Look...

what I just found in the legustrum outside our front door. Yay for Spring!

So this is becoming a problem...

Until recently, I've never purchased anything on Ebay. By nature, I'm a bargain shopper, so I knew that a site that offers nothing but good deals was something that I should probably stay away from. I don't like paying full price for anything, so if I don't find a good deal, I don't spend the money. But Ebay is trouble. Good deal after good deal eventually equals money I shouldn't be spending. Starving writers should keep away from this site, although I've convinced myself I'm lucky that my husband didn't set out to be a starving writer, so it's all good.

Thanks to my friend Andi's tutorial on Ebay, I'm addicted. And I thought facebook was habit forming. I've spent the last hour and a half scouring Ebay, but I'm proud to say I didn't end up buying anything, just simply wasted time. Hmm...I guess I shouldn't be proud of that either.

But - also thanks to Andi, I've been roaming around my house looking for things that might sell on Ebay. So far I've made around $150 on Ebay, so husband isn't complaining too much.

Thank you (I think!), sweet Andi for rubbing off on me. Hopefully as a result, my kids will be dressed as cute as yours!

It's a miracle!

In previous posts, I've expressed my frustration with my four-year-old's consistent thumb sucking. Well, at long last, it has stopped, thanks in no part to her willpower or determination. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Josh Wren, suggested I order some Mavala Stop online and I'm telling you, it has worked like a charm. At first, it was rough, because she would get tired and not know how to soothe herself, but now, she's not a thumbsucker!

Madison County Magazine

Since its first issue in December I've been writing for Madison County Magazine and it really has been a lot of fun. I have met so many interesting people from around the Jackson area. This month, I wrote a story on the Martinson family. Billy Martinson started Green Oak Nursery in Jackson and Garden Works in Ridgeland. He was so much fun to interview and their family is so interesting. The cover shot is of Billy's son Allen and his wife Mimi, who now own Garden Works.

I love having been able to see this magazine improve with each issue and am having so much fun with this group of people. So if you see a copy, pick it up! You can read this issue online here.

Wingard Home need

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know how special the Wingard Home is to my heart. I received this email from Charlotte this morning:

Crack House next door for sale!
This is a grand opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a MIRACLE! The big old two-story house next door to us on West Street has been a boarding house with a bad reputation for as long as we have been on the block (13 years in May). The first of February, the owner, Mark Samsel, told us that he would sell to our ministry for $39,000; then he said he would give us about a month to raise the money to purchase. We have asked God to give us direction, tools, volunteers who are willing to clean-up and fix-up the house, and the money to purchase it. God has given us a vision for the house and it's purpose in the ministry here on West Street. It will be a welcome addition to the ministry campus in that we are needing space desperately.

The thing I am most passionate about is the purchasing of that house, anointing it for God’s work, and being able to use it in this neighborhood for accomplishing good things in people‘s lives; instead of allowing it to continue housing crack dealers, prostitutes, thieves, killers, drunks, and addicts.

The reason I am bringing it before you today is to give you the opportunity to be a part of this purchase. We are gathering quickly to take advantage of the owner’s offer to sell. So many times, people have said to me that they could have helped with a need if I had made them aware of the needs. I am doing just that….making you aware. FACTS:house is a two story on a regular size lotit is connected to our Chapel lot (the old laundry building)the address is 1265 N. West Street, Jackson, MSMark & Mary Samsel are the ownersThere was a fire in the second story north side room A contractor has looked at the damage & fix up is possible....it is able to be restored!Purchase price is $ 39,000. for the ministry We claim this property for the Kingdom of GOD! * If we can just find 100 people to contribute $390., then we will be able to purchase and secure this house for the ministry.

If you can't help, PRAY! and forward this to your e-mail list. All God needs is a willing vessel.

Seizing every opportunity for ministry,
Charlotte Wingard


The Wingard Home, obviously, is in a rough neighborhood right behind Baptist Hospital, which quite frankly, is exactly where they need to be. This would be an incredible opportunity to first of all, expand their ministry, and second of all, make Jackson a better place bit by bit.

Join me in praying for the Wingard Home and if at all possible, consider donating. You can visit www.wingardhome.org to find out more about this special ministry.

Alone time...well worth the trip!

We had a great time at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear this weekend. Nathan's been stressing out more than usual lately, and well, I just like to take trips, so this weekend was exactly what we needed. It was so nice to just hang out together with no interruptions. We went to the Wash House restaurant for dinner, which was delicious and then on Saturday we walked around the hotel grounds and Fairhope.

You all know how much I love Mississippi, but I would move to Fairhope in a heartbeat. It was such a neat place.

The Grand was incredible - much better than I thought it would be, actually. I'm already making plans to come back in May with the kids. It was the epitome of an old Southern hotel complete with the most beautiful landscaping and gigantic oak trees. Also, if you know much about me, you know I love cemeteries. Saturday was such a pretty day and we walked around the Confederate cemetery on the grounds. And I'm telling you, spring has sprung on the Mobile Bay. The flowers were GORGEOUS! It made me go home and work in the flowerbeds.

And then we came home... I think our kids were glad to see us, well, at least one of us!

He pulled through!

After having a rough day (both babies were exceptionally whiny today - I know that doesn't constitute a rough day, but in my life, it's rough), my dear, wonderful, sweet husband came home from work and of course I immediately proceeded to tell him how I was a bit tired of cleaning up after everyone and wiping noses.

He casually says, "Good. Friday we're taking our bottle of Cask (the wine he wouldn't let me open since returning from Napa. He's guarding it with his life!) and going to the Grand Hotel and spending the weekend in Fairhope. And I've already arranged for a sitter."

