Our own Goofy and Pluto!

Woody

Family picture in front of Cinderella's Castle.

Of Course, we had to buy a cute balloon and a light up sword for the parade.

Magic Kingdom- Day 1

Our first ride was Goofy's Roller Coaster! It was so much fun!
And all 4 of us could actually ride!

The boys wanted their faces painted! Jax almost fell asleep in the chair.

I think Donald was Jaxson's favorite, until Buzz!

My little buddy with Goofy!

The Happiest Place on Earth!

We had a blast! I can't wait to upload all of our pictures!

Jaxson starts Preschool!

 

Jaxson started early preschool yesterday! He was excited, but nervous. He will be attending 2 full days a week. He brought home flash cards from what they learned. This month they are learning about Spring. He had a great first day!

I can't believe......

I have been able to keep a secret for a whole month!!! We are going to Disney in 2 days!!!!! My boys have no idea!!! TK and I planned it a month ago when we were on a plane headed for our date weekend! We were feeling guilty already for not having the boys with us, so we decided to go see Mickey Mouse!!! I have never been and I am so excited! Brantley went when I was 8 months pregnant with Jax, but it will be my first time and Jaxson's first time! The best part of having kids, you get to be a big kid- just will bills and a mortgage! I need to get to work on making my boys a few cute disney shirts!
PLEASE leave me a comment about Disney- for I have never been!!! I would love to know what to do, or what to see.
We are going to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot- we have 6 character dinner/ Breakfast planned, and we want to see Downtown Disney. Any suggestions????
PS- PLEASE do not tell my kids! Thanks!

Jax is going to preschool!

Friday, we went and toured a possible school for next year for Jaxson. It is a preparatory preschool- only 2 in the Birmingham area. I fell in love with it and so did Jaxson! They just had a spot open, so he starts in March! It is also year round, so he will not have summers off. :( He will be attending two full days a week for now and possibly three days when he is 4. Once he is 3, he will be tested 2 times a year for his progress. He is changing from a Mother's Day Out, that we will miss so much- to a more structured program. Not only will he be learning preschool things- but he will be learning Spanish and have Physical Fitness class everyday! It is kinda like Preschool Boot Camp but he will learn so much and have so much fun doing it! Did I mention that most of their 4 year olds are reading in pre-k? I know that he is going to have so much fun! I will post an update from his first day in a couple of weeks!

Snap Shots from NYC

I know you guys are going to think I am crazy..... but it was just too cold to take a lot of pictures! Also, several of you are going to think I am spoiled when I say this, but....... this wasn't my first time nor my last, so I didn't take a lot of pictures. I have a HUGE love for New York City. So serious, I am going to apply to get my New York nursing license. I want to rent a studio somewhere off of Bleecker Street just for a summer so my kids and TK can come. I am serious- no joke!
I did however, snap a few shots. My sister in law Brandi and her husband Sam went with us. It was so much fun!! Brandi and TK went to NY a lot growing up for market trips back in the Ruth's days. Now, TK has passed his love for the city to me. Some people want a house at the beach....... I just want an apartment off of Bleecker Street!

This picture was taken in Little Italy while we were at dinner one night. Please excuse the "hat hair", I just took off my scarf and hat! We had a wonderful REAL Italian dinner in Little Italy. We also had homemade cannolli's (sp?) from a pastry shop in Little Italy- they are worth flying in just for dinner! We did not do the "usual" NYC tourist attractions this trip. The first night we ate in Little Italy and shopped in SoHo. I bought some cute spring clothes in SoHo- and they were not expensive at all! Cute Boutique clothes at cheap prices!!!!!

The second day we spent a lot of time on the Subway! We went to New Jersey to Carlo's Bake Shop. (see Post Below) It was interesting- but too cold to wait! So, we hopped back on the train and headed to my favorite- Bleecker Street! Once before I found a little coffee shop on Bleecker- that sells whole beans and will ship them to you! I have ordered from them before, but it is nothing like the experience of going in yourself to buy coffee beans. click here  portorico.com 

 You can't go to Greenwich Village without visiting Magnolia Bakery. Anyone watch Sex and the City? Well, if you do it is where Carrie would always buy cupcakes on the show.

Also that day we went to Chinatown and ate lunch at an authentic Chinese restaurant. It was so good! They offered us HOT green tea as soon as we walked in- When they did that- I voted that they were the #1 restaurant in NYC! It was sooo cold outside and the hot tea is just what I needed! 

That night we took the subway to the Bronx to Yankee Stadium. AWESOME!!! A-Rod and Jeter forgot they were suppose to meet us for dinner, but it was freezing- so we understood. 

The next day we just basically hung around Times Square (since our hotel was there) and of course, we had to see the Today Show. Again- it was freezing so we were the only ones outside- so we headed to the NBC store. Right when we walked in Matt Lauer was shopping for Vancouver gear. TK spoke to him and he was so kind to speak back. I also saw Kelly (Owner of People's Revolution)  from The Hills- she waved at TK. Ha! She was there promoting her new show Kell on Earth. 

