When Life Gives You: Bananas & Chicken...

Might I suggest: Frosted Banana Bars & Wanchai Ferry!?

Last night we had Wanchai Ferry & Frosted Banana Bars and because I don't like to keep too many secrets {especially not good ones}... I thought I'd let y'all know that you may want to try both of these! The Banana Bar recipe {that I've linked to above} is not my own... but it's close enough. Keep in mind these are bars and if you've made Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll you oughta have a "jelly roll pan" {10x15} handy!

I really like Chinese food, but under normal circumstances will only eat it "to go". When I have my choice I get General Tso's chicken. It tastes really good but you have to first make sure you don't cut the piece of chicken in half, then when you place the chicken in your mouth, be sure to close your eyes as you take it from your plate to your mouth, and then chew fast and swallow. Whatever you do.... don't cut the pieces of chicken in half and try to identify what part of the chicken you are eating. Remember, you got this from the local Chinese restaurant* and you wouldn't want to actually eat it there either, unless you are 100% sure you are fully vaccinated.

If you are psycho like me, you will really like Wanchai Ferry! It's easy and convenient and you have full control over what is in your meal! The Sweet and Sour Chicken is my favorite but can be a tad too sweet. The solution: a little crushed red pepper flakes! The girls love it too! I used the smaller size {not the family size pictured above} and I probably should have used the family size but I didn't see it! Maybe it's only available through Amazon!? Next time I order my groceries online... Anyway, if you try it, you may want to make a little extra rice. And if you're going to make extra rice please make sure it's not "minute rice"... can I suggest Jasmine rice? It's more authentic and tastes really good! Sure it doesn't take 5 minutes, but if you have any children or a husband I guarantee it will take them the 25 minutes it takes to cook the rice to get their carcasses to the table. So, I suggest you say, "Dinner's ready!" when you put the rice in the pot and by the time it's ready your little family will be sitting down ready to eat! :)

Now, a post only with pictures of Wanchai Ferry, rice & B-A-N-A-N-A s wouldn't be fun... so here are the girls before school yesterday. Paige sat down and took her shoes & socks off before we walked out the door.... what a little stinker!

*not all Chinese restuarants are dirty and gross... just most of the ones I've been in

What can I say?

I can think of nothing to say besides THANK YOU for enlightening me on the latest tv shows and purse trends. I still don't get exactly how "Dog" gets paid but maybe I'll figure it out soon. Until then, I'll just tune in and enjoy it. Erika and I were talking today and we both agreed it's one of those shows that you really don't want to watch but you can't help it.... she mentioned the Playmates show and I abashedly confessed that I have been caught in the trap and actually watched that one too! Oh my goodness, I need to get on my knees! :)

Also, thanks for filling me in on the faux Dooney's. I clearly have been out of the loop on that one.

Little John Martin is getting to be such a big "little man" {as we call him}... and boy is he a charmer. He can give me that smile and he already knows that it will melt my heart into a puddle.

Good night friends! My brain is feeling tired and concocting a post of any depth will have to come another day!

I Can't Believe I'm Posting This...

It should be illegal to post these pictures after posting my sweet little 2-year olds face yesterday... but there are two things I need to know. And since every time I ask y'all questions you come through with flying colors for me.

I am rather ashamed to be asking both of these questions. Neither have any importance from an eternal perspective but both are questions that have been on my mind the last 24 hours.

FIRST

Last night Justin took the girls to church and I stayed home with little man. He had a bath and was in bed by 7... so guess what? I was too. I crawled into bed and turned on the tv. Go ahead, cast your judgement... we have a tv in our bedroom! Thankfully we are self disciplined tv watchers... if such thing can exist. I waste about 30 minutes a week on tv. Usually it's the very depressing news that I watch... or the weather. Anyway, you'll never believe what I wasted my time on last night.... you really won't believe me. I pushed in 3-3 on the remote. 33. That's TWC {The Weather Channel}. And I pushed in 3-3 because I was too lazy to push 3-7 which is TLC {The Learning Channel}, so I just push 3-3 and then the up arrow 4 times to get to 37, which is where I was hoping to find Jon & Kate plus 8. Well, somewhere between 33 and 37 I found this:

Dog: The Bounty Hunter. Yes, I watched it. The whole episode. I think I was so in shock by him and his wife, Beth that I couldn't figure out what exactly is that they do. From what I gathered, they hunt down criminals who have warrants out for their arrest but they aren't licensed law enforcement...?? Anyway, they catch these tool bags and take them to the police station and drop them off... already handcuffed. Then they're off for the next tool bag. But, who pays them to do this stuff... besides A&E? They drive these pimped out cars and appear as though they aren't too bad off. So, what is plaguing my mind {ok, exaggeration} is: who pays Dog to do this? That is what I'd like to know. And, if you are ever up for wasting your time jaw-dropping television... might I suggest Dog & his wife Beth.

