A Baby Shower for our Galentines

February 13, 2018

Galentine’s Day

is a pseudo-holiday that has gained widespread popularity since invented by Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler’s character on Parks and Recreation).

Galentine’s Day is typically observed on February 13^th and also the weekend prior to that day.

The premise is “Ladies celebrating Ladies”.

More simply put, it is a day to celebrate non-romantic relationships with your best Gals. According to Knope, Galentine’s Day, celebrates three important things: waffles, women, and Leslie’s wise words.

(source)

One of the “wise words” of Leslie Knope was displayed in the décor at our Galentines themed event:

Very nice.

There are many special Galentines in my life… and two more on the way.

My daughter-in-law Emily is expecting her second baby in March

and

my sister’s daughter-in-law Chynna is expecting her third baby in June.

What better reason to have a

GALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

To help them prepare for the arrival of these baby girls and to commemorate Galentine’s Day… we had a baby shower!

Planned and hosted by my sister and my daughters

who demonstrated their dexterity in decor…

and their culinary cleverness.

There was the Mac & Cheese Bar

Shirley Temples

and an assortment of delectable treats.

However there were no waffles. No frittatas.

The event took place at Mama’s house

So she asked for God’s blessings over the day, the event and the ladies who were gathered to celebrate.After lunch and a couple of girly games, it was time for presentsThere were onesies, tiny socks, lots of pampers and a couple of unexpected surprises for the “big” sisters.

Case in Point:

the Cinderella Cross-Body Bag

Modeled by my lovely sister Gina.

With all of the Disney enthusiasts in the family, it was agreed that the

Danielle Nicole Disney Cinderella Cross-body Bag

was the perfect accessory for a day at the Magic Kingdom.

Although it was suggested that the chain was much to long for Lydia and Thea to comfortably carry these bags, there will be no chain manipulation to better fit little girls. After all, the mamas may want to borrow these little beauties.

I found this bag at Nordstrom and Amazon, both currently unavailable.

It was nice to be able to enjoy time with family and friends as we ready ourselves to welcome two new little ones.

Thank you MY Galentines Gina, Stephanie, Amanda and Mama, for hosting a lovely event.

You are clearly a group of poetic and noble land-mermaids.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

A Bonus Mary Post

January 31, 2018

If you search the word “Mary” in the search field to the right, you will find that there are four pages of matches. Some of my “Mary post” favorites are:

“Mary Duckworth Reid“

“August 1965“

and

“Happy Birthday to Me“.

Although “Mary” can be found in many of my posts, TODAY is her birthday and I feel that this necessitates another mention.

As I’ve indicated before, I call her

Mama

and this is for her…

Here’s a birthday wish to tell you
just in case you haven’t guessed… Of all the Mamas in the world
You’re the sweetest and the best.

Your CHICKADEES concur,
not a-one the least contrary…
You ARE the finest grandmother
they love their Mema Mary.

Some know you as their President, and also call you sister

Some others call you cousin

But no one calls you Mister.

Your friends, they all adore you
some for very many years

And when you get together
You are like the musketeers.

Throughout the years your patience
has continued every minute

You sweeten up our family,
I’m so glad to have you in it!

A finer model for “that quote”
in all the world there never was
What you’ve always tried to teach me…

Pretty is as Pretty Does

On this day I wish you gladness,
just like what you pass around.
May your joyfulness continue,
And your happiness abound.

WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS AND MANY MORE!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

The LB Calendar

January 26, 2018

A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months and years.

The Gregorian calendar is internationally the most widely used civil calendar. It is named after Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in October 1582 (source).

The LB calendar is a system of classifying LB by each month of the year for appreciation purposes.

Today is LB’s birthday,

and what better day could there be

to share how special he is to me.

January

He is The Birthday Boy

Last January we celebrated LB’s birthday in one of our favorite places… St. Simon’s Island. There was, as always, music, dancing, presents, and cake. Bennie’s Red Barn featured the Traveling Riverside Band and an evening of celebration. This year will be someplace different, but just as celebratory!

February

He is my ValentineIn February 2017 we enjoyed Valentine’s Day together with dinner at Culhanes Irish Pub. There must be Irish in his blood… as the following month would later prove.

March

He is My Good Luck Charm

“May the luck of the Irish Lead to happiest heights

And the highway you travel Be lined with green lights”

…just like LB’s blinking tie.

