Bill Maher

Disclaimer: I'm about to rant.

So you all know I'm addicted to The View. Well, today Bill Maher was on promoting his new movie, Religulous. He more or less, no, not more or less, he blatantly called any one who has faith of any sort, a moron. He said he can't understand why any politician or government official can let their faith blindly guide them. On the show, he insulted Sherri (the openly Christian) and Elisabeth (the outspoken conservative), only because they don't share his ideals (Thank the Lord).

I'm a Christian and I consider myself somewhat intelligent. I mean, I'm not a genius, but I'm no moron either. My faith is what guides me in most of what I do (my goal is to make it guide me in ALL that I do - still working on that one). Watching Bill Maher sit on that sofa making cracks at people of faith (any faith, not just Christians), and watching two of the four co-hosts giggle at his remarks made me incredibly sad and disappointed at what our country has come to.

To me, Maher has always come across as an unsettled, angry, annoyed person. Maybe he needs a little faith himself. Pray for Bill Maher, God is the God of miracles, after all.

Happy Birthday

Today is my husband's birthday. He hates birthdays, especially his. He says its ridiculous for one day to be all about him. He hates picking restaurants or deciding what to do, but he needs to get over it because I LOVE BIRTHDAYS. He, more than most, I believe,deserves a day all to himself.

He is by far the most amazing husband and father. Our little girls think he hung the moon, and so does their mom. Sometimes I get my feelings hurt because our oldest wants Daddy to get her dressed or wants Daddy to put her to bed. But I get it. The way they look at him says it all. Every morning, I'm all alone on my side of the bed, while they have piled up on top of their father. I am so thankful for the way he loves them. He comes home from work and plops right down on the floor to play with his girls. He asks about their day and really listens to what they have to say, even if our youngest only babbles at this point. I know that one day they'll realize how blessed they are to have such a loving and involved father.

And wow, I'm lucky too. He loves me more than I could have ever hoped for. No matter how gross I feel, pajamas, no makeup, he can make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world.

I doubt you're reading this, but if you are, although I don't say it enough, I appreciate you and love you more than you'll ever know.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, old man.

CCR or Bust

Last week I was driving down I-20 and passed a van that had written on its windows: "CCR! Hal & Mal's or Bust!" I freaked out! For one - how in the world could Creedence Clearwater Revival be coming to Jackson? Second, how did I miss this?!?!? Aren't some of them dead?

So I rushed home, got on the computer to find out more info. To my disappointment, CCR was in fact Cross Canadian Ragweed. Boo.

I'm really not old, but sometimes I feel like it. At that moment, I did. CCR, the real CCR, that is, was really way before my time, but I somehow have developed a taste for oldies. I didn't mention that this was a minivan with a handicap license plate and yes, they were more in tune with current music than I was.

Old.

MS Society Bike Ride Planned

The Mississippi division of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its annual bike ride to benefit the organization this weekend. MS is the most mysterious disease. It's completely random in who it affects and symptoms experienced. Read more about the ride in the Rankin Ledger.

Depression?

Last night my husband basically scared the living daylights out of me. After an afternoon or reading up on this economy situation, he informed me that as of Monday we could be in a depression if a solution isn't decided upon before the weekend's out. To see him so up in arms about what's going on is scary. Really scary. Something has to be done. How exactly did we get to this point? As Americans, myself included, we sit back and worry about trivial things while our country is on its way to a state of depression. We're all in all pretty selfish. I know that until I felt the hurt in my energy, gas, and grocery bill, I wasn't too worried about the economy. I commend McCain and Obama for taking time out of their campaigns to try and figure this thing out. After all, they get paid lots of money to be Senators, not candidates.

Mississippi Children's Home Services

Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending one of Mississippi Children's Home Services' birthday parties for the resident kids. I recently wrote an article on their new campus that is being built. MCHS reaches out to kids who have psychiatric and behavioral problems and helps transition them back into a normal school and home environment.

