SBK 2K11

Well, SBK 2K11 is officially over...how did the week go by so fast?  There were no big trips, no big plans for me this year...I spent the week checking things off my to-do list (dr. appts, hair cut, etc) and spending time with the fam.  My DB had SBK this week as well, so the timing couldn't have been any better.

Since my grill got installed, I've been dying to try it out and grill some yummy burgers.  When Blake married my sister almost 6 years ago, I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into...not sure AK told him he would be gaining a sister that would be around ALL the time! haha  They are always so good to me and do so much for me all the time, I thought I'd whip them up a meal to show my gratitude.  We grilled burgers and corn, had pasta salad and a yummy chocolate chess pie for dessert...and yes, I made all of it!  I think I have permanently ruined my oven after spilling the pie everywhere, but it was worth it...it was all very tasty!

Momma Decker came in town on Thursday and we spent some time at one of our favorite places....The Summit!

Friday, my BFF Kinzi, texted me asking if I wanted to go on a random road trip for the day....to Mississippi.  I had nothing on the agenda for the day, so I thought, why not?  I always love a good road trip.  She needed to visit a customer in Columbus, MS.  Well, we got so caught up in conversation that Kinzi forgot to look at the GPS....so we missed a few turns and ended up in Meridian, MS!  It was such a cluster...Kinzi was crying and I was laughing...think we turned around in the median at least twice.  It all worked out because she had a client in Meridian she could call on while we were there.  We ate a yummy lunch and even found a super-cute boutique!

One of the biggest things on my list for this spring was to go with DB to the zoo.  This morning, I met the Crowes for a morning with the animals!  I think I had more fun than Katherine...I loved seeing all the animals and I, of course, took hundreds of pictures.  For some reason, I was DYING to ride the camel...but the line was too long. I fully intend to go back ASAP to pay the $5.50 for my camel ride.

Tomorrow marks the first day of spring...hallelujah!  I know we're all ready for sunshine and warm weather.  Whatever you did this week, I hope you had a great SBK 2K11!          

It's the Small Things

As I get older, I've learned it's the small things in life that are the most important...it's the small things that bring you the greatest joy and happiness.  I spent the weekend with three of the people that bring me the greatest joy...my mom, my dad, and my DB.  I can't even put into words how much fun we had.  Katherine is at a really fun age (2 1/2) and is beginning to act like a very big girl.  Enjoy our wonderful weekend fun through pictures!

K loved my new 'sun hat'!

Best snack ever

We finally found the dancing Mickey...I've done the 'Hot Diggety Dog' dance all weekend!

We met the Ferneaus' at Ichiban in Guntersville

Love my Aunt Jenn

YUM!

DB was a little scared of the flames...

Who doesn't love fireworks in the middle of March?!

Bath time with Dora

I seriously couldn't love my DB anymore than if she were my own child.

GrandBobby is a pro at bath time.  He decided to take over doing Katherine's shampoo and do to her hair what he used to do to ours....don't think this is Bobby's 1st rodeo!

Blast from the past...this is me at around the same age as Katherine. 

The expression on my face is identical to one that Katherine makes!

Round brush to the rescue...I gave DB her very first side-swoop!

'Hetti the Hippo' follows us into every room

The parentals have a Keurig that I covet...I drink LOTS of this when I'm at home.

Dee Dee is the best...she made Katherine homemade play-doh!

Happy Spring Break everyone!!!

Goodbye, George

This week marked a huge milestone for me.  I said goodbye to my lean mean fat grillin' machine George.  George and I have been together since I graduated high school...I won't tell you exactly how long that is.  I have always dreamt of the day when I could replace George with an 'adult grill'.  George was always very good to me, but he was hard to take care of and he always smelled a little funny. 

Last week, the Easter Bunny surprised me with a gas grill and it was installed on Monday...just in time for spring weather!  I am in love with "The Master" and haven't thought twice about George.  I am looking forward to using this grill for many years to come...now I just need to work on my grillin' skills! 

Thank you to the Easter Bunny for the best 'Bunny Pull' ever! 

March Recipe Club

Ashley hosted Recipe Club this month and she chose a Mardi Gras theme. I love Cajun food, but have never attempted to cook any of it....until now! Holy cow, these recipes were AMAZING! Every single dish was delicious. Not only were the recipes were great, but Ashley had her beautiful home decorated to a 't'! There were beads, boas and even some jazz music...I totally felt like I was in NOLA!  Everyone go check out our blog and make some of these dishes.  My personal favorite was Sister's bread pudding...I won't tell y'all how much of it I actually ate because it's down right embarrassing.

Ashley's beautiful dining room

Mardi Gras themed tablescape

Meghan's Mozzarella and Onion Stuffed Bread

Rhonda's Mardi Gras Salad

Meghan's Creole Tomato Salad

Caron's Red Beans and Rice

Liz' Okra Creole

Melanie's Mini Muffulettas

My Chicken and Sausage Jumbalaya

Ashley's Cajun-Baked Catfish

Sister's Pineapple-Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce (YUM!)

In addition to the bread pudding, Ashley had a king cake for us...yours truly was the lucky gal who got the baby in her piece.  I've heard it's supposed to bring you good luck for the year and I sure hope that's right.   It looks like Fat Tuesday hit our group a day early!  Ashley, thanks for a wonderful recipe club this month...it was a blast!

A 'W' and Chocolate Cake

Well, Mr. Darcy did it...last weekend he brought home the 'W' for his leading role in 'The King's Speech'!!!  I am so glad I pushed through my exhaustion Sunday night and stayed up to see him win...I'm not gonna lie...I teared up during his acceptance speech.  And not to mention he looked oh-so dapper all dressed up.

Not only did my man win for his role, but the whole movie won for best picture.  I was thrilled!!  I've waited years to see a movie bring the role of speech-language therapy into the spotlight.  Congrats to Colin and the entire cast...this SLP couldn't be happier for y'all!



To celebrate the big 'W' and in an attempt to curb my craving for something sweet, Momma Decker and I whipped up a chocolate sheet cake.  The parentals made a pit stop in B'ham on their way to the beach.  Now don't get too excited...it's not a 'real' chocolate cake.  For all you Weight Watchers warriors, it's our version of a 'real' chocolate cake.  haha  It's around 6 points plus value per slice.  I found the recipe on the WW website.  It was fairly easy, but it sure did require a lot of ingredients.  After being scolded for placing the cake on the wrong oven rack that ended up causing a little longer baking time, it finally was ready.  The reviews are in.....YUMMY!  It is very moist, light and fluffy.  Momma Decker and I LOVED it...Now, Daddy Decker wasn't such a fan...but he doesn't like 'light' things.  If you're like me and are used to eating 'fake' foods, I highly recommend it!

Happy weekend everyone!