Girl Time!

I reside in the testosterone sea! My life is full of potty humor, burps, and belly laughs from all the men in my home at said things. We fight, we wrestle, we run wild. And I wouldn't trade my sweet boys for anything. They are the delight of my days, especially when one (usually my sweet Ian) takes time to stop running at 78 mph to kiss me and say "I love you, Mommy!"
However there are days when I simply must be with my girls. I need a respite from the enclosing maleness. Even the cat is male!! (Note: we do have a girl cat, but she stays outside) This past week I got to finally have some much needed girl time!!
Dinner with my big girls had been postponed and postponed, but we finally got to hit The Lazy Goat for some food, some wine, and some amazing fellowship with some of my dear sisters in Christ. These ladies are very dear to me. They make me laugh, they make me smile, but most of all they know me for me and have supported me through the deep valleys of my life. Love you, Annette, Lauren, Jenn, and Kathryn!!
Also this week I got to spend some time talking shop (cooking) with Jenn's sweet 12 year old, Rebekah! We had a great time talking about life, cats (my kitten has a crush on her), food, and books. It does my heart and soul good to have moments where I can mentor to a younger generation of girls. Rebekah always has a sweet smile and hug for me anytime she sees me. She's fun and intelligent and I will happily let my Chase marry her someday! :)

So my time on the estrogen islands is brief, but the return to the testosterone sea is even sweeter after some time with my girls. And we will visit those islands again, VERY SOON!!

And the Next Food Network Star is...

For many years, I've had a longing and a dream... to be in the spotlight. For years, my own self-esteem and self-confidence held me back. I was way to concerned about being the fat girl. I didn't want to draw attention to myself. Yet, I always loved performing. From the time I was really little, I wanted to be on stage. Acting, singing, performing. I loved sharing the gifts I had been given. That all came to a screeching halt when I was severely obese. I was terrified of being laughed at, ridiculed. Well, thanks to some surgical help (more on that later) and lots of hard work, the weight is gone and my self-confidence is at an all time high. Thank you to our Heavenly Father for that!!!
For 6 seasons, I have watched The Next Food Network Star on TV. I simply love that show. What's not to love about a show that gave the world Guy Fieri. He's so cute and so much fun. I've also thought many times about how I would love to go on TNFNS. But I've talked myself out of it every year. They must receive thousands of audition tapes. What chance would a little girl from Anderson, SC have to be chosen??
Well, friends, after some wise words from a good friend, I decided that I have absolutely nothing to lose and I could gain much. It's time to break out of my comfort zone! A cooking show would allow me to combine two of my passions: cooking and education. So I'm venturing forth!!! Starting some local classes that will allow me to share my passion for food with others as well as helping some friends build confidence in their own culinary skills and allow me to practice cooking and demonstrating to an audience. So what if I don't get chosen?? No big deal! Half the fun will be in preparing and submitting the audition tape. So until then, I'll continue to share my love for food with the people of Anderson. This summer, I'll have the chance to finally submit that tape and who knows next winter we may hear that the next Food Network Star is.... me!
Until then, I'll thank God for the talents he has given me and share those with the world in the hope that I can use them to glorify Him.
 So taste and see that the Lord is good... Psalm 34:8

As If I Have Time for This!

I am certifiably insane! My life is one hectic moment after another. I am a wife and domestic engineer (although goddess or diva are my preferred terms), the mom of 3 wild and crazy boys, a volunteer math tutor (what was I thinking!!), and the culinary inspiration (and owner) of my own catering company. Some days I barely have time to eat, let alone shower. And yet, here I am starting a blog.... Hmmm.... Where are the men with the strait jacket?
However, I am beginning a new journey in many aspects of my life this year. The past year had been full of ups and downs that caused me to re-evaluate my life. I want to share so much of my past and future with my boys and this seemed a logical way to start. I am so excited about what God has in store for the future. "I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering, " states Jeremiah 29:11.
Food, my family and friends, and my God are my passions in life. By creating "Bites of Heaven," I hope to share with you some bites of heaven. They may come in the form of recipes and cooking experiences, the joy of family and friends, or my very amateur insights to God and the glimpses of heaven I see on earth.
My hope is that you simply enjoy this and that you may experience your own bites of heaven!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8