Cake for Baby Drew

I have had this idea for making a baby shower cake for a while now, and I have been dying to make it. Since we are having a little party for a guy in our office who is expecting (this week actually), I thought it was the perfect time to try it. I made the cake last night and stuck it in the fridge, so I would have enough time to play around with it today in case I had to make an emergency call to order one at the last minute. The blocks were time consuming since I had to ice all the way around, but I thought it turned out OK. Of course it looks better in the cake decorating cookbook that I have, but they always do. I was a little disappointed in the icing and probably wont make the same kind again, but other than that it turned out as planned. I decided to spell out (Its a Boy) instead of doing all baby blocks. His name is going to be Drew and that is where the other letters came from. Connor went to sleep at 12:00 and is still asleep at 3:30! It worked out great and gave me some time to work on it without interruption!

My little Taekwondo baby

Here are some pictures of Connor playing with my sparring gear last night. Connor can officially start taking classes at 4, but I think he is ready now, dont you?!

Cute picture

I found this the other day when I was cleaning out a drawer and just couldn't believe what a sweet sister I was! Ha! I thought this was a cute picture of me and Brett. My guess is that Brett was about 1 or so and I was about 4. You can see Mom in the background making sure that Brett didnt take a tumble while the picture was being taken. I only hope that Connor has a little sister (or brother, but hey if I am picking...) that he can love on one day! Brett and I used to have so much fun together and we truly didnt fight as much as I hear most siblings do. Maybe I will get lucky with my two (one can only wish)! I am so thankful for all of the great memories that I have with my brother! I loved this picture so much, I had to share.

Old School Cafe

I wanted to take time to tell yall' about one of Spring Hill's best kept secrets (well, not to the locals). It is a meat n' three that resides inside the "old" Spring Hill High School, hence the name Old School Cafe. Brad and I found out about it after we had lived here for about a year of so from some friends and we fell in love with the wonderful array of southern delight! I wanted to post a picture so I searched online for the slim chance that I might find one somewhere. I didnt find anything, but I did see where Old School was mentioned on a guys blog who's passion in life is to find the best meat n threes in the south. He was very impressed by Old School! I also saw that Old School was portrayed on Tennessee Crossroad's. I was telling my grandparents about it and asking them if they had ever been, and they proceeded to tell me that my distant cousin actually owned the building! This school has always been a mysterious looking place to me. I am not sure what the last class for the school was, but I can remember riding by there when I was a little girl with Pawpaw on our way to his farm. I always thought it looked so spooky (probably because it was run down and vacant). It turns out that they were going to tear it down and Tim Neal saved it from destruction. I am not sure if he had a vision for its use when he bought it, but now it has a combination of retail stores, the restaurant, and a church also meets every Sunday in the gymnasium! I think it is so cool, especially since we live in the days of new strip centers being built on every corner only to leave the old behind vacant. I have always thought this was very sad, especially since my hometown of Rockwood is filled with them. Now if you are ever passing through the area ( I know slim chance...) check Old School out! The dining area is located in one of the old classrooms with decor portraying history and other classroomlike things. Brad and I even looked at an old annual from the school and low and behold the name on it was Patsy Neal (yes, another family member). If you are looking for the menu, you wont find one because the daily specials are written on the chalkboard! I think they do have a small menu if you dont want the daily specials, but you will have to ask for it. Now if it is fine dining you are after, dont come here but if you want a unique eating experience with some of the best southern food around, this is your place!

Oh, I forgot to mention they are only open for lunch on weekdays (Monday-Friday 11:00- 2:00). I know no dinner, bummer! Although for us it is a good thing or we would be there all the time! It is now our Friday daily ritual to have lunch at Old School. Connor loves it too!

47 Letters

I copied this from my friends Carrie's blog. This is also a very strong conviction of mine as well, and I hope you will consider taking the time to write a letter for the unborn!

January 22, 2008 was the 35th remembrance of the Supreme Courts decision on abortion.
I hope you have heard in the news about an amendment that is trying to be passed in the State Senate. You can read more about it from these two articles from today. Please take the time to read these and be informed.

tennessean

knoxnews

Here’s the deal:
A new proposed amendment could pave the way for abortion guidelines such as informed consent, a waiting period and hospitalization in a second trimester.
The next chance to vote on this would be in 2010 ( in the governor’s election year).
Getting that vote requires passage by both House and Senate this year and both chambers next year by a two-thirds margin.
If not, the next chance for an abortion amendment is 2014.
I cannot keep thinking about the fact that many women decide not to have an abortion if they are informed of what is actually going to be happening and understand what they are doing. That is a big issue! They have a right to know. And the baby has a right to live.
I know this is a sensitive topic…but this is my conviction. My hope is that we will speak up on behalf of the unborn babies that could not speak for themselves. More than 47 million of them. That is why I called this post “47 Letters.” We are writing on behalf of them. My hope is for 47 of you to take the time to write a letter…by email ( or handwritten if you wish- but make it quick) to the people who represent us and who will be making these decisions. I truly believe that they will listen and represent the people well-if they speak up. I am not telling you what to say…but make it brief, respectful, and genuine. You have an opportunity to make a difference!
Please read these tips before you write in.

