Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom!

Today, dad and mom celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Us girls decided it would be easier to go out to eat this time. We met at a local steakhouse restaurant, A.J.'s Steakhouse, for dinner tonight. I think mom and dad really enjoyed themselves. I believe about 19 of us were able to show up plus mom and dad. Our family has gotten so big that it's harder and harder each year for all of us to come together. You should see us at the table. You might have 4 different conversations going all at once. This is because when we do have a get together like this, we have to hurry up and catch up from the last time we saw each other. It's funny. A couple of times, Susan and Maryann were talking to me and all I could say was "I can't hear you."

Mom and dad are doing well for their age.  Dad's as hard headed as always.  I've been concerned as I'm sure my other sisters, about mom's bruising.  I realize that older people's skin gets thin and somewhat easy to bruise, but mom's condition seems to be a little more than that.  She's not on blood thinners, but if she just taps her arms or leg on something, she has a huge bruise.  I believe she goes to the doctor tomorrow.  I thought Maryann told me that the doctor put her on iron, but it was mass chaos as I was asking mom about it.  Mom told me that she wasn't on iron, but I just have to call her tomorrow and find out again. Maryann told me yesterday that mom was concerned about her ankles swelling up again.  They will get as big a softballs at times.  She said that the doctor gave mom some water pills in hopes that it will help the swelling.  Dad has his garden again this year.  Such a HOT year to have a garden, but it keeps him going.  He doesn't do as much as he use to, but he still goes to the gym and piddles around there.  They've gotten at the age where they don't like to go any where but home.  I was surprised that Maryann got them to go out to eat tonight.  The only places they do go is their doctors, church and every now and then, their children's houses to visit.  LOL! 

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We were happy to see Nicholas back home from Springhill. He came up from Mobile, picked up his mom and went straight to the restaurant. LOL! I don't see how he does it sometimes. Actually, he spent most of his Summer vacation, working/shadowing down in Louisiana at Tulane University in New Orleans. Right now, his minor will be in Chemistry. He was offered this past Spring to stay at Tulane during the Summer and do chemical research. I can't go into what exactly he did while he was there, 'cause it is way over my head. He was offered a job while he was there. His boss wants him to come back after he graduates next Spring and work in research and get a full ride to Tulane University. His dream job is to be an ER doctor because he likes the action, but who would pass up a paid tuition and job at an upscale university. Plus, he has told me over and over how much he wants to live in Baton Rouge and raise his family there. I think what scares him a little is that he wants to become an MD so bad and he can become that in Louisiana at Tulane, but it will take a little longer than what he had planned.  He has a lot on his plate that's not what he planned and he has to seriously look back and find out what he wants. Personally, I think he should take the deal, but he's got a lot to think and pray about. Please remember him in your prayers.

I hardly ever get to see Ryan and he's been back from Duke for over a year.  He has been working so hard on his graduates through UAB.  Right now, he is finished with the book work and he is currently assigned to UAB hospital for his clinicals.  Maryann tells me that UAB will move the students around to different hospitals throughout the state.  The young lady Ryan is currently seeing was assigned to a different hospital than Ryan.  It's a bummer, I'm sure.  They went from seeing each other all the time at school and studying, to seeing each other every once in a while.  Hopefully, they both will be assigned to the same hospital before the year is up.  I guess they are hoping to get their degree this time next year.  I am so excited for them. 

Natalie gets to move into her apartment next week.  Hooray!  She is so excited to start UAH and basketball season, it's not funny.  Luckily, she will be moving right by our favorite pizza restaurant, MELLO MUSHROOM.  I just love their pizza.  Natalie and I already have plans to meet there for lunch when she doesn't have to study, class or playing basketball.  LOL!  This will probably be a long time.  I'm excited for her.  I think she hates the fact that she won't get to see Nathan as much as she has been, being closer to home. 