SECOND

I can't believe I'm posting this either. This will probably show you that I'm still wearing high-waisted jeans and praying they come back in style soon. Heck, they probably are back in style and I don't even know it. If it doesn't happen on Dog: The Bounty Hunter or between my house and preschool... I just don't know about it... seriously! Ok, so in recent outings around town {ie- Target, Winn Dixie, etc} I keep seeing these people with these purses... I see them everywhere. And I apparently haven't gotten the memo yet because I don't know what they are or where they are coming from. All I know is that they look like a big black and white giraffe print and apparently come with different colored straps! Can someone please enlighten me?

Thanks! :)

Wordless Wednesday {The Raiger}

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. -Isaiah 40:11

Photo compliments of MommaSissy

Our Day on the Plains

As you can see we weren' t the only ones in Auburn for game day!!

We had an absolutely delightful time on our day trip to Auburn! Thankfully the Tigers barely pulled off a win. Here are a few highlights from our trip:

• carrying on adult conversation
• being with the man I love in the place where I met him and fell in love with him
• being with some great friends {Susie & Joe}
• running into handfuls of friends from Auburn days
• running into a few blog stalkers! :)

As I mentioned in my earlier post, Pop Pop just retired. These tickets were a gift to Pop Pop for his retirement from a colleague {so to speak}. Pop Pop's more of Gator fan so we were the gracious recipients. They weren't just "any" tickets. We had 4 tickets to a suite... aka: BOX seats! Now, this is not how I would prefer to watch every game because it definitely lacks the "stadium" feel... but the prime rib, desserts, and drinks... all at an endless supply, wasn't too bad! We didn't know {or so we thought we didn't know} the other folks in the box. Come to find out I knew one of the guys from my days at Auburn and Justin and Joe knew one of the other guys... unfortunately we didn't come to the realization until the game was over... we spent the first 3 hours staring at the back of their heads.

Here are some pictures from the box to give you an idea of the "feel"....The man in the orange shirt was sitting about 1 inch from Susie... although, they were separated by glass.

Cheering on the team seemed a little silly; I was quite certain they wouldn't be able hear us.

Ok, my next topic of conversation regarding our trip to Auburn would be the COEDs. I graduated from Auburn 7 years ago this December and I don't remember what we wore around campus but I guarantee we didn't wear what some of the girls on campus wear now. I seriously saw some booties hanging out from under dresses. Seriously! There was one young lady in particular who {I wish I had snuck a photo of} who had on an Adidas Tennessee t-shirt with a wide leather belt around her waist and thus created her own little dress. Yes, a t-shirt with a belt and VOILA her game day outfit. I couldn't believe my eyes. At least it was cost effective!

Speaking of COEDs... there were a couple young ladies in our box who decided to take full advantage of the free drinks and polished off the Michelob Ultra in a matter of a couple hours. I got to know them fairly well, as they were quite "friendly". At the end of the game one young lady told me she wished I could stay and hang out with her, although tempting, I politely declined her offer.

Here are a few more pictures:

This is Thomas Sparrow-- a good friend of ours. I'm sure there are a lot of y'all who know him. If you look up entrepreneur in the dictionary... there will more than likely be a picture of him next to it.

War Eagle!

Congrats, Pop Pop!

Last Friday was an action packed day, full of celebrating Pop Pop {Justin's father}! He is retiring and oh what a "to do" it all was! Friday afternoon was a wonderful celebration at his office... the whole theme: BASEBALL! He is pictured above with ALL his grandchildren {& GiGi}. Their shirts said "Pop Pop's Fan Club!". Morgan had cotton candy for the first time... can you tell what color she chose?

Friday night the celebration continued with a wonderful party, food, band, and LOTS and LOTS of people. Pop Pop arrived in high style in a stretch hummer and a complete entourage... police escorts and all!! I'm serious... they even stopped the traffic at every intersection between his house and party! I'm sure there were a few calls to the local news station and police office asking who was in town! :)

Today is his last day at the office and I know it will be bittersweet for him. He started this company 3o years ago and by God's grace it has turned into a very successful business! If my memory serves me correctly, it is the most profitable company in the state of Alabama! Way to go, Pop Pop! His employees love him and it shows!

And... I even had the privilege of meeting a very kind blog stalker at the party... I won't mention any names! We don't want Pop Pop to know she "blog stalks" from work! Well... at least it is his family she's stalking!! :)

Will I...

see any of y'all at the Auburn vs. Tennessee game this weekend?

picture stolen w/o permission from the blog of my friend Jennie-Marie

I've become best friends with this all week. Which is by far the best pump on the market... if you're expecting a baby this is all you need... trust me, I've been doing this for almost 4 years. I have the expensive "big mama" and I'm just not all that impressed and I prefer not to be plugged in and tied down.

Anyway, we're planning a night out on Friday and a day trip on Saturday so I'm stocking up for the little man! Will any of my blogging friends be there?

Since you asked...

