Weekend Recap:
Friday – The weather was still nice, so we took Brady downtown. We walked around the park and then got some ice cream at Spill the Beans, where Brady got hit on by a two and a half year old little girl. Seriously, she did everything short of giving him her phone number.
Saturday – Hit a yard sale and a little grocery shopping. DH’s softball practice got rained out. We ventured out later on and ended up eating at Cracker Barrel because I just didn’t feel like cooking. We tried watching “I Am Legend,” because one of DH’s co-worker’s gave it to him (even though we aren’t big Will Smith fans) and I turned it off after 30 minutes because it just wasn’t going anywhere. DH finished it yesterday, I think.
Sunday – Sunday School, church, covered dish lunch. They did announce that they found a pastor. He’s 37, married with three kids. He’s coming next Sunday to preach and then we’ll vote right afterwards. We’re excited, but also sad that Dr. Nelson won’t be there after April. They’re having a “meet and greet” Saturday evening, so we’ll stop by on our way to Date Night. Other than that, it was a very quiet day. We just sat around Sunday afternoon and then went back to church last night. Exciting times in our household!
Happy Monday!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bean Salad Part II (or III or IV)
Some of my long-time readers will remember my story about the infamous bean salad. Can you believe that I just got an email asking me to make that "bean salad that everyone loves" for the covered dish dinner on Sunday? This is the third time it's been a special request! I guess God does use bean salad!
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy
Don't ya'll just love the $1 spot at Target? First I found the cutest pink and green, preppy-style sets of notecards. Some have stripes, some polka dots and some flowers. They also had lots of scrapbook materials and gift bags for spring.
I also checked out the Easter clearance section and found the wreath I had liked on sale for 75% off! I got it for $5!
Snaps for me!
I also checked out the Easter clearance section and found the wreath I had liked on sale for 75% off! I got it for $5!
Snaps for me!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
What Works Wednesday
Not much happening around these parts, but I thought I’d post a “What Works Wednesday” tip. I have a hard time eating my vegetables, so I have to really work to get them in here and there. One thing I’ve started doing is at the beginning of the week, when I’m making dinner or baking and the oven is already on, I throw a sweet potato in. After an hour it’s done and I can eat it with my lunch for a few days. This would work with a lot of other things, or just make more of your dinner veggies and take them for lunch, too.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Get Behind Me, Easter Candy!
I don’t know about ya’ll, but we have been overtaken by candy at our house. Malted milk eggs, jelly beans, Peeps, Smarties, a whole 3 Musketeers bar (another story for another day), Reeses Peanut Butter eggs, mini Milky Ways, Hershey Kisses with caramel inside. You name it, we probably have it. I actually had to throw away leftover candy from Valentine’s Day to make room for the Easter candy. And don’t think that we bought all of this ourselves. It’s been supplied through various sources – well-meaning great-grandparents, daycare, Awanas, Sunday School, nursery workers, the homeless man on the corner (just checking to see if you were paying attention!) and egg hunts.
My family came up on Sunday and I sent a bunch of it home with my 12 year old sister. She has the figure of Nicole Kidman, so she can eat all of this and never gain an ounce. Part of it went to work with DH. A package of Peeps came to work with me. Do you know disturbing it is to open your desk drawer and there are two rows of little yellow marshmallow chicks peering up at you?
All of this candy isn’t helping my diet/fitness plan at all. So Get Behind Me, Easter Candy! I’m sending you to the trash can! You’re not ruining my summer!
My family came up on Sunday and I sent a bunch of it home with my 12 year old sister. She has the figure of Nicole Kidman, so she can eat all of this and never gain an ounce. Part of it went to work with DH. A package of Peeps came to work with me. Do you know disturbing it is to open your desk drawer and there are two rows of little yellow marshmallow chicks peering up at you?
All of this candy isn’t helping my diet/fitness plan at all. So Get Behind Me, Easter Candy! I’m sending you to the trash can! You’re not ruining my summer!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Weekend Recap
Happy Monday!
Good morning! I have to tell you, I’m exhausted! We ran and ran and ran all weekend long. Here’s the recap:
Friday – Brady’s daycare was closed, so he and I got to spend some “Mommy/Brady time” together. We ran a few errands and then headed to the zoo. School was out on Friday, so apparently everyone in the county decided to go to the zoo that morning. I hadn’t seen lines like that since Boo at the Zoo! We took our time looking at everything and Brady got an ice cream sandwich for an early lunch, just the first of a weekend full of less-than-stellar meal choices! After his nap we headed back out to the grocery store and then home so I could get ready for the Casting Crowns concert. DH got home a little after 5pm and we traded off. The concert was really good. There were two opening bands, John Waller and Leeland. Then Casting Crowns took the stage! Their show was awesome. They sang my favorite, “I’ll Praise You in This Storm,” and lots of others. It was over at 10:30pm and I was in bed a little before midnight.