Of course, me and my nieces got to do some catching up regarding baby showers and weddings, while we were at the restaurant. I'm going to wait until after Christmas before I get serious about finding Katie's flower girl dress for Leslie and Chase's wedding. I've been wanting to get with Leslie regarding ideas on how she wants Katie to look and let her know that I expect Katie to take a growth spurt around Christmas, like last year. Thankfully, the wedding isn't until May. YAY! Leslie has been so busy with working at Helen Keller Hospital and school that she has completely left it up to me and my taste regarding Katie's dress and how her hair looks. COOL! Right now, Katie has shot up a size from a 6X to 7 in dresses. I KNOW! I'm hoping once she gets back into gymnastics and P.E., she'll shed some of the weight. So, I'm all ears when it comes to suggestions of places to shop for a nice, pretty white flower girl dress.

I got rid of some of Colton's clothes yesterday. YAY! Whitney came over after her baby shower, hosted by her mother-in-law. I showed her everything we had. She picked out a lot of sweet sweet outfits along with other necessary items that mamas do not need to live without. I think I've introduced to her a few things, she didn't know that she would need. For instance, I gave her my handy bottle warmer that works great on road trips. We had a good time, swapping stories and comparing notes. Maryann and I prepared her for what's to come. She's a nurse, so I'm sure she had some idea of what to expect. Poor Natalie heard it for the first time, apparently, in my Living Room. She finally said that she's having second thoughts about having children now. LOL! We explained that it's not that bad after it's all said and done. Shoot. If I can have two babies and survive, anyone can have them. I'm the biggest wimp there ever was. LOL!

I finally got the animal print ribbon trees finished and ready to deliver. I made Katie two paper globes to hang from her ceiling this afternoon. She loves them! She wants more to hang up, but I think it will be too much. I've got to make Colton's sports paper globes to hang from his ceiling and then I've got to start on the baby shower Thank You notes that will be attached to the chocolate rolled stick pretzels in their gift baggies. I think Natalie said that her and Leslie were going to start on those in a couple of weeks. By that time, I've got to have my 40+ cards finished and ready to tie around the pretzels. YAY! Y'all will have to stay tuned to see them. I used the exact same thank you poem for my baby shower, when I was pregnant with Katie. It is precious!

Y'all stay cool!

Our Anniversary Weekend

Doug and I had such a nice anniversary weekend. If you don't know, we are celebrating our number 16. We started it off by getting my hair styled Thursday afternoon (I have to get pretty for my hubby). Katie also wanted her hair cut as well. Oh my gosh! With her hair cut short, she looks so much older. She's not a baby anymore. I've got mine cut just below my shoulders and I had to wash away the grays - YUCKY!

Friday, Katie and Colton went home with Millard and Peggy for the night. They absolutely love spending the night with their grandparents. My parents took us to the Red Lobster for supper. Oh, it was sooo good. I had the wood grilled salmon and snow crab legs. Yum! I was stuffed. Afterwards, we drove to Doug's work to show dad the Mariner and a plant (building) that practically got blown away from the April storms. Back at home, we visited for awhile and they left around 8PM.

"Celebrate Cullman" went on until 10PM that night. We debated if we should check it out or not. Why not? I have to say that it was a lot of fun. We arrived in downtown around 8:30PM. We saw about 3 bands playing on a few street corners, while we were walking the streets. People were everywhere having a good time. There were a few shops still open, so it was fun getting to look around, finding deals. Monograms Plus had a few items that were 50% off, but you could tell that they had been picked through. The things that I would have liked, didn't have the size or style that I wanted. Ugh! We did go ahead and get a couple new Tervis lids for our cups. I had the opportunity to check out a couple new stores, "Healthy Wellness" (I think that's the name) and "Etc, by Nikki". "Healthy Wellness" is a new organic shop, filled with unique items such as sweet potato corn chips, which was pretty good. I've been looking for pine nuts. Yeah, they had them. "Etc by Nikki" is a great little shop and I will definitely be back to visit them. They have everything from jewelry, shoes, some clothing, knick knacks and lots of unique University of Alabama merchandise. I didn't get to look over everything, but from what I did see the merchandise was priced very reasonable. The shop owner went on and on about how well they did in sales that day. I hope our little town will have more of these little festivities.

