My mom shared this recipe at our family Christmas gathering. Delicious!

Marinated Vegetable Salad Recipe
10 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced
1 pound ripe tomatoes seeded, cored and diced
1 cucumber, halved and seeded diced
1 can (12-16 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
1/3 cup fresh chopped mint
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper
/2 cup olive oil
8 ounces feta cheese
Toasted pita bread (see directions below)
Toss first seven ingredients. Combine lemon juice, garlic, 2 tsp salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly wisk in olive oil t make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the veggies. Toss gently to coat. Refrigerate over night. Add the feta cheese and toss just before serving.
Toasted Pita Chips
1 package whole wheat pitas
Olive oil in spray can
Sea Salt
Garlic Powder

Cut pita bread into triangles. Place onto a cookie sheet and spray pita triangles with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt and garlic powder on all triangles. Broil until toasted. Turn over triangles and repeat.

Last night at a party several friends and I were commenting on how we Google most anything we want to know. This conversation was brought about by a recent disaster in my home as well the search for a recipe (I will share later). It was interesting only one friend commented Google was not her "go-to" for everything she wants to know. I hope you will share the information below with a friend in need. During the frantic preparations to host two parties in one day at my home, I had the urge to clean spots on the carpet.. What would anyone do to learn the sure fire way for removing unknown spots- Just Google It! My research lead me to try a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Hurrying from room to room, I applied the paste as directed. I waited for the concoction to work its magic and proceeded to vacuum up the mess. On one last swing through the house, I decided to do a little vacuuming in my son's room. My husband was on his way in for lunch when I discovered Flarp spilled in the carpet just underneath my son's bed. Instead of throw the fit I felt coming on, I turned off the vacuum, threw my hands up in the air and walked away, while saying to my son "fix it". On my way to calm down, I promptly Googled "how to remove Flarp from carpet". Believe it or not, it has happened to other people. The remedy is vinegar to remove the sticky and alcoholic to take care of the neon colored stain it leaves behind. Some might wonder "what is Flarp"- well just Google it. Question- Why isn't Blogger publishing my breaks between paragraphs?

Merry Christmas- hope you are feeling as blessed as I am on this special day. I am so appreciative of my parents arriving a little early to help with the Christmas Eve dinner preparations. My daddy is a jack of all trades. He installed a bathroom fan on Christmas Eve and cooked the most awesome grits for Christmas brunch. My mother arranged the beautiful fresh flowers for our table. We are so blessed to many beautiful camellias in bloom. Dinner was delightful as well as the excitement in the air due to Santa's anticipated arrival. What a blessing to spend the holidays with the people we love!

Seven short years ago this past weekend, we were anticipating the birth of a special little girl. We spent the weekend celebrating with family and friends at various parties to celebrate Christmas. When we completed my husband's family Christmas, my mother-in-law commented "now you can have the baby". Another family friend commented "no way is the baby coming any time soon because you look to good". When we returned home on that Sunday evening, I frantically washed all of our new clothing gifts, folded and put them away. I also folded the tissue paper and gift bags to put away. I had a noticable ache in my back, but attributed it to wearing heels all weekend for the festivities. After some encouragement from the hubby, I decided to rest on the sofa. A few hours of rest helped prepare me for the next few hours. The pain was getting more and more severe- could it be? Hubby and I started thinking these could be contraction and began to time these aches. These were definitely the pains of labor. We called the appropriate family members and headed off to the hospital. I remember being in severe pain as we approached the hospital. Once I got to the L and D floor the nurses began to check me. For some reason they had a great deal of trouble deciding if this was indeed the time for delivery. After an hour or so they decided to keep me and give me and epidural. As soon as the epidural started to work we knew it would not be long. Believe it or not she is still not patient. Before any family could arrive she made her debut.

Her not so little personality lights up every room of our house. She can bat her eyelashes and get her big brother and Daddy to do most anything. Glitter and sparkles are now a part of every outfit she wears. This fall I got to spend many hours alone with my little girl as we traveled the long road to Nutcracker rehearsals. I admire her relentless dedication and committment to the task at hand. It is endearing to see many of the characteristics of my favorite people in her.

