Yes indeedy my friends, I see a yellow leaf outside my window!  Oh, so it really is Autumn!  Not that I'd know by the 80 degree temperatures *sigh*.  I was telling my Mom today that is the thing I hate the most, well right after the traffic, is that spring is literally 3 weeks long as well as Fall.  The rest of the time it's either really cold or really hot.  Just have to dress in serious layers down here in the peach state.

This weekend we are going to see Shakespeare on the lawn at a historical home.  I think it's Romeo and Juliet this time.  They have performances in the spring and fall.  Maybe we can leave the boys home and just my darlin' and I go.  I'd love to get some fried peach pie from a cute little restaurant in town called Relish.  Other than that and church I'm not sure what we'll be up to.  Even though, praise the Lord, we are getting gas it is well over $4 gallon so we still won't venture out too much.  We were thinking of going on a little trip next weekend to Asheville, NC, but I'm not sure now because it will cost so much for gas.  We'll see.

Some cool news about my stepson is that he was chosen for ROTC to be in their academic bowl and he's only a freshman!  Nicholas is a really smart kid, but he doesn't always apply himself to homework, or pay attention in class and that's why he sometimes has bad grades.  When he has to though he can really buckle down.  We are very proud of Nicholas for using the intelligence that God gave him for a good thing.  If they win this competition the team will go to DC and VA.  My husband said we'll go with him for a little family vacation and just maybe I can re-visit Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown.  Again, if the gas price goes down!

What are y'all up to this weekend?  Hope y'all are doing well. 

Blessings,

~Farrah

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First of all, thank you for your prayers for my MIL, Julia.  She is doing remarkably well.  She was sitting up last night and talking just fine.  We are waiting for the lab to get back to us whether there was any additional cancer. 

What do y'all think about this money thing?

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I am asking for prayers today, dear friends, for my Mother-in-law.  She is going in for surgery at 11ET.  A few years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She had the tumor removed and radiation, but they did not remove the breast.  In April Julia got an infection in this breast.  They tried several antibiotics, though not penacillin, which my husband and I suggested, to no avail.  There is a mass there though the biopsy was negative, the breast is going to be removed today.  They will check her lymph nodes to see if there is cancer there and anywhere else in her body.  If all goes well, she will be home in 5 days.

Thank you!

~Farrah

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1. French women think about good things to eat.
2. French women eat smaller portions of more things.
3. French women eat more vegetables.
4. French women eat a lot more fruits.
5. French women love bread
6. French women don't eat artificial products; eat the real thing in moderation.
7. French women love dark chocolate
8. French women eat with all 5 senses, allowing less to seem like more.
9. They balance their food, drink and movement on a week by week basis
10. They stray, but come back, believing only detours and no dead ends.
11. Don't weigh themselves, preferring to keep track with hands, eyes, clothes "zipper syndrome"
12. French women eat 3 meals a day.
13. Don't snack all the time.
14. Never let themselves feel stuffed.
15. They never let themselves feel hungry.
16. Train their taste buds and those of their young at an early age.
17. French women honor mealtime rituals and never eat standing up, on the run, or in front of the tv.
18. French women don't watch much tv.
19. Eat what's in season, for maximum flavor and value, and they know availability does not equal quality.
20. Long to discover new flavors and are always experimenting with herbs, spices, and citrus juices to make a familiar dish seem new.
21. Enjoy fruits, vegetables and water at room temperator.
22. French women do not care for hard liquor.
23. They drink 1-2 glasses of wine a day.
24. They drink water all day long.
25. Enjoy going to market nearly every day.
26. French women plan menus at home weekly.
27. Dining in is as seductive as dining out.
28. French women walk everywhere they can.
29. They take the stairs whenever possible.
30. Dress to take out the garbage (you never know).
31. French women are stubborn girls who don't follow mass movements.
32. Adore fashion
33. They know that you can go far with a great haircut, bottle of champagne, and divine perfume.
34. They know that love is slimming.
35. They will sit at a cafe and enjoy each moment.
36. Love to laugh
37. Eat for pleasure.
38. Don't diet.
39. French women don't get fat.
40. They don't have much tv to watch

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(This is a re-post from August 2007)

Southernness

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hisse fit and a conniption fit, and that you don't "HAVE" them, you "PITCH" them.

 Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up "a mess."

 Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of  "yonder."