April

LB became My very own Cameraman

and now

He is My InspirationIt was in March 2017 that I started my blog.

LB began to follow me with his camera snapping pictures of everything I do.

Within a few weeks of blogging, I realized how his photos influence my posts as they remind me of the fun we have had.

May

Though spring fever typically takes hold and all I want to do is stay home and chill…

LB is My MotivationHe keeps me going.

His delightfully cheerful ways, light up my dreary days.

June

of this past year,

LB added a new skill to his resume…

Superhero.

LB and I took a 3 day vacation to celebrate my birthday.

On the last day of our trip, I had an experience that I hope not to relive.

As if he were straight out of a DC comic, he whisked me to the ER.

LB is My Hero(his Mustang is his superpower)

July

no matter what the weather

LB is My SunshineMy only Sunshine.

(he makes me happy when skies are grey)

August

and throughout the year

LB is the Reason that I SmileHe is always doing something to put a smile on my face.

September

When vacation time rolls around, there are new places to go.

Whether it be an outdoor adventure or a new outlet or boutique…

LB is My Exploration Escortand

My Bag Boy

October

LB is My Sidekick

…or maybe I’m his.

Last October

LB was the Joker to my Harlequin

November

He is a reason to be Thankfuland he looks good in my favorite color.

I am thankful for the days, months, and years we have spent together and am looking forward to the ones yet to come.

December

of 2017, he saw me to the close of an ordeal that few would likely overcome.

LB is My White Knightand I am forever grateful!

LB is my Calendar Boy

and if I were as talented as Neil Sedaka, I would compose a tune to commemorate him!

Now it is January again and on this 26^th day we celebrate another LB birthday!

Congratulations on your many years

And here’s to many more!

Happy Birthday LB!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

January 26, 2018

Favorite # ONE

My Aunt Debbie

Yesterday was her birthday.

She is the youngest of six and my Mama’s “baby sister”.

Mama spent a lot of time looking for a favorite picture that I have of Debbie and myself from back in the day. Sadly, it has mysteriously disappeared. Debbie was only 11 years old when I was born. At the time, she didn’t like me much. When I was in high school, she was one of my best friends. I would call her early every morning and she would pray with me before I headed off to school.

Favorite # TWO

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Sunday the Jaguars delivered a game that even I couldn’t tear myself away from.

Despite playing in a hostile environment amongst fans [and referees] that wanted to see them lose and losing Myles Jack to a leg injury when they needed him most, the home team brought their A game to the AFC Championship. I was proud of the Jaguars as they played hard against the Patriots last Sunday. It was such a disappointment to see the outcome was not in their (our) favor. Hopefully it will happen next season.

Favorite # THREE

Brownies

Since baking is my superpower, I pull out the cape [at least] every other week and bake up a sweet treat using a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest. Last week I made brownies, but not just any brownies.

I made

Lunch Lady Brownies

You can find them in my Brownies, Blondies and Bars (Oh My) board on Pinterest

Favorite # FOUR

New Blouse

You can find it at venus.com

The comment was made that a picture of me wearing this blouse brought my Mema to mind. My Mema Reid was vibrant, animated, and had a great sense of style. I wish I had pictures of the great outfits she could pull together.

Favorite # FIVE

My Sweet LB

It’s his birthday today.You can read all about him here.

The Best Christmas Eber

December 28, 2017

It was a Merry Christmas indeed.

Although there was an Elvis episode to undergo, LB and I were able to get back on track to enjoy our usual Christmas traditions together.

As if still a little girl, I typically wake up early on Christmas morning… excited about what Santa left under the tree. He is always very generous, and much better to me than I deserve.

It was around 6AM that I woke up and headed to the kitchen.

Elvis [my all time favorite Christmas gift] came down from his “lookout” and met me in the kitchen. He was feeling much better and was ready to eat, which was a wonderful start to my day.

After feeding him, I lit the trees and made coffee.

LB joined me shortly thereafter.

He and I presented Elvis with his kitty stocking

and then exchanged our gifts to each other.

LB is one smart cookie.

He will take me shopping when we are out and about and let me pick things that he can save for Christmas morning.