Usually, we celebrate her birthday early in the month to seperate it from all of the holiday madness, but our schedule did not allow it this year. Since we could not schedule her usual birthday celebration we promised a week of small celebrations with different groups of friends and family. The celebrations started with a trip to her favorite buffet restuarant on Tuesday. On Wednesday, my mother-in-law took her on a shopping trip to the mall. Yesterday, her friends came over for mani/pedis plus chocolate fondue. Last night we had friends and family over for pizza and a tour of local Christmas lights. Tonight we finish off the week with chocolate chip pancakes with more friends.

I am so blessed to spend the next few weeks with the people I love most. We will spend our time cleaning, cooking, caroling, playing and shopping. Our family like so many other's is blessed to celebrate the most special birth known to man. On Christmas Eve we will gather with our family for communion. This is the most peaceful as well as beautiful service all year. After all of the hustle and bustle we celebrate in this service in such a peaceful manner. The candlelight as well as the beautiful, reverent music puts us all at easy and focuses our minds on the humble beginnings of our Lord and Savior. My children were so sweet to humor me by allowing me to take their photo before a family Christmas gathering. I explained it would be quick and painless if they just cooperated for a few minutes. I cherish my photos-such precious reminders of how much they change from year to year. Merry Christmas!

Finally, we made it and the Nutcracker 2011 was a success. On Sunday evening, my daughter cried tears of sadness because it was over. Four months of driving both Saturdays and Sundays to a city an hour away was a huge committment, but very worth what it meant to my little dancer.

What happens when big brother gets too big for his clothes?- time to redesign to fit little sister. Don't you wish you could wear a jersey with feathers. Not to mention we met a dog named "Munson"- how appropriate and what a namesake. Go Dawgs!!!

Recently, a friend of the family took our son on an exciting flight around town. My son is very quiet, but his smile tells the story. This was soooooo cool!

My son was determined he would become a drummer in his middle school band. When the students were allowed to test the instruments, he found he wasn't cut out for drumming. Instead, after talking with mom and dad he decided to give the not-so-popular tuba a chance. It turned out to be a really great choice. Here he is- all smiles at his first band concert. WE ARE SO PROUD!

The weekend we have awaited for the last four months is quickly approaching. My daughter will dance in the Nutcracker, but in the mean time the kids have various performances around town.

The weather has been cool this week and what better to comfort you on a cold evening than a bowl of warm creamy soup. I never follow a recipe for soup, but add as I go to get the desired taste and texture. This soup was no different.

Cheesy Potato Soup

6-8 medium potato
3-4 chopped scallions
2 cans chicken broth
1 can cheese soup
1 can milk
1/2 can sour cream
Garnish- sour cream, grated cheese, bacon

Wash potatoes, peel, dice and cook by boiling in water. Once potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander. Mash half of potatoes with a hand mixer. Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on high for one hour and change temperature to low setting. Cook on low for two-three hours. Serve and garnish with desired toppings.

Thank goodness my family only eats turkey once as we make our way from house to house during the Thanksgiving holidays, but some eat it over and over again. Over the years I have tried various recipes with the turkey leftovers. One of my favorite ways to eat leftover turkey is on a sandwich. My inspiration for this recipe was a panini I tried at Panera Bread. This isn't just any sandwich, but my favorite panini. I used one of my favorite ingredients- dijon horseradish mustard.

Turkey Panini

One small jar of marinated artichokes
3 tablespoons of Hellman's mayonnaise
1 teasoon dijon horserasish mustard
one sliced tomato
a handful of wilted seasoned spinach or 1/2 cup cooked spinach
turkey, thinly sliced
swiss cheese slices
favorite bread slices
butter

Drain marinated artichokes and reserve liquid to make salad dressing. Using a food processor chop artichokes. Add the spinach and continue to process. Finally, add mayonnaise and mustard and process a few seconds. Spread the artichoke/spinach/mayo spread on the slices of bread. Top with turkey, tomato slices and swiss cheese. Heat a griddle and melt 1/2 tablespoon butter per sandwich. Place sandwich on griddle and cook until cheese melts. Serve. The artichoke/spinach/mayo mixture should make about three sandwiches.

Several years ago my mother started making a tangy marinated coleslaw. Since that time the slaw has become a favorite to serve with all types of pork. It is a must have with hotdogs as well as ham. The tangy slaw is very different from the creamy version we have grown to enjoy. This slaw is also delicious on a bun with your favorite BBQ.

