Sweet Southern Belle

Today is my birthday as well as my dear husband’s birthday. We are 28 and 33, respectively.  Birthdays were always grand in my house growing up. There were always presents (on a present table decorated especially for me), a cake of my choice (homemade by my mama), and a special breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, to say the least I loved birthdays!  For today’s occasion I baked a strawberry cake with yummy strawberry frosting (one of my dear husband’s favorite cakes) and little belle and I painted a picture on Tuesday for her daddy. I’m going to cook a special breakfast this morning and then take little belle to “playschool”. I normally work while she attends “school” but today I’ve taken off. I’m not sure what I’ll do. But whatever I choose will be fun and relaxing. Tonight we are going to dinner to celebrate, as well.

Since I’ve been an adult birthdays also make me nostalgic of the year that has past and hopeful for the year to come.  Last year brought with it joys and troubles as most years do. Some of the highlights were watching little belle learn to walk, talk and celebrate her first birthday.  It was also quite a year of personal growth for me. School was intended to teach me about helping clients but the content taught me so much about myself. I’m truly grateful for a wonderful year.

I’m certainly hopeful for the year to come. I will soon graduate with a Master’s of Social Work degree. I’m also excited about the joy of watching little belle continue to grow into a girl. She’s a fun child! I’m thankful that God has seen fit to allow me another year! Here’s to twenty-eight being the best yet! And, that 33 will be a wonderful year for my dear husband too!

My dear friends have recently recounted lessons learned from their precious child. This morning I learned a lesson from my 17 month old daughter, who for the purpose of this blog we’ll call, little belle.

As little belle was watching Elmo’s World and I was busy getting ready and doing household chores it hit me that I did not give her a morning dose of antibiotic ( for a recent ear infection). I went and carefully filled the syringe with the appropriate amount and went to give it to little belle. She immediately balked at me and refused to take the medication. Since I didn’t feel I had the strength for the fight it would take to force the medicine down her throat I sat the syringe on the dining room table and went on my way. Later I saw little belle with the syringe slowly sucking the medicine out. I thought “Uggh, it had to be on her terms. What am I going to do with this strong-willed child?” And, then I was immediately convicted of my own strong-willed nature with God. How often does God show me “the easy way” and I balk him and insist on my own way?

A few minutes later little belle brought me the syringe to help her get the last bit of medication out and then insisted that I get the sticky mess off of her hands and face. I was once again reminded of my relationship with God. After I’ve gone my way and messed things up I return to him and ask for help cleaning up the mess I’ve made. So, I did what my heavenly father often does with me. I picked up little belle, hugged her, and cleaned up her mess.

Welcome to my new blog! For some time I’ve fought the urge to join the world of bloggers, but no more. I’m excited to have a place to record my thoughts. I won’t be as eloquent as the Queen or as witty as the Shallow Thinker, and I definately won’t have as many cool links as my dear husband. However, if you’re looking for random thoughts about life you’re in the right place!

The title of my blog is a reflection of my love of the south. I’ve been told I have a southern accent and I follow many southern fashion rules. No white, linen, or sandals between Labor Day and Easter for me (or my little sweet pea). I love southern hospitality, southern cooking, and the fact that it’s early April and I can already wear flip flops!  I can’t take full credit for the title. My good friend Tyson helped me fine tune the idea.

I hope to blog often so come back soon. Thanks for your interest in my life!