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long "directly" is, ... as in: "Going to town, be back directly."

 Even Southern babies know that "Gimme some sugar" is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.


 All Southerners know exactly when "by and by" is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.


Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace for a neighbor who's got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor's trouble is a real crisis, 
they also know to add a large banana puddin!


Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between "right near" and "a right far piece." They also know that "just down the road" can be 1 mile or 20.


Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and po' white trash.


No true Southerner would never assume that the car with the blinking turn  signal is actually going to make a turn.


A Southerner knows that "fixin" can be used as a noun, a verb, or an  adverb.


Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, ... and when we're "in line," ... we talk to everybody!


Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they're related, even if only by marriage.

In the South, y'all is singular, .... all y'all is plural.


Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.


Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.


When you hear someone say, "Well, I caught myself lookin'," you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!


Only true Southerners say "sweet tea" and "sweet milk." Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not like our tea unsweetened. "Sweet milk" means you don't want buttermilk.


And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, "Bless her heart" ... and go your own way.


To those of you who are still a little embarrassed by your Southerness: Take two tent revivals and a dose of sausage gravy and call me in the morning. Bless your heart!


And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all this Southern stuff, ... bless your hearts, I hear they are fixin' to have classes on Southernness as a second language!


And for those that are not from the South but have lived here for a long time, all y'all need a sign to hang on y'all's front porch that reads "I ain't from the South, but I got here as fast as I could."




 SOUTHERN WOMEN

 Southern women appreciate their natural assets:
 Clean skin.
 A winning smile.
 That unforgettable Southern drawl.

 Southern women know their manners:
 "Yes, ma'am."
 "Yes, sir."
 "Why, no, Billy!"

 Southern women have a distinct way with fond expressions :
 "Y'all come back!"
 "Well, bless your heart."
 "Drop by when you can."
 "How's your Momma?"


 Southern women know their summer weather report:
 Humidity
 Humidity
 Humidity

 Southern women know their vacation spots:
 The beach
 The beach
 The beach

 Southern women know the joys of June, July, and August:
 Colorful hi-heel sandals
 Strapless sun dresses
 Iced sweet tea with mint

 Southern women know everybody's first name:
 Honey
 Darlin'
 Shugah

 Southern women know the movies that speak to their hearts:
 Fried Green Tomatoes
 Driving Miss Daisy
 Steel Magnolias
 Gone With The Wind

 Southern women know their religions:
 Baptist
 Methodist
 Football

 Southern women know their country breakfasts:
 Red-eye gravy
 Grits
 Eggs
 Country ham
 Mouth-watering homemade biscuits with momma's homemade jelly

 Southern women know their cities dripping with Southern charm:
 Charleston (Chawl'stn)
 Savannah (S'vanah)
 Fort Worth (Foat Wuth)
 New Orleans (N'awlins)
 Atlanta (Addlanna)

 Southern women know their elegant gentlemen:
 Men in uniform.
 Men in tuxedos
 Rhett Butler, of course!

 Southern girls know their prime real estate:
 The Mall
 The Country Club
 The Beauty Salon

 Southern girls know the four deadly sins:
 Having bad hair and nails
 Having bad manners
 Cooking bad food
 Wearing too much makeup in the summer

 Southern girls know men may come and go, but friends are fahevah!

 Now...... Shugah, send this to some girls who were raised in the South or 
wish they had been!

 If you're a Northern transplant, Bless your little heart, fake it.
 We know you got here as fast as you could.....!!!

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Friday afternoon I got a wonderful call.  A wonderful lady whom was in my old bible study wants to buy 7 loaves of bread!  Another lady from the same bible study is coming today to purchase a loaf as well.  The Lord knows that we need as much money as possible to pay off the credit card for our van's repairs.  I hope that more people will buy some bread or some of the books I put on amazon.com. 

On Friday night Bryson had his best friend sleep over so we did not do too much.  Actually, I believe I fell asleep on our recliner!  Saturday morning Bryan and I slept in and it was so nice.  We've been feeling quite yucky recently (a virus is going around at his office, well, it's a doctor's office so that's common) and we may have a touch of it.  Our throats are sore and we're really weak.  I feel a bit better today from resting a lot over the weekend.  Saturday night we went to the concert and it was fun.  With Bryan and I not feeling well, and Bryson tired from not sleeping the previous night, it was not as fun as it could have been.  However, we really enjoyed watching everyone and had a great time listening to the music.  Personally, I do not like christian rock like my husband, but I went for him.  (I'm more of a Perry Como girl, which is on right now!)  Yesterday we overslept again and missed church.  We need to worship with the Lord, but we need sleep too.  I went up to church to pick up Nick Sunday afternoon and then the rest of the day we took it easy.