Marinated Coleslaw

3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp tumeric (this will stain your clothing-be careful)

1 large bag of shredded cabbage
1 large onion, diced finely
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sweet pickle cubes
1/2 cup shredded carrots

In a saucepan, mix first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil and pour over remaining ingredients. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one day. This slaw will keep for one week. Serves 8.

Do you have go to ingredients you find yourself trying in many recipes. I have a few I find myself using over and over. Here are three of my favorites:

1. Dijon Horseradish Mustard
*use as an ingredient in vinagrette dressings
*combine with mayonnaise to add a kick to potato
salad
*combine with soy sauce and butter to use when
stir-frying veggies
*combine with ham gravy and serve over ham

2. Ranch dressing packet or italian dressing packet
*add to mashed potatoes, potato salad
*add to sour cream (ranch)
*add to dough when making homemade rolls
*add to cream soups

3. Honey
*add to plain yogurt along with fruit
*add to oatmeal to sweeten
*combine with melted butter and drizzle over
fresh baked bread

My guys on a hayride

A trip to the river on Thanksgiving Day.

Every year we spend Thanksgiving lunch with my husband's family at the place we affectionately call the Pond. The kids love riding the golf cart, zipline and going for a hayride to the river. Some might even perform the newest dance routine or sing a little karoke. My mother-in-law believes in have a stress free holiday and has a caterer prepare the turkey and dressing. We all contribute the sides. Since I had some great recipes for appetizers I recycled the recipes from the oyster roast. I also prepared my children's favorite veggie- green beans. Canned green beans seem to be a staple in my pantry, but I always add a little something to enhance the flavor.

Fancy Green Beans

2 cans green beans
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 lb. bacon fried, save some drippings
1/2 onion chopped, finely

Drain the green beans and set aside. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Fry bacon in a skillet. Near the end of frying add the onion and cook until tender. Drain the bacon and onions on paper towels. Combine the green beans, white vinegar/sugar mixture, onions and two tablespoons of bacon drippings. Crumble the bacon and save. Allow bean mixture to marinate for an hour. Cook at medium heat in a saucepan. Serve with crumbled bacon on top.

Hope your holiday was as delightful as the one I experienced. I have enjoyed cooking so much and I just hate for all of the fun to end when I return to work tomorrow. We visited with family and friends for several days while enjoying lots of good food. Some great friends host an annual oyster roast on Thanksgiving Eve. We love steamed oysters, but nobody loves them more than my eleven year old son. Each year we anticipate a really bad night after he eats his weight in oysters. Our host and hostess always ask everyone to contribute an appetizer. Each year I have fun trying something new just for the occasion. This year I tried- Hot Bleu Cheese Dip with Granny Smith apples (we are still eating the apples from the Rotary Club fundraiser) and Citrus Marinated Feta and Olives (the current issue of Southern Living- page 183). The dip had an awesome flavor that can be attributed to the mixture of bacon and bleu cheese. Meanwhile the marinated feta and olives had a zingy flavor that was just delightful on fresh french bread. Feel free to look up the Southern Living recipe for the marinated olives and feta. I will share the dip recipe. This week I will continue to share more about our celebrations as well as recipes.

Hot Bleu Cheese Dip

1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
5 oz blue cheese crumbles
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp minced garlic
7 slices of backon, fried and crumbled
Granny Smith apple slices (Cut up ahead and soak in orange or pineapple juice to keep from browning. Place in a colander to drain before serving.)

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients except apple slices. Spoon into a greased 1-quart baking dish. Bake 30 minutes. Serve with the chilled apple slices.

In case you didn't know red boots go with everything or at least my daughter thinks so. Somehow she convinced her daddy she needed a pair of cheap, red suede like boots. So cheap they most likely landed on our shores on a large barge with about one million pairs in a variety of colors. She got them in early October and wants to wear them with EVERYTHING. The outfit of the day- a purple "I Love To Dance" tee with her red boots and topped off with a bubble gum pink hairbow. Yes, she looks just like a red hat lady!

I've just given up on even trying to convince her red boots don't go with every outfit. As long as she keeps the bow in the hair, I will let her wear most anything on the feet.