Just being around these kids made me realize how the majority of us have no idea what's going on all around us. I am so blessed to have been brought up in a home where my parents took care of and supported me. It sure made me realize how stupid most of my so-called problems are. These are kids that are just hungry for someone to care and they are kids who can't help what situations they were born into or brought into. It was such a relief to see how the staff and volunteers of MCHS reach out and nurture these kids. Thank God for people like these. Visit www.mchscares.org to learn more about their work.

Fall is here!

Yesterday was officially the first day of the Fall season. This is by far my favorite time of the year and for many reasons - the crisp air, the changing leaves, and FALL TELEVISION! That's right, that time of year is finally here! McDreamy, Michael Scott, and Liz Lemon have returned!

Most of my life I have never been one to watch much TV. I would much rather be out of the house doing something, but that all changed when I got married. When my husband and I were newlyweds obsessed with spending time with only each other, we were quite happy sitting in bed together watching "That 70s Show" reruns before drifting off to sleep. This was the start of my habit - I now have to watch TV to go to sleep. This really stinks in the summer when nothing is on, but as of this week, it will be quite an enjoyable, entertaining habit.

Boston Legal returned last night, The New Adventures of

Old Christine (she's hilarious) comes back tomorrow and I

can hardly wait for Thursday night (too many reasons to name).

This week is actually jam-packed for me. I have obligations upon obligations and won't be home most nights. This, you see, is why DVR is my very best friend. I have no idea what I did before my home was graced with its presence.

I CAN'T WAIT!

Wingard Update

I received an email from Charlotte Wingard yesterday and I'm happy to say their financial situation is looking up. Thanks to everybody who has given either money, time or prayers to this incredible ministry that has truly stolen my heart. Keep them in your prayers. Visit their web site at www.wingardhome.org to find out more.

Why I love the South - Reason #2

Little girls in big hairbows. Hated it as a kid, love it as a mom. When my oldest daughter and I went on a trip up north, or more north, she was the one and only little girl wearing a bow at the McDonald's playland. Not so on our usual Chick-Fil-A outings - she's one of many. I guess it's another piece of Southern culture.

Luckily, my oldest loves them. #2 has it coming... I'm just waiting on that hair to grow out.

Wingard Home

Today's Clinton News and Hinds Ledger featured my story on the Wingard Home, which I wrote about in a previous post. Great people doing great things. Read my story here.

That's not fair!

DISCLAIMER: I'm proud of my husband, very, very, proud. And I'm sure the earlier post Why I Love the South Reason #1 contributes to my gripe.

I'm sure you've seen the commercial on TV where there's a pencil-sketched couple sitting on a couch and the woman's talking about weight loss. She talks about how her husband quit drinking sodas and lost 20 pounds, while she has been dieting and lost a pound. Then she drops her water into the male dog's bowl and he slims up really quick. It's for a diet pill or something like that. Clearly I'm not very good at explaining this, but if you've seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about.

So about a month ago my husband and I set out on a program to get fit and eat healthier. It's intense workouts and I've been working my butt off! I still have approximately 10 pounds of baby weight, give or take a few pounds depending on the day, and my "baby" is 14 months old. It's ridiculous.

One month into it I've GAINED about 4-5 pounds and every time someone sees my husband he gets a "Wow, what have you been doing? You look great!" NOT FAIR! NOT FAIR! NOT FAIR! Men have it so easy. I birthed two babies and now I have to carry around that extra weight. And he looks amazing. Ugh.

Dead Ringer

Saturday night I hope you all or your DVRs caught Tina Fey's take on Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live. Absolutely hilarious. First off, I adore Tina Fey. (If you don't watch 30 Rock, you are really missing out.) I also love humor being inserted in politics. Politics in itself can be pretty amusing, but let's face it, it needs some lightheartedness at times. And you just can't beat SNL during election year. Tina Fey had this one pretty easy as she already looks just like Palin.

Why I love the South - Reason #1

Last night I tried to explain to a certain someone (you know who you are) why I love the South and Mississippi in particular. This got me thinking. My first post was all about how much I love this state, and now I'll elaborate and give you my first reason why.

