Oh no she di’int

MR made it very clear that my singing was not up to par while listening to the Elmo song. Ssshhhing, shaking her finger, and shouting “no, no, no,” was all the hint I needed to keep my singing voice to myself. While my pride was hurt, I did come to the realization that my yearn to compete on American Idol was a bit of a stretch.

Alright. Enough is enough. Before you go on getting too excited, wondering if I can in fact carry a tune, let me stop you right there. I have never had the slightest desire to be on American Idol. No sir re bob, I’m holding out for my reality debut on next season’s Atlanta’s Housewives. Stay tuned…I have a feeling me and Nene are going to be as thick as thieves.

Posted in mary reese, memories | 3 Comments

She’s got some handmade hot pants

This little girl loves all things polka dots, so polka dots it is! These pants are far from perfect and definitely not worthy of out of the house attire, but I had so much fun making them! And at just a dollar to make, they will make perfect play clothes for sweet Mary Reese!

Posted in Sewing | 9 Comments

Sweeter than this

 

Alright, alright…I’ll admit, I’m from the south and am not a huge fan of Paula Deen’s. On more than one occasion, her recipes have been categorized as “non-repeat” offenders in our household. That being said, I do have a few favorites that are worthy of all of that extra “budder” (butter). Here is one that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Gooey Toffee Butter Cake:

Cake:
1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup almond toffee bits or chocolate toffee bits

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9 by-2-inch baking pan.

For the cake: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well. Pat into the bottom of prepared pan and set aside.

For the filling: Still using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Dump in confectioners’ sugar and beat well. Reduce the speed and slowly pour in butter. Mix well. Fold in toffee bits.

Pour filling onto cake mixture and spread evenly. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Don’t be afraid to make a judgment call on the cooking time, because oven temperatures can vary. You want the center to be a little gooey, so don’t bake it past that point!

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares. Just remember that these wonderful cakes are very, very rich, and a little will go a long way!

Posted in recipes | 7 Comments

Working on a million dollar smile, two new teeth at a time

Two new teeth mean that this little girl has been ruling the roost. No naps. Yogurt and Nilla wafers for every meal. Bouts of fussiness. And late night holding sessions with mommy and daddy. Still, she manages to make us smile each and every step of the way. When asked about her two new teeth, she will proudly open her mouth and say “ahhhh”. A firm “no, no, no” with the shake of a finger and a tight closed lip usually follows.  She’s not letting anyone, even her beloved Elmo toothbrush, near her new teeth. Yep, she’s the boss and until these babies peep through, she can have all of the yogurt, Nilla wafers, and “magic medicine” she wants.

Posted in mary reese | 7 Comments

An update, an etsy shop, and a recipe

The Boss man was released from the hospital this morning and will undergo more tests at UVA next week. The latest ultrasound did not show any blockage, but pointed to an enlarged left kidney. Please continue to pray for God’s healing touch as their family awaits the next series of tests.  

Now that we’ve got precious Boss back home, I want to tell you about my very talented and creative sister-in-law, who just opened an Etsy shop. Lauren is an absolute jewel to our family. Not only can she cook a mean macaroni and cheese, but she can also paint. Please stop by her shop and blog to browse through her unique collection of paintings, children’s wall art, and stationary. Here are a few of my favorite pieces. 

Llama watercolor stationary

Pumpkin on old barnboard

Mary Reese wall art

Hendley wall art

Hand painted bathroom stool

Last but not least, I want to share a fabulous and easy peasy recipe for Banana Bread. The recipe comes from Garrett’s step-mom and is an absolute favorite around the Harvey house.

 Meme’s Banana Bread: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan.

1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
2 1/3 cup Bisquick mix
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Beat all ingredients vigorously for 30 seconds. Bake 55-65 minutes.

To make your banana bread even more fabulous, cut off a slice, spread with butter, and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds. It is seriously melt in your mouth good! For an easy and delicious dessert, serve warm banana bread with a dollop of caramel sauce (I use the kind in the jar) and a scoop of vanilla ice cream! I promise you, you won’t be disappointed by this tasty treat!

I know we need it, but these last few days of rain have put a damper on our outside plans. Thank the good Lord for a front porch, rain boots, and Sesame Street.

Posted in doctor visits, family, mary reese, recipes | 7 Comments

Say a prayer for the Boss Man

Boss is my sister’s second child. He’s big. Real big, hence his nickname. Yesterday morning, Julie took a screaming Boss to the pediatrician. After several tests, the doctor diagnosed the Boss man with kidney problems. An ultrasound appointment was scheduled for Thursday to reassess the situation. Last night, as the pain worsened, the Boss man was taken to the ER, where he still remains. At this point, the doctors believe that there is an obstruction to the right kidney. Please pray that God be with their family as they face the uncertain. We are hopeful that today’s tests will provide answers and a solution to his pain!

Posted in family | 3 Comments

The year of sewing, being outdoors, and making friends

I vowed to learn to sew in 2009. G vowed to spend more time in the outdoors. So far, G is fairing better than me. Last night he headed south for an early morning dove shoot. Later today, he is off to Eastman, Georgia to deer hunt. Always the overachiever, I’m sure his new found hobby will require lots of expensive accessories…guns, ammunition, camouflage, land. As long as it does NOT require mounting a deer head in our living room, I’m fully supportive.

G and I both agreed that 2009 would also be the year that we get out and do more. New Years eve seemed like the prefect occasion to do just that. After dinner for two at a great Chinese restaurant, we met some friends for drinks at a nearby inn. Having stayed out until almost midnight (which is way, way, way past our normal bedtime) we were pretty proud of ourselves! When we returned home, we got to watch the ball drop with Gran C and Big Daddy. And MR, who was also up way, way, way past her bedtime. The next day, we were off to watch the dawgs take on Michigan State with some neighborhood friends. I know, I know. I hate to get overly ambitious this early in the game, but I do like to start out the new year with a bang!

Here’s to hoping that we are succesful in keeping our resolutions for 2009! May this new year bring many blessings, lots of time for reflection, sewing and outdoor activities, and many, many new friends to carry us through!!!

This sweet girl is ringing in the new year with two new teeth and a growing vocabulary! Her new favorite word is “Hannah” (Hannaaaa)

New Years Eve

When daddy’s away, babygirl will play…

Posted in mary reese, memories, milestones | 3 Comments

Christmas at the coast

Some hate it. I love it. 80 degrees in mid December suits me just fine. On the final leg of our “Christmas 2008 tour”, we stopped by Eulonia to spend a few days at the coast. Seafood and burgers, a pier-side playground, and a long walk on the beach were the perfect end to our Christmas vacation.

Brogan’s St Simons Island, Georgia

Its official…MR is FINALLY a certified walker!!!! G and I are so proud of her!

Posted in mary reese, memories, places | 7 Comments