Saturday – The big Easter Egg Hunt! We had to be at church at 9am to get everything set up. Of course, by the time everything started at 10am, Brady was pretty much over the whole experience. I did most of his craft for him and while he did enjoy the cupcakes, he just wasn’t into the story part. But boy, was he ready to hunt some eggs! We had about 23 kids, so they all went home with more eggs than anyone really needs. The weather was beautiful, everything went smoothly and I believe everyone had a really good time. That afternoon I went back out to finish the shopping for Easter dinner. After stops at Walmart, Lowes, Whole Foods and Bloom, I was completely over shopping. Done! Then I spent most of the evening cooking and baking. By 10:30pm, I was so tired I couldn’t even think straight.
Sunday – He has Risen! The alarm went off way too early. We had an 8am Sunrise Breakfast, so we had to get up and get through Easter baskets and get everyone ready a lot earlier than usual. The breakfast was really nice, even though the majority of people who made it were in the over 60 age group. We just might skip this next year! Then we taught Sunday School and headed up to the worship service. Dr. Nelson was really fired up and the service was really amazing. There was so much joy over what was done for us so many years ago. I’m glad I was able to take a little time to really stop and reflect on that in the midst of everything going on yesterday. We got home and my family arrived just a few minutes later. I just felt really stressed from that moment on trying to get things done and get dinner ready. But it all turned out well and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. They always say that they do, but I’m never really sure.
After the headed home, we all just laid around. A little before 7pm Brady actually asked to take his bath and go to bed. We were in bed ourselves at 9pm.
So it was a really great, busy weekend. I hope next year that the egg hunt doesn’t fall the day before Easter and I’ve also vowed not to go so overboard on the meal and everything. I feel like all I did was cook and clean and get ready for a 5 hour visit. That’s not what it’s all about. Easter is about so much more than eggs and candy and ham. Next year I need to remember that more.
I hope you all had a good weekend, too! Hopefully I’ll get some pictures up later this week from our festivities.
Good morning! I have to tell you, I’m exhausted! We ran and ran and ran all weekend long. Here’s the recap:
Friday – Brady’s daycare was closed, so he and I got to spend some “Mommy/Brady time” together. We ran a few errands and then headed to the zoo. School was out on Friday, so apparently everyone in the county decided to go to the zoo that morning. I hadn’t seen lines like that since Boo at the Zoo! We took our time looking at everything and Brady got an ice cream sandwich for an early lunch, just the first of a weekend full of less-than-stellar meal choices! After his nap we headed back out to the grocery store and then home so I could get ready for the Casting Crowns concert. DH got home a little after 5pm and we traded off. The concert was really good. There were two opening bands, John Waller and Leeland. Then Casting Crowns took the stage! Their show was awesome. They sang my favorite, “I’ll Praise You in This Storm,” and lots of others. It was over at 10:30pm and I was in bed a little before midnight.
Saturday – The big Easter Egg Hunt! We had to be at church at 9am to get everything set up. Of course, by the time everything started at 10am, Brady was pretty much over the whole experience. I did most of his craft for him and while he did enjoy the cupcakes, he just wasn’t into the story part. But boy, was he ready to hunt some eggs! We had about 23 kids, so they all went home with more eggs than anyone really needs. The weather was beautiful, everything went smoothly and I believe everyone had a really good time. That afternoon I went back out to finish the shopping for Easter dinner. After stops at Walmart, Lowes, Whole Foods and Bloom, I was completely over shopping. Done! Then I spent most of the evening cooking and baking. By 10:30pm, I was so tired I couldn’t even think straight.
Sunday – He has Risen! The alarm went off way too early. We had an 8am Sunrise Breakfast, so we had to get up and get through Easter baskets and get everyone ready a lot earlier than usual. The breakfast was really nice, even though the majority of people who made it were in the over 60 age group. We just might skip this next year! Then we taught Sunday School and headed up to the worship service. Dr. Nelson was really fired up and the service was really amazing. There was so much joy over what was done for us so many years ago. I’m glad I was able to take a little time to really stop and reflect on that in the midst of everything going on yesterday. We got home and my family arrived just a few minutes later. I just felt really stressed from that moment on trying to get things done and get dinner ready. But it all turned out well and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. They always say that they do, but I’m never really sure.