One day my little sweetie will look back and wonder what possessed her to think red boots go with everything. My must have fashion fad as a child was a pair of lavendar parachute pants- have mercy- what was I thinking!

Next time you are pondering what to wear just consider that pair of red boots in the back of the closet.

Who else loves Pinterest? I love pinning all of my favorite things and recently I've found lots of great recipes. My hubby has gotten in the habit of looking over my shoulder and eyeing the pics as I pin away. Today, due to a case of pink eye I had lots of time to pin great ideas and recipes. The Philly Cheese Sloppy Joes made my mouth water. Hubby and the kiddos loved them and put them on the repeat list. This recipe made enough for two nights for a family of four.



1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 softball-sized onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons steak sauce (I used A-1)
1 cup beef stock (I used canned beef broth)
Salt and ground black pepper
4 dinner rolls
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup provolone, shredded

In large skillet over medium-high heat add the oil and then brown the ground beef, about 5-6 minutes. Add the onion and green pepper and cook another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to get tender. Stir in the steak sauce and beef stock, season with salt and pepper, bring up to a bubble and cook about 2 minutes. Serve on buns and top with grated provolone.

My hubby and children have claimed these muffins are "the Best". I looked at several recipes before I decided to try this one. The topping makes it. Sorry, I forgot to take a photo.

Pumkin Cheesecake Muffins
This recipe claimed to make 2 dozen muffins, but I got about 18 muffins from these ingredients.

Filling:
1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg
3 tbsps sugar

Topping:
5 tbsps sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans
3 tbsps butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Muffins:
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsps cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsps baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 375º. Spray muffin pans with Pam. You might also use paper liners, but spray the liners.

In a bowl, mix the filling ingredients together and set aside.

In another bowl, mix the topping ingredients together and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, mix the eggs, pumpkin, oil, and vanilla together.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the pumpkin mixture in. Mix with a fork until well moistened. Do not use an electric mixer because the muffins will get over mixed.

Evenly divide half the batter between the 24 muffin cups. Place 2 teaspoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top and then divide the rest of the batter between the cups covering the cream cheese as best you can.

Sprinkle some of the pecan mixture over the top of each muffin.

Bake until golden ~ about 20 to 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in center to check for doneness.

No long story about why I haven't blogged in FOREVER-My dear daughter is preparing for the Nutcracker and we have been traveling an hour to practice almost every weekend.

I have tried some great recipes lately. If all works with my computer today, I will share some great fall recipes.

My husband is in the Rotary Club. Each year the club in our community sells apples as a fundraiser for community projects. Everyone in our community looks forward to the apples arriving. We start looking for great recipes as soon as we order our bushel.

Apple Cake Recipe
3 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups raw apples, peeled and chopped fine
Sauce:
1 cup packed brown sugar (for sauce)
1/4 cup milk (for sauce)
3/4 cup margarine(1 -1/2 sticks) (for sauce)

Mix oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, salt, soda. Add to first mixture. Fold in pecans and apples. Bake in tube pan at 350 for 1 hour.

For the sauce, mix and cook ingredients 3 minutes after it begins to gently boil, stirring constantly. Pour over hot cake while cake is still in pan. Let cake cool completely before removing.
This is a picture of the cake after I poured the caramel sauce over it. Once the carmel sauce soaks in and the cake cools you may remove it from the bundt pan. Moist and delicious!

More recipes will be posted this week. Enjoy!

After an awesome summer vacation, we just started back to school on what must have been the hottest day of the year. Next Friday we will cheer on our favorite football team in the first game of the season. I cannot believe we are doing all of these things in this extreme heat! It might be time to rethink this back to school schedule. Shouldn't we still be lounging by the pool.

In the last few weeks my sweet little girl lost her first tooth. Her visit from the toothfairy earned her $5. With that money burning a hole in her pocket, she promptly convinced her Daddy to take her to the local department store. I sometimes question the fashion sense of the buyer this company employs, but it is nice to have a department store in our small town. Armed with five dollars and a daddy that can be charmed by big hazel eyes, my sweetie set out to find something fabulous. When I arrived home on that afternoon, I was almost blinded by the bling-a pink and white stripe top adorned with a heart of silver glitter. This t-shirt was topped with a hot pink sequin vest. I can't believe all this for just -$5. For some reason I can't post pics today, but you can just imagine-we are raising a gypsy. Just wait until you see her outfit for football.

