Happy 2009!

Bo is on nights. Nights suck. For example, we kissed each other goodbye Monday morning and didn't see anymore of one another until Wednesday night, which was only for about 1 hour. So, needless to say, I miss my hubby. And especially around the holiday season! For those of you who may live under a rock, yesterday was New Year's Eve. I have always loved New Year's Day, but the Eve has erked me. It is one of those times where you feel like you MUST have something to do, right? Not only must you have something to do, but it must be wild and crazy fun. If not, you must not be part of the cool crowd. However, if the world must have an excuse to kiss a crush at the stroke of midnight, I suppose I can be in favor of that.

Another reason I am just a little bitter toward New Year's this time, is that I miss my momma's food. At the beginning of every year, mom would make a gigantic feast that featured fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, black eyed peas, a fresh green salad, and some sort of sinful dessert such as cobbler or pie. Yesterday, my mouth started watering for the big, greasy, luxurious mess. So, I decided to surprise Bo and make that whole meal. He was sleeping most of the day (because it is his night), and flour scattering everywhere, I battered until I was blue. Black eyed peas? With a little onion soup mix and pepper vinegar. Mashed potatoes? Smothered with gravy. AND! I tried my hand at mustard greens! (They are going to need a little work, but Bo acted like they tasted just like Nana's!)

I wish I had a picture. We finished it all off with a slice of apple pie and a glass of sparkling grape juice in our toasting glasses, and a smile crept on my face. It was classic Bo and Shelby.

It is the end of a wonderfully challenging year filled with love and adventure. It is the beginning of a new year, certainly filled with surprises.

I am so lucky to have family like I do. I realize I don't deserve what has been given to me, and I hope to never take it for granted. May you be blessed this year and may you bless those around you! Peace and Love- Shelby Ann