After the headed home, we all just laid around. A little before 7pm Brady actually asked to take his bath and go to bed. We were in bed ourselves at 9pm.
So it was a really great, busy weekend. I hope next year that the egg hunt doesn’t fall the day before Easter and I’ve also vowed not to go so overboard on the meal and everything. I feel like all I did was cook and clean and get ready for a 5 hour visit. That’s not what it’s all about. Easter is about so much more than eggs and candy and ham. Next year I need to remember that more.
I hope you all had a good weekend, too! Hopefully I’ll get some pictures up later this week from our festivities.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Random Thoughts
Happy First Day of Spring! This week has been so busy and the next three days are really going to run together. That said, I’m having very few structured thoughts, so here are some random ones instead!
- Do you know what aggravates me? Drug stores (CVS, I’m talking to you!) who open at 8am. What am I supposed to do on the way to work when I realize the only lip gloss in my purse clashes horribly with my outfit and I need to stop and get a new one? Or what if I needed something really important like allergy medicine? Do you not realize how much money you’re losing by opening at 8am when most people are already at work? Same goes for Target.
- Priscilla Presley’s Face. I know she was married to Elvis and has plenty of money to spend, but good grief. The poor woman can’t even smile due to all the plastic surgery she’s had done. It’s frightening.
- I’ve become a closet Miley Cyrus fan. Okay, maybe I’m not in the closet anymore since I just told you all this fact. Where were pop stars like that when I was 16? I think she’s just the cutest thing and I actually like her music, too. Plus she doesn’t feel to the need to run around without underwear or go within 100ft of Paris Hilton.
- We have about 1,000 eggs to hide for the Easter egg hunt Saturday morning. We’ll probably have about 30 kids. You do the math.
- I’ve been discovering so many fantastic blogs lately. My new favorites are Kelly’s Korner, LSU Girl, and The Warnock Family.
- Speaking of blogs, please go visit my friend Melissa’s new blog, Just Melissa. We’ve been friends for a long time ( 12 years?) and lots of fun stories from our times together. "We love you, Tara!"
Enjoy the first day of spring and have a blessed Easter! We serve a Risen Savior!
- Do you know what aggravates me? Drug stores (CVS, I’m talking to you!) who open at 8am. What am I supposed to do on the way to work when I realize the only lip gloss in my purse clashes horribly with my outfit and I need to stop and get a new one? Or what if I needed something really important like allergy medicine? Do you not realize how much money you’re losing by opening at 8am when most people are already at work? Same goes for Target.
- Priscilla Presley’s Face. I know she was married to Elvis and has plenty of money to spend, but good grief. The poor woman can’t even smile due to all the plastic surgery she’s had done. It’s frightening.
- I’ve become a closet Miley Cyrus fan. Okay, maybe I’m not in the closet anymore since I just told you all this fact. Where were pop stars like that when I was 16? I think she’s just the cutest thing and I actually like her music, too. Plus she doesn’t feel to the need to run around without underwear or go within 100ft of Paris Hilton.
- We have about 1,000 eggs to hide for the Easter egg hunt Saturday morning. We’ll probably have about 30 kids. You do the math.
- I’ve been discovering so many fantastic blogs lately. My new favorites are Kelly’s Korner, LSU Girl, and The Warnock Family.
- Speaking of blogs, please go visit my friend Melissa’s new blog, Just Melissa. We’ve been friends for a long time ( 12 years?) and lots of fun stories from our times together. "We love you, Tara!"
Enjoy the first day of spring and have a blessed Easter! We serve a Risen Savior!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Our Trip in Pictures
As promised, here are a few photos from our trip:Brady snoozing away on the drive there.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Seven States, Two Days
We’re home!
We’re safe and sound back at home. We had a wonderful trip. It was a little hectic since we drove up Friday and back on Sunday, but totally worth it.
Friday we left around 5am. Brady and I slept until a little before 7am, then we were up to keep DH company. We stopped somewhere in Western Virginia (Gateway City, maybe?) for breakfast at McDonald’s. Brady got the pancakes and smelled like syrup for the rest of the drive. It was a pretty uneventful drive for the most part and we got to my grandparent’s house in Catlettsburg, KY, by 11:30am.