Saturday, Doug and I went to Cracker Barrel for some hot cakes (on my end) for breakfast. From there, we did a little shopping. Visited a few shops in town that we haven't visited in quite some time. We just had a wonderful time overall. I was in the mood to cook. If you like pork chops, may I suggest having the chops smoked. We got ours from Smith Farms. They have the best smoked pork chops that melt in your mouth. All we had to do was slap those babies on the grill and do it's magic.  I made my Squash Casserole , boiled new potatoes and mini apple pies for dessert.

What gave me the idea to make apple pies at home was seeing them at Smith Farms. They had a section filled with individually wrapped mini pies of all types. My favorite of pies would have to be chocolate and closely followed by apple. If you've been keeping up with my blog, you should know that I'm all about semi-homemade. I love shortcuts in cooking, so I may spend more time with family. Here is the way I made the apple pies.

Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
Can of your favorite pie filling
Cinnamon Sugar spice
Roll of Pie Crust
Confectioners Sugar
Egg Wash
Flour of dusting the counter top

• Roll out the pie crust onto a floured surface.  Cut out 4x4" squares.  Re-roll the trimmings.  I was able to cut approximately 10 squares from one box of pie crust. 
• Place one teaspoon of filling in the center of each pastry.  Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar spice on top.
• Dip your finger in a little water and get the edge of two sides of the square moist, not too wet.  Fold over one point over the filling in to shape your pastry into a triangle. Gently press the moist sides together.   
• Dab your fork into some flour and make teeth prints with your fork along the edge of the pastry, sealing the pastry together. 
• Make slits on top of the pie for vents.
• Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash.  Bake on 350 degrees for approximately 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. 
• Dust baked pies with confectioners sugar.

These pies were real good serviced with your favorite ice cream. 

Peggy was telling me how her mother use to make chocolate pies like the apple pies that I made.  She described the process to me.  Of course, good cooks in that day and time didn't go by recipes.  So, to the experimental kitchen we go.  I have plans to succeed in baking chocolate pies.  Wish me luck!

Last night was the Tornado Bowl at Cullman High School, City vs. County Schools.  The football game was played by former student players from ages starting at 25 years and older.  My niece's husband, Zayne, played as well.  Whitney and Zayne are expecting their first baby (boy) this October.  She's been concerned about him playing because her baby needs a daddy.  We've all been teasing him about playing.  Whitney's made sure to have Zayne finish all that he needs to be done before the game.  LOL!  We drove by the football field to find out that the City won 46 - 14.  Natalie and Whitney let me know that Zayne did play and he didn't break anything.  LOL! 
 

Dad and Mom's Anniversary/Bama Party

What a great opportunity to get together for a good football game between Bama vs. Penn State than for an anniversary party. My dad and mom celebrated their 55th anniversary July 31st, but they were out of town. So, we decided to give them a party today, hoping it would be a little cooler. WRONG! It was so hot and humid, but we all melted and had a blast. Lots of good ol' friends and family members. It was also a great opportunity for our family to finally meet Chase's family. As you may know, Chase and our Leslie are planning to get married in the next couple of years. Chase's mom, Kelly, and I have gotten to know each other online, but this was the first time I would get to personally meet her. She is so sweet. It was a good thing that his family are huggers just like ours. Very sweet and seem to fit in perfectly.

Everyone signed the "A" before the night was over

Bama Food Tent

Chase's parents ~ Larry & Kelly

Susan and Tim decided to make the anniversary party a Bama football party as well, since most of us would be glued to the television during the party anyway. She got ahold of her connections (family & friends) and decorated the house and outside in all Alabama Crimson colors. It was great! I couldn't believe Chase actually loaned her his signature footballs as part of the decor.

Kevin & Maryann got the cake - Chocolate Peanut Butter accented chocolate covered strawberries.  It was delicious and rich. 

