This was the view tonight 

from

I love spending weekends in the country.

The birthday boy - Terry

Last week, Terry celebrated another year on this Earth.  July 18th, we celebrated with friends at my house for Dylan and Terry's birthdays.

The birthday boys with their gun cake.

Their birthday cake from the party.

Terry and me enjoying the party.


Of course, his birthday would not be complete without a birthday celebration at his mom and dad's house.  So this past Sunday - we celebrated with his family.  More cake!  YUM!!

I think he had a great birthday, but don't take my word for it - ask him!  And his birthday celebration will continue this week because one of the things I got him for his birthday is coming him on Thursday and one of the presents his mom and dad got him is coming in tomorrow.  I love month long birthday celebrations... don't you?  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!  I love you and hope you enjoyed all of your birthday celebrations!!

Meeting Baby Asa

The first day of vacation, we drove over to Pensacola to meet Lauren and Jeremy's newest addition to their family... Baby Asa.  We met up at Wintzells and enjoyed visiting while eating some really good food! 

Asa David James

No words can express what a little cutie this baby boy is.  He got his looks from both of his parents.  And I think they did pretty good.

Lauren & Jeremy James

I was pretty excited to hold the little rascal.  He is a little snuggler and I loved his baby smell and the little grunts coming from him! 

Asa, me & Terry

Hopefully we will be able to see them more now that they are moving in my house in Jackson!  And I know that they are going to be the best parents to this little boy.  We are so happy for their little family!

Lauren, Jeremy & Asa

Beach Pictures 2010

This is the first year I have ever taken beach pictures.  And, if I say so myself, I think they turned out pretty good.  Enjoy!!  Oh and some were taken around 8:30 in the morning and the other around 8:30 at night.  It was fun and I look forward to doing them again!

Emma, Richie and Hannah

Emma, Richie and Hannah

Emma, Richie and Hannah

Hannah and Emma

Emma, Richie and Hannah

Hannah

Emma and Hannah

Emma, Uncle Terry and Hannah

Emma, Judy and Hannah

Me and Terry

Beach Vacation Recap

For those of you who read my blog a good bit - trust me, I've had plenty to say...just not enough time to blog.  I plan to make up for it over the next few days so bare with me.

A couple of weeks ago we were enjoying a lovely beach vacation at Perdido Key, Fla.  There was no oil there (although we saw plenty of boats and no swimming signs posted in Gulf Shores) and the water and sand was beautiful.  We stayed and Sun Down and had a perfect view of the Old River.  Maybe one day if we hit the lottery we can buy one of the houses we got to see everyday on the other side of the river.  

Terry's nieces fished off the pier everyday and caught these cute little bitty fish...

Hannah's fish

These are some pictures of the nieces with their dad, Richie, off the pier at our condo.  Enjoy!

Emma Kate and Hannah Mae

Emma, Richie and Hannah

Back view

The sting ray that stayed under our pier.

From the Editor: Aug/Sept 2010 issue

I've lived in Mississippi all my life and one thing is for sure — summer is not one of those seasons I look forward to living through.  I know growing up I looked forward to summer break from school but now that I'm older, I wouldn't mind skipping these hot summer months.  The main reason: we really don't have the traditional four seasons.  We go from scorching to bearable, then throwing on a sweater and then back to the pollen and humidity.  And any girl with naturally curly hair can tell you that humidity is NOT our best friend.  It doesn't matter how long you've taken to fix your hair in the morning — step outside for five minutes and all that time has gone to waste.  But maybe the worst part about summer is the fact that in exactly two minutes from getting out of your car, you can go from pleasant to dewey.  That's right, I have said it — SWEAT!  It's not cute, pretty nor attractive but this time of year, we all do it. 

Thankfully, in a few months we will be back to the "bearable" season.  The season I love most, fall!  I have one question for you... are you ready for some football?  I am.  I'm ready for the cooler, crisp air to arrive so tailgating and cheering on the team will be enjoyable.    I've only been to tailgates at Mississippi State but from what I hear, tailgating with the "school up north" is nothing like what I've been to.  High heels, dresses, etc.  vs. boots, jeans and cowbells.  I know how far it is for us to walk from our vehicle to the stadium and all I can say is y'all ladies wearing the high heels must enjoy pain but for me, I'll stick to the boots. 

With tailgating brings the thought of food and there is usually a lot of food there.  BBQ, burgers, casseroles, chip and dip ... the list just keeps going on and on.  But I didn't even mention the desserts.  One thing you will find is that everyone welcomes everyone, well just about every one, unless you are with the opposing team.  And the laughter and fun can be heard a mile away.  It doesn't matter if the game is won or lost, what matters is that everyone is there to support their team and enjoy the fellowship with other fans.

To bring back football and fall, another has to start back — school.  Here I am wishing the summer away and school teachers and students are praying it never ends.  One thing is for sure, the year seems to be flying by.  The holidays are fast approaching and I can tell you that our advertisers are excited.  Most of them have just gotten back from market and are bringing back new and exciting things for the upcoming season.  If getting a head start on your holiday shopping is on your mind, please stop in and tell them you saw their ad in our magazine.  For me, I'm just hoping I don't see any Christmas decorations in stores before October!   

Make the most of the last days of summer with your family.  If you canceled your beach vacation due to the oil, reschedule for Labor day weekend.  We just spent a few days at Peridio Key and the beaches there are prettier than ever, with no oil to be seen.  And most of you know that I'm not a patient person so not having to wait to eat at a restaurant made my day.  So if you are looking for that last little beach getaway, make plans to head south.  You won't regret it!

When you tailgate this season, stop and take a picture of your group and email it in to the magazine (jhenson@393mag.com).  We want to see your photos and who knows, you might even see them again, in print!  I'll be seeing you out and about!

A year of sticking out her tongue

Almost a year ago, my baby girl, Marleigh had surgery at Mississippi State University!  She has been doing great.  I love this little girl and can't imagine how I would be if I would have lost her last year.  Thanks to the doctors at MSU, she is still here and better than ever. 

However while she was at MSU, she was in ICU for a week and was held all the time.  So, naturally she came home wanted to be held all the time.  Only that isn't the only thing she came home doing...

She sticks out her tongue all the time.  And it's too funny and cute.  You'll catch her sleeping with it sticking out and this morning she was wanting to go outside and the picture is the view I saw, her sitting on the rug with her tongue out.  Silly girl!

A dining experience at Miko

A few weeks ago, Terry and I were at Silverstar Casino for an event and dined at Miko's Restaurant.  The dining experience was like no other.  The atmosphere, the view, the food - it was all amazing.

One thing I always look for while dining out is the service.  And the service here was outstanding.  The food selections were like nothing that you will find at just any ordinary restaurant. 

Pictured below was my plates... minus the yummy salad.
First picture:  Filet with garlic mashed potatoes and string medley of veggies.
Second picture:  Strawberry cheesecake.