The first week was hectic, but everyone seems to be adjusting. My son just started middle school. He is really excited about taking his elective classes. Let's just say he is a bit of an eager beaver. I apologize to his teachers-he will email you with his newest ideas for anything related to your class. My daughter absolutely loves her class. I am so excited everyone is so excited about learning.

In the past week I have not cooked much more than hotdogs. I promise with a full week ahead tto do some cooking this weekend, but first I plan to enjoy an afternoon at the Pond (we do not swim in the pond).

In just a couple of weeks the kiddos head back to school-way too early in my opinion. I would love to go back after Labor Day like many friends in the north. Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Homemade Mac n Cheese

For several weeks my daughter has begged me to make macaroni and cheese. She did not want Easy Mac or Kraft from the box. Last night she and I had some alone time so I decided to have her help me.  She was so proud of "her" macaroni and cheese.  She even got a fist pump from her Daddy- Yummy!  As a southern girl I have tasted and attempted several recipes for this dish.  The recipe I have developed is based on a combination of other recipes.  Hope you enjoy! This makes a large pan-perfect for a large family gathering.  Divide this recipe to make for a smaller crowd.  We will be eating leftovers and sharing with our friends and neighbors.

16 oz macaroni
1/2 stick butter (real.butter)
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tap salt
1/2 tap pepper
4 cups milk
16 oz grated cheddar cheese
4 eggs
1/2 stick butter
1 sleeve Ritz cracker crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Boil macaroni according to directions on the box (I used Muellers). Drain and rinse the macaroni in a colander. Combine next five ingredients in a large saucepan-cook on low until butter melts. Add grated cheese. Stir until sauce appears to be a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Beat four eggs in a small bowl. Add to cheese sauce and wisk until combined. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Spray a 9"x12" pyrex dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer macaroni and cheese sauce from saucepan to pyrex dish. Melt 1/2 stick of butter and combine with cracker crumbs. Top the macaroni and cheese mixture with the buttery cracker crumbs. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes-1 hour. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

We started our celebration late Thursday afternoon. As soon as our little sweetie's dance class was over we made the road trip to my parents house. My parents live in a community with a large military base and I must say this community celebrates the 4th like it should be celebrated. We gathered with 30,000 or more others to kick off the holiday. I am so glad my children got to see F-16s fly over during the National Anthem. The concert we enjoyed was being filmed for the armed forces television broadcast for today. Wynonna, the headliner for the evening, put on an awesome show. My daughter thought she was so good she should try out for American Idol (we thought that was too cute). After the show we enjoyed the best fireworks display I have ever witnessed. Truly the best way to start this holiday weekend. If you have never celebrated the 4th with the armed forces you should give it a try. Tonight we will continue celebrating, but on a much smaller scale in our little town. One of my former student's band is entertaining folks at the recreation department fields, but first we will attend the dedication of one of the fields in honor of the former recreation department manager. Hope you enjoy celebrating your independence today!

A friend contacted me today interested in some of my favorite recipes.  I have never been so organized as to label my blog post, but today I decided it was a good idea to get it done.  You will find the label "recipes" on the upper right hand side of this page.  In the next few days I will post a few new recipes- my children's favorites.  I have two very differnt types of eaters- a boy that will eat just about anything and a little picky little girl.

Next week I will send my son off to summer camp.  I know many send their children to bi-weekly or month long camps, but this is just a week long camp.  Summer camp is great, but since we live in a place just like camp he will not experience a lot of new things in the way of activities.  However, he will have the chance to meet other kids from other places.  We just pray other parents are sending good hearted, respectful individuals like we are sending.  I also pray he gets a couple of baths during the week.

I know many purchase lots of new clothing for camp as well as label everything it sight.  This week I am going thru the current wardrobe to make sure I send nothing of real value.  No way will I spend hard earned money on new clothes for camp.  My husband has even suggested we just burn whatever he brings back.  Those of you with boys totally understand. 

I haven't looked at the checklist of things to bring, but I'm sure we will make a trip to some discount store to load up on bug spray,sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste, soap and shampoo before he departs.  Please submit any tips or hints on must have items. 

