’t imagine what your life was like before this friend? Well, that describes my friend. I only met her less than a year ago, but we hit it off right away. She was fun, easy to talk to, Godly, challenging and she’s just the type of person that makes everyone around her feel comfortable. Our families hit it off as well. Her husband and mine have become good friends and our kids enjoy each other as well. It was a match made in heaven :o) So, when I discovered I may have done something, that I wish I hadn’t, I wanted to make an apology at the scene of the crime!

Now, I feel sure my friend is already over this and has forgiven me, but I still feel bad and wanted to say I was sorry. So, I’m SORRY!!! I love you and I treasure our friendship!!!

Now, onto a little different subject…

Today is my 14^th wedding anniversary.

It’s really hard to believe we’ve been married 14 years! It seems like only yesterday he was “courting” me. We feel in love hard and we feel in love fast. I couldn’t imagine my life without this man. He is truly my best friend. He’s a wonderful provider for our family. He is a committed and loving Father to our girls. He is a respectful and loving son to his parents. He is a typical pesky, protective brother to his sister. He will never strive to be the center of attention or demand his time in the spot light, but he’s steady, dependable, smart, interesting, funny, steadfast, patient, kind, thoughtful, loving and honest. I’m truly proud to call him my husband. I’ve seen God shape and mold him over the past 14 years. And I pray God’s blessing and favor on him all the days of his precious life.

I love you honey!!! Happy Anniversary!

Hope everyone is having a good week.

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

I would consider myself a patriotic person. I tear up when I see the flag waving and hear the Star Spangled Banner. I have lots of "flag" shirts that I wear proudly. I always fly my American flag during the summer months and even as we speak the front of my house is decorated to show my patriotism.

I’ve never lived anywhere but in the good old USA and I have no desire to live anywhere else. I’m proud of my country and proud to call myself an American. I love my life, my liberty, my freedom, my safety, and my lifestyle.

I live in a country where I can sit outside of my suburban home on a warm summer’s night, hear the crickets chirping and watch the stars without fear of being ripped from my home and forced to get on a scary train to nowhere. I can go to the grocery store and I don’t fear being blown up in the produce aisle. I have running water, electricity, indoor plumbing, garbage pickup and a pretty decent roof over my head.

If I’m sick I can seek medical treatment and can run to the store to pick whatever I need to make me feel better. I can go to the bank and take out money to eat out or take my girls movies. I can educate my children how I choose. I have the freedom to worship at the church of my choice, without fear or intimidation. I own several copies of the Bible. I don’t worry about being forced to follow a religion I don’t believe in. And if I follow the laws of this land (which I do), I’m pretty much free to come and go as I please.

I have "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

America is a wonderful place to live. We are a privilege nation. One that God has blessed beyond what our forefathers could have ever imagined.

But yet, we are spoiled and we feel entitled; we constantly complain and whine like a bunch of 3 year olds when things don’t go our way. We gorge ourselves with entertainment, material possessions, media, idolatry, and selfish desires. And because we are a nation that can no longer govern ourselves, the government is encroaching more and more on our civil liberties. We’ve lost all sense of right and wrong, we no longer value human life, we are fearful of our neighbors and predators in our communities, we judge each other harshly, we look down upon the poor and wayward and we have gone so far that we won’t even help a dying man laying in the middle of the street.

As a nation we have lost our way.

I didn’t go to Deeper Still last weekend in Atlanta, but I was talking to a close friend that did attend. She said that Kay Arthur was speaking about this very subject and she, like me, feels a heavy burden for our country and the path we are headed down. I am heavily burden for my country. I spend much time before the Lord praying for its elected officials, its people and the heart of all Americans. I pray that we don’t abandon what has made this country great for over 200 years. We are a tapestry of people, woven together to make One Nation Under God. I pray we stay a nation “under God”.

In a few hours, we’ll take the girls to a local town parade. We’ll line the parade route with flags, we’ll cheer when the war veterans walk pass and I’ll pray for my country on this beautiful 4^th of July day.

I’ll pray that in November this country will do the right thing when voting for a new President. I’ll pray for the men and women that are currently fighting for my freedoms overseas. I’ll pray for the Police Officers in my community, that God will keep them safe as they protect our city. I’ll pray for the children, because they are vulnerable. I’ll pray that God will close the mouths of those that wish to destroy and misinterrupt His word. And I’ll pray for the people of this country that they will humble themselves and pray for God to heal our land.

Because I’m proud to be an American, I’m proud of my country and our nation. And I will always tear up when I hear the Star Spangled Banner and I will forever be proud that I live in the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

God Bless America and Happy 4^th of July.

Georgia Mom

Look at me… I’m posting 3 times in a week (if you count Monday to Monday :o)

But, I ran across this article at the Today Show website and had to discuss it here. It’s talking about the HSM (High School Musical) craze and I was curious what other Moms thought about this subject.

The article talked about how kids as young as 3 years old obsessed with HSM. You can read it here.

Trust me, when I was growing up in the 80’s, I had my obsessions. I LOVED the TV show Fame. I memorized every word  and song to Grease I and II. I loved all the John Hughes films of the 80’s. Is there anything better than the ending of Pretty in Pink? I was all about Tom Cruise in Top Gun (personally, I can’t stand him now, but that was back in the day). Looking at the movies now as an adult, they were filled with innuendos, inappropriate language, and subject matters that were over my head. But, I loved them and at that age I didn’t realize what I was watching. I wouldn’t say it had a negative effect on me at that time, but it did shape my opinions about dating, romance and relationships.