My aunt and uncle were there, so we got to see them as well. My grandfather slept most of the day due to an overdose of pain medication. He was happy to see us when he was up. We stayed there until about 4pm, then drove across the river to my grandmother’s house in South Point, OH. We had dinner with her stayed the night. We opted to stay both nights with her since my grandfather was so sick. Usually we split the visit between both houses. I always refer to her as my “city grandmother.” She lives in town and worked at a bank. She’s very proper (you never see her without hose!), sends cards for everything and loves holidays (her gift wrap is amazing). I love how she sets everything out for meals complete with serving pieces and little silver pitchers of cream for coffee. She’s not stuffy at all, just “neat.”
Saturday morning we had breakfast and then headed back to my grandparents house for the day and dinner. I was able to go through some boxes of old pictures and brought many home, including pictures of my dad as a baby and many of my grandfather when he was in the service. My grandfather was doing better Saturday; more alert and even drove Brady around on his walker. We had dinner and my grandmother made her biscuits at my request. I even brought the leftovers home. Then it was time for goodbyes. It was pretty teary because I honestly don’t know if I’ll see my grandfather again. These are my “country grandparents.” They live outside town and things are much simpler. My grandmother cooks with lard and everything is family-style on the table. My grandfather has always had a garden, although last years will be the last. Hunting and farming are the way of life here.
We got back to my grandmother’s and we watched college basketball until bedtime. Breakfast the next morning was the caramel rolls the she has been getting from a local bakery as long as I can remember. Yes, I came home with those, too. We were on the road back home at 9am, stopped for lunch in Johnson City, TN, and arrived back in town by 3:30pm. Brady slept a lot more on the way home, exhausted from all the entertaining he did over the weekend.
So it was a good visit. I’m anxious to go up again as soon as possible. Like I said before, Brady is so blessed to have great-grandparents that are still alive, and I want him to see them as often as possible.
So we hit seven states in two days. I’ll have pictures to post tomorrow, including a picture of those caramel rolls!
We’re safe and sound back at home. We had a wonderful trip. It was a little hectic since we drove up Friday and back on Sunday, but totally worth it.
Friday we left around 5am. Brady and I slept until a little before 7am, then we were up to keep DH company. We stopped somewhere in Western Virginia (Gateway City, maybe?) for breakfast at McDonald’s. Brady got the pancakes and smelled like syrup for the rest of the drive. It was a pretty uneventful drive for the most part and we got to my grandparent’s house in Catlettsburg, KY, by 11:30am.
My aunt and uncle were there, so we got to see them as well. My grandfather slept most of the day due to an overdose of pain medication. He was happy to see us when he was up. We stayed there until about 4pm, then drove across the river to my grandmother’s house in South Point, OH. We had dinner with her stayed the night. We opted to stay both nights with her since my grandfather was so sick. Usually we split the visit between both houses. I always refer to her as my “city grandmother.” She lives in town and worked at a bank. She’s very proper (you never see her without hose!), sends cards for everything and loves holidays (her gift wrap is amazing). I love how she sets everything out for meals complete with serving pieces and little silver pitchers of cream for coffee. She’s not stuffy at all, just “neat.”
Saturday morning we had breakfast and then headed back to my grandparents house for the day and dinner. I was able to go through some boxes of old pictures and brought many home, including pictures of my dad as a baby and many of my grandfather when he was in the service. My grandfather was doing better Saturday; more alert and even drove Brady around on his walker. We had dinner and my grandmother made her biscuits at my request. I even brought the leftovers home. Then it was time for goodbyes. It was pretty teary because I honestly don’t know if I’ll see my grandfather again. These are my “country grandparents.” They live outside town and things are much simpler. My grandmother cooks with lard and everything is family-style on the table. My grandfather has always had a garden, although last years will be the last. Hunting and farming are the way of life here.
We got back to my grandmother’s and we watched college basketball until bedtime. Breakfast the next morning was the caramel rolls the she has been getting from a local bakery as long as I can remember. Yes, I came home with those, too. We were on the road back home at 9am, stopped for lunch in Johnson City, TN, and arrived back in town by 3:30pm. Brady slept a lot more on the way home, exhausted from all the entertaining he did over the weekend.
So it was a good visit. I’m anxious to go up again as soon as possible. Like I said before, Brady is so blessed to have great-grandparents that are still alive, and I want him to see them as often as possible.
So we hit seven states in two days. I’ll have pictures to post tomorrow, including a picture of those caramel rolls!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
On the road again
Today’s my Friday as we’re leaving very early tomorrow morning to go visit my grandparents for the weekend. We haven’t been up there in a year, so we’re way overdue for a visit. My father’s parents live in Eastern Kentucky and my mother’s mom lives across the river in Ohio. It’s a quick trip, up tomorrow and home Sunday, but a trip nonetheless.