We had an awesome trip and I cant wait to go back! Next time, in the Summer so we can see the Yankees play! 

 

This is Brandi and Sam- TK's sister and her husband. They went with us and we all had a blast together. From singing Karaoke in Little Italy to getting lost on the subway. It was all fun!

Here is a beautiful picture of Central Park. I took this early one morning. The pond was completely frozen. I wanted to get more pictures of Central Park- but again, it was freezing!!!

Cake Boss

While we were in New York City last week, we rode the train to Hoboken, NJ. Just to see Carlo's Bake Shop. Buddy was a no-show for our appointment. The line was 2 hours long- in 10 degree weather- 2 blocks from The Hudson River, so we didn't wait. You can watch "Cake Boss" on TLC.

Trunki!!!!!!

Last weekend, TK and I went on a date weekend! Yes, when you live out of town- away from all family (grandparents), you have to plan a trip to fly somewhere to have a weekend babysitter- or atleast we do! As we were waiting on one of our departures- we saw the cutest kids and their parents pulling them through the airport. It was adorable!!! I immediately wrote the name down of the luggage and I bought one today!!!!

Is this not the most adorable little luggage ever???? It opens up just like a suitcase, and you can do this.....

 

I think this is a brilliant idea! We were in Homewood today doing a little shopping, I originally went in a store to "see" about purchasing a new stroller-a bugaboo- (when we were in NYC- they were everywhere!) TK was sweating bullets, just thinking about it, but they were sold out of the model I wanted. TK was relieved- ha! But, we did manage to purchase this cute little Trunki!!! And it was 50% off!!!!! We cant wait to use it on our next trip! Jax has been pulling it all over the house and riding it all afternoon! 

You can go here to view all models and purchase one!

Wednesday Recipe #4

Maybe I can get this posted before midnight!

PoppySeed Chicken
(this is my version)

1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 16oz container of sour cream
1 sleeve of ritz crackers
1 stick of salted butter
1 teaspoon of poppyseeds
4-6 large chicken breast- deboned

After Chicken is finished cooking and deboned- pull apart and set aside. Mix both soups and sour cream together- add chicken to mixture. Melt the stick of butter and set aside. Pour the soup/chicken mixture into a casserole dish, then crumble the whole sleeve of crackers on top of the mixture- pour melted butter on top of the crackers and sprinkle the poppy seeds to top off. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes- until the edges are bubbly- if the crackers are not covered in butter- they will burn- add more butter during baking if needed. Enjoy!!!!

Hopefully tomorrow, I will be standing in the middle of......

I can't wait!!!!

Wednesday Recipes Week 3

Easy Sausage Muffins
1 roll of sausage hot or mild
1 can of cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 cups of Bisquik 
1/2 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350. Brown Sausage. Grease muffin pans- (makes 12-16 regular size and about 32 mini muffins) Mix all other ingredients. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. ENJOY!

Winter 2010

These pictures pretty much sum up these past few months. Having boys is so much fun!!!
The picture on the bottom left is brantley and my nephew Kaden, the one on the right is TK and Bantley playing football. We hope the weather gets warm soon! We love the outdoors!

Boys having fun!!!

We can't wait until Spring!!! Soccer season is almost here! I know that Jaxson is going to have to be dressed out too! I am a true soccer mom! I admit it- huge SUV and all!

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

TK's little sister is 19 today! So hard to believe!
Happy Birthday Aunt LaLa!

Just realized.... I forgot the Wednesday Recipe!!!!

For the second week... Since I have been super busy this week... I will do TWO super easy ones!!


Paula Deen Peanut Butter Cookies
**This recipe came from one of her shows about 4 years ago.

1 cup of Peanut Butter
1 cup of sugar or splenda
1 tsp of vanilla
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together, roll into balls, place on greased baking sheet, flatten with a fork, bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with sugar- enjoy!!!


Corn Souffle

1 Stick of Butter
2 cans of sweet cream corn
1/2 of sweet onion- chopped
1 box of jiffy corn muffin mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter, pour into bottom of baking dish. Mix all other ingredients together, pour into dish on top of butter, bake on 350 for 30-35 minutes. Once done, the souffle will be a slightly brown on top. ENJOY!!!

More pictures....

Here are a few more pictures from dinner. Yes, the Aquarium in Nashville, is a restaurant. Make reservations!!!!! We ate around 7ish so it was great! Seems kinda weird to eat seafood inside of an aquarium to me.......just thought about that! The 2nd picture above is of Bella and Brantley. The bottom is of me and my friend Kim. We are now ready for the next trip!!!

Nashville Aquarium

Last weekend, it was rainy here in bham so, we loaded up and headed to Nashville with the Binghams. We had a great time! Our kids are all close in age, so it was a very fun trip! Our table was right next to the huge tank in the center- so the bottom picture shows what the kids did most of the time!

