Bye, Bye 2008

December 31, 2008
I've been typing 2009 for months now...I guess I have been ready for the new year for some time. Definitely the highlight of 2008 for me was July 15th - the day my niece, Lily, was born (I bet nobody would have been able to guess that!!!) and the downfall was March 12th the day Hallmark.com announced they were closing and we were all loosing our jobs. In talking to friends, they too will be happy to usher out 2008 tonight. For the first time in years, we have New Years plans. I'm looking forward to getting dressed up and going out, I guess because we just don't go out much anymore. Did enjoy New Years eve, eve at the Grizzles vs Suns game in the box with my team at work. It was fun to cheer on my cousin Branden's favorite player, OJ Mayo. Mayo is a rookie and really fun to watch. Did enjoy watching Shac dunk...hello, just let him stand on his tip toes and the ball goes in! My pictures didn't turn out well, so I'll leave you with a picture of Lily setting at the adult table on Christmas Eve! Happy New Year to you and yours!

Lazy Saturday...

December 27, 2008
Relaxing today after a wonderful Christmas. It was so fun with Lily this year. She had the best time and we all had the best time watching her. She loved all her gifts especially her red wagon, baby doll and rocking chair. I ate way to much delicious food and enjoyed every minute of it. Ray got me an SRL camera and I'm beside myself with joy! Now, I am reading all about the settings, so I can be a professional soon.

Lily and all of her gifts from Santa...

Ray and Caleb loved the 'Flying Monkey's' that were in their stocking.

Merry Christmas...

December 25, 2008

Yes, we are wind blown...we are in San Francisco watching the sunset over the Pacific ocean. What a beautiful day and a wonderful memory!

Merry Christmas Eve...

December 24, 2008
So the stockings are hung and our dinner is ready. Headed to mom and dads for church and then everyone will come back to our house for our annual Christmas Eve dinner (shrimp and grits, beef tenderloin, Ray's smoked turkey and some sides). For the first time, I had to work on Christmas Eve (I thought this was a Holiday?!?). Needless to say, I was very bitter this morning and even missed Ray's Christmas lunch, but this is behind me now and I am so excited for Christmas...(make note...must save a vacation day next year). Besides the warm front, this afternoon has been great. I have been thinking today that besides going to church, we really don't do much to celebrate the birth of Jesus. When Lily gets bigger (or if we ever have kids), I'm going to start baking a birthday cake for Jesus. Email me if you have any traditions you would like to share. I'll leave you with one of mom and dad's Christmas card pictures...we thought when grandchildren came, we wouldn't have to be in the picture anymore, but we thought wrong! Merry, Merry Christmas Eve to everyone.

Tis the Season...

December 22, 2008
for beautiful Christmas music. Mom and I got up early on Saturday to finish our shopping. I love Christmas music and what a treat it was to hear this live group while at Saddle Creek. Have you heard Faith Hill's A Baby Changes Everything? I plan to catch her special on Tuesday night...must get her album.

I leave you with some of my favorite spots in our house at Christmas...I love our stockings and cherish all the Christmas cards we receive!

Go Vols...

and as promised our 9 ft tree (I so hope Santa brings me an SRL, so I can really capture the pure beauty of the lights)!

Sausage Balls

December 21, 2008
Sauce
1/2 c ketchup
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c wine vinegar
1/2 t ginger

Roll 2 lbs sausage into balls and bake at 350 until done. Drain on paper towel. Marinate sausage balls in sauce overnight. Warm in a crock pot. Delicious!

Don't let the grits pop and burn you...

December 18, 2008
Due to an overwhelming request, below are some of the recipes from our Cupcakes and Cheer party...

Shrimp and Grits
4 cups water
1 cup instant grits
3 T butter
2 c shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 slices bacon, chopped
4 t lemon juice
1/2 c thinly sliced scallions
1 t minced garlic
hot sauce to taste

Cook grits according to directions. Add salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese. Rinse shrimp and pat very dry. Fry the bacon in a skillet until browned, drain well. In bacon grease, add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Add lemon juice, chopped bacon, green onions and minced garlic and saute for 3 mins. Add shrimp mixture to grits. Add hot sauce to taste. I like to serve these in martini glasses and garnish with a cooked shrimp.

Bobby Dean's Pimento Cheese Spread
6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 c grated sharp Cheddar
2 c grated Monterrey jack
1 c mayo
1 t Paula Deen's house seasoning (salt, peeper, garlic powder)
5 T smashed pimentos
1 t grated onion
Cracked black pepper

Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until well blended.

I know you still want the homemade meat ball recipe and the spinach cheesecake, but mom made those, so as soon as she gives me her recipes I'll post them...
Happy Cooking!

Happy 5 months to Lily Brooke!

Cookie Swap

December 14, 2008

Went to Emily's for a cookie exchange this afternoon. Emily and 2 of her friends have a cookie swap each year, but this is the first year I have been in town to attend. Brought home 20 different kinds of cookies (that Ray is enjoying). Had a great time! Seems like everyone works so hard to get ready for a party and then 2 hours later it is over and you are left with lots of food...must plan after parties going forward!