My dear hubby reminded me last night I haven't updated the blog in several weeks.  He often checks in to see what I have shard- Thanks, Hubby!  It's not like I don't have plenty to talk say, just nothing I want to blog about.  When I started this blog it was to journal about stuff we were doing and meant to be fun.  Lately, I've been pondering some interesting topics although nothing I feel like the world needs know.   I know some utilize their blogs to try to sell certain products or maybe their views on a particular subject, but I hope to keep it fun and thoughtless.

As far as the thoughtless goes, I've been soaking up the rays by the pool and inviting friends every chance I get.  The kiddos love to have friends out to the Pond (family pond, pool and lots of other good stuff).  The friends are a blessing to me because they usually bring their moms to occupy me.  All of this heavy thinking about certain issues requires tons of vitamin d and chlorine therapy.  If someone would pay me to be a mermaid I would change occupations. 

I fondly remember posting last summer about our friends and neighbors bringing us fresh from the garden produce.  Yesterday, my friend Carmen and her girls came for a swim and they brought us peppers picked fresh from the garden.  As we sat under the umbrella listening to the redneck jukebox (something else I need to blog about), I could get a whiff of those peppers the few times the wind blew.  This generous gift got me thinking about bartering- pooltime for produce (just kidding, but it is a thought).  Thanks to our backdoor neighbors we have fresh summer squash, zucchini and cucumbers.  My mother-in-law dropped off homegrown tomatoes from a local farmer.  Last night's menu of cucumers in vinegar (grew up eating this at my grandmother's), BLT's and stir fry (squash, zucchini, peppes, vidalias and potatoes) was delightful. 

As for now, I need to get back to the water so as to not get to serious about anything this summer.

I hope you will consider liking the Facebook page "Help Bell Barnwell Meet Taylor Swift".  Bell is the daughter of a high school friend.  She has cystic fibrosis and is awaiting a double lung transplant.  She is currently registered with Make a Wish Foundation, but there seems to be a problem with granting this wish.  A family friend created this page with the hopes of getting media coverage and making something happen.  I am so blessed with a healthy little girl of the same age and pray this little girl will have her wish granted as well as receive the transplant she so desperately needs.  Please consider like the Facebook page and sharing it with friends.  Several people have made an effort to contact media and contacts in Nashville just hoping this will come to the attention of this country music artist so she can make it happen.  Thanks for your efforts.  No comments needed- just do what you can.

link:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Help-Bell-Meet-Taylor-Swift/112167665537141

During the last few years I have noticed our swimsuits w/noticeable stains and stretching after very little wear.  I generally wear black so the staining was primarily on my daughter's swimsuits, but I have noticed the elastic wearing out in my suits.  As we begin to swim and apply sunscreen everytime we swim, I started thinking how sunscreen has changed over the last few years.  Because of the ease of application many of us have started using the spray sunscreen.  Most sunscreens now protect from UVA and UVB rays so this means new chemicals.  Due to this revalation I did a little research on sunscreens.

I am not suggesting anyone stop using sunscreen, but we need to look at what we are putting on our skin as well as our children's skin.  From my research I found that certain chemicals in the spray sunscreens disolve the elastic polymer component in the threads.  Many of us spend 100s of dollars on swimsuits with super elastic to hold it all in and when we  use the spray we ruin the elastic in these suits.

The stains are most likely caused by avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane or Parsol) which protects against UVB rays.  This chemical binds w/iron and causes staning of cloths in iron rich water.  These stains don't show up until after the suit is laundered.  I also read this chemical can get into the bloodstream act similar to the horomone, estrogen.  In some studies it has not been recommended for pregnant women and children.  From what I read this chemical also doesn't hold up when worn w/mineral make-up. 

I will continue doing some research, but from what I read it is safer to use a product w/zinc oxide or titanium oxide.  Many of the products for babies have zinc oxide.  Just be careful with whatever products you use on your skin whether it be make-up or sunscreen.  Happy Swimming!

Today my sweetie brought her kindergarten report card. Enclosed was a letter entitled "Welcome to First Grade". I had her sound out the words in the title and she was so excited by the message. My son is headed to middle school, but not before a trip to the beach with a friend. My little sweetie was dropping hints and drew a picture to remind us of what she is missing.