So tonight I need to do laundry and finish packing. Right now I have little piles around the house (snacks, toys for Brady, etc.). For such a short trip, it surely seems like I’m taking a lot of stuff! I’m hoping that Brady will sleep well for the first part of the ride. Then he’ll have the portable dvd player to keep him occupied.
I love going to visit my grandparents. There are so many good memories of going up there when I was little and I want Brady to get as many of those memories as possible. He’s very fortunate to have great-grandparents that are still living. He always has such a good time and gets spoiled absolutely rotten when we go visit.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!
So tonight I need to do laundry and finish packing. Right now I have little piles around the house (snacks, toys for Brady, etc.). For such a short trip, it surely seems like I’m taking a lot of stuff! I’m hoping that Brady will sleep well for the first part of the ride. Then he’ll have the portable dvd player to keep him occupied.
I love going to visit my grandparents. There are so many good memories of going up there when I was little and I want Brady to get as many of those memories as possible. He’s very fortunate to have great-grandparents that are still living. He always has such a good time and gets spoiled absolutely rotten when we go visit.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Post-It Notes and Busy Days
My mind is full to overloading these days. So full, in fact, that I have post-it notes on the dashboard of my car to remind me of things. Right now the note says – Brady’s spring pictures at school – Wednesday! Otherwise I will totally forget and send him in jeans that are very close to having a hole in the knee and his “Daddy’s Little Rebel” tee. It’s March and I really don’t want to have to buy a new pair of jeans this late in the season!
I remember just a few years ago, shortly after we moved here, we were never busy. Never. No plans, no social life. Our nights and weekends were all our own. Now I wonder what we did with all that free time! The calendar is always booked and I doubt it will let up much throughout the next 15 years or so.
Next week every night as something planned. Monday night I meet with my advisor at school. Tuesday night I’m meeting some girls from MOPS at Starbucks. Wednesday is the last night of my Bible study. Thursday is a MOPS steering team meeting. Friday night is the Casting Crowns concert. Saturday is the church Easter egg hunt. Sunday is Easter. There are eggs to stuff, laundry to wash, cupcakes to pick up, cooking for Sunday, finishing my last Bible study lesson, cleaning, sleeping and work to do (I do have a job, remember!). I love being busy and I love the new world that opened to us after we moved here and found our wonderful church and started getting involved. I will be looking forward to the next week, though, when I can get some rest!
Happy Tuesday!
I remember just a few years ago, shortly after we moved here, we were never busy. Never. No plans, no social life. Our nights and weekends were all our own. Now I wonder what we did with all that free time! The calendar is always booked and I doubt it will let up much throughout the next 15 years or so.
Next week every night as something planned. Monday night I meet with my advisor at school. Tuesday night I’m meeting some girls from MOPS at Starbucks. Wednesday is the last night of my Bible study. Thursday is a MOPS steering team meeting. Friday night is the Casting Crowns concert. Saturday is the church Easter egg hunt. Sunday is Easter. There are eggs to stuff, laundry to wash, cupcakes to pick up, cooking for Sunday, finishing my last Bible study lesson, cleaning, sleeping and work to do (I do have a job, remember!). I love being busy and I love the new world that opened to us after we moved here and found our wonderful church and started getting involved. I will be looking forward to the next week, though, when I can get some rest!
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Early Birthday Present
My darling mother is getting me this as an early birthday present:
Isn't it the cutest thing? It's very lightweight, so it will be perfect for wearing to work in the summer when the a/c is blasting.
I love birthdays, especially when they come a month early!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Coconut Cupcakes
I made these for MOPS last night and they turned out so good! The cupcakes are huge and so pretty once you top them with the shredded coconut. Sorry there aren't any pictures! Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Coconut Cupcakes
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
For the frosting: 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature (16oz)
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.
Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
Coconut Cupcakes
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
For the frosting: 1 pound cream cheese at room temperature (16oz)
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.
Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
More Spring fashion!
More spring fashion finds!
Okay, I seriously need to stop shopping. Here are a few things I picked up this week:
This skirt from Target. I also got an elbow-length sleeve light blue tee to go with it.
Okay, I seriously need to stop shopping. Here are a few things I picked up this week:
This skirt from Target. I also got an elbow-length sleeve light blue tee to go with it.