Lily loves the Hallmark singing snowmen!

Cupcakes and Cheer

December 13, 2008

Mom and I hosted a 'Cupcakes & Cheer' party! So enjoyed getting ready for the party and I think FUN was had by all...

And Lily slept the entire party!

The 5 Spot...

December 11, 2008
Last night, we had our UT AXO alumni Christmas dinner. There are 6 of us in Memphis, but just 4 of us get together often. We started the celebration at Spindinis for appetizers and drinks...then onto one of the best kept secrets in Memphis, The 5 Spot. It is a small dive behind E&H on Main Street. There are only 5 tables and you bring your own wine. Food was FABULOUS and the music was very fitting. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the company. However, it was a little cold last night, hence why we are all eating in our coats!

Not sure about you...

December 10, 2008

but I need a Lily fix! Can't wait to see her on Saturday. Been cleaning this week, getting ready for the Christmas party that mom and I are having at my house on Saturday. I have my decorations up, but have still not decorated the tree.

The last 48...

December 7, 2008
hours were spent in Kansas City on a girls weekend. Absolutely had the best weekend shopping, eating, drinking and laughing with some of my favorite college girlfriends. I love being together with them and due to our locations we don't get to see each other nearly enough...so here's to a fabulous weekend. We took this picture on Friday night at the Plaza and it turned out so good, we didn't take anymore. Very relaxing weekend, but I didn't check off any of my Christmas shopping.

It's here...

December 4, 2008

We got our Christmas tree! As you can see from the picture, it was a tight fit in the car getting it home. Next year, we will be able to get a 20 ft tree and bring it home in Ray's new truck...it's here too!

Happy Birthday...

December 2, 2008
to Emily. We celebrated her birthday with a family dinner on Sunday night. Celebrate Big Emily! We Love You!

Home...

December 1, 2008

Sweet Home...we got home about 10:30 pm Saturday night. The traffic was horrible both ways, but we made it safely to his grandparents at noon on Thanksgiving. After dinner and a few games of Michigan Rummy with his family, we made it to Asheville at midnight. Enjoyed some time in downtown Asheville with his sister and her boyfriend on Friday, but the rest of the weekend was spent relaxing with his parents and reading all the Black Friday Ads. We drove straight through Knoxville on Saturday afternoon as it was raining and 35 degrees...not the best game weather. But how I would have loved to see Fulmer run through the T with his family, shook his had during the Vol walk and cried as the players carried him off the field at the end. Tennessee Football will always Fulmer Football to me.

Ray and Ashley let me take some photos on Thursday...how I hope Santa brings me an SLR.

Ashley and AJ

Warning...This is a long one...

November 25, 2008
We will be leaving after work tomorrow and driving to Ray's grandparents for Thanksgiving. Then onto Asheville to spend the weekend with his parents. Might even catch Fulmer's last game. Tonight, I've been baking and the house smells so yummy! However, this time last year...I was in the KC airport. I was due to depart on a 2 pm flight that got canceled. I eventually got home at 12 am, just in time to repack and leave the next morning for Ray's grandparents. At that time, instead of getting mad like everyone around me, I decided to make a top 25 - I am Thankful for list...I read it often and on July 15th I was able to add Lily to my list. Since I plan to print this blog at the end of the year, I want to print my list so I can always have it to revert back to when things are not going so well.

I am thankful for (in no particular order):
1. My trust and faith in God
2. Family - my parents, my sisters and brother in law, my sweet niece,
my one living grandma, my in-laws and extended family
3. My loving, devoted husband who understands (and says he loves) everything about me
4. Friends (new and old)
5. Living near family
6. Time spent at home with Ray (when the house is clean :))
7. Beach Trips - the sun on your skin, the sound of waves crashing and the sand between your toes
8. Good recipes
9. On time flights
10. Well made plans
11. Reuniting family and friends – even watching people I don’t know at the airport reunite
12. Becoming an Aunt
13. Clean Sheets
14. Work – the people I have meet and learned from. Feeling appreciative for a job well done. Sell outs. (Remember this was last year, so HMK!). In '08, I am very thankful I now work for a company who is making good profits, where I have met some great people and that will hopefully let us leave early tomorrow!
15. My ability to see, hear, talk, read, walk, think, smell, and enjoy life
16. Cold, sunny days
17. Bath Time
18. Unexpected events that make you smile
19. Sunglasses
20. Good Health
21. Warm socks, scarves and hats
22. Tennessee football
23. Clothes that fit
24. Fast, wireless internet
25. Smiles, Hugs that give an extra squeeze and don’t pat your back

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Below is Ray's granddaddy enjoying his coffee after eating on Thanksgiving Day '07 .

Did you get yours...