Tips on Writing a Letter to Congress

Hear are the links for email. You can pick randomly or find your representative.
Tennessee Senators
Tennessee Representative ( you will have to click on “House” and “Members” )

Feel free to copy and paste this info and get the word out. The Senate will be looking at this amendment next Wednesday!

My little boy

I have been tagged by Carrie to write 8 things about Connor. So here they go...

1. Connor is an early bird. Regardless of whether or not he is awake yet or not, when I peak into his room and wake him up he has a huge smile on his face and is so happy to see me! I love that time with him!

2. Connor loves to splash at bathtime, so much so that I have to change clothes after most of them. He also loves to throw his toys outside of the tub. Thanks Daddy for encouraging this, now it is all he wants to do!

3. Connor still isnt walking... I am not complaining in the least little bit, however Daddy really wants him to master this skill soon. He is trying to stand up on his own now, but doesnt have much balance to walk on his own just yet. Of course he loves to cruise around the furniture and wherever he can hold on to something.

4. Connors favorite food are hot dogs! It is considered a choking hazard but dont worry we cut it up in little bitty pieces and he goes to town. He can eat a whole hot dog in about 2 minutes flat. It is challenging to find quick things to feed him because of his allergies.

5. Connor sleeps through the night like a champ now! It is so exciting for us and I finally have the energy to exercise and get things done during the day. I feel like the woman before the baby now, it is great! He goes to bed at 9:00 and sleeps until 8:00 most days we are home. He also naps very well, taking one 3 hour nap and sometime a second one for 1 hour.

6. Connor loves to play ball! I guess it only makes sense because he comes from a family of ball players! He is doing pretty well retrieving and throwing to us and as of right now it looks like he might be a lefty! He is dominant with his left hand on most everything.

7. Connor is a big boy now and only uses a sippy cup! No more bottles! Now we have to work on the paci...

8. Connor's new favorite thing is to ride his 4-wheeler powerwheel all by himself! The only problem is that he hasnt mastered the steering yet. He goes until he runs into the wall and then he cries for us to come and turn him around.

Now I tag you...Lacy, Brandi, Miranda, Tabitha R., Tabitha B., Nikki, Heather, and Amanda to write something about your kids. I cant wait to read them. Thanks Carrie for starting the trend!

Our lil' Vol

Connor was tuckered out by the end of the game that he fell asleep on Daddys shoulder.

On Saturday Connor went to his first Tennessee Volunteer basketball game with Mommy, Daddy, Grannie, Pops, An Am, and Pete! He had a great time seeing the campus where his Mommy and Daddy went to school. It was pretty chilly, so we didnt get to walk around much, but I think he enjoyed the game and I couldnt have asked for a better behaved little boy! Boy, was I worried! It turned out to be just fine. Once he go over the initial shock in the first 10 minutes he cheered and shook the shaker like the rest of the crowd. He looked like such a little boy in his UT jersey, Nike shocks, and Smokey cap. Thanks Aunt Benita and Uncle Brian for his new Tennessee outfit! You wont see any smiles in the pictures because Connor was too interested in people watching to focus on the camera. Thank you so much Pete for getting us tickets! We had such a great time and it was great to see a full house in the arena AND the Vols pull off another W! Connor is looking forward to going to many more games with his Daddy in the future! Go Vols!

Ride Horsey Ride!

Look at what is coming down at my house!

Connor is seeing his first snowfall tonight! I hurried home so I could snap a few pictures before it got too dark. Too bad that it had to get dark because now the roads, grass and everything are covered a lot more. I dont really like the white stuff much, but it is really beautiful! I loved Connors face when we left the sitters and he saw the flakes. He was so excited! I wanted to get some pictures because who knows when it will snow again...! You can tell we live in Tennessee, because you can hear kids screaming in delight outside because they are so excited to see snow! Have a great night!

Whats for dinner tonight

A couple of you have been kind enough to share some of your favorite recipes, so I thought I would share one of mine. I made it for dinner tonight and it has been one of our families fav's for a while. My Mom introduced me to the recipe and I fell in love with it since I LOVE any kind of Mexican dish! It is pretty easy, you should try it!

