Forty-seven

Look at these two sweethearts.  Today, they celebrate 47 years of marriage.



Everything I know about love, commitment, and marriage, I learned from two amazing examples.  Two people, that, through thick and thin, through hard times and happy times, never gave up on each other.  They built a life and a family and are still standing strong after all these years.



Oh, how I love them!  And today, I celebrate them and a love so big, it just radiates and shines on everyone who knows them.  Happy Anniversary, Mama and Daddy!  May you have love and happiness beyond all measure, today and always.

Seventeen

Alright, grab a hanky or a barf bag, I'm about to wax nostalgic up in here.

This weekend, seventeen years ago, I graduated from high school.  June 1st, 1995.  But we celebrated all weekend.



I loved high school and I loved all my friends (and still do!).  A lot of people hated high school and couldn't wait for it to be over.  It wasn't like that for me.  High school was a time of great happiness for me.  (I *did* meet the Love Of My Life early in my junior year, after all!)  After we graduated and went our separate ways, I really missed that closeness we all had.



I look back on those days with a lot of love and fondness.  Christine was still with us.  Wayne was still with us.  Two precious souls who are physically gone now, but live on in our hearts.  We all have our own lives now, with families, careers and responsibilities.  But no matter where life takes each of us, we are still always connected.  The parts that make us who we are, are intrinsically linked together.  I am who I am, in part, because of these beautiful, wonderful people I had the honor of sharing classrooms and friendships with.

Now for some fun 90s pictures.  :D













Sure do miss this boy.




Macon County High School Class of 1995, this one's for you.  I'll always remember.



Happy Seventeen, friends!!

Grits Cafe

Brian and I went out to eat at Grits Cafe in Forsyth to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We have eaten there before, and it tends to be one of those "it's a special occasion" places to eat. The food, atmosphere and service are so amazing, I thought Grits Cafe deserved its own blog post.

It's Southern cuisine "with flair," so that means they prepare foods that are definitely rooted in Southern recipes, but they somehow reinvent the food to take on new, scrumptious characteristics. From their website:

"Grits Café’s menu focus is traditional southern food, not exactly like Mom used to make, adding creativity and flair by fusing old and new ideas. Many appetizers and entrees spotlight local produce, seafood and cheeses, with a touch of Cajun, Southwest and Asian influence thrown in to keep things interesting. The flavors are trendy and unique, and closely rival the artistic detail paid to the presentation of each plate. The wine list features a number of handcrafted boutique wines produced in limited quantities, many not readily available in other areas of the country."

Yum.

Here are a few pics from our special night at this special place.

The view from our table, looking back towards the entrance:



The menu:



Pretty table vignette:



My handsome anniversary date:



This Diet Coke is fancy.



Awwww...



Grits Fritters. Shutcho mouth.



Caesar Salad with Grits croutons. What-what!



Cheddar and white peppercorn biscuits. Ridonk.



And this. This is the Praline Chicken. So seriously amazing. It's one of the best things I've ever eaten. Anywhere. Anytime. In all my 35 years. The description: Pecan coated, stuffed with forest mushrooms and spinach, with a goat cheese potato croquette.
It's beyond comprehension. Just look at it.



Seriously, LOOK at it.



Brian snapped this pic of me. I was a little Praline Chicken drunk.



We had mentioned to our server (the amazing Annie) that it was our anniversary, so she surprised us with this special anniversary dessert, on the house!





Bye-bye chocolates they gave us.



Outside view.





Amazing food, amazing service, amazing date with my amazing husband. If you get the chance to go, GO! Grits Cafe is a pure delight.

The Celebration Continues...

"Our wedding was many years ago. The celebration continues to this day." -- Gene Perret

What a great quote. And so perfect for this special day in particular--my Mama and Daddy's 46th Wedding Anniversary!

They are such a wonderful example of timeless love, devotion and the true meaning of happily ever after. Their love knows no bounds, and it is the canvas on which our family is painted. They have taught my sister, brother and me the meaning of commitment, of "for better or for worse".



Today, I honor them and am so grateful for all they have given me and my siblings. Mama and Daddy, I love you both so much and wish you many, many more years of happiness. Thank you for all you have given our family.



And I wanted to include this precious song because when I hear it, I think of them, and I think of my own marriage, which they laid the foundation for by setting the example they did. I think of strong marriages and true love. I think of forever.



Happy Anniversary to two amazing people!! I love you both so much.