The last week has been sad, but exciting as I see many of my students head off to college or work. During the recent honors day program many received awards and scholarships. I watched as many of them teared up on senior picture day. Today one messaged me about the last day she spent in the third grade class where she interned. She was delighted by a book of letters the children compiled for her. She expressed how she did not want to go away to college, but stay and work with them as they progress in school. I told her now she knows how I felt as a teacher to let my students go off to college. She assured me there was room for me to bunk in her dorm room. It is a great thought, but this my chance to start fresh with a new bunch-just as my students get a new start as college students or employees. CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2011!

I'm about a week behind, but the recipes we served for our Derby Party this year are timeless.

Menu:
Shrimp Salad
Chicken Salad
Spicy Carrots
Tomato Biscuits
Ham Biscuits with Blackberry Butter
Key Lime Squares
Derby Pie and Chewies (a friend's contribution)
Sweet Tea Mint Juleps (May issue of SL)

The Shrimp Salad recipe was from one of the more recent issues of Southern Living and so was the Blackberry butter.  I made homemade biscuits, but you could use biscuits from the freezer section of your grocery store. 

Blackberry Butter
1 stick of butter, softened
2 heaping tablespoons of blackberry jam/jelly

Mix and serve.  This stuff is incredibly impressive and too easy to make.

Shrimp Salad (the dish of salad was empty at the end of the party- a keeper)

Two bags of small frozen shrimp (the SL recipe uses fresh shrimp, but frozen is more economical and sometimes easier to access)

1 jar sliced pickled okra
1 (4oz) jar pimento
1/3 cup mayo (I always use Hellmans)
3 TBSP- minced red onion (soak in milk for a thirty minutes to get rid of strong flavor)
1/2 tsp. lime zest
3 TBSP lime juice
1/4 tsp pepper
Dash of salt

Place frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over it to defrost.  Combine all ingredients and serve immediately.

Tomato Biscuits
2-3 TBSP Mayo (Hellmans)
1 tbsp grated vidalia onion
pinch of garlic powder
Small biscuits
Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Basil

Combine mayo, onion and garlic- let this sit overnight in the refrigerator.  You could use frozen angel biscuits or make your own- bake according to instructions.  Slice cherry tomatoes into mini tomato slices.  Chop the basil.  Slice open biscuit and spread some mayo mixture on the inside of both pieces.  Top with a tomato slice and a pinch of basil.  Yummy!  I make my summer tomato sandwiches the same way.

I feel like I've taken a vacation from blogging-not on purpose, but we have just been extremely busy and I don't see the end in sight for several weeks. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of helping put together a new updated honors program for the students at my school.  In the past we had a school honors program and a system wide honors program.  The system wide version had grown too large and not very personal.  Our new principal shared his vision for a new and improved version and a team of staff worked to make it happen.  It was a very special ocassion for our students and I hope the start of a new tradition.  Some naysayers have posted comments in the local paper about doing away with the old system wide version and I hope they were invited to attend at least one of the new and improved school programs.  I hear each school is holding a very special program- can't wait to go to my son's honors program next week.  You know change can be good!  Congrats to all of the wonderful students receiving honors and awards.

Here are a few pics of our most recent happenings:

We have been going wide open for the last few weeks.  So blessed to have enjoyed a very special Easter with family and friends.

Last Sunday evening, I found the most entertaining new television show on Lifetime- Glamour Belles.  As a young southern girl I enjoyed being in pageants so the situations in this show seem so familiar.  If you haven't ever been in one and gotten something out of it besides winning you might not understand.  I found pageants to be a great way to develop stage presence as well as interview skills.  These skills help me in my career today and I will never regret performing on the stage.  People can say what they want, but most of those young ladies in pageants really enjoy it.  This show highlights a dress shop in Union City Tennessee.  The owner dresses many pageant contestants as they work towards their crowns.  I think it comes on Wednesday nights at 10 pm (eastern)so check it out.

