Full of Thanks...

I have so much to be Thankful for and I pray that I express my Thankfulness everyday; in everything I do...

"And whatever you do, in word and deed, do in the name of Christ Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3.17

As we're driving the state of Tennessee (so thankful for Ray and his love for driving at night in the mountains...ha!), I've been thinking what makes Thanksgiving...Thanksgiving to me. Hands down...Family and Pumpkin Roll. As a child we always had to leave in the middle of the Macy's parade to go to my Great Grandmothers in Bells...at the time I didn't look forward to it, but now what I would give to go back. We would get home just in time to have Grandma Mullen's delicious Thanksgiving dinner...oh I miss her mac n cheese, dressing and gravy. For the past 6 years, we've been spending Thanksgiving at Ray's grandparents...new/different, but good traditions....Michigan Rummy here we come! Enjoy what makes Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving to you!

Worth the 2 hour drive...

November 23, 2009

to Greenwood, MS...I've taken classes in Memphis, but hands down Greenwood is so much better...did you know that is where the Viking appliance factory is located? Em and I both enjoyed ourselves. Mary Helen was our instructor for both the Steakhouse class and the Holiday's Sweets Class. I really liked the Steakhouse class the best...10 people, all the wine you want...plus we learned to cook a great dinner and bananas foster (my new favorite dessert). I'm so excited I could go on for hours, but I will leave you with a few pictures instead (most of my pics are from Saturday morning, I was too into Friday night to take pics). Now, Greenwood is not the best city, but the street with the Alluvian and cooking school is quaint with a great variety of shops. I can't wait to go back...

Getting ready to make homemade marshmallows...

Hmmm...I need to tell Santa I need this bendable measuring cup...

Look at the bananas foster...on fire...

While Em was icing our Gingerbread scones...I was tasting our delicious White Chocolate Hot Cocoa.

In the middle of our sweets class they served us this delicious pot pie

Lily was all smiles to see her momma...

What's good...

Lily knows...sonic cherry limeades! I took a much needed vacation day and we're headed down to Greenwood...as an early birthday present to Emily, we are going to cooking school...wish us luck!

The Sights and Sounds

Of Memphis continues...with the Dixon and Central BBQ! I really think the kids and parents at the Ronald McDonald House enjoyed themselves last night...I know I did!

No need...

To start the oven if you live near The Fresh Market! These mini pumpkin cupcakes make an excellent fall dessert and the perfect morning tailgate snack. Go Vols (beat the Rebels)!
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Here you go...

Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Downtown Dining...

November 11, 2009

If you are in the Memphis area...check out 2009 Downtown Dining. We have some awesome restaurants downtown and what a great way to enjoy them with 3 courses for $20.09. Stephanie and I enjoyed Itta Bena Monday night. Yum! I'll save you a call...Felicia's is booked all week.

Tonight, I went to dinner with mom and dad at Fresh Slices...they have a special...2 flat iron steaks (that were awesome), 2 baked potatos, 2 salads and 2 drinks for $17.99...now that is a delicious dining deal. Happy Eating!

Because of all the request I am getting...I just might take a picture of my new hair cut this weekend...that is if I can get Ray to go the the Ole Miss/TN game and we win!

I took 50 pictures...

November 9, 2009

of Lil and Em on Sunday and I love them all...most of them are just of Lil playing, but I took a few of them together in the cotton...here are just a few of my favorites...

Longing to be on the tractor with Daddy...

Helping pick up leaves...

Momma and Daughter...

What's that noise?

Lily already has her power shopping walk down!

4th time...

November 8, 2009
that I have tried to post today...seems when I try to add a picture everything freezes...so recap...
Friday night we had the best time at Barkitecture (a benefit for Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue & Weimaraner Rescue). We went with our friends Jennifer & Scott (who have a Golden and foster them often) and Kembree & Tony (who love dogs and helping a good cause)...they had a great silent auction and professional designed dog houses that were auctioned off. Last night I made some new recipes...that deserve a post on their own. Delicious! Today Ray had to go to the office, so I decided to go visit Em and Lil. It was a beautiful day, so we spent most of it outside...Lily loved looking for the tractors. Really enjoyed the weekend, except for my trip to get my hair cut...I wanted a change, but didn't want this big of one...it is much shorter than I wanted...the shortest it has ever been...I just hope it grows fast!

Friends and Football

November 4, 2009
After my review on Friday, we drove to a cabin (way past Knoxville...sorry girls) to spend the weekend with some college friends and their families. We had the best time hanging out at the cabin catching up...On Saturday morning, we headed to Knoxville to tailgate before the TN/SC game. The rain stopped around noon just as we pulled into our tailgate spot, but by kick off at 7:45...it was coming down pretty hard. However, rain could not stop the great time we had together.
Adeline and Kate taking a bath before bedtime...

Sweet Evie enjoying all the action...

Mike pumps us up with his version of Rocky Top (love it)...

Kate (and her Momma Allison) enjoys her first tailgate...

The Girls...Check out Kate as the cute Chicken for Halloween...Adeline and Evie were pumpkins! The 'little' girls seemed to all three love the tailgate...they were all so good and fun to be around!

Frogg and Chris admire the scenery...

Look at Evie trying to get Maria's beer...from the look of her face, I don't think she will be a beer drinker Sarah!

Special game for the Linder's...Dan is a SC grad...sorry for your lose Dan (wink)!

Ray in his orange...