This shirt and sweater from Ann Taylor Loft. They don’t look like much by themselves, but in the store they had the shirt under the sweater with the sleeves rolled up and it was so cute! I think they’ll be perfect for the Easter egg hunt on the 22nd!
Speaking of the Easter egg hunt, I’m in charge of the snacks. I was going to bake cupcakes myself, but we’re super busy that week and the night before I’m going to see Casting Crowns, so there’s no way I could make them unless I stayed up all night. So, I’m outsourcing! Gretchen ABS Cakes, who has done all of Brady’s birthday cakes, is going to do them. The cost is really reasonable, especially considering how much time I’ll save. There will also be some candy and maybe goldfish crackers. We keep it pretty simple. I’m so excited about it!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
101 Posts!
Oops! I just realized that yesterday was my 100th post! I'm so glad I've kept with it this time!
In honor of this event, I'm reposting my "100 Things About Me Post." I know I have some new readers, so hopefully they'll enjoy it.
1. I have a wonderful, funny husband
2. I have one adorable, hilarious toddler-aged son
3. My favorite ice cream is key lime pie at Brusters, but the Red Velvet Cake ice cream from Publix is a close second.
4. My favorite color is pink
5. I hate getting up early
6. Growing up I wanted to be a fashion designer
7. I’m currently a Project Accountant for an environmental engineering firm
8. I’m going back to school in January to finish my degree in Business – Human Resources Management
9. My ultimate dream is to open a bakery
10. My first car was a Mazda MX6
11. My dream car is a VW Jetta wagon (I don’t ask for much!)
12. I do not play sports
13. My favorite foods are key lime pie, shrimp and my mom’s chicken & dumplings
14. I can't drive a standard car, even though several people have tried to teach me.
15. I tried smoking for 3 months, but quit because it caused my skin to break out
16. My best friend and I have the same birthday
17. I'm afraid of snakes and spiders
18. I've traveled to New York City, Boston, San Antonio and Orlando
19. I really, really want to go to France
20. I teach 2 and 3 year olds in Sunday School
21. I believe the most useful skill I learned in high school was typing
22. I hate math.
23. I can't go to bed without washing my face.
24. When I was little, I was mistaken for a boy while shopping in a store, even though I was wearing a shirt that said I AM A GIRL.
25. I have never broken any bones.
26. My first “real” job was at Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, TN.
27. My boss hired me at Methodist as a secretary even though I didn’t even know how to use the fax machine.
28. He was my favorite boss and I’ll always be grateful to him for taking a chance on me.
29. White shoes are a pet peeve of mine
30. I hate driving at night because I’m afraid something will jump out, like a deer or a possum.
31. I have hit a possum.
32. I like reading celebrity gossip
33. I love to cook and entertain for people.
34. I always wear my seatbelt.
35. I can't stand clutter and am constantly picking things up, even if I don’t live there.
36. I consider myself a type A personality.
37. I am extremely gullible
38. I sleep on my side, curled up into a ball
39. Poor customer service and rude people irritate me.
40. I love fashion and try to stock my closet with classic pieces that won't go out of style.
41. I also love jewelry, especially chunky necklaces and anything silver
42. I'm a Democrat
43. I was on student council my senior year, even though I did no campaigning because I was out sick with strep throat
44. I was in one beauty pageant. I didn’t win
45. I've had brown hair, red hair and blond hair.
46. My favorite music is bluegrass/country
47. I cannot play any instruments
48. I took 3 years of French
49. I was on MTV once.
50. I also want to go to Austin, Texas
51. My dream neighbors would be Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner
52. My idea of relaxation is sleeping in
53. I love all holidays, but especially Thanksgiving and Christmas
54. My Christmas colors are gold and crystal with splashes of red
55. I am a magazine junkie.
56. I would love to take a cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris
57. I don't like to be touched on my neck.
58. I can be a restaurant snob.
59. Hotel comforters make my skin crawl.
60. I really do like Paula Deen
61. My idea of a rainy Sunday is watching Food Network in my pj's baking cookies and drinking hot cocoa with my family.
62. I'm addicted to chap stick.
63. I'm have curly hair, but wear it straight quite often.
64. I have a Mountain Dew every morning.
65. I can't stand soap operas.
66. I’m a member of MOPS of Greenville (Mother’s of Preschoolers)
67. My goal is to bake my own pie crusts this year
68. My favorite vegetables are home grown tomatoes.
69. I am a backseat driver.
70. I hate my husband’s driving
71. I love all things monogrammed.
72. I worked at O’Charley’s and Cracker Barrel restaurants in high school
73. I get a lot of my decorating ideas from the Pottery Barn catalog.
74. I want to be P.T.A. president one day.
75. I enjoy a summer thunderstorm as long as there aren’t any tornados
76. I enjoy making people laugh.
77. My favorite flowers are daffodils and tulips
78. I would rather send a letter than email.
79. I am addicted to stationery.
80. My husband and I have been married for almost 7 years
81. I was horrible at swaddling Brady when he was a baby. My husband could do it like the nurses at the hospital. Go figure.
