Would you Mind Turning that Light Off?

Every morning when my alarm goes off there is a dramatic sigh in our bedroom and it doesn't come from Beau or me.  Instead, it comes from the 45 lb dog who has normally worked her way up from her blanket (her intended spot on the bed) to my pillow. And heaven forbid I hit snooze causing the alarm to disturb her again 10 minutes later.

I caught this picture the other morning when she hid under the blanket to get away from the glaring light.  Give me a break.

In the Kitchen with Kendall and Mamie

Sounds like a PBS cooking show doesn't it?  

I made "No Bananas Pudding" for the Cotton Bowl (A.K.A. WWE Smackdown) the other night and had a very big helper in the kitchen with me.  No, she didn't actually help but she sure did try.  I tried to get a picture of her and me...

 I'm not sure if this picture is bad because my I-phone is so old or she has moves of a cheetah.

This is the delicious "No Bananas Pudding" I made.  It's sans bananas for two reasons

1.) Beau and I don't love bananas in pudding and

2.) I was on the phone in the grocery store....

Here is the recipe:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1.5 cups ice cold water
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
• 2.5 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 boxes of Nilla Wafers
• 4 cups sliced ripe bananas (optional)

In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for for 15 minutes in the fridge and then 15 minutes in the freezer, before continuing. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain. To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4-5-quart capacity. Arrange one-third of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then one-third of the bananas and one-third of the pudding. Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours - or up to 8 hours - before serving. I suggest definitely more than 4 hrs to get the wafers soft enough, cake like.

 

It was definitely a hit!

Pre-Christmas Festivities

First "Quitters' Club" Meeting

I cannot take credit for naming the club, that honor goes to Chassity.  Some of us former Girl Scout employees got together for dinner and lots of laughs (mainly at the cost of Girl Scouts).  It was so much fun!  And yes, there is a lone man in the picture; David our former CFO whom we all adore.  Especially since he bought dinner.

Chassity and Me (I love this girl.)

I also love the above "Foxy Lady", Sara (who is in labor as I type).  Chass, Sara and I went to Walmart in search of a Santa shirt with no luck.  What he did find was these jewels.  Clearly being a Foxy Lady gets you pregnant, SARA!! 

Beau and I visited Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs to see their beautiful lights with Ryan and Debbie.

With Debbie

Another favorite stop of ours is the Saline County Courthouse where they have a beautiful display every year.

 Great from a far but when you walk around the courtyard, there are some creepy displays.

I think they are subconsciously telling children to shy away from careers in city/county government.

On to less creepy light displays:

 Me, Court, Irish, Anna Kate, and a friend of Court's and her daughter visited the beautiful trees and Gingerbread house at the Arlington.

The tree in the lobby

More pictures to come!

I Will Now Inflict Photos of My Christmas Decor on You

In case you're wondering what the glowing object is.....

 

You're welcome

Chalkboard Craft

It's been a while since I have been crafty but the other afternoon I decided to let my inner Martha out.

 I took the above framed picture that I've had for years and have never used because it didn't go with my decor (my sister had used it in her office and passed it on to me).

So a little antique blue paint and chalkboard spray paint and voila!

 

 I (Beau) hung it above the kitchen sink because I've needed something there for almost two years. I think I like it there but may decide to move it. 

All together, the craft cost $3 (chalkboard paint) because I already had the blue paint and frame.

I think it turned out pretty well!

Oh Christmas Tree

We put the tree up last week!  This year I made burlap bows for the tree and added the cranberry sprigs to the top.

We took our Christmas card photo in front of the tree.

It may look odd with Beau standing and me on the ground but this is the only way we could wrangle the little terror.  As much as she loves having her picture taken, she loves the photographer even more; Ryan, Beau's BF.  Apparently, Ryan gives really good booty (really it's just above the tail) scratches.  No, I am not speaking from experience; just going on the look Mamie gives when he does it and the fact that the whole time he's over, she backs her end right up to him like, "You can scratch my booty now."

We tried to get a picture of us standing and Mamie in the chair but then she fell off of it (swear).  Then I tried to sit in the chair with her on the ground but I had to stay humped over trying to hold her so she wouldn't charge Ryan. I can't imagine what people with multiple children do at picture time.  Of course, most two year olds are better behaved than Mamie.

Also, I wish I would have realized that Beau was wearing tennis shoes before now.  Nike, feel free to pay me for the product placement. 

I'll be sure to take pictures of all the decorations around the house and post them later.

Merry Christmas!!

Making Mom & Dad Proud Since 1984

The other day I was at an important meeting at the Memphis VA surrounded by several important/influential professionals (at least in my line of work). I was going to write something down for one of them so I reached in my purse for a pen and as I pulled it out, a Victoria's Secret free panty offer fell out from the purse onto the table in front of everyone. I'm sure you can imagine that on that offer was a picture of a scantily clad Swedish model. So what did I, Ms. Smooth, say, nay, announce in front of all those people?

"It's not porn! Just free underwear, I swear!!!!!"