This week as I anticipated my little glamour belle's first dance competition, I made the all important trip to Sally's Beauty Supply to stock up on the necessities- spray tan, false eyelashes, black eyeliner, bronzer, red lipstick and blue eyeshadow.  My daughter was so excited about her tan (not really noticable), even though you couldn't really see it. The garage is a great spray tanning booth just in case you ever need one.  I was told by our instructor to buy spray glitter for her hair and skin, but I could not find this product.  When I went into Walgreens to inquire the person I asked was as lost as I was.  We ended up getting some from our teacher, but we will be more prepared next time.  I borrowed a curling iron since I haven't used one since high school.  I know you can't believe people go to all this trouble for pageants and dance competitions, but it is helpful to the overall look in costume.

We loaded up on Sunday to head to the competition.  Once we arrived (several hours early) our sweetie wanted to get dressed right away as she was extremely focused.  Hubby and I convinced her to watch some of the other performers, but she wasn't very patient as she was ready to get dressed.  We headed up stairs to paint her face, tease the hair and apply false eyelashes.  After hearing horror stories from a few of the mamas about how their daughters reacted to these luscious lashes, I wasn't very excited.  I must say my sweetie is a pro.  We applied them without a problem.  Her quote "Mama, this is not bad at all".  I must agree- so much easier than applying her mascara.  Once we arrived back in the auditorium she cheered on her classmates until the time came for she and her partners to perform.

These little glamour belles have practiced for months to become the sassiest "Supergirls" as they dance to Hannah Montana's Supergirl.  Let me just say- they rocked the stage on Saturday evening.  These little girls had attitude and it oozed from every bone of their body.  While many other acts were timid and did not come past half stage, these little glamour belles got right in the faces of the judges and shook their fingers and hips as they performed the steps they had been taught. 

During the awards ceremony we were excited to learn they had earned gold "excel" medals and the highest score for their division.  Since this was the first competiton for all of them we were overjoyed.  We headed home as soon as it was over.  This morning we prepared for an Easter Egg Hunt, but received a call a little after Noon with more good news.  Our little Supergirls won another award "Most Entertaing" for the entire competition (over 200 performances).  This morning the large group performances occurred and this award was given out during their ceremony.  WOW, What a weekend!  Little sweetie is already planning the song and dance for next year.  We are very proud of all of her hard work. 

At this point you might clump me in with all of those Toddlers and Tiaras' mothers- I'm not sure I fit the bill because I've only seen the show once.  I am a proud mom.  As a parent you wouldn't give a child taking violin lessons a piece of junk violin.  You would arm him with something that would make beautiful music.  I did the same with all of the glam supplies- I armed my sweetie with the best look possible- so judge if you must.   If my sweetie ever seems disinterested we will seek another outlet, but for now she is hooked.  Just as many parents encourage sports, music or other lessons, we will continue to support her love of dance.  As for all of the glamour that goes into getting the perfect look for the competition, I think it really impacts their stage prescence.  I saw many girls that could have used more make-up, a tan and some lashes- not to mention- someone hasn't told them not to wear underwear under those outfits.  It looks awful for your panties to hang out.  If you are going to hit the stage you must play the part and play it well.  What about the glitter?- even hubby said he understands why they need it now- it really does help them simmer under the lights.  No pageants in our future, but dance, dance, dance!

While all of this was going on Sonny Boy got to see a little spring football with his grandparents.  Go Dawgs-we would have been there, but we can't be two places at one time!!!  He would have been bored out of his mind at the dance competition, but he was so sweet to email me during the event to find out how his "Sissy" did on stage.  He is gearing up for baseball season.  Can't wait to take my lawn chair out to  the ball park and watch my boy.

After an eventful day and a half we enjoyed the annual Easter Egg Hunt at a friend's farm.

I'm continuing to post a few recipes I tried over spring break.  This is a sweet treat we shared with guest during playtime at our house.  Hope you enjoy.  Feel free to add ingredients and try variations according to what you have on hand.

Strawberry Limeade

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated lime
1 cup fresh lime juice
1 pint fresh strawberries
Sprite
lime, mint or whatever you have to garnish

Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor.  Heat the water and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.  Add the strawberries, grated lime and lime juice.  Allow to cool.  Poor ingredients into a one gallon pitcher and fill with Sprite.  Add ice and serve.

Note to readers-  Due to busy schedules we eat our fair share of frozen pizza and fast food just like most families, but spring break allows me to time to spend time in my favorite room of the house-my kitchen.  I believe in truth in blogging- so I want to make sure you know we are just like many families.