82. I love Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy and The Office
83. I got my driver’s license when I was 15
84. I’ve hit two cars in my lifetime and neither was moving.
85. I lived in Memphis for 10 years
86. I’ve never been to Graceland.
87. I’ve never seen Elvis.
88. I am intimidated by cooking a turkey.
89. The best concert I've ever been to was a Dave Matthews concert.90. Brunch is my favorite meal.
91. I am a Baptist
92. My son is a great sleeper and very happy
93. I hope that one day my son's wife will like me.
94. I was in musicals in high school
95. My favorite movies are Meet Me In St. Louis, Sweet Home Alabama and Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly version)
96. I was a peer counselor in high school.
97. I hate vodka
98. I love sweet tea
99. I try to drink 8 glasses of water everyday, but I don’t always succeed.
100. I hope you’re still reading at this point.
101. I can't believe I came up with 100 things about myself.
In honor of this event, I'm reposting my "100 Things About Me Post." I know I have some new readers, so hopefully they'll enjoy it.
1. I have a wonderful, funny husband
2. I have one adorable, hilarious toddler-aged son
3. My favorite ice cream is key lime pie at Brusters, but the Red Velvet Cake ice cream from Publix is a close second.
4. My favorite color is pink
5. I hate getting up early
6. Growing up I wanted to be a fashion designer
7. I’m currently a Project Accountant for an environmental engineering firm
8. I’m going back to school in January to finish my degree in Business – Human Resources Management
9. My ultimate dream is to open a bakery
10. My first car was a Mazda MX6
11. My dream car is a VW Jetta wagon (I don’t ask for much!)
12. I do not play sports
13. My favorite foods are key lime pie, shrimp and my mom’s chicken & dumplings
14. I can't drive a standard car, even though several people have tried to teach me.
15. I tried smoking for 3 months, but quit because it caused my skin to break out
16. My best friend and I have the same birthday
17. I'm afraid of snakes and spiders
18. I've traveled to New York City, Boston, San Antonio and Orlando
19. I really, really want to go to France
20. I teach 2 and 3 year olds in Sunday School
21. I believe the most useful skill I learned in high school was typing
22. I hate math.
23. I can't go to bed without washing my face.
24. When I was little, I was mistaken for a boy while shopping in a store, even though I was wearing a shirt that said I AM A GIRL.
