Celebrating Saint Patricks Day

Celebrate Green

Growing up blonde haired, blue eyed and fair skinned, after asking, "Are you a natural blonde?" people would always say: "You must be Irish." It wasn't until my thirties that I read, in full text, the family genealogy my grandfather spent the last years of his life researching. Turns out, I am more than just a little Irish.


Although my mother named me after the "girl" in His Girl Friday, my first name, Kendal, is a true Irish name. Its actually Celtic, (more on that later) and means, "ruler of the valley" and "rolling, river valley." 8 of the 10 known strands of my family are from Ireland: My immediate family - The Hustons, The Fords, The Browns (Brauns, they are also German), and The Waldrops. The Hustons (my mother’s father’s family) are direct descendants from Claud Huston, the earliest known land holder in Ireland. Luckily for me, I LOVE Saint Patrick's Day.

St. Patrick Day Facts and Legends
-Ireland was converted to Christianity from Paganism by St. Patrick.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the “Baptism of Ireland” and is the day St. Patrick died.

St. Patrick was not Irish, he was British. He was kidnapped at 16 and put into slavery. He escaped and went to a monastery – then “had a calling” to go back to Ireland and convert the Celtics.

St. Pat’s was first celebrated in America when Irish colonist brought it to Boston in 1737. The parade started in 1762 when the Irish members of the British army were recognized in a parade in NYC. Savannah’s first parade was in 1813.

This is the 186 celebration in Montreal – the longest running parade.

The shamrock symbolized the three holy spirits – Mary, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. St. Patrick used it to demonstrate this to the Celtics.

Blue, instead of green, used to be the color for this day. Green is not the color of Irish; in fact, it used to be a symbol of bad luck. It was thought to be the color of the “good Fairies” and if a person wore too much of it, the fairies would kidnap them. It now is the symbol of the Irish members of the British Army and on the Irish Flag.

The coloring of the rivers green began when the Irish in Chicago poured green Vegetable oil coloring into the river. Savannah stopped coloring the river in 1991 and now only color the fountain in Forsyth Park.

It is tradition for women spectators to kiss the Armed Forces men in the parade.

The Blarney Stone is a gem located in Blarney Castle in Ireland. The legend is that a witch cast a spell on the stone granting whoever kissed it the power to “talk eloquently” which means to be able to talk people into things. She cast this spell after the king of the castle saved her from drowning. You can visit this stone in Ireland still, although the have to lean, backwards and upside down to kiss it.

1940 was the first and only other time the parade had to be moved from March 17 due to the celebration falling on Holy Week. It will not happen again until 2160.

Over 750,000 people attend the Savannah festival in 2006. For more info on Savannah's parade, visit: www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine upon your face

The rains fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Counting Your Blessings

Counting What you HAVE as opposed to What you WISH you had.


This has been a tough year for many folks. It's hard to be thankful when things don't seem to be going well, but sometimes we need to step back and re-think about the important things. Is there a roof over our heads? Food in the pantry? Do I have a job? Did the car start this morning? Are my parents healthy?


Instead of counting your "need -tos," "have-tos" and "must-dos," try counting your dreams, your desires and....your blessings. It's much easier to be inspired by what you do have than what you don't have.


I want to take a quick minute to count my own blessings, in hopes to inspire you when collecting your own.


I am blessed with a wonderful family - we are healthy, live close to each other and each household is blessed to be surviving in these uncertain times.


I am blessed to be able to stay at home with my children and watch them grow into beautiful, independent ladies.


I am blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful group of friends - both old and new.

I am blessed to be able to share my own loves, hopes and dreams with others through my blog and website.


I am blessed to have so much support from all of you!

I encourage you to spend this week with family and friends and TELL them how thankful you are to have them all.

Simply yours,


Kendal

Into Each Life A Little Rain Must Fall

I’ve talked about blessings before, but I want to revisit this topic before we move onto writing our Life Audit.

Those of you, who know me personally, know that I am currently experiencing a heartbreaking time. The things that get me through these days are things I have over looked during better times. The smiles and laughter from my youngest daughter as she dances around to Hannah Montana; the nudge from my humongous cat, Sunshine, when he wants some love; fresh hot coffee in the morning; a network of wonderful online friends…it’s all such a blessing to me. I know that once the commotion around here dies down and life goes back to normal, more than likely I will once again forget how these little things mean so much, but for today, I plan on having that coffee and enjoying the music.

