Living in a Hallmark Movie

My family and I live in a smallish community just south of Atlanta. When Billy and I first married and moved to Newnan I had some doubts about being outside of the city and commuting to work. Driving to the grocery store meant passing horses and cows munching on grass. This was something I did not grow up seeing and never thought I'd be a "country girl". 14 years later we are raising our children in this community....and it is such a blessing. As we rode in the Senoia annual Christmas parade Saturday night, all bundled up and waiving to the smiling crowds, I was reminded that this little community has become my extended family. There's not a day that passes that I don't run into someone I know (even when I am praying not to!). And as my Mother said on that very cold Saturday night, "This feels just like a Hallmark movie." And at that point and time, it did. Sunday afternoon was the annual Newnan Christmas parade. We participate in many parades with my husband throughout the year. This Christmas, Mailey and I had a new family to walk with. Our little Brownie Troup 10322. Aren't they a cute bundle of girls? And yes, I made the banner. And no, I will not be making any more. That's Mailey on the far left in the white fuzzy coat, and I am in the back middle with the silly elf hat on. I did not start out as a co-leader.....but my personality and inability to say no led me to be just that. (sigh with a smile) We walked and handed out lots and lots of candy from stockings. All 12 girls were there. It was such fun. Now my husband and son William walked with another crowd. And this float I have to say was just about the cutest idea ever! Who doesn't love an elephant?

Wishing you a Hallmark Christmas! Because here in Newnan, Georgia we are having just that.

Another Note from the 4th

Yesterday was such a great day. We started in Moreland eating yummy Southern BBQ, then hit the Newnan Square for Homeade Ice Cream and Market Day, took an afternoon nap and then went to be a part of the Newnan Annual 4th of July Parade. It was really a great day. See here my adorable family- Billy, Mailey and William waiting for our float to arrive. We've been a part of this particular small town parade since well before being in office, I think at least 12 years. I can remember William being a wee 6 months old for his first debut on a Republican float. He was of course wearing his wee-publican shirt I'd had made. This year I realized that my children are getting so big and can finally be a bit of an asset for my husband as seen here:

Mailey insisted on walking and handing out candy this year. Awwww.....I had a serious she's getting so big moment that of course I had to snap away (I probably looked ridiculous sitting on this huge float taking her pics, but I just had to!). Isn't she so cute handing out that candy? Those of you who really know Mailey really understand the enourmousness of this moment for me. (She's not on my hip guys......)

Anyhoo, I had to share. I was trying to keep it to myself, but could not help myself, really. Hope you had a great weekend!

Memorial Day Fun

Memorial Day. What do you think of when you hear these words? Super sales, banks close, a vacation day, cook-outs, heading to the lake, no school, swimming pools opening, etc. Yep, those are fairly synonymous with the Memorial Day Monday. For our family, especially since Billy has taken state office, this day is set aside for attending local ceremonies and local celebrations for our fallen soldier. We attended a dedication in downtown Newnan for an amazing Memorial Plaza in the morning. The speaker I could have listened to all day. His patriotism is something I can only aspire too. One fact he stated that really caught my attention was that there are over 300 million people in the USA. Less that 10% protect those 300 million. Wow. So next time you see a man or woman in a uniform you should give them a heartfelt thank you for serving and protecting you. Next we headed to Senoia for their annual Memorial Day Celebration. People come out in droves to line the streets as period costume soldiers, tractors, horses, etc. parade on by. It is one of our favorite events to participate. This year, we had the privilege of riding in this hot red car owned by Chad Caldwell. I had all this stuff to put on the car- new bunting and flags. But once we saw this, we had to leave it be!

Having my camera ready this year, I thought it'd be fun to get some pictures from the view of the car. Ahead of us were 3 jeep Willis' loaded down with period costume soldiers and the parade leader Honorable John Yates. Of course, we still find the time to be with family on this day. My belly was full of good old BBQ ribs, corn and apple pie by the time the sun went down. I hope you had a lovely day with your families as well.

Happy 4th of July!

This is Mattie on the 4th of July! Mailey insisted she be holding a sparkler in her beak. Don't you love her new tights? I hope you and your family have a great day. We will be super busy today. It's an election year so we have many appearances to make, BBQ to eat and a HUGE parade.

Living in small town America has its advantages in that we have a beautiful downtown square that has a parade for everything! Today's parade by far has the largest number of entries and viewers. We'll throw about 15 bags of candy (super size that is) and wave for about 2 miles. It starts at the McKoon funeral home and ends at the high school. At the end we all pile up in the football stadium and baseball field to picnic and anxiously wait for the fireworks to start. Now, these are not redneck Joe in the backyard fireworks, these are the canon ones. It's a wonderful display. From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful 4th!