Saturday, December 4, 2010

~FAMILY, GOOD FOOD AND A GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT...~


Today was wonderful!  I won't go into great detail but it was just one of those days when things went nicely.  Sort of like red pears and red roses....with chocolate for good measure.   :) 



See that sweet face below, the picture of innocence?  Yes?  That's Ashleigh,
Well, she passed her bar and was sworn in yesterday as a lawyer!! 
What an accomplishment!

Ashleigh

This is my proud Grandson, Frank.  Ashleigh is his wife.  He says he is going back to school.  (He graduated from NYU film school) but now thinks that isn't enough.  I think those two are going to make it in this world!  Congratulations again, Ashleigh!! 

She was sworn in yesterday and today my daughter and her husband and Frank gave her a Swearing- in Soiree!  We are so proud of her!

Lots was on the menu but here is a couple of things I managed to take photo's of...I fell short on this one.


I managed to capture this corner before it was all gone!


This was a brunch so most everything was breakfast items...such as this egg dish above..with sausage, red peppers, asparagus, bread...made by daughter Erin!  Oh who knows.  It was delicious...and the popovers were beyond compare.  I managed to capture the last few on the plate...and ...

Daughter, Mary, made these and added them to the other goodies..
There was fresh Salmon and cream cheese to go with the Popovers and...


Yogurt compotes with fresh blueberries, raspberries,  and pineapple and a sprig of fresh mint...all from Erin's garden all sprinkled with some sort of cinnimon  crunchy topping! 
I looked around the room today and realized that nearly everyone there had degree's or were in the process..including my sweet husband.  Me?  High school!  Babies!  Diapers! Dishes!  I did exactly what I wanted to do!  I fulfilled my dreams.  I have no regrets, none.  I mean that. 

Is the family crisis over?  Probably not..but for this day I didn't have to think of it.  God must be answering my prayer..I must be patient!  Alas, it isn't one of my virtues...but I am trying. 
Merry Christmas!!
Mona

23 comments:

  1. A lawyer, not bad! Congratulate her from Sweden :-)

    That food looks dangerously tasty :-)

    Have a great day my friend!
    Christer.

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  2. Well the next time you are all together with your family and take a look around, just think that none of them would be there had you picked going to school over the road you went down. Each and everyone have YOU to thank for where they are today.

    You did what you were meant to do in this life and you did WELL!

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  3. I wholeheartedly agree with Joanne!!!!

    You were the paddle that moved this boat and you did wonderfully.

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  4. Hi, Mona! It's great to meet you:) Thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting on my gingerbread tree. I hope you'll come back anytime you are blogging around. I just read your profile and have decided that you are one tough lady. I am so very sorry for your losses...you have been through so much. We lost our daughter in 1986 and so to some extent I can identify with the pain you have been through...but to go through it twice, I can only imagine. When I read this post I knew immediately you weren't from the south! We southerners would never eat those foods for breakfast! Give us eggs, bacon, grits, & blueberry muffins:) I envy you your big family...and to think you now even have those precious great grands. God has blessed you. Please come back to visit soon.

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  5. So glad that you had a good day Mona, and congrats to Ashleigh for having passed the bar!

    OMG, all that fabulous food makes me hungry as I've just gotten to the computer early this morn. Yum, yum, and double yum.

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  6. Hi Mona,
    Congrats to Ashley! What a fabulous accomplishment. And what great pics you shared today.
    I so hope that the family thing gets worked out.
    Big Hugs,
    Cindy

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  7. A Happy for you from the Heartland, for all your Blessings, and Congratulations on ALL the accomplishments in your family!!

    Dreams fulfilled are rarer than degrees, you know---and the achieving of either is a sweet, precious thing.

    And that celebration party!! This Ole Southern Girl would have certainly been right at home with those delicious dishes---all of which have been on our own brunch table many times---it all looks simply scrumptious and your family knows how to throw a party.

    I'm so happy for YOUR happy, Dearie, and hope this blessed Season brings you more and more of your dreams.

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  8. Beautiful. You are on the right track, my sweet friend. Give it to Him and try not to take it back. Our God is a big God and can handle ALL or our troubles. I am so proud of you and thankful that you had such a wonderful day.

    Beautiful family. And you know....this to shall pass.

    Love you,
    Joyce

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  9. Mona dear,

    Yeah Ashleigh! That is GREAT news. Lots of pride for her I'm sure.

    Thank you for your sweet words about the passing of my friend Ethel. She gave the world so much. Her books live on.

    Yes, I agree with your words about best friends.

    Treasure the moments,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  10. Oh, Mona...how exciting. I know you are all very proud.
    The menu sounds and looks delightful..
    I have a granddaughter named BRYNNA ASHLEIGH..:))

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  11. hi mona! everything looks so yummy! glad you had a wonderful day! and crazy lady...you did not have to send me the mailing cost! thank you though. i donated it to the blog tech...he is always cash strapped so he said to tell you a big thank you!

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  12. Glad you had such a wonderful day! I am exactely where I planned to be too!

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  13. congratulations to your family and esp. your sweet graddaughter-in-law.She is so beautiful.Your photos are very nice,Thanks for showing them to us.

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  14. A big congratulations to Ashleigh! What a great accomplishment...how proud you must be. The brunch sounded lovely. I hop in time all the family woes are long gone.

    XO,
    Jane

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  15. Hi Mona...Give that girl my congratulations too. Your brunch looks delicious. Popovers...Yumm!
    Keep your chin up and I hope your family problems are over by Christmas.
    Balisha

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  16. Life is always interesting with a big family, isn't it? Never dull! I'm wishing you a Merry Christmas, too! And thanks for the compliments on my weight loss! I think I gained it back looking at your goodies! I dressed a couple of dolls for the holidays today...that was fun! HUGS to you, my friend! ♥

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  17. Howdy Mona
    Oh what a wonderful day !
    Congratulations to everyone all around.
    You made this tougher than nails cowgirl cry tears of happiness for you and yours .
    Bless you one and all as you enjoy these far to rare perfect moments in life.
    May there be many more of these sweet miracles come your way this December and in the coming New Year too !
    Hugs from Texas
    Until Next Time
    Happy Trails

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  18. You must be so proud! And rightly so! What a wonderful blessing your family must be to you!

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  19. Hello Mona,
    I just had to come say "hi" after reading your comment on Debbi's blog....we have much in common.
    Congratulations to your pretty Ashleigh. What an accomplishment!
    Warm Hugs from Michigan...
    Jil

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  20. What a beautiful woman your Ashley is! Here's sendin' her a big old Ozarks CONGRATULATIONS for a grand accomplishment! It looks like the fam had a wonderful celebration! Everything looks great girl!

    God bless you beautiful Mona and have an incredible day!!! :o)

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  21. Very nice blog. Congrats to Ashleigh! You seem to be very lucky to have a wonderful family.

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  22. Your life may not be perfect but you have so many things to be thankful for. You have young people in your life who want to be successful and smart. Many blessings to you.............

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  23. I love that your family is so accomplished. Must make you immensely proud, Mona! I am sitting here smiling for you.

    DI

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