Too often, we hang on to our guilt over things we have done (or not done) and look over everything good in our lives. Blessings come in all sizes. From the birth of our children to just being able to get out of bed everyday.


Today's assignment in our Simple Life Series is to make a list of small things that make you feel blessed. Maybe your list will be as simple as a list of things you love. Maybe it’s a list of your past experiences. There are no rules. Tack this list on your bathroom mirror so that when things are going wrong, you can remember that life is not all that bad.


A few things off my list:


The obvious – my children
My warm home full of things I love
My book collection – always there to comfort me
My electric blanket – can’t go wrong with a warm bed when you need a lift
My camera – my eyes to the world
A hot bath, a cold glass of wine, candle light and – silence
A cookbook my grandmother gave me, which is inscribed by my grandfather.


What in your life makes you feel blessed?





Mondays in the Simple Life Series are for YOU (and me). I will let you know what I am doing to make simple changes in my own life. I hope you follow along and try some of these steps yourself. Please let me know how you are coming along by leaving comments at the bottom of each post. Tell me what works, what doesn’t, if you are bored – whatever – we are learning and growing together. Hopefully by the end of this process, you will have a better view of your health, your money, your lifestyle, your dreams, your regrets and use these findings to make steps to improving your life overall.

Now, where did I put that……..? Or the Edna Syndrome

My grandmother (Edna), God rest her soul, was one of the most giving, loving, unselfish women on the face of this earth, but she had an illness. It was called “where did I put that I must search until I find it or go crazy” syndrome, aptly named, Edna’s Syndrome. She seemed to have this attack every single day. I cannot tell you how many Saturday afternoons I spent in her store (or house) looking through scraps of papers for something she misplaced. There were even weekly trips to the attic in hopes that the little elves had picked up the grocery receipt and taken it up there! I think that poor woman spent more time looking through papers that anything else – including eating those cheese sandwiches she loved. When she passed away, it literally took months to go through all the papers, hand written notes, scraps of newspapers and stacks of files to see what we needed to keep and what could go. THAT is another story. More on Edna is just a sec…….

Pre-Planning for the Simple Life Series


As I posted yesterday, today we are going to get ourselves geared up and prepare for tomorrow’s Simple Life series.


Like most of us, you probably have at least one method of keeping track of your days. It could be a desk calendar, a binder, your iPhone, your desktop organizer or maybe just a notebook with scribble all over it. I have always been an organizer/bound calendar type. I have year’s worth of journals and spiral calendar books in a box that I hope I can remember to burn before I die so my children won't read all the gory details of my life!

 I wish I could remember the name of the book where I found this tip so I could give her credit, but to be honest, I’ve read so many books I have no idea. This method has saved my life. I an a list-maker, note taker, write it on a scrap of paper maker – and the paper trail used to follow me down the street.

The life-saver (and paper saver) goes like this – chose ONE method for written reminders. You can have a computerized method that you transfer everything to, but start with trying to write everything down in one book. The book should contain a calendar, even if you just hand draw one in a divided notebook or label the top of each page with a day. Everything you need should be written in this book. EVERYTHING. From doctor appointments to grocery lists. If you go to the dentist and they give you a card with the next appointment, write the date in your book and recycle the card (even better, when the nurse starts to grab the card in the first place, tell her to save the card and write it directly in your little book.) Did you write a message on a little piece of scrap paper while you were on the phone? Immediately get your notebook and THROW THE SCRAP PAPER AWAY. In the bank line and hear a great song you want to download? Instead of writing it on the back of your checkbook, grab your book and write it in it! Get the idea?

Later, when you sit down to check emails – go through the day’s page and transfer any appointments to your computer and/or iPhone system. Go ahead and set the automated email reminders – even if it’s just to remember milk tomorrow. As you transfer the appointment, complete a task, buy the things on the list -  mark them out. Anything that is left over, highlight for the next day or transfer them to the next day’s page. In my notebook, I have sections. The first section is the pages of my on-going daily lists. The next section is where I transfer short term items, such as books I want to remember to check out, projects I have running around in my head and gift ideas. The third section is long term projects that don’t fit the current to-do list criteria such as all the things I want to do in my daughter’s room or future trip plans. If I find a color swatch I like I staple it to a page in this section.

