This past weekend my friend, Amber and I attempted to make cake balls.  We both searched the internet for recipes and great instructions.   Saturday after the parade we met at her house to let the kids play and make cake balls.

The kids decided to sit in the kitchen and watch us like they would watch Rachel Ray or Paula Dean.  For some odd reason we had British accents for our debut cooking show.  The cake balls were far from perfect, but tasty.  Most of all, we entertained ourselves as well as the kiddos.  Check out Amber's much funnier post about our escapades at The Dowdy's Doings .

Our recipes:

Oreo Cake Balls from Mix and Match Mama Blog
Red Velvet Cake Balls from Kelly's Korner

Make sure you freeze the cake balls before coating in chocolate.

Many recipes suggest melting chocolate bark in microwave.  I prefer using a double boiler and melting slowly.

Sprinkles and nuts add a special touch.

Sparkling apple cider toast!

Amateur chefs!

Oreo cake balls before chocolate

Cake balls after chocolate coating and decorating.

This past weekend, my favorite tuba player tried out for district honor band. He was so excited, but also nervous. He hates to have his picture taken, but amused me a few times during the day. After the audition, he said he wasn't sure of the outcome, but at least he understands the process. He said he now knows how to prepare for next year. I am so proud of him for doing something new and different.

This week he will have a performance almost everyday. He will also attend a music festival for middle school band students. So proud of him for working so hard.

This weekend like so many others we watched the SEC championship game. While cheering on our favorite team we also celebrated birthdays for a few of our favorite people. We missed my sister in law Kate as she Was also a December baby. The cake was yummy, but our favorite treat was the Georgia cookies we baked and iced. I can't wait to make more of these cookies.

My guys just finished explaining how teams are chosen for the BCS bowl games. In a nutshell, we were robbed. Even the coach from the team we played last night agreed. Everyone knows SEC has the toughest schedule and has the best following. Bowl sponsors must be upset because some teams playing in the "big games" just do not have a following. Dedicating this post to my favorite sports nuts-Matt and Ev.

Last night my daughter's dance company kicked off the annual holiday shopping season at our community's annual Bustlin on Broad. This event takes place each Thursday leading up to Christmas. The photo below is my daughter's competition group. These little girls have been dance together for several years-we love these girls as well as their families. During competition season we spend more time together than we spend at home. This month we take it easy because for the first four months of the year we will devote countless hours to competition as well as the recital. Next week the local children's choirs from the churches will entertain people as they shop. I just love this season.

My daughter and I recently visited our favorite jewelry store. We discovered Lauren G Adams jewelry. I love the stackable bracelets while my daughter loves the Gabriella Beads (similar to Pandora, but more youthful) and charm bracelets. I found that not many jewelers carry this line-call customer service on the website (www.laurengadams.com) if you have problems.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with our families. As usual, we gathered at the Pond with my hubby's family. We enjoyed the traditional meal as well as the annual hayride to the river. The day also allowed us to get one photo of the cousins with every child facing the camera. We have great stories of family photo sessions.


The weekend allowed us time to spend with my family at the beautiful Cuscowilla at Lake Oconee. This resort is terrific for golfers. The highlight of the trip was my daughter telling jokes from her Corny Joke Book (American Federation of the Blind). It will truly enhance any gathering of friends or family. I am not sure how you go about purchasing a copy, but it is good clean laughs for the family. My sister and her husband joked about finding more books to gift us-I can't wait!