I can't wait! Short drive and a couple of days with my husband. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, but I'm really looking forward to having uninterrupted conversation between the two of us. He remembered!

Tick Tock

So my anniversary is Friday. The deal was that I would plan Valentine's Day (which I did, and did well, I might add), and husband would plan anniversary. I think he has forgotten and I'm not reminding him. Hmmm... I'll keep you updated.

Tis the Season...

Cadbury Creme Eggs. This is possibly my favorite part about Spring. My diet is doomed. I was walking through the grocery store this weekend and the shiny red and blue foil caught my eye. I promptly threw a four pack in my basket and had my way with them when I got home. Milk chocolate with gooey goodness. You can't go wrong. Luckily, after Easter, they disappear for a while. I don't know what I would do if they were around all year.

Magdalena Grace Roberts

One of the coolest parts of writing is that I get to meet so many wonderful people. Although I really enjoy all the stories I write, occasionally I'll meet someone who makes a huge impact.

This week I was working on a story about the March of Dimes and I had the pleasure of meeting (over the phone) Julie and Noah Roberts. The Roberts' daughter Magdalena Grace was born with Trisomy 18, a chromosomal defect where most babies don't make it to full term, and if they do, less than ten percent live to see their first birthday. In January, at 167 days old, Magdalena passed away, leaving her parents of course heartbroken, but determined to keep her memory alive. After hearing this story, I can tell you this little girl was so special and has touched my heart beyond belief. And I didn't even get to meet her!

As mother to two sweet baby girls, I cannot imagine what Noah and Julie are going through. Despite the heartbreak, these two have the most amazing, joyful spirit. Where most would be asking why she had to leave them so soon, they are thanking God for the time they had with their daughter and praising Him for this blessing. Oh, to be more like them. They truly see God in everything around them, even the loss of their precious little girl. Please join me in praying for this family. I'm sure it doesn't get any easier as time passes. Pray that God continues to give them peace and pray that Magdalena's story continues to point people toward Jesus as it already has for so many.

The Roberts have also organized a team, Magdalena's Feet, for the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk, which will take place in May. Check out the Roberts' blog to find out more and to read Magdalena's story. I promise you will be blessed by this sweet family.

More of My South

I know it's not quite summer yet, but it really has been such a pretty day today. This time of year, when the weather starts to slightly warm up and I just want to go run around outside, is when I really start appreciating this place. I start to smell the distinct aroma of the red dirt of Neshoba County, which is where I spent a lot of summer weekends growing up. There really was nothing like it. I would spend all day outside, getting muddy and dirty and breathing the fresh country air deep into my lungs. And if it would rain, my family would simply sit on my grandfather's front porch swing and watch the drops hit the dusty dirt road. I'm sure at times I was bored, but little did I know, I was making memories that would forever be ingrained. I get so busy now and forget how nice it is to slow down and just enjoy God's world around us.

A few more little quips that I love from the book My South by Robert St. James. I just love this book! I especially love the last one...

My South is that slow southern slang that rolls off the tongue like sweet molasses and greets every soul we pass as though we've known them for years.

In my South, 'round here is an exact location.

My South is front porch sitting, screen door cricking, constant finger licking, guitar picking, humidity dripping, lemonade sipping, sweet summer afternoons.

Lazy Weekend

This weekend will consist of a whole lot of nothing and I couldn't be happier about it. I'll write a little and maybe dig in the flower beds, but other than that, I have nothing to do but play with the kiddos. By nature I'm a "goer," I have to have somewhere to go at all times, but every once in a while, it's really nice to have no plans at all... can't wait!

Ronald McDonald House

If you aren't already a subscriber, pick up the February issue of Portico. This month, the Giving Tree section features my story on Jackson's Ronald McDonald House. Honestly, I didn't know much about what the RMH did until I started doing research for this story. They house families who have seriously ill children and have to travel to Jackson for medical care. Basically, they serve as a home away from home so that parents don't have to sleep in the hospital waiting room. I can't imagine being faced with that situation. Some of the stories I heard were so touching and the way the RMH is helping these families is so commendable. Go get a copy!

High School

I was just working on a story about an upcoming high school reunion. In order to find out more details about the reunion, I visited the high school's alumni group on Facebook. It was interesting to see the things that people posted about how much they hated or loved high school. One guy, who, might I add, was fairly old and should be over high school, talked about how high school ruined his life, and he hated everyone for it, etc. etc.

Is it weird that I enjoyed high school? I thought it was fun, to be quite honest. Granted, I went to a small high school and graduated with around 40 people. Of course there were cliques and cool kids, but I guess not on the scale you would see in other areas. Sure, I liked high school, but did I gain any "forever" friends? Only one. Were they the "best days of my life"? Nope. Would I do it again? Heck no.

My kids will go to an enormous high school, which kind of scares me. On one hand, I think it's great because they'll be exposed to so many diverse people and get a firsthand look at the world that doesn't revolve around them, but on the other hand, that's a lot of people that could potentially pick on my kids and ruffle my mother feathers. I guess that's something I'll have to get over...

My Sassy Girls

So it's been a while since I posted any fun pics of my sweet girls, so for those of you who are interested - here you go!

Just Chilling

Better safe than sorry - even if you can't move any of your limbs!

Fresh out of the bath - can you tell who is my drama queen???

Super Bowl

Well, I hope everyone enjoys the Super Bowl and all the parties that go along with it. I'm not much of a football fan, so I went to our neighbors' house, ate, and am now at home because our youngest reached her limit and had to go to bed. I do enjoy the food, however, and am thoroughly stuffed. Diet begins again tomorrow... This is a holiday, right??