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.

Circus

We had a great time at the circus a couple of weeks ago. The kids enjoyed all the animals and acrobats. Bart didn't enjoy the $12 cotton candy, yes $12. Don't worry, we didn't buy it. I brought my own snacks. I know that sounds cheap, but what can I say!

I couldn't help but think of the book Water for Elephants the whole time. I just hope the animals are treated lovingly.


My babies having their first circus experience.


He was so excited and loved seeing the animals.


The little guy didn't make it until the end.

E207

I had the best time with these girls a couple of weekends ago. We met in Atlanta for the weekend. We just slept late, shopped, ate and took in a show. This is obviously before the haircut. My dearest of all friends, Alex, loved making fun of my "stripper" hair.

We are sorority sisters from Auburn and get together at least once a year. We have taken trips to the beach, NYC, Nashville, etc... It is just one of those comfortable groups, where you pick up where you left off every time. I love calling Lindsay for "boy" advice. She has some of the funniest stories! I am already looking forward to our next trip!

"Are you ready for this?"

I have fond memories of a former co-worker who always said,'Are you ready for this?' Well, we didn't even give Mac the chance to answer that question. We have "rocked" his world in 2009. Bart first took away the 'bobbies' then to the "big boy bed" all while getting his two-year molars. Poor little guy. We initially wanted to ease into all of these life changes, but it just didn't work out that way.

We took away the pacifiers and then he started to climb out of his crib. He loves his "big boy bed" and gets so excited to get in and out of it. This has been the most challenging thing for me. Sydney never got out of her "big girl bed", but Mac is a different story. The problem is, I feel slighted when it takes him a long time to get to sleep for his nap. I really need/want some time to just sit there by myself. It is getting better, but there are days when I think I am going to lose my religion! Then I think, "I am battling a two-year old and he is winning!"

The boy is a joy and I love him to pieces! He is lucky his mommy thinks he is the cutest little boy ever!

Pantene Beautiful Lengths

I did it! I cut eight inches off my hair. I was able to donate two ponytails to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. They will use it to make wigs for cancer patients and others with hair disorders. I was so ready for a change. Bart really loves long hair, so I am a little sad for him. I will grow it out some, but I am enjoying the new style. It is something fun and fresh.

I was relieved when Mac recognized me in carpool. He even said he 'liked it.' He then tried to lick it, so I am not sure how he really feels!