25. I have never broken any bones.
26. My first “real” job was at Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, TN.
27. My boss hired me at Methodist as a secretary even though I didn’t even know how to use the fax machine.
28. He was my favorite boss and I’ll always be grateful to him for taking a chance on me.
29. White shoes are a pet peeve of mine
30. I hate driving at night because I’m afraid something will jump out, like a deer or a possum.
31. I have hit a possum.
32. I like reading celebrity gossip
33. I love to cook and entertain for people.
34. I always wear my seatbelt.
35. I can't stand clutter and am constantly picking things up, even if I don’t live there.
36. I consider myself a type A personality.
37. I am extremely gullible
38. I sleep on my side, curled up into a ball
39. Poor customer service and rude people irritate me.
40. I love fashion and try to stock my closet with classic pieces that won't go out of style.
41. I also love jewelry, especially chunky necklaces and anything silver
42. I'm a Democrat
43. I was on student council my senior year, even though I did no campaigning because I was out sick with strep throat
44. I was in one beauty pageant. I didn’t win
45. I've had brown hair, red hair and blond hair.
46. My favorite music is bluegrass/country
47. I cannot play any instruments
48. I took 3 years of French
49. I was on MTV once.
50. I also want to go to Austin, Texas
51. My dream neighbors would be Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner
52. My idea of relaxation is sleeping in
53. I love all holidays, but especially Thanksgiving and Christmas
54. My Christmas colors are gold and crystal with splashes of red
55. I am a magazine junkie.
56. I would love to take a cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris
57. I don't like to be touched on my neck.
58. I can be a restaurant snob.
59. Hotel comforters make my skin crawl.
60. I really do like Paula Deen
61. My idea of a rainy Sunday is watching Food Network in my pj's baking cookies and drinking hot cocoa with my family.
62. I'm addicted to chap stick.
63. I'm have curly hair, but wear it straight quite often.
64. I have a Mountain Dew every morning.
65. I can't stand soap operas.
66. I’m a member of MOPS of Greenville (Mother’s of Preschoolers)
67. My goal is to bake my own pie crusts this year
68. My favorite vegetables are home grown tomatoes.
69. I am a backseat driver.
70. I hate my husband’s driving
71. I love all things monogrammed.
72. I worked at O’Charley’s and Cracker Barrel restaurants in high school
73. I get a lot of my decorating ideas from the Pottery Barn catalog.
74. I want to be P.T.A. president one day.
75. I enjoy a summer thunderstorm as long as there aren’t any tornados
76. I enjoy making people laugh.
77. My favorite flowers are daffodils and tulips
78. I would rather send a letter than email.
79. I am addicted to stationery.
80. My husband and I have been married for almost 7 years
81. I was horrible at swaddling Brady when he was a baby. My husband could do it like the nurses at the hospital. Go figure.
82. I love Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy and The Office
83. I got my driver’s license when I was 15
84. I’ve hit two cars in my lifetime and neither was moving.
85. I lived in Memphis for 10 years
86. I’ve never been to Graceland.
87. I’ve never seen Elvis.
88. I am intimidated by cooking a turkey.
89. The best concert I've ever been to was a Dave Matthews concert.90. Brunch is my favorite meal.
91. I am a Baptist
92. My son is a great sleeper and very happy
93. I hope that one day my son's wife will like me.
94. I was in musicals in high school
95. My favorite movies are Meet Me In St. Louis, Sweet Home Alabama and Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly version)
96. I was a peer counselor in high school.
97. I hate vodka
98. I love sweet tea
99. I try to drink 8 glasses of water everyday, but I don’t always succeed.
100. I hope you’re still reading at this point.
101. I can't believe I came up with 100 things about myself.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Weekend Recap
Good morning! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Our weather was gorgeous and was definitely spring-like.
Saturday my wonderful DH let me sleep in until 9am. It was heaven! Then we had breakfast and went out for a walk before we got ready to drive down to my parent’s house for the day. The trip down there was great and we had a good visit. Brady especially loves seeing the chickens and the horse that they have. We got home late, after 10pm, but it was a good day.
Yesterday we had Sunday School and then we kept the 2 and 3 year olds in the nursery. This is the same group that we teach Sunday School for every other week. They’re so precious and so funny. Micah (age 3) is going to be a big brother in a few months and he informed me that I could name the new baby. I said “Micah, don’t you think your mommy and daddy will want to do that?” Micah – “No, it’s okay!”
After getting home and getting Brady down for his nap, I ran out to the mall. Gymboree was having a big sale and I wanted to get Brady some new pajamas for spring/summer. I also found a cute skirt and top for myself at Target. I wanted some pants from New York & Company, but there was one lone girl checking people out and about 15 people in line, so I just left. Maybe I’ll run over during lunch this week. Anyway, we had dinner and then went back to church last night.
I’m coordinating the preschool Easter egg hunt with two other girls (I just can’t call my friends ladies – it makes us sound like we’re 85 years old), so I’m really excited about that. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Saturday my wonderful DH let me sleep in until 9am. It was heaven! Then we had breakfast and went out for a walk before we got ready to drive down to my parent’s house for the day. The trip down there was great and we had a good visit. Brady especially loves seeing the chickens and the horse that they have. We got home late, after 10pm, but it was a good day.
Yesterday we had Sunday School and then we kept the 2 and 3 year olds in the nursery. This is the same group that we teach Sunday School for every other week. They’re so precious and so funny. Micah (age 3) is going to be a big brother in a few months and he informed me that I could name the new baby. I said “Micah, don’t you think your mommy and daddy will want to do that?” Micah – “No, it’s okay!”
After getting home and getting Brady down for his nap, I ran out to the mall. Gymboree was having a big sale and I wanted to get Brady some new pajamas for spring/summer. I also found a cute skirt and top for myself at Target. I wanted some pants from New York & Company, but there was one lone girl checking people out and about 15 people in line, so I just left. Maybe I’ll run over during lunch this week. Anyway, we had dinner and then went back to church last night.
I’m coordinating the preschool Easter egg hunt with two other girls (I just can’t call my friends ladies – it makes us sound like we’re 85 years old), so I’m really excited about that. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)