I heart NYFD

This has to be one of the best photos from Haiti yet!!!

I heart saving money!

I think my husband is so proud of me! I think. I have started clipping coupons and taking advantage of great deals lately! I have always loved to grocery shop at Publix- but in reality I thought, I could go to Wal-Mart and save money. I WAS WRONG!!!  Publix not only will take all coupons- like wally world- will not, but they also double them- I think they double them up to .50. Not quite sure about that, but they double most! Publix also has coupons in the front of the store in the "free magazine" section. They also have BOGO deals- you only have to get one- and it is 50% off! Then if you have a coupon to go towards that- you save more! See how it works! I went Sunday night, while TK kept the boys, and I spent $87, but I saved $68.27 and that is groceries for 2 weeks! Did I mention they have several BOGO- so I bought a lot of groceries! A buggy full! My husband was amazed and this was a record! 2 weeks ago I only saved $25 and spent $60.

Rules for Saving:

1. take time- take 1 hour out of your week, to organize and clip= huge savings!

2. organize in catagories- organize into catagories. Example- Dairy, Frozen, Can goods,Deli/Meats, dry food items, snacks, baby items, toiletries, cleaning supplies

3. look for in-store coupons, BOGO, and only items you will eat/use- if you dont eat/use it- it is a waste

4. make a list on an envelope- make a list before you go- select coupons for stuff you are buying, then place them inside the envelope- so you have them available

5. Go to a store that doubles coupons!

6. Look online for printable coupons

7. Take time shopping! It has become like a therapy session for me!

These are just a few tips, that I have used and have been successful. Everyone has their own way. Also, save coupons from week to week- and some stores still except expired coupons. Good Luck! Please leave a comment if you have a success tip or story about saving money that we all need to know!!!

Happy Coupon Clipping!


A few Coupon resources-
http://www.iheartpublix.com/
http://www.coupons.com/
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.printablecoupons.com/
http://www.southernsavers.com/
http://www.afullcup.com/

We love, because He first Loved us. 1 John 4:19

Please click on this link to see how your money can help needs in Haiti. These are not all adults, they are children, babies, moms, dads, grandparents. All of these people are loved ones and someone's family. My heart breaks for these people! If I had the money- I would pack up and go help for a week or two- I know they need nurses! I often talk with co-workers of mine, if we had the money- we would voulunteer all of our time that we spend working, maybe one day we can! Until then, I have to pray and send what little I can. Click on the link above to see what Compassion is sending to Haiti, but they need YOUR help!

Wednesday Recipes Week 1

Each Wednesday I will post a new recipe. Most are family recipes and some are my own! I cant promise you that any of these are served at a certain restaurant, but she does serve some of my grandmother's recipes, and they have been passed down to me. Most of these recipes will be easy, since I am the mommy of 2 boys, and still work part time at night. So they will be easy to say the least! Hope you enjoy!!!

Not Your Grandma's Coconut Cake

I know the thought of coconut cake- is not very good- but this cake is awesome!!! Not your grandma's coconut cake!!!

You will need:
9x13 pan
1 Butter cake Mix- (bake cake in 9x13 pan according to the directions on the box, and with the ingredients listed on the box- most call for 1 stick of butter, 1 1/3 cup of water, 3 eggs)
1 Can of Coco Lopez- (coconut milk mixture)
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 tub of whip cream
1 small package of coconut flakes (optional)

While you are baking your cake- according to the directions on box, mix 1 can of coco lopez with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, set aside. (Make sure the whip cream stays in the fridge until you are ready to serve!)
After cake is done baking, once out of the oven, poke with a sraw or fork- all over cake- several holes!!! (make sure the cake is still hot/warm- or it wont turn out right)
Then immediately, pour coco lopez/condensed milk mixture all over cake- mixture will seep into cake.

Let cake sit for 30-45 minutes- once the cake is cool- you can then add the whip cream topping and sprinkle coconut flakes on top. Ready to serve!
Store in the refridgerator!!! It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

The longer this cake sits, the better it is!!! It is super easy! I usually make it the day before I am going to serve it.

To make it fun- you can add food coloring to the whip cream and/or to the coconut flakes- to make it perfect for each season! My favorite is to color the whip cream green and the coconut a little darker green- then add jellybeans for Easter!

We are the Champions My friends.........

We did it!!!! BCS Champions!!!!

                                            Hey Saban, is that a smile I see?

A lot of help from T. Cody (aka- Mt. Cody) and 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram, with these two no one could stop the tide!

This is one reason he won The Heisman!

Touchdown Alabama! This just might be the next Heisman winner, Trent Richardson.

My heart goes out to Colt McCoy- what an awesome interview at the end of the game!!! As much as I love The Crimson Tide- Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy have been favorite players of mine too!

What a perfect game!! It even started off with this awesome duo- I heart Josh Groban!!!!

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