And I would have loved HSM and Hannah Montanna if I were growing up in this day and age. But, there is one HUGE, glaring and very troubling difference between the 80’s and today.  When I was going nuts over those great shows and movies I was 13, 14, 15, 16 years old. I was not 3, 7, 9, or 10 years old!

What 5 year old needs to see teenagers kissing, kids dressing fashionably, or seeing kids lying, showing off, of back biting their friends? When did we begin to think this was appropriate viewing for children as young as 3???

I went to a birthday party a few weeks ago and the child was turning 6. Her entire party was HSM. The music was playing, there were balloons, cakes and party favors all in the HSM theme. Liken that to yesterday at lunch when my friends 11 year old daughter says that "HSM is for kids". WHAT??? I thought 11 year olds were still kids!! I don’t blame my friends 11 year old for this opinion ( I love my friends 11 year old and think she’s pretty terrific), I blame Disney for shaping her opinion.

It’s all in the marketing. Disney is targeting younger and younger audiences with these type of teeny-bopper movies. So by the time these kids are teenagers, they have had years of their minds being shaped on friendships, dating, kissing, boyfriends, music, fashion and culture. Again, I don’t have a problem with the movies or the craze, I have a problem with Disney targeting the 6-10 age group with these movies.

Personally, we don’t get the Disney channel. When my kids were little we got it and my girls LOVED Bear in the Big Blue House, PB&J Otter, Winnie-the-Pooh and Mickey. These shows were educational, colorful and fun. But when Playhouse ended and the "older kids" programming came on in the afternoon, we turned Disney off. Now, Disney Playhouse is watched by 1-4 year olds and then they go straight to the older kids programming without missing a beat.

And I should mention that I’m not anti-Disney. We go to Disney, the theme parks, any chance we get. 

My girls have seen HSM at friends houses and with their cousins. They know some of the songs, because they are EVERYWHERE!!! But, I will not purposefully add this "craze" into our lives. My girls really are not that interested. My 9 years favorite shows right now are I Love Lucy, Good Eats on the Food Network and Cyberchase on PBS Kids. And my 6 year old is too busy playing to watch much TV. 

My kids aren’t asking to watch HSM, so I’m not pushing it on them.

So what are parents doing and thinking about all this? Is it good clean fun and I’m too uptight or is there something to this phenomenon? What are we exposing our kids to at such young ages? I’m open to opinions here. I shared mine, so I am curious what others think about this.

I should mention, that I often times feel like a prude. Even amongst my Christian friends I’m considered pretty conservative. So, I’m open to the idea that I’m just old fashion (I did turn 40 yesterday). But, I can’t help but think as parents we’re doing more harm than good, with allowing our young children to jump on the HSM, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock bandwagon. Is there any real value in this? Or am I just making a big deal out of nothing?

What do you think?

Blessings,

Georgia Mom

Update: My sweet hubby arranged for the girls to spend the night with my Mom and Step Dad. Then he took me to my favorite restaurant for dinner and booked us a really nice hotel room for the night. It was right next to a major shopping area and he wanted to take me shopping for a new piece of jewelry!  He knows I’m very hard to buy for so he wanted me to pick it out. He took me a way for the night for the sole purpose of taking me shopping!! What man does this? MINE DOES!!! I got the most gorgeous ring that will always remind me of the milestone in my life. (I tried to find a picture of it online, but I couldn’t I’ll have to just take one and post it later.). We are back home now and I’m still in shock that he planned all that for me. I guess turning 40 is pretty good!

I’m turning 40 on Sunday. Forty!!! I can hardly get my mind around that number.

I can remember when my Mother was 40. She seemed old to me then. Of course I was only a teenager and didn’t know any better. I was a dumb, stupid teenager that had no concept that I would one day turn 40 myself.

I had big plans for my 40ith birthday. I was hoping I would be at my goal weight. I was going to get some new funky hair cut. I was going to start driving a sports car instead of a mini van. I was going take a cruise or big vacation. I was going to mark this day by running the Peachtree Road Race on the 4th. I was going to by happier, skinner and prettier. Okay, all of that was just a fantasy and I’m sad to say most of that has not come true.

I’m no where near my goal weight. My hair is the worst it’s ever been. I’ve agreed to drive my mini van yet another 2-4 years (I think it will be a classic car by then). I do think my husband is taking me away for the night, but I’m pretty sure there is no cruise involved. I could no more run the Peachtree Road Race than fit myself into a size 8 pair of jeans. And I look the same as I did yesterday, so I’m no prettier.

But, on the bright side… I am happier. I’m alive and for the most part I’m healthy. I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful girls. My family is healthy. I have great friends, a great church family and all my teeth. I would say I’m doing pretty good!

I’m not where I thought I would be, but where I am is not all that bad.

And did I mention that I’ve already been given 3, count them, 3 surprise birthday parties? And my birthday is still 2 days away. So, obviously I am loved!

So, I’m thinking 40 is looking pretty good.

Thank you Lord for 40 great years! Thank you for my health, my family, my mini van, that I have hair, for a roof over my head for, for food in my tummy, for Advil and that You give me a hope and future. Thanks for keeping me humble and full of joy. Yes, Thank You Lord for all my blessings!

My sweet hubby has arranged for the girls to spend the night at my Moms tonight and he’s told me to pack us an overnight bag. Yet another surprise. How many surprises can one girl take? I guess I can handle all the surprises that are thrown my way!

Blessings,

Georgia Mom