The cooks & foremen looking on ~ ribs, chicken, boar & dove kabobs

We had food, food and more food. Doug and I took the following:
Tex-Mex Dip with Scoops,
Buffalo Chicken Dip and
Squash Casserole
This was the first time I had made the Tex-Mex Dip.  Everyone went on and on about how it was so good.  I couldn't make the guacamole the way the recipe said because the avocado was too hard.  Since I've never deliberately purchased an avocado before in my life, I didn't when how to pick out a ripe one.  Apparently, my wasn't ripe enough.  I tried everything to get it to mash, but I was making a mess.  Needless to say, I filed 13 on the guacamole and it still went over very well.  Personally, I liked this recipe even without the guacamole.  Doug definitely wants me to make it again.  It was very simple and easy.  The things I did do different for this recipe is the following:

• the recipe calls for 1 can of sliced black olives.  I love olives so I put 1 1/2 cans instead.
• The recipe calls for 1 large diced tomato.  I love lots of tomatoes and I didn't think 1 would be enough, so I cored and diced 2 large tomatoes. 
• The recipe calls for 1 cup of cheese.  I sprinkled a little over 2 cups of cheese.

The Squash Casserole was the first dish to empty quickly.  I'm telling ya, Paula Deen has a winner in that recipe.  I love it and will keep it in the rotation. 

The men absolutely love Doug's Buffalo Chicken Dip.  At first, he wasn't going to take it, but I told him that he had better because our nephews would be upset if they didn't get their dip fix.  LOL!  Sure enough, Ryan and Zayne were ready to get some as soon as Doug got it prepared. 

Chase's nephew, Blane and Katie fishing in the pond

They caught one

Some of the Bama fans routing for their team ~ RTR!

Dad and buddy, Ralph

I think dad and mom had a great time and appreciated everyone coming together today.  They were smiling and laughing, really enjoying themselves.  I think their life long friends, Ralph and June, being here added to their joy.  Ralph and June has a sweet sweet Yorkie named Sophie.  Katie and I just loved her.  I told Katie how it would be nice to have such a sweet little dog like Sophie.  She agreed.  We'll have to work on daddy in a few years.  He has put his foot down and told me that we would absolutely not have a house dog.  We'll keep working on him because I think a little Yorkie or dachshund would be perfect for the kids.

Katie blowing bubbles for Blane and Colton to catch

Jon and Kacy

Colton helping get the ingredients out of the cabinet, while I prepare the Squash Casserole.  He had food all over the Kitchen floor and having a ball doing it.

Katie Story
As you know Katie's favorite color is pink, but when it comes to Alabama football apparel it's an automatic "NO". She strongly feels sports apparel are strictly for boys only. I practically have to force her to wear school or football apparel or she will not touch them with a ten foot pole. Saying this, I went ahead and informed her this morning that today's party will be a Bama party and everyone is to wear their t-shirts. She gave me this look as if "you're kidding. Right?" I told her that she would have to wear either her red or pink Bama t-shirt. Still giving me the look, she asked me why she had to wear the shirt for grandma and grandpa's party. I informed her because it was a Bama party. Still confused, she asked "but why does Aunt Sue-Sue want to have a Bama party?" "Because Alabama's playing football tonight." I told her. As she is rolling her eyes and dragging herself to the closet. She caved, "I guess I can wear my pink t-shirt." You would have thought that I asked her to clean the whole house. Honestly, I don't know why she acts like that. The Bama shirts she has are really girly and cute, but she just doesn't like to wear sportswear. She prefers dresses and glittery clothes.

How about that game tonight?  Can you say "ROLL TIDE!"?  I felt that we would have a good chance because Doug said that Penn State isn't that good this year, but never this bad.  I don't think Coach Joe Paterno liked the beaten that they got too well.  Ouch!  His interview after the game was SOME-THING.   He may tell it like it is, but he lets his feelings show as well.  Eeew.

Final Score:
Bama 24 
Penn State 3

I LOVE IT!!!!!!  ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!