Sidenote - I asked my husband to tell me the number one reason he thought I loved the South and he said, "because I live here, of course." A little full of himself, but he makes a good argument.

One very important reason I plan on never leaving the South - down-home, stick-to-your-bones, creamy, greasy, cheesy, Southern cooking. I don't know how people live without it. I try to eat pretty healthy the majority of the time. In our house we eat a lot of grilled chicken and fish with fresh vegetables, but inevitably, the time comes when a craving hits me and all my inhibitions and good intentions are a lost cause.

My go-to place for Southern cuisine would have to be my husband's grandmother's house in Crystal Springs. Let me tell you, Paula Deen has nothing on this woman. The house itself, the atmosphere, and the fare are the epitome of a Southern grandma's house. To my delight, calories and cholesterol mean nothing here. Walking through the doors, I'm greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread, cakes, and every kind of casserole you could

imagine - a spread that usually takes an entire weekend to prepare. The presentation of the food is also awe-inspiring. You'll never have a meal here that isn't served on the finest of china. Leaving, I always find myself painfully, yet delightfully full.

Mississippi is statistically the most obese state in the country, thanks in large part, I'm sure, to grandmothers from the Delta to the Gulf Coast. But hey, the way I see it, at least we're fat and happy.

Baptist Health Center Cancer Ride

Baptist Hospital's Hederman Cancer Center will sponsor a bike ride on September 20 to benefit the center's Serenity Garden, a place for cancer patients and their families to escape while at the facility. Read my article in the Clinton News.

Yum

If you haven't discovered Captain Rodney's Boucan Glaze, you need to. My friend Jenny turned me on to it and I can hardly stop thinking about the Captain Rodney's cheese bake, or as we call it "heroin dip," that she makes. Completely addictive (hints the name - Thanks Will!) and to die for. Cheesy goodness with a hint of sweetness. Yum.

I got my bottle of Captain Rodney's at Everyday Gourmet in Jackson, but it can be found at most specialty cooking stores.

The Wingard Home

This morning I had the pleasure of visiting the Wingard Home in Jackson in preparation for a story I'm writing on their ministry. Charlotte & Roy Wingard open up their own home to the homeless and through their ministry, help them get back on their feet. I was impressed with how different this place was than your typical homeless shelter. Guests, as the Wingards refer to their tenants, are not charged rent or a fee, but are required to participate in the day-to-day upkeep of the home, provide a record of their expenditures, and are required to find, and keep, a job. I was able to speak with a few of the Wingards' house guests and was blown away by their stories and the huge strides these people are making toward getting their life on track.

From what I saw today, I believe that through the Wingards and their ministry, God is being revealed to people that are in dire need of His guidance. The Wingard home is operated solely on donations and they are currently in desperate need. Check out their website for more info on the home and how to help.

Also, be on the lookout for my article. I'll post a link here on the blog when the time comes.

Four Years Ago Today

I can hardly believe that today marks four years since my life completely changed. On September 5, 2004, the most beautiful little girl entered my life. Before that I was a pretty selfish person and because of her, I've changed so much in the last few years. Not only has she taught me what it truly means to love unconditionally, but she has given us tons of funny memories. Any time I feel even a little down or grumpy, she always manages to cheer me up with that hilarious personality of hers. She truly is a ray of sunshine.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

My Guilty Obsession

When I decided to quit my job and stay home with my girls, I promised myself I absolutely would not turn into a stay-at-home-mom that sat on the sofa watching talk shows and soap operas while eating Little Debbie snacks.

But, I must admit that at 10 a.m. each morning, you'll most likely find me watching The View on ABC, although I haven't succumbed to the Little Debbie snacks quite yet. The show takes a hiatus each year for the month of August but to my delight, has now returned. I think the format of the show is genius - a bunch of women yelling over each other about politics and pop culture. I eat it up.

The cohosts represent everyone from far-left liberals, moderates, and right-wing conservatives. Although I feel at times that all views aren't fairly represented and one person in particular is consistently bombarded and attacked, I love hearing their different points of view.

So, this fall, if you need me at 10 a.m., you know where I'll be.