After picking up Nick I realized I REALLY needed gas.  I had maybe 1/16th of a tank left.  We went to 4 different gas stations before we found any!  Even then we sat in the line for 10 minutes!  Does anyone know when the gas will get to the stations?  My husband almost ran out this morning and he may not be able to start his car this afternoon.  I may have to find a station and get one of those red containers filled.  I told my husband that maybe we should consider getting one of those kits to convert the gas tank to biodiesel.  We have several fast food restaurants around here and could easily get cooking grease.  Have any of y'all tried this?

Well, I'd best get busy.  This morning I did 2 loads of laundry, dishes, made breakfast, swept and mopped kitchen floor, and vacuumed.  Now I need to start scanning my husband's multitudes of business cards into our computer.  Y'all have a blessed day, my friends!

~Farrah

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Graphic courtesy of www.allposters.com

My husband made a decision on our van.  Do I like the decision no, but I prayed, and asked for prayers for, God to give my husband wisdom so if this is God's will then so be it.  My husband decided to repair our van.  It should be ready today.  I will finally have a car after a week!  I am excited about that.  You know being a wife can be difficult.  It's hard to place 100% of your control into the hands of someone else.  It's hard to allow someone else to make decisions for you.  However, if you do then God will reward you in the end.

I think I mentioned to y'all that our computer hard drive was knocked out.  If I didn't then how the story went was we were having trouble with our sound.  Since the computer was still under warranty I called HP to help me get it fixed.  They told me that there was a corruption (after being on the phone with them for 1.5 hours) and we need to do a systems recovery.  He asked how long the problem had been going on and I said about a week.  I figured he'd erase for the last week and that was fine.  No sirree, he erased the entire stinking thing!  I was so furious that I just sat and cried.  All of our pictures, documents, everything stored on their was gone!  So the last few days I have been re-installing everything and I'm finally just about through.

What's everyone's plans for this weekend?  My stepson will be on a church even all weekend so that will be a little less chaotic-no running him all over north Atlanta!  My husband got free tickets to go see Third Day on Saturday night for he, Bryson, Bryson's friend, and myself.  That should be fun.  Other than that and church we do not have any other plans.

Have a blessed day, dear friends!

"Whatsoever you do, do heartily as unto the Lord and not unto man." Colossians 3:23

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Ironically as I was typing my Gratituesday post today on my other blog, we got a call about our van that has been in and out of the shop all summer.  After a $350 tune up, new distributor cap, and shocks our van now needs a entire new computer.  It's going to cost $1081 in addition to the $390 for the diagnostic exam.  We have the money, but would it be worth repairing?  As of now we probably would not get $2k for it since it is a 1996, American vehicle, with 200k miles on it.  However, we are just waiting for our other car to be impounded because it will not pass emissions and the tag is expired.  Please give my husband wisdom and the finances to decide whether to fix it or purchase another "new" car.  I told him that I am fine without having a car and we could actually rent one on the weekends for $10 a day.  The boys now take the bus or public transportation and I can get everything else on the weekends.  I actually enjoy not having a car except for missing on going to lunch with friends.  Since we are getting broker by the day that may be a good thing too!  Please, please, please, pray for this for we are in a heap of trouble. 

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 For Today...

Outside my Window...Cloudy morning looking like it will rain.

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You really need to check out Lindsay's post at www.passionatehomemaking.com on simplifying entertainment.  It really convicted me.  I realized on Saturday after our family outing (which we forced the boys to do) that as soon as we came home everyone separated.  I told my husband how much it hurts me.  So, we have now gone back to eating as a family with the tv OFF!  I really like her ideas, so I highly recommend reading her post as well as her others in the simplify series.

Today I am going through our fall clothing.  Being old-fashioned means that since it is past Labor Day all of our white bottoms have to be put away.  I am getting out the boys jeans from last year to see what fits and what can be taken to the consignment shop.  Hope y'all have a great day!

Blessings,

~Farrah

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 For Today...