November 24, 2008

I just got home from a day of work and a night of Jr. League to find a huge stack of mail! I do love mail. I was so excited to see that Hanes actually sent my free undies...did you get yours (sorry that GA is excluded, Torrey)?

Another one gone...

November 23, 2008

weekend that is...did a lot of cleaning and cooking. Really enjoyed myself. Emily came to Memphis to do a little shopping, so we got to catch a peak of sleeping Lily on Saturday(look at those adorable cheeks!). I've had several people ask for my pork tenderloin recipe recently, which had me craving it. So today I cooked two and twice baked potatoes...took one to some friends who recently had a baby and we ate the other. Below is the recipe for everyone to enjoy. Here's to a good week...

Pork Tenderloin (there are two in one package, I wrap them together)
1 pound cheap bacon (so it is thin)
1 stick butter
½ c. worchershire
½ c. brown sugar
Wrap tenderloin in bacon.
Mix worchershire sauce, brown sugar, and melted butter. Pour mixture over meat.
Bake for 2 ½ hours on 350 covered with foil. Take foil off last 30 minutes of cooking.

Ray's moms Pineapple Glaze
1 c brown sugar
1 T corn starch
¼ t salt
1 small can of crushed pineapple in juice
2 T lemon juice
1 T yellow mustard
Mix in sauce pan. Stir constantly and boil over med heat for 3-5 mins.

Not much...

November 20, 2008

has been going on this week. I have had a horrible cold/sinus infections, but I am happy to report that I am breathing out of my nose again! Tonight, I went with mom to her school's 'Girl's Night Out,' which was a fundraiser...we had dinner and then they had 30 booths of different craft and gifts. It was fun and I hope they raised a lot of money! I haven't had anything to take a picture of this week, so I will leave you with what else but a picture of cute Lily and her momma. Lily has cut 2 teeth over the last week (and she is only 4 months).

Becoming members...

November 17, 2008

is what Ray and I did on Sunday. Members of 2nd Presbyterian. We have been visiting for a couple of years...at first I thought it was too big, but once we got involved we realized it was the perfect place for us. They have a rather lengthy membership process, which is really just a good way to get to know the church and its family and for the church to get to know you. Mom, Molly and Logan came to our instillation on Sunday. Then we went to Jasons deli for lunch and home for a lazy Sunday. You know I love to take pictures, but I'm not one to take pictures in church, so instead of a picture of Ray and I in our Sunday best, I leave you with Lily laughing as Uncle Ray is playing peek a boo!

Happy 4 Months to...

November 15, 2008
Lily Brooke! Made cupcakes to celebrate Lily's 1/3rd birthday. Emily and Lily came over and we had a very enjoyable day. We ran to Bass Pro and Dicks Sporting goods to do a little Christmas shopping...let me tell you today is the last time I hope I have to go towards Wolf Chase till after the Holiday season. It took us 30 minutes in the drive through at Chickfila...then we parked and ate in the car (that is when Lily got out of her carseat and hung out with the big girls!). Mom, Grandma, Molly and Logan came over in the afternoon and we hung out and had dinner (and cupcakes). I am so thankful to live close and to be close to my family. Very enjoyable day!

Finally Friday...

November 14, 2008
Enjoyed Brandi's baby shower during lunch today...great food and cake. She got so much great stuff! Ray and I just got home from a dinner date at Andrew Michael's Italian Kitchen. Very quaint atmosphere...in a refurbished old house on Brookhaven Circle. Great story. Michael in 'Andrew Michael' and his wife Katie are in our couples fantasy football league. Food was Excellent...the salad I had was perfect. I had MawMaw's homemade raviolis and cleaned my plate. Ray had the halibut and it was delicious. We were going to the show, but there is really nothing good out...Ray wanted to see 007, but secretly I was glad it was sold out because we made it home before Lipstick Jungle. I love this show and am so upset to hear that NBC dropped it...at least TLC still has Army Wives. Happy Weekend to you all.

Max Speed 45 mph...

November 13, 2008
Ray finally bought one of his dream toys...a 1948 Chevy flat bed truck (with 5 windows). He has been bidding on ebay for years and finally got it for the price he was willing to pay. It is on its way here from Minnesota. His plan is to paint it Tennessee orange with black wheel covers. The bed will open up flat to create the 'ultimate tailgating machine' equipped with a dish hook up for a flat screen. I might see if we can add a plug in, so we don't have to eat cold corn dip any longer. The kicker is that it doesn't run, but Ray is sure he can get it to run by football season '09 (or '10)...we shall see.

Pretty Trees

November 11, 2008

Today marks my 3 month anniversary at work. Yes, it feels like 13! Anywho...one of my favorite things about living in Knoxville was how beautiful the trees were in the fall. I can remember a certain spot on campus where you could sit and enjoy the beautiful trees all day! Well, now I can sit on my front porch and look at a beautiful tree...Ray removed our oak and replaced it with a dogwood 2 years ago...I didn't really think much of it when he did it, but now I am so happy!