The point is to get rid of the hundreds of loose papers, scratched notes, magazine clippings, etc and keep the information tidy in one place. My book goes with me everywhere. If I forget it, then as soon as I get home, all the notes I made go immediately into it.

I wish that I had discovered this organization method when my grandmother was alive. It would have saved me YEARS of my childhood from searching for something for her; And she could have spent more time eating those cheese sandwiches instead of looking for her grocery list, which incidentally only consisted of bread, mayo and cheese slices!

Your assignment today is to go out and find your notebook. Go quickly now before your symptoms of Edna’s Syndrome get worse as those Christmas shopping statements start piling in!

So guess what?

Cleaning up that one bookshelf worked - it kicked me in the rear and I completed all of the following tasks today:

-Organized and cleaned off two more bookshelves
- Filed all my "to-be-filed" papers - FOR THE YEAR
-Pulled everything our accountant needs for our personal returns
- Straightened all the drawers in both my desks
- Put all my husband's business payables in order for the accountant
- Put all my husband's business receivables in order by date - all of 2009!
- Washed all the windows (and window sills) in my sunroom - all 10 of them!

All this while my husband and 6 year old are throwing up all over their respective rooms from the stomach virus - What a day - I feel like doing something else.......

FYI - Here's a picture of the first bookshelf after clearing the clutter out.

O Christmas Tree! Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Part of the fun is going out and picking the right tree. After depleting the local tree farm from all their extra tall versions in recent years (see below for past trees), we had to revert to picking one from the local hardware store.

 Yes, gaudy I know. If you want a real laugh about Christmas trees and their gaudiness, my new friend, Becky, whose blog by-line reads "Because Not Everyone Can Be A Ballerina," posted  a hilarious recant of Christmas time from her childhood (including a vivid tale of silver tinsel that I cannot get out of my head.) Be warned if you click over to visit 1. She makes no apologies for her blunt behavour 2. You WILL laugh out loud and 3. You will be addicted to her blog.

Holiday Kids Craft - Traditional Gumball Tree

My brother and I made these when we were kids and I have continued the tradtion with my own children. Last year Grace did her first tree completely by herself! This is a great way to keep the kids occupied while you are busy in the kitchen. If you try this craft - send me a picture and I will post it here.

HOLIDAY

Gum Ball Trees!

Items You Need:

Toothpicks, broken in half

Bag of Gumballs - any color

One Styrofoam Cone (Found at Hobby Lobby $3)

DIRECTIONS:
Watch this slideshow  as Grace creates her tree!

Need A Little Family Time? Try this project...

Another family treasure I still have in my possession is this great handmade book that was given to me and my brother in 1978 – yes, that makes me OLD.

This wonderful book was handmade by a family friend. She took the front of past holiday cards and created an ABC book. Each page is a letter of the alphabet with a corresponding picture/word/definition. Check out her great work…

I have carried this book around with me and put it out every Christmas. I decided this year, that my daughter’s and I would make a new one. Let’s take a closer look to see what we will need:

A large, hardcover scrapbook

Stenciled Letters (we will use my new Circuit!, of course!)

Various holiday cards



A Magic Marker

I am very curious to see what words my children will chose or if they will just copy from my book. As soon as I can get them together in the same room to make this project – I will post it for you, but I wanted to give you plenty of time to make your own family’s book. Send me a post when it’s finished!

WORDS FOR WEDNESDAY - Maud Huston, my grandmother

One of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are visits to my grandmother's house in the summer. Not only were we treated with wonderful visits, but she would take us to the mall and let us pick out an outfit (or two), a book from the bookstore and then granddaddy would treat us to an ice cream from Dairy Queen. Ah, those were the days.

Today's Words for Wednesday are from my grandmother - on her shopping secrets. They have stayed with me and I have passed them on to my own daughters.

"Don't buy the first thing you find. Shop around. That way if you find something later in the day, you save yourself the trouble of having to return the first item."

"If you find something you love, buy it in every color."

"If you don't buy something you love, and find yourself thinging about it the next day - go buy it, no matter what the cost."

A Little Georgia Snow Makes The World Go 'Round

My MISSING Daughter

As I sit here with a heavy heart, the one thing that helps me the most is my network of friends. For those of you who do not follow my blog on Facebook, but here on the original blog, it is time I let you know what has been happening in my life - in hopes that you will pass this on to your blog network and help spread the word.