For example…

my jeans and tops that were discovered at White House Black Market while visiting the Golden Isles

My Navy Blue Hobo we found at Classy Crossroads when we kicked off our Fall 2017 trip to the mountains

And a Clara Sun Woo dress and jewelry from Mariani’s purchased during a weekend trip to South Carolina…

which I never published a post about!

Although I have seen some of the items I unwrap, I am still surprised when I see them again. In addition, I am blessed with the opportunity to reminisce about the time my gift was purchased.

The memory is a gift in itself.

And…My LB is too!

The Whole Family

was planning to meet at Mama’s house by 10AM.

Mama had a special surprise of her own.

Gina and I sat together on the sofa as she stood before us with two little boxes and said

“This is from my heart”

We took the boxes from her hands and opened them to find…

two items that were part of her story of love, loss, and ultimately joy.

She gave my sister a pair of gold and diamond earrings that my Daddy had given her for Christmas shortly before he died. She gave me a bracelet that she purchased [at the urging of her sisters], for herself after my Daddy died. Reason being: “he would have bought it if he had been here”. She wanted to share what had special significance to her with the daughters who are precious to her.

She then sat down between us and we remembered Daddy together, whispering sweet memories, being thankful for the life we shared, as Mama described how God has restored joy to her life.

It was a heartfelt presentation that I will always remember.

My Kids

came to visit that afternoon.

We exchanged gifts and drank egg nog. It was a happy time to lavish gifts upon my children

Stephanie, Amanda, Richard, Emily

and my GlamBaby Lydia.

In Lydia’s words it was…

“The Best Christmas Eber!”

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

Divinity Day

December 23, 2017

My Mema Reid taught me how to make

Divinity

many years ago.

That time with her will forever be in my memory.

Mema’s Divinity recipe is similar to Paula Deen’s recipe.

Mema was of the mind that it is impossible to make divinity on a rainy day and/or without a helper.

For the past few years Amanda has been my helper.

Amanda is a bit of a Star Wars fanatic and apparently Darth Vader likes plaid.That’s a lot of information (and it’s a little weird), but I can deal with it.

Amanda recently asked when we were going to get together for divinity making. Due to our schedules, this would be the last entry into the Christmas Treat Assortment… and just barely in time for Christmas.

Today we met in my kitchen to engage in the Christmas tradition of

DIVINITY MAKING!

Sadly, our first attempt failed (tears)25 minutes in my smokin’ mixer and STILL it wouldn’t set up!

We gave it our all… but that batch is in the trash.

The failure isn’t surprising with a Florida high of 79° and 83% humidity on Saturday, December 23, 2017.

LB set the thermostat to 60° and Amanda and I tried againSUCCESS!Perfect!

And Delicious!

That sugar high should last through the rest of the holiday season.

Ingredients:

4 cups sugar

1 cup white corn syrup

3/4 cup cold water

3 egg whites

1 teaspoon pure vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water until sugar has dissolved. Cook syrup mixture until it reaches 255° F on a candy thermometer, bringing it to a hard ball stage.

While Amanda is cooking the syrup, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar mixture reaches 255° F, carefully pour a slow steady stream of syrup into the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until mixture holds its shape, approximately 7-9 minutes. Stir in pecans.

Using 2 spoons, drop the divinity onto waxed paper, using 1 spoon to push the candy off the other. You will need to work fast when making this type of candy. You’re done! Store the divinity in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

Amanda

December 9, 2017

History was made on December 9, 1986 when a sweet baby girl came into the world!

She is my second born and I loved her the second I saw her…

Amanda Kristine Starling

arrived on a Tuesday at 6:06 PM weighing in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

It was in this stocking that I brought my Christmas baby home with me on the following day.

Her sister, Stephanie took to her right away…

mostly.

And they have been best friends ever since.

Amanda is my “middle child” whom I recognized in the post National Middle Child Day. And as mentioned in that post, SHE IS an adventurer.

With each passing year, there was something new she wanted to try.

For example…

there was dance

then tee ball

baton

basketball

then piano lessons,

and running

traveling

Although Amanda has an extremely easy going personality, rarely showing excitement, she has always taken advantage of every opportunity to try something new.

She has just about done it all!

Amanda is a smart girl and one of the most self-motivated people I know.

It was Amanda that encouraged our homeschooling experience and accelerated into ninth grade school work with her older sister, so her teacher, aka Mom, would only need to manage one grade level.