I love celebrating birthday's, especially when mine is celebrated every month of the summer!  That's right, last Sunday night we went over to a friend's house for dinner and to celebrate my 29th birthday.  Only, my 29th birthday was over 2 months ago.  But hey, that's ok, it gave us another excuse to get together, eat and laugh.  

This time the host and hostess was Brandon Pratt and Lauren Denham.  The food was great.  We had New York Strips, mac and cheese, beans and Brandon cooked my favorite - Red Velvet Cake!  Not only did he bake it himself - he also made it a two layer cake!  GO BRANDOCROCKER!!!  

We caught some of the Emmys on TV and then had to get home because we had to get up the next morning for - WORK!  But we still had a great time visiting and catching up with our friends.  

Next time we all celebrate together - I'm sure we will be celebrating at a football game tailgate!  Bring on the football season, football weather and GO DAWGS!!!!

Go State, GO STATE!

This past Saturday one of my best friends, Abby, took me and another friend to Jackson to a painting class at Easely Amused for our "late" birthday present.  We had so much fun!!!  When we got there - I wasn't sure if this was something I could do or not but you'll have to scroll down to see the finished product.

Me and Abby before the class started.

Abby and Elizabeth before the class started.

Our finished product!  I think we did pretty good!!

Peaunt Butter Chocolate Covered Brownie Balls

The recipe might have a long title, but don't let that keep you from making these yummy to the tummy, easy to make brownie balls.  

Start with this brownie mix.  And btw, all these indigents can be bought at Winn Dixie.

Follow the directions on the box as is and cook slightly under the suggested cook time.  (You want to be sure they are very "fudgey.")  Make sure they cool down before the next step.

Spoon out some of the brownie and roll into a small ball.  Continue with this step until all the brownies are gone.  Place them on wax paper and stick them in the freezer to be sure they are really cold before the next step.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave according to the directions on the bag. (Usually one full minute.)

Make sure the chocolate is all melted and swirl in 1/3 cup of peanut butter.

 I usually use this brand but you can use whatever creamy brand you like.

After the chocolate and peanut butter are mixed in together well... roll your brownie ball in the chocolate mixture until it is well coated and place on a piece of wax paper for the chocolate to harden.  

Usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes til they have harden and ready to taste.  If you make them, let me know how you like them.  They are always a hit when I make them.  ENJOY!

A new baby... a new outlook on life.

Yesterday, Terry and I attended Asa David James' baby dedication at Jones Chapel Church of God.  First of all, this baby is the most precious baby God ever put on this planet.  He doesn't cry, he is beautiful and he has all the love a baby could need from his parents, family and adopted family (Terry and I, of course).  We were honored to be there yesterday to witness his parents make a public acknowledgment to be Godly parents.  

During the dedication, I witnessed first hand what a baby does for a husband and wife.  It brings them closer and with their love they have for each other it doubles to make their baby the most loved child a parent could have.  Taking pictures during the ceremony, I prayed to be able to bring a baby into this world and give him or her the love that Jeremy and Lauren are giving Asa, everyday.

I snapped this one right before the prayer...

So sweet to see the love they have for each other and this precious little boy.

I did good holding it together during the dedication but I lost it at the end of the service when they both went to the alter to pray to God giving him thanks for this new life he has given them.  I'm sure everyone - including Terry - was wondering why I was so emotional but, to have known Lauren forever and Jeremy and Lauren as a couple for years... this was a blessing to witness.

Thanks Lauren and Jeremy for letting me be a part of your sweet little family's day. 

Ra Ra Ree - we have a little cheerleader to see!

Most Sunday's we go over to Terry's parent's house for lunch.  And yesterday, after we dined on some yummy homemade food, we got a chance to see a sneak peak at the new little Sowell cheerleader.

Here she is making her debut as a RCA cheerleader... Miss Emma Kate Sowell!

We look forward to seeing and yes, hearing her cheer for the Warriors!!

We are both "stars"

I make a point to have a play date with my nieces every week.  This past Wednesday afternoon, I went to see them and since it was still too hot to go outside and play, we decided to find something fun to do indoors.  

And boy did we ever!

Yay for Play-Doh cut out of stars and it sticking to mine and Ava's faces!

Joyful's Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Here it is!  The long awaited chicken spaghetti recipe.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  And let me know how it turns out - if you cook it!  ENJOY!!

chicken
spaghetti noodles
chicken broth
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
2 cans of rotel
Velveeta cheese
can of English peas
shredded cheese

boil some chicken and cut up into bite size chunks
boil spaghetti noodles and drain the water

add chicken, Velveeta cheese, cream of chicken soup, rotel, English peas (you can leave this out if you want but you can't taste them and you have veggie in it) and chicken broth to the spaghetti pot... stir and make sure all the cheese has melted

Pour into dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top

This usually makes two 9x13 dishes.... bake on 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is nice and bubbly!

The best things... EVER

Everyone may not like them but I LOVE them.  

I don't know a lot of places you can get them, especially this brand.  But I do know that the Clarkdale Superette has them.  Since I was out delivering magazines today - I stopped in for a drink and found them this morning.  Whenever I'm out that way... I will have to buy a bag and enjoy.  Definitely made my day, today!!!

I miss...

Things I miss about colder weather:

Wrapping up in a blanket

Cheaper power bill
Eating soup
Drinking hot chocolate
Sitting outside without sweating
No bugs or snakes
Holidays
Not cutting the grass

I could go on and on. 
What do you miss about the colder weather?

The simpler life

This past weekend was one I will remember for a while.  The peacefulness, beauty and quietness of being in the country makes for a pretty amazing weekend.  There was nothing on the agenda and that's the way I like it.  We did have some friends come over Saturday afternoon to grill out and watch movies but I didn't feel like I had to play the crazy hostess that I normally play.  It was very relaxing to have them come over and enjoy their company.  

Staying in the country means you don't hear the hustle and bustle of town.  At night, there is nothing between you and the stars.  And every once in a while you'll see a plane lighting up the sky with the stars.  It's the life I grew up knowing and I love having that feeling again when I go to Terry's house.  

Let it be known, I love the simpler life!