Leaving tomorrow........

to go camping!! Last year our camper sat in the driveway for two reasons: (1) We had no vehicle to pull it (we got rid of my Expedition because it was just hogging too much gas!! I can't imagine what it would be like now!!), and (2) I was pregnant and couldn't lift anything, so it was a little hard to get ready for a camping trip.

So this weekend we are going to Harrison Bay State Park. It isn't that far away from us and I thought it would be better to go somewhere close the first time we take Hayden. That way if he doesn't do well, Mommy and Hayden can come back home! : )

Just thought I would share a picture of our camper, if there is anyone who hasn't seen it. Those pictures were from the day we picked the camper up for the first time--March 2005!! Look how young Mari Cate looks!!

Is this the new Tarzan?

Create your own FACEinHOLE

An Afternoon Out

Yesterday, Frank and I got to go to a beautiful wedding and reception. The attorney for Frank's work got married and we were invited to attend. Frank didn't really want to go to the reception because it was at The Walden Club, which is a fancy "members only" club in Chattanooga, but I wasn't about to pass up a chance to get in there---for free!! :) He had a good time, even with me forcing him to go!

Us before we left

(Jill notice the repaired hair color!! haha)

The Wedding Couple dancing their first dance

The Classic Cadillac that they arrived and left in

2 MONTHS OLD!!! OH MY!!!

A Visit with Kristi

Last Monday (I know I am a little late posting this--my internet has been down for a few days) I met with my long time friend Kristi and her new baby Emily. We had such a good time visiting and eating lunch at O'Charleys. I must tell you though this wasn't your normal lunch meeting. This was too old friends from high school (and I say the word "old" very loosely!! haha), who at 40 years old both have new babies, and were actually due on the same day!! Isn't that just wild??? However, little Emily decided to make her entrance into the world about a month early. She has done sooo well though and is just adorable!! Just thought I would share some pictures from our day. Of course the babies were just wonderful (sleeping though our entire meal!!)

Congratulations UT Lady Vols!!!

Never Too Old...

to get in trouble with your mother!! ; )

My mom said she was gonna get me if I didn't quit making fun of "her baby"! haha!!

Be vewwy, vewwy quiet....

there's a baby sweeping!!!

Well, Frank thinks that Hayden looks like Elmer Fudd, since his hair has fallen out. What do you think??? Do you see any resemblance??

A sort of homemade recipe : )

Does your husband (or you) not like the traditional "Hamburger Helper"? I know they are probably one of the least healthy foods out there, but lets face it...they are a quick and easy dinner! The only problem??? My husband thinks they ALL taste the same and refuses to eat any of the varieties. So I came up with a sort of "Homemade Hamburger Helper". I have several different recipes that I use and as I was making one of them tonight I thought I should share it on here (you know I still would like to make my life "simpler" and although the boxed variety would be easier, this isn't too hard either).

Tonights version is Baked Ziti.

1 box Ziti noodles

1 pound ground beef

1 jar/can of Spaghetti Sauce (any flavor) (I really prefer to make my own sauce and freeze it to use with these recipes, but sometimes it is easier/faster to buy the premade sauce)

Mozzarella Cheese

Brown the ground beef and drain. Cook the noodles and drain. Add the noodles and spaghetti sauce to the ground beef and place in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and pop in the oven until cheese is bubbling. Serve with garlic bread and a salad and you have a perfect QUICK meal!

Another version of "Homemade Hamburger Helper"

If you are like my family, if/when you fix Mac -n- Cheese, you have leftovers. I save the leftovers for another version of Homemade Hamburger Helper.

1 pound ground beef

Leftover Mac -n- Cheese

1 small can tomato sauce

1 can of chili beans (optional)

Brown ground beef and drain. Place back in skillet and add mac-n-cheese, tomato sauce, and beans (if desired). Mix together and heat until cooked through. Service with bread and salad.

Hope you enjoy!!

Wordless Wednesday

6 Weeks Old...

and a smile for you!