Burrito Pie

2 pounds of ground beef
1 onion chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 (2 ounce) can black olives, sliced (I omit these since Brad doesn't like olives)
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chili peppers
1 (16 ounce) jar taco sauce
2 (16 ounce) cans of refried beans
12 (8 inch) flour tortillas
9 ounces shredded Colby cheese

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground beef for 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 5 more minutes. Drain any excess fat, if desired. Mix in the olives, green chili peppers, tomatoes with green chili peppers, taco sauce and refried beans. Stir mixture thoroughly, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Spread a thin layer of meat mixture in the bottom of a 4 quart casserole dish. Cover with a layer of tortillas followed by more mixture, then a layer of cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat, cheese pattern until all the tortillas are used, topping off with a layer of meat mixture and cheese.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.

-Serve like a pie and garnish with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and tomato. If you dont like spicy foods, just omit the extra can of chilis. Enjoy!

Jammin' to my boom box

Connor loves to rock out to his John Deere boom box! Well... as much as you can rock out to The Farmer in the Dell. Isnt he the cutest?

Happy Birthday Grannie!

I love this picture of Connor and his Grannie playing!

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Grannie, Happy Birthday to YOU! I cant wait to see you this weekend!
Love you, Connor

We cant wait to see you too! I hope you had a wonderful day! See you on Saturday!

English Garden-Open for Business!

The KitchenGlass case full of Mom's goodies!What can I get into over here?Connor loves his Nonna!Pass the tea, please! Dining Room #1Connor really liked Aunt Linda's pretty necklace!


Dining Room #2 Dont worry! We got to him before he ripped the picture off of the easel.

Today we surprised Nonna by making the long trip to see her new Tea room! The English Garden Tea room and Gift Shop has been open for a little over a month now, but I am just now getting around to doing a post about it. I have been there to help them set things up, but I havent actually been there since they opened for business since it was around the time of the holidays and Connors birthday. We just hadnt had time to get down there. It is about an hour and twenty minutes from my house, so that makes it hard to get down there very often. However, as soon as Connor gets a little older I am really looking forward to helping out whenever I can. They have done a beautiful job and I cant tell you how proud I am of them for making their dream become a reality! I know many people who talk about doing something they dream about, but not many actually DO IT. They are incredibly blessed to have the resources to accomplish that dream and are very thankful for that. I hope that everyone from the area can arrange a visit to the English Garden and experience a "tea" there! If you have never had a "high tea", you are in for a treat. It is a custom that is indulged in everyday in England. It is a very relaxing and laid back way to catch up with friends or celebrate a special occasion. The English Garden is located in Gallatin, just outside the square on College Street. They are open from 10:00- 4:00 for the gift shop and 10:00- 2:00 for tea. Go and visit if you can!

Connor loves the outdoors

The other day when I opened the outside door that opens to the deck to refill Cooper's water bowl, Connor wandered outside. I was watching him of course, but I let him go to see what he would do. He crawled out there and just sat and observed like he was trying to enjoy the scenery. It was so cute! Sometimes he will just sit in front of the door and just stare forever. Since it wasnt too cold outside, I ran and got him a jacket and let him explore. He made his way to the stairs pretty quick so I guess we will have to get a gate pretty soon. I cant wait until Spring! We are going to have so much fun playing outside this year!

We are so proud of you Aunt Darby!

We are so proud of you Darby for finding a job so soon! For those of you that dont know and havent seen on her blog my best friend Darby just graduated with her teaching degree. She has been looking for a job for only a short while and has finally landed one as a Kindergarten teacher in Knox County! We are so happy for you Darby! You are going to be great!!!! She started today, so everyone pray for her as she starts her new career in teaching!!

This Mommy's favorite things of 2007

I have been wanting to do this for some time but havent seemed to find the time to sit down and actually do it. When I read Casey's latest post today I thought it was time for me to get out there what my favorite things were for Connor this past year and that we are still using now. I would love to encourage all of you other Mommy's out there to spread the wealth of knowledge too because I know there are things that I dont know about that could probably help me as well! Some things I have found pictures for, some I havent but I will do my best to describe them and they arent in any kind of order. If it werent for many of my friends telling me about new up and coming products I wouldnt have learned about several of these things.

1. Boppy- I know that this is something that most people register for these days and everyone has heard of it, but I still wanted to share how much I have used this even until this past month. Since I am an advocate of nursing, I used this and it helped me tremendously with this. As a matter of fact I couldnt nurse without it. Even until this past month I was using at bedtime with Connor. The reason I loved it was because I could put it around my waist and sit and rock Connor without the strain on my arms. It really helped to relax me so I could concentrate more on cuddling with Mr. Connor. I have LOVED mine!