**warning... this post contains inappropriate language... I'm sorry I can't help it sometimes**

As for the pumpkin muffins:

After 12 {yes 12} weeks I decided it was high time we actually all go somewhere besides the park. I fed the baby, changed his diaper and prayed that he would behave. I even allowed Morgan to go put her bathing suit on because she wanted to wear it under her clothes... don't ask me! She's 3. At Erika's recommendation we were on a mission to Sam's for a box containing 3 packages of Krusteaz Pumpkin Bread Mix. {Which wasn't anywhere where I thought I might find it and eventually after calling Erika and asking 2 employees we finally located it.} John Martin looks a little annoyed in this picture. He went from a little annoyed to "you'd think someone was stabbing him" annoyed.

Yes, I took a picture {to share with my mother} because this was what I thought was going to be a monumental accomplishment. Well, my monumental accomplishment turned into a monumental disaster. I tried to carry him. Nope. Can't push a giant Sam's cart with one hand & hold a screamer with another. So I strapped him back in and ran like hell to get out of there. A little old lady thought it would be appropriate to stop me on my run for the cashier to ask me "what is wrong with your baby?" I explained that nothing was wrong. She continued on to tell me that "really something must be wrong with him"... I was in no mood to converse with her about whether something was wrong or not. "Out of my way old hag!" don't worry I thought it but didn't say it. We proceeded to the check-out lane where the cashier lovingly rolled her eyes at me and I wanted to ask her if she thought I was enjoying listening to him. Anyway, we finally made it to the car where he decided he would stop crying. I called Justin on the phone and told him I would not be leaving the house again with all 3 for at least 12 more weeks. And I thought to myself this better be the best damn pumpkin bread I've ever tasted or I may never speak to Erika again!

So, the pumpkin muffins were made from this... and wait the story's not over yet...While preheating the oven to make the muffins my house begins to smell like smoke. What could it be? Morgan continued to say over and over again, "Mommy, something in our house smells nasty!" Well, lo and behold... we left taco shells in the oven from dinner the night before. They shriveled up, turned black and the whole house filled with smoke. I'd photograph them too but I threw the baking sheet on the patio and I see the family dog didn't think they were too bad.

Were they worth it... yes. They were good... for quick bread! You can't beat {no pun intended}: add water, oil, eggs & stir. I sprayed & floured the muffin pan too so they'd fall right now. They were especially good smothered in cream cheese that I creamed with a little sour cream & sweetened with a few tablespoons of sugar! Mmmm!

Last fall when I only had 2 kids my favorite recipe was Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll I really think I made 6 of them {Shireen, is this what you're making?!}... it's a little more involved than "mix and bake" but definitely worth it! Once I recover from this baking experience I may give it a shot again.

The shoes came from Shoe Carnival last fall and they say Brown's Landing in the sole.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I must confess I have a slight obsession with Fall. Being raised in Louisville, KY we actually had a "real" Fall there. Today's high is in the mid 80's but that feels cool for south Alabama. So, I'm going for it... fall shoes and pumpkin muffins! Mmm! The muffins taste & smell even better than they look... especially smothered in cream cheese. And the shoes feel even better than they look. I'm a flip flop/Chaco girl and these provide some much needed support after a long summer of no support!

My friend Tami is having a c-section this morning! In fact, sweet Mary Grace may already be here! I know she'd love it if you'd send up a prayer for them!

Bed bugs...

Morgan will be 4 years old in November. She's never had her picture made by a professional. Neither has the Raiger. Nor young John Martin for that matter. I'm glad I held out. Erika got a new camera several months ago and has had a few pointers from a pro. The results have been second to none. {For those of you who don't read her blog... she posted a different picture yesterday}. For weeks I've been telling her I want pictures made in our bed. Is that weird? I don't think so. It's one of my most favorite spots in our house. If we'd allow it, all the kids would sleep there with us. Erika wasn't sure she could capture it. The walls are dark and she wasn't sure there was enough light... I'm not an expert but they look pretty good to me.

She and Chance were coming back through town to pick up the pups and said, "We'll be there in about 15 minutes... if you still want me to take your pictures take a shower and get ready." Well, needless to say, I went without a shower. One day she'll realize you can't call a mother of three and say "take a shower" because unless the munchkins are sleeping it's merely impossible. This is what she captured upon her arrival...








I've not done a post on our bedroom so I'll incorporate some info in this post and consider it the "bedroom remodel" post.



Our bedroom before {rather atrocious}:

And after {please ignore that my comforter is not in a duvet}:

I believe Erika is doing another post today on my bedroom but here are the facts in case you are wondering...

• the walls are Java by Eddie Bauer Home for Lowe's
• the headboard is Pottery Barn {but Erika found it at Goodwill... score!}
• the sheets are Vera Wang for Kohl's
• the pillows are by yours truly {the monogramming not the actual assembly}
• the nightstands came from TJ Maxx
• the lamps came from Hancocks Fabrics
• the kleenex box came from Walmart
• the drapery rods came from Lowes
• the curtains came from JcPenney {Wendy Thermal-lined pinch pleated}

I think that's it! And now I'm really bothered by the fact that I took these pictures {several months ago} before I realized that I had the wrong lamp shade on one of the lamps... they match now. Not that any of you probably noticed anyway!

Toodles poodles!