Beauty Queens

One thing I love to do is watch Food Network. It is safe to have on while the kids are home and you can get inspired to try a new recipe. I love Paula Deen and Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay is one of the Iron Chefs and he has a show called "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." "Throwdown" may be my favorite show. The idea of the show is for Bobby Flay to challenge someone on their signature dish. The 'throwdown' is always a surprise to the other chef, they usually think they are doing a presentation in their hometown.

Saturday he challenged a guy from Washington, GA who is known for his Shrimp and Grits. Back when I was a pharmaceutical sales rep, Washington, GA was a part of my territory. It is a very small town. I am a small town girl and feel rather at-home in small towns, although I do have dreams of living in NYC. Anyway, the hometown boy won the challenge. But that wasn't the only thing that made me smile. In the crowd was the local beauty queen. I will take this time to admit that I did my share of pageants. In Clanton, the Peach Queens (I was not the Peach Queen) made it to ribbon cuttings, parades, festivals, etc... It just made me smile to see the queen there in her gown, sash and tiara. I just know she loved having a television show come to her town during her reign as queen. You just don't get to see that everyday.

I told some of my neighborhood friends this story and one of the husbands said that the beauty queens from up north are not pretty. I think he forgot he was married to a girl from Philadelphia, who promptly reminded him to "watch it!"

We had a great day at the park. We are so fortunate to have some great parks near our house and in our community. The kids could play for days on a playground!

Snow Day

Bart and Mac sledding down the neighbors driveway.

All of our fun neighborhood friends. The kids had a great time building the snowman and playing in the snow together. We are truly blessed to have so many dear friends right down the street.

My big girl was not afraid to take to the sled.


The Street family.


Mac kept eating the snow. We continually stressed, "NO YELLOW SNOW!"

We had a great time in the snow. Mac was not so sure he loved it. Maybe next time we will have better gear for him. He had to wear ziploc bags on his feet to keep them dry. Sydney, on the other hand, would have stayed outside all day and night. She loved it. It is always nice to have Daddy home on a weekday.