The Big Day.....

During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the total destruction of our parish, many people said we would never recover. They said that It would be a minimum of 2 years before our 1st school could open. They said a lot of things, but nearly 4 1/2 years later I see an entirely different picture.

Our first school opened approx. 2 months after the storm. Our highschool recently opened a new sky walk for students to cross over the highway to our new campus additions. The new section is still under construction, but the classrooms and office for the ninth grade academy are complete. When it is finished it will also house a huge swimming pool, theater with orchestra pit, public library, coffee shop, and what appears to be a multi-level parking garage. Our highschool was recently rated one of the top 20 in the entire nation.

In addition to a thriving school system, our community is home to many local businesses and several chains, but today marks something special to me. Previous to the storm,we had just celebrated a grand opening. My daughter had watched the building progress every day on our drive to her school. We were so excited that we no longer had to travel to other cities; as it was in walking distance from our house. In fact we stopped there as we were pulling out of town to evacuate. I remember feeling numb as I watched the employees wrap all of the brand new photo equipment, electronics, and registers with heavy duty plastic wrap.

Tired of waiting???..........

So were we, but today our wait has ended.

I heard from friends that the highschool band marched up and down the aisles to entertain the first customers when the doors opened. I had to get Eloise off to school, so I missed it  ;o(

The pictures aren't great, because the usual photographer(me) was busy shopping. Well any way, here they are:

You guessed it.

Walmart Super Center!

Over 300 new jobs!!!

No more outrageous grocery prices from the other stores!

No more big, empty, blighted building!

No more wasting tons of gas to go shopping!

See...I'm not the only one who thought this was big news! LOL

Really this isn't about Wally World or IHOP or any of the other great things that are opening up; It's about this community. We got in here and worked hard for this place we call home.

Great Things Come to Those Who Wait....

This is a picture of my latest miracle.

Yes, I said miracle.
I don't know what else to call it,

when I am able to purchase a dryer that originally retailed at around $1500

for $97 (that wasn't a typo) plus tax.

My old impatient self tried to overtake me,

 because I could really use a washer
 that doesn't require hand tools (notice the dial in top pic) to operate.

I could have bought the matching washer,
but I would have to special order it and put it on credit,

 because it is still over $1000.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the strength
to resist the temptation.

In tough economic times it is crazy to go into debt,

besides I know God is going to find me another great deal.

I don't really care if it matches, but it would be a bonus ;o)

  

Now if you'll excuse me.....

I have some playing laundry to do!

P.S. We just updated Eloise's Blog. I added a link button in my sidebar just above, "Blogs I like to visit".On her blog we added a link button for "Sketch Tuesday" and one that brings you back to my blog. If you have time, check it out, and let us know what you think about her new look.

Happy As A Clam.....

       I haven't got a clue as to why people say that. I'm not sure who decided that the clam was the perfect mascot for those who are content. Can't you just see all of those tiny little clam guys at the bottom of the ocean with goofy smiles on their little clam faces?

       At any rate, I must say that I am finally returning to my former (pre-college-happy-clam) self. I am truly enjoying being a full time wife and mother again. My church life has been incredible these last couple of months. Even though I didn't miss any services while in school, it was difficult to focus with so many deadlines and demands on my mind. Now I can worship unincumbered. Dirty laundry doesn't distract me nearly as much as midterms and essays. I am still very busy, but at least I am free to think and believe whatever I want. The work that I do is appreciated by people who love me.

                There are many pictures that I haven't shared, because I have been busy with the business of living. I will squeeze them in later posts. For now, I just wanted to share three completely unrelated photos. Individually, each doesn't mean a whole lot, but collectively these are what fill my days to overflowing. I can honestly say that God has not only given me life, but, "life more abundantly." I admit that this post is a bit random, but it suits me.

 God is teaching me the benefits of being a wise steward.

I think that even the "virtuous woman" in proverbs would be proud of my purchase.

These pouches refill the bottles, so I get 10 bottles of hand soap for $6.

That is $0.60/bottle.

They smell good, there are 8 fewer bottles going into land fills, and I saved money.

My daughter has an aversion to tomato sauce, so the other night I made a pizza with chicken, crumbled bacon, and alfredo sauce. I topped it off with freshly grated mozzarella and seasonings.

For this simple effort I was nominated the worlds greatest mother by the worlds greatest daughter.

Lastly I would like to give you a sampling of some of the scrumptiously wonderful things that have been suffering neglect for a long while. It feels so good to have creativity flowing through my home again. The above picture is just a sneak peek of a project that I am currently working on. I absolutely adore that bird fabric. There isn't a scientific method that determines what I like. I simply walk around and certain things just beg me to love them....

... and I do.

We're Bursting With Talent......

Eloise performs: "Allegro"and "Ode to Joy"

We were even paid a visit by "Amelia Badelia"

Our judges were Elvis, Raggedy Anne, & Laura Engels Wilder.

Eloise was up against some stiff competition.

The young man on the left played a rousing rendition of "Hot Cross Buns"

The lovely young lady in pink played "Ode to Joy" on her flute.

This is Eloise and one of her awesome Sunday School teachers.

Both of them came away with a prize.

Eloise won third place for the children's category and Kass won first for ages 12 and up.

Tally won 2nd in kids with her flute and Sessy stold the show with her beautiful piano playing.

Sorry, no pic, but Terra is turning into a beautiful, talented young woman.

If I'm not mistaken she won 2nd place in the 12 and up segment.

We have truly been blessed with such a talented bunch of young people.

I cannot say how proud I am of all of them.

Thank God for Daddy....

Cooking? Sewing? Art? No Problem: I've got it covered.

Design your own circuit panel to demonstrate "open" and "closed" circuits....PROBLEM!...

Wait! I know who to call.

I love that guy; he's so handy.

P.S. for those of you who aren't local, Eloise's Bisque(previous post) won first place in the seafood category. We haven't gotten the details, but we know that in the next round of competition she will compete against the winners from 14 other parishes.

Time Well Spent....

There is just something comforting about being in the kitchen...

and passing down treasured skills...

to my darling daughter...

especially if they will help her to win the 4-H cook off tomorrow!

Good Luck Eloise. Your Shrimp and Corn Bisque is delicious.

Happy Belated New Year.....

(Above: Our latest Miracle)

We love ya sister "T"

Pastor, His Sis, & Mom.

(notice the latest party crashers: Beppi & Talulah Mae)

Don't they look angelic?

The foot washing must have done them some good.

Lovely Ladies of Leisure LOL

"Plain Old Kristi" with a not so plain old tiara.

"Queenie"

Our Two First Ladies

(and another party crasher, who shall remain nameless)

We pray that the coming year brings greater miracles to our church

and blessings to our family and friends.

"2010"

I can't believe it has been a decade since Y2K!