Outside my Window...Sun is just beginning to rise through the trees. It's still hot!

I am thinking...about my MIL's birthday today and the boys need to call her. Also since its after Labor Day I have to put away all of my white shoes and bottoms

I am thankful for...being able to be at home when my children get off the school bus.

From the kitchen...chicken sausage and cinnamon toast for breakfast, wraps and strawberries for lunch, not sure for dinner yet-need to make my menu plan up for the week.

I am wearing...olive green smocked dress, headband in hair, cross necklace, barefeet now but sandals later

I am reading...A Lady of Secret Devotion by Tracie Peterson

I am hoping...my parents have a wonderful time in Portugal. They leave today for 10 day journey.

I am creating...a pile of things to take to the consignment shop and Goodwill.

I am hearing..."Wives and Daughters" on www.youtube.com/enjoyutube/.  Absolutely wonderful!!!

Around the house...getting the house ready for Autumn, write some recipes for my MIL, have boys try on last year's clothes to see what fits

One of my favorite things...is watching squirrels jump through the trees in our little "forrest" behind our house.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Pick up Nick from JROTC on Tues and Thurs, lunch with a friend, call my friend from college, and fill out teacher's certification information packet

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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Graphic courtesy of www.allposters.com

How can you tell if an egg is any good?  We have been purchasing our eggs from a local farm so there is no sell by date.  I remember something about it floating in water.  Can y'all help me?

Blessings,

~Farrah

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Graphic courtesy of www.doverpublications.com

Tomorrow morning my ten year old son and I are heading up North. We are going to visit my parents in Kentucky. Friday night, when we arrive, we'll just relax with my parents with a nice home cooked dinner (finally not cooked by yours truly ;0)).

Saturday morning my Mother and I are having brunch with my old Girl Scout troop. Believe it or not after 13 years we are all still good friends. Actually as we have gotten older I think it is very important to grow closer to your childhood friends. With my living over 400 miles away and family obligations I know that I have not made enough of an effort to keep in touch. Now, I am determined that whenever possible, to get together when I am in town (they all live in the same city).

Saturday evening my youngest cousin, not second cousin mind you, is getting married in an outdoor ceremony. It is not supposed to rain, but dear me, it is supposed to be 90 degrees! She is getting married young, but she has such a good head on her shoulders that I know she and her intended will do just grand.

Sunday morning we will probably attend church (if we are not too tired from the wedding and subsequent one and one-half hour return drive) then we usually go to lunch after church. Late that afternoon we are to go to my paternal Grandmother's 87th birthday party! I have a great relationship with both of my Grandmother's and for that I am thankful and blessed.

Monday morning Bryson and I will headed back home to the Peach state! I hope we have time either on the way up or on the way back to stop in my favorite little town, Bell Buckle, Tennessee. If you are ever travelling down I-24 you need to stop!

I hope to be able to announce the winner of the No Greater Joy prize on Monday, but if I cannot then it will be announced first thing Tuesday morning! Good luck to all who have and will continue to enter. Also next week I think it is time to talk about Fall fashions. I want to talk about what is "in" for this fall and also talk about how we can wear what is "in" modestly.

Have a wonderful weekend and Labor Day!

Blessings!

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Please visit Miss Peggy at www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com for more simple ideas!

 For Today...

Outside my Window...It's raining, it's pouring the old man is snoring!  Yay! We SO need the rain!

I am thinking...what will my husband do with the olympics being over?!


I am thankful for...gas prices lowering a bit

From the kitchen...biscuits and canadian bacon for breakfast and soup for lunch. Also baking some bread to sell in my business, Suzy's Natural Southern Goodies

I am wearing...Knee-length cuffed jeans shorts, mint green tee, plaid flip flops, pearls

I am reading...French Women Don't Get Fat (again-sigh) and Mary Jane's Farm "Raising Jane" issue, also again.

I am hoping...my cousin has the best wedding day ever (this Saturday) and my Grandmother keeps on kicking (87th birthday Sunday)

I am creating...Two dresses to take with me for the weekend and a child support worksheet

I am hearing...700 Club

Around the house...Kids in school, watching rain with my lamplight on, and prepare extra food for hubby and oldest son for weekend.