My daughter Kaylyn, who is 16, has now been missing for 21 days. Three whole weeks without a single word from her. She was not abducted, but ran away in the middle of the night. I have copied my original post with all the details below.

As for this blog, I have pre-written weeks of posts that have been, and will continue to be, automatically posted here. The Simple Life Series, Recipes, Book Reviews and other posts will continue. For those on facebook, the ones posted here automatically post on my facebook (and Twitter) as well. Thank you for all your support with my blog, website and catering business. All three help keep me busy in this terribly emotional time. Without my friends and business, I know I would be reduced to staying in bed all day. Your comments, whether here or on facebook, really do encourage me.

Once again, please pass on my daughter’s photo and the information below. Every little bit helps and I know the blog (and facebook) network is massive. I update daily on facebook and will keep my blog network posted as well.

Your friend in need, Kendal

Posted on Facebook January 8, 2009:


"First I wanted to thank EVERYONE who has contacted me. It DOES HELP to know there are people out there who genuienly care. Every day is struggle to remain calm and be strong for my other daughters and husband. I still get up everyday, get Grace off to school, keep the house up, run errands, cook dinner and on and on. Your words help me to do so.

As for any news, we have none. I wanted to put the entire story out there today so that those of you who I haven't been able to email back, will know what's going on and can keep an eye out for her.

Kaylyn is my middle daughter, age 16. With her long flowing red hair, she is hard to miss if you see her. She is very petite - about 5 feet, 100lbs.

The week prior to Christmas holidays, she and her boyfriend got into some trouble at school. After giving her the "you can't see the boyfriend" speech, she became hostile enough that I had to admit her to a stablization center for several days (she is bi-polar and requires this when her medicine does not calm her down.) The night after she was released home, she and her boyfriend ran off in the middle of the night. We have not had a single word from either of them. She left wearing a Cass High Blue softball hoodie, tennis shoes, one pink and gray backpack and at least $100. Neither have their cell phones, a driver's license or car. She has no ID at all.

We do have friends in law enforcement who are looking for her. They have checked the boyfriend's family to see if they have heard anything, as well as other friends and family. All phone records are being followed up on as well. We do have someone watching our cabin in Rockmart, but feel she is too smart to go there. There have been reports that they are in Kentucky, but there are no leads as to where in KY.

I'm attaching a photo of her. If you see her, please contact the Bartow County Sheriff's Office 770-382-5050. You can be anynomous - I just want to know she is safe and okay. You can also contact me through facebook day or night.

Thanks again for all your prayers. "

In addition to the above re-post, I want to add that, after three weeks without her medicine, I know that her body is weaning itself off and her emotional state is probably more unstable than usual. She has had previous attempts to harm herself. If you see her, please do not attempt to talk to her, but contact the authorities. Kaylyn is super smart and even under these circumstances, may be hard to reason with. My main concern is that she is safe.

I have a MISSING flyer that will not attach itself here or on facebook. I can email or fax you a copy if you desire.

Thanks again,

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Through The Years.....

Yes, I'm Sappy......

So, even though my children roll their eyes at me, I like traditions....does that make me sappy? Check out what I put my children through each Christmas and you tell me. I like:

Gaudy Trees that are TOO BIG for our house, with matching presents (of course):

Breakfast with Santa the weekend before Christmas:

One on One Time with Santa at our friends, The Parkers:

Mandatory Reading of "The Night Before Christmas" each Christmas Eve (and yes, everyone takes a turn reading):

Cookies and Milk for Santa:

What family traditions do you hold on to each holiday season?

Sunday Mornings are like Sunshine

Guest Blogger: Grace Hall, age 6 (goin' on 7, she says)


Presenting: Grace's photo journal of last week's lovely Sunday......

We started out with Grace's singing at church (she's on the top row, next to last in line) followed by a good sermon...

Moved on to lunch at the Waffle House (Grace's favorite Sunday treat)

Sitting with daddy....

Moved on to get the tree.....

Then bath time....

and a hug before bed...

Grace is inquiring, "What did YOU do last Sunday?"

Yes, the rocking chair IS sitting on the couch - don't ask, it's Jeff's office...enough said