Natchitoches, LA

LSU football fans cheered the Tigers on to a win Friday afternoon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, against the Arkansas Razorbacks. But I wasn't there to just watch the game - I was there to cheer for my daughter, April Giddens, as she was honored during the second quarter as the Louisiana 2012 Teacher of the Year - Here's her picture on the big screen at the game:

And as an added treat, April's husband, Mike, and her three children, Hannah, Timothy and Emma, get to pose with the LSU Tiger!

Well, it was a good day for LSU fans - but it was also a good day for our family!

Are you wondering about that word ....."Lagniappe"? It entered English from Louisiana French, which in turn is derived from the American Spanish phrase la ñapa (something that is added) or throwing in a little something extra. Although a old custom, it is still practiced in Louisiana!

It was that "little something extra" that made the "Louisiana Leadership Lagniappe", a gathering of branch owners, managers, and members of corporate staff of Fairway Independent Mortgage in Natchitoches, Louisiana, from around the country so very special.

Instead of meeting in a standard, stuffy convention hall at a local hotel, we chose to gather at the elegant, century old Victorian home, Sweet Cane Inn, located in the heart of the Natchitoches Landmark Historic District historic district of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Sweet Cane Inn was built for Congressman Phanor Breazeale in the late 1800’s. You will absolutely love the 12 foot ceilings, 11 fireplaces, and a wall of stained glassed windows at the top of the stairs!

It was great having the projector and screen that Sweet Cane Inn had set up for our corporate event as we went through the session of "Five Dysfunctions of a Team"!

We were excited to have the owner of the company and our fearless leader join us at the event - and of course, here he is - "testing" the food!

For lunch, we gathered in the dining room for some Louisiana gumbo and Jambalaya - and some coconut pie! This also where we gathered for breakfast, and Rachel, our innkeeper, cooked some incredible CHEESE grits, along with fresh fruit, french toast, and much, much more gave us a good start to the day!

In between sessions, everyone is catching up on phone calls and e-mails.....

In the house....

On the porch....

In the yard.....!

Some just enjoying hanging out and visiting with each other at such a beautiful home....

Because Sweet Cane Inn is so conveniently located within walking distance of Front Street, it was easy to take a break from the meetings to walk along the century old brick lined street to visit the many shops and attractions. We needed a "shop break"!

On the last night, we walked to the restaurant "The Landing Seafood and Steakhouse" where we feasted on shrimp, crawfish etouffee, fried green tomatoes, and alligator......

and then DESSERT......................!

Sweet Cane Inn had a GREAT front porch......here's a a few of the ones who gathered for the event as we are getting ready to leave.....

So check out www.SweetCaneInn.com! And consider it not only for a great week-end get-away - but also for a corporate event. You will NOT be disappointed!

The Northwestern State University Demons kicked off their 2011 football season last Thursday night with a win against Delta State - 24 to 23.

Now I have to admit something to you. Shhhhhhh ....don't tell anyone! But ........I am not a football fan...........!

BUT I AM a HUGE fan of NSU! It is the college that the majority of our family has attended. So....why was I seated in the prestigious "President's Box" last Thursday evening for this kick-off game? Well, as you see from the pictures - there were "half-time" activities which were to honor my daughter, April Giddens!

Congratulations to NSU for their win in their first game of the season! And also to April as the Louisiana 2012 Teacher of the Year. I loved having the opportunity to attend the game and join with April's peers and others to honor her achievements. Because April is not only a graduate of NSU, but she also taught at the NSU lab school for several years, Northwestern State University is extremely proud of their former student! And so am I.

News from NSU Website: Northwestern State University honored Louisiana Teacher of the Year and alumna April Jessup Giddens during the Delta State – Northwestern State football game. Giddens, a sixth grade teacher at Natchitoches Magnet School, earned a bachelor’s degree at NSU in 1996 and a master’s in 1998. Joining in on the presentation were, from left, State. Sen. Gerald Long, State Sen. Ben Nevers of Bogalusa, chair of the Senate Education Committee; Dr. Derwood Duke, superintendent of Natchitoches Parish Schools; Dr. Vickie Gentry, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Giddens; Northwestern President Dr. Randall J. Webb and NSU student Mariah Courville, president of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Giddens’ sorority.

The Louisiana 2012 Teacher of the Year, April Jessup Giddens, was recognized by the Natchitoches Parish School Board, Natchitoches, Lousiana, on August 4, 2011. April is a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at Natchitoches Magnet School, Natchitoches, Louisiana.

"Our teachers work exceptionally hard during the entire school year," Acting State Superintendent of Education Ollie Tyler said. "This celebration is about honoring and recognizing their efforts and successes. Teachers like Ms. Giddens are the backbone of our educational system. She and others are shaping the lives and future of our children, and we enjoy thanking them in this very special way." Dr. Derwood Duke, Natchitoches Parish School Board Superintendent, said, "This is a distinct honor for April, her students, her school and the Natchitoches Parish School System".

Did I mention that April is my daughter? It is so exciting to have such a celebrity in our family!

April received this award at 5th annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Symposium and Celebration. At that time, Mercedes Benz of Baton Rouge gave April a set of keys and the use of a new Mercedes Benz for one year! April also received $5,000.00 and numerous other gifts.

Congratulations to April Jessup Giddens for such an incredible award! And a huge THANK YOU to ALL teachers as everyone heads back to school!

It's already started, the annual Festival of Lights in Natchitoches.

This is one of the nation's oldest community-based holiday celebrations and has been held the first weekend in December since 1927. This weekend will be a special time of parades as the Christmas Festival Main Parade rolls at 2pm on December 4th. Renowned Louisiana chef John Folse will be riding as a guest.

During the day there will be daylong entertainment, arts, crafts, and food. There will be lighting of 300,000+ Christmas bulbs and 100 plus riverbank set pieces. And restaurants along the river to enjoy good food.

Then as the daylight fades, there will be fireworks about 6pm to light up the winter sky. The fun continues into January, so be sure and set aside a weekend to share in the fun!