Good food and Good times

Just wanted to post some pictures of my wonderful weekend. We grilled out at our park, Kingdom Come State Park, and went to the Mountain Laurel Festival in Pineville, KY.

I really didn't want the weekend to end. We had such a great time!

Granny is usually in charge of the grilling.

I love these next two pictures because it shows my mom and granny's hands.

Can you tell we love our little doggies so much??!!! Well, we do! :) Shakira is the Boston Terrier (Mom's dog), Chico is the Chihuahua (Granny's dog), and Raven is the Schnauzer mix (My dog). They had as much fun as we did at the park.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Mother's Day (Late)

Just some pictures from Mother's Day that I've been meaning to post. I hate this picture of me. I looked cross-eyed or neck-less or maybe just dorky. This is my mom, me, and my granny.

I got these cute measuring cups for each of them from Pier 1. They look like teacups, but are actually 1/4 - 1 cup.

Of course, I didn't get any pictures of the 1 million pieces of homemade "Cranberry and Macadamia Nut Biscotti" that I made them. (and may I add... drizzled with White Chocolate) I'm not bragging or anything, but everyone loved them and have requested more. Maybe I'll get pictures because I'm making more for my husband's grandmother tonight. She knows how to make a girl feel good...request more of something I've made for her. :)

I swear, I know I'm a little bias, but do I not have the cutest mom and granny ever? They are so pretty and neither one looks their real age. They might kill me, but can you believe my mom is 51 and my granny is 71! Don't they look amazing! My mom runs in a different 5K every single weekend!

Now that I'm talking about it (mom, please forgive me) I felt that I needed to show some more pics of my mom. She has never had any face lifts, collagen, lipo, or any other surgeries of any kind. (I know people must think that sometimes.)

This is my beautiful mom...

No she doesn't wear fanny packs usually. She must have thought it would be ok since we were at the beach. Not ok.

No, she isn't crazy. This picture was from Halloween. She was a queen or princess or something.

I told you so.

Sorry to brag, but I'm so proud that she is my mom and really is my best friend. She is one of these women that is down-to-earth, and yet so elegant and poised. She's so funny and witty. She is so much more intelligent and talented that what she will give herself credit for.

She is such a wonderful woman and I still want to be just like her when I grow up.

Young Hearts Be Free Tonight

I'm not sure why but, I'm in a Rod Stewart mood this morning.

If you need a little singing and dancing into your day, I encourage you to play ALL these videos.

Your day will be better...I promise.

Friends, Food, and "Idols"

I had the chance to go to one of my favorite bakeries yesterday in Lexington, Caramanda's.

They have the best cupcakes! My friend, "Easy", came over to cook spaghetti for Shari and I.

They were celebrating Wednesday evening for American Idol and I was celebrating Wednesday because I really didn't have anything to do. (I love those evenings!)

Easy's spaghetti was superb and oh the cupcakes were equally delicious!

What a great evening with the most wonderful friends and a scrumptious dinner and dessert. Can't beat those times!

My cupcake of choice...A Teacake
Shari's cupcake of choice...Chocolate Explosion (And beverage of choice)

If you'll notice to the right, Easy had the same taste buds as Shari last night except he chose the Sprinkles Cupcake.

I think Simon looks disappointed in both of them and thinks it was a "wrong choice". ha ha

Shari's dog, Tippy, was just scared about the whole experience of last night. Or maybe just mad that "what's his name" was voted off American Idol.

I don't know. She doesn't talk much.

I Will Praise You In This Storm

Check out the weather/tornado we had right here in Richmond last Friday night!
I did not take this photo and would credit the photographer if I can ever find out who captured this shot.

This is very close to many of my friends houses and about 3 or 4 miles away from me.

This tornado caused a lot of damage here and my heart breaks for those who lost their homes and for the 2 lives lost in the storm.

I know this song has many meanings, but this situation reminds me of these lyrics. I love this song so much.

This song starts at 2:10, but I encourage you to listen to every minute of it.

Where does your help come from? Man, I know where mine does, "the maker of Heaven and Earth". Where would I be without it?

Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm

I was sure by now God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

Chorus:
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth

The Black Bear Festival

My hometown hosted our annual "Black Bear Festival" this weekend.

I LOVE FESTIVALS!!! For many reasons...food, music, crafts, and more food!

Did you know that my hometown of Cumberland is the Black Bear Capital of Kentucky? Bet ya didn't! Well, we are and they are out about about these weeks. This is when Momma Bear is venturing out of her cage with her babies. It is never a good time to be around the bears, but especially not right now. Momma Bear is very protective over her babies!

We had old fasioned "singing" in the park...Shakira enjoyed listening to the music...
This is one of the streets in my tiny little hometown of Cumberland. Population 2,291.
This is my Mom's beauty shop on this same little street...Julia's Hair Boutique.

Notice the Black Bears painted on the windows. :)

I was a great weekend!!!! I didn't get one single picture of actual, living bear!! Grrr...maybe next visit home.

Max Brenner and Rice to Riches

I had two really cool dessert experiences while in NYC in March.

The first was Max Brenner. For me to say this place was good, would be the understatement of the year. Words cannot describe how amazing this place is.

The second place was Rice to Riches. Ok, I really don't like rice that much and especially not rice pudding, but this place was sooooo good. I fell in love with the store and all the hilarious signage.

Bathroom Shot...

Love It!!!!!