One of my favorite things...is antique books.  They knew what and how to write as well as what paper to use.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...tomorrow I have to go have a mammogram, get ready for my trip, Bryson and I leave on Friday. Hubby has a big even this weekend here in Atlanta called Celebrate Freedom at the Georgia Int'l Horse Park. For more info www.thefishatlanta.com.

Have a blessed week!

~Farrah

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Please visit Miss Kelly at www.thebarefootmama.com for more Feminine Friday's and join us!

The thing about having kids is they leave stuff on.  It could be lights when they leave a room, an oven after taking out their snack, or the tv even though, thankfully, something else has caught their attention.  In this case, it is the camera.  The digital camera was left on and the battery has died.  What is this leading up to?  No picture today.  I had planned on taking a picture of my dress and end table.  Rats!  So, since you asked, I'll show you what I am doing for feminine Friday.

This picture that I found on www.lovelywhatevers.blogspot.com is a replica of a print that I have hanging on my wall!  When I left my parents home in Kentucky to go to the university in Georgia my Mom bought this for my dorm room.  Isn't it sweet?  A little girl, dressed in pink and white with little white socks and black pattened shoes.  I cannot tell you how many pictures there are of myself dressed in pink with black patten shoes!  The little girl is obviously having a tea party.  Drinking tea from a china pot in little saucers is pretty much as feminine as it comes!

How are you showing the world that you are a female?

~Farrah

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Our little boy would have been 4 years old today.  I have spoken in the past about our son Nathaniel Blake.  He was a 35 week stillborn precious angel.  I decided not to put his picture here because I don't want anyone to feel bad.  Someday maybe I will, but this is a picture of his grave.  It is a sweet plaque.  It has a teddy bear says playing in God's Garden, his birthdate, and says beloved son and brother.

There was a blood clot on Nathaniel's side of the placenta.  It turns out he had my blood clotting disorder.  All he needed was a baby asprin and he would have survived, which is the most difficult part.  Still to this day I kick myself for not forcing the doctors to take him out sooner, but there is nothing to be done now.  I just know that when my husband and I get to heaven our little boy will be there waiting for us.

I often wonder what he would be interested in right now.  When Bryson was 4 he was in the midst of Thomas the tank engine mania.  Would Nathan talk?  He looked most like me when he was born, would he still?  Would Nick pick on him as he does Bryson?  What would be his favorite foods?  I could go on and on.

Still, I'll never know, but God has his reasons.  When I first lost him I was told over and over that at least we know he is in heaven.  For so long that was the worst thing I could hear.  I didn't want Nathan in heaven.  I wanted him with me, so selfishly.  Now, I am so thankful he is in heaven and since I am a born again christian through God's forgiving grace we will be reunited at some time.

~Farrah 

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 For Today...

Outside my Window...the sun is rising though not visible through the trees.  It is still warm though not as hot as last week.

I am thinking...of fall dresses!

I am thankful for...a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and healthy children

From the kitchen...biscuits and sausage for breakfast, pbj and popcorn for lunch, for dinner see my menu post below.

I am wearing...light blue polo, white skirt, pearls 

I am reading...W magazine

I am hoping...to go to lunch with a friend this week

I am hearing...Pride & Prejudice

Around the house...I have quite a task list!

One of my favorite things...Mary Jane's Farm forum

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Today-Go to Nathaniel's grave, Tuesday- groceries, Wednesday- baking, Thursday- paperwork, Friday- deep cleaning 

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...This is from Roswell Cemetary

Have a blessed week!

~Farrah

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In honor of our obsession with the Beijing Olympics, this week we are having a different theme for dinner each night.

Sunday- Chicken salad croissant, salad frisee, peach tart (France)

Monday- 7 layer taco casserole, spanish rice, corn pudding (Spain)

Tuesday- Terryaki chicken, stir fry, fried rice (China)

Wednesday- Meditteranean pasta, tomato salad, yogurt and fruit (Greece) 

Thursday- Fish, chips, bread pudding (Great Britain)

Friday- Hamburgers, french fries, salad, ice cream (American)

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Monet Graphic courtesy of www.doverpublications.com

On August 16th, 1963 my parents were married.  So today is their 45th wedding anniversary!  Congratulations Mom and Dad!  That's amazing! 

We love you!

PS. I picked this photo because my Dad was in the Navy when they were married and then for the first 7-8 years of their marriage.  He was a Naval Coreman!  They are leaving in a few weeks for their first trip to Europe was my other reason.

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