2. Bouncy Seat- This was one of my favorite things for Connor when he was newborn up until he could sit up on his own. He loved to lay in this and watch Baby Einstein and play. The key here is not to spend that much money on one because they all work basically the same. I bought one for $15 at Walmart and it did the trick just fine.3. Playtex Nursers- If you are transitioning from nursing to bottlefeeding I love these. Even if you arent they are great because you buy the drop in liners and it is great not to have to scrub out bottles after every use. One bottle for the whole day is all you need.4. Ministar soft leather shoes- You can find these in various different brand names, but these are from Target and are only $12.99! They have elastic and stay on their feet very well and are great for when they are starting to walk. Right now I have been looking for shoes that will keep Connors feet warm but are soft and flexible enough to allow him to learn how to walk. These are great!

5. Snack Trap- This one is made by Munchkin is called something else, but you can find the Snack Trap at Babies R Us and other baby boutiques. I like the Munchkin one a little better because it is clear and you and the baby can see the food inside. I found these online and Connor loves them. It took him only a couple of tries before he figured it out and it is great for minimizing the messes he makes with the Cheerios!

6. Inchbug Name Bands- I found out about these from Connors sitter. They are only available at inchbug.com and are great for the church nursery, daycare, or any other place where there might be an abundance of kids and sippy cups. I also fell in love with these because it has two lines for words so I put his name on the first and his milk allergy on the second line. They fit on bottles too!

7. Munchkin Duck Bathtub- I loved this when Connor was about 5 months up until he was about 9 months. It is great for when they grow out of the baby tub and it is soft so they dont bang their head. Plus it has a fun feature- the beak makes a quacking sound! Connor loved this! The best thing is the price- $9.99!

8. Swaddle Me- As you know we had lots of trouble getting Connor to sleep his first year and I loved this when he was too big for the swaddling blankets but still small enough to be swaddled. He loved it!

9. Kiddopatomus Bibbity Bib- I hope I spelled this right! I love this bib because it is great at catching all of those little pieces that dont make it in Connors mouth (which is most of his meal). Connor likes to rip off his bibs with velcro and this one snaps which is another plus for me. It folds up great for the diaper bag too!10. Nuby Sippy Cup with a Straw- This is the only cup that Connor will drink out of to this day. He refused to tip the cup up to drink so I found these and they work great!11. Exersaucer- Connor loved this and it worked great for those times when he wouldnt nap and I HAD to get a shower or when I was trying to clean. I would put him in there in the bathroom with me and it worked like a charm most of the time. One of the hardest ages for me since Connor was born was from about 3-6 months because he couldnt sit up yet and there are only so many things that they can do lying down without getting tired of it. This was great to help him to strengthen those legs and play without having to lay on his back.12. Leapfrog Entertainer- I dont know what this is called but it is made by leapfrog and it is by far Connor's favorite toy right now. I got last years version of this at a consignment sale for $15 and it has been so worth every penny. After Christmas Connor would play with this even with all of the new presents around. I think it is because he can stand up on his own and walk around it which is all he wants to do these days.13. Bumbo- I loved this last summer because I could take Connor outside and sit him in the Bumbo since he couldnt sit up very well on his own yet. It is soft and cushiony, just dont put it on an elevated surface (I am sure you have seen the recall). I had to quit using it myself because Connor would arch his back and I was afraid he was going to come out myself. I knew it was time to stop using it when he was strong enough to do this anyway.

14. Diaper Genie 2- I had so many people not to bother registering for this because I wouldnt use it. Well they were so wrong. I have used it since day 1 when Connor came home and still use it to this day. It is so easy to use, no twisting like the old ones. It also keeps all of the odors out very well!

15. Microwaveable Sterilizing bags- I use these when I am in a hurry and I need to clean pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups, etc. You put a little water in it and stick it in the microwave and it kills all of the bacteria with the steam. Great for traveling too!

16. Chicco Cortina Car Seat and Stroller (Travel System)- We researched everything before we registered and although this one rated pretty high, it wasnt rated the best. We talked to a lady at USA Baby and she told us about this one and said it was her favorite. Plus, I had some friends who had it also and loved it. It isnt the most expensive, but definitely not the cheapest either. Dont forget to buy another base for Daddy's car too! It makes things so much easier. I also love that they arent in gender specific colors and work for boys and girls. This way you dont have to worry about the second child getting stuck with a blue or pink stroller.

17. Baby Bargains book- When I was pregnant and seeking out the best baby things that money could buy, I didnt leave home without this book! It will tell you the best in each category or the best for your money. Then you can decide whether or not you want to spend all lot of money or not. It was made popular by (Oprah-of course!) and it rates ALL baby products and even includes maternity clothes. What I love best about this book is that it was rated by MOMS only! These Moms actually used the products and explained what they did and didnt like about each and every one! I think they come out with a new edition every year or two. You can find it at any bookstore- Barnes and Noble, Borders...

I hope these can help some of you! Please feel free to share things that have helped you too. Us Mom's have to stick together!