Oooh...that's an eight-legged spider!

Ha! Best quote from the weekend :) Happy Memorial Day!! We went here.

Saw lots of new creatures.

Played lots of games.

Drank too much of this.

Thanks, Sami!

And grilled up a storm. Which is why there are no more snapshots to share!

PS. Why do all of my projects start out like this???



Mother's Day 2011

In the world of mothers, I am and always have been abundantly blessed. My "moma" was a single mother who despite working very hard to just make ends meet, made sure that I did not miss out on a single opportunity. I may have not had brand new Ked's or Guess jeans, but I had someone to make sure that I got to and from softball practice and was always there to cheer me (and my friends!) on.

Nanny Mann

But, she did not brave motherhood alone. My grandmother, Nanny, raised twelve of her own and others too numerous to count. (Me being one the more special of those too numerous to count in her raisings,  of course.)

Aunt Karen and cousin Lori

I also have a very special aunt, Karen, who did not have children and was like a second mom to me. She treats me as if I am her own.

my more recently added mothers

Now that I am married, I have an additional mom and grandmother that also treat me as if I am their own and I couldn't have hand picked them a better set. Hence, I have lots to celebrate on Mother's Day.

I have a great window for banners:)

Needless to say, I like to make a big deal out of our celebration (or 'party' as Grandma calls it). Each year I send out invitations, make decorations, and try to plan a splendid menu. This year was no different.

We (JD included) spent a good amount of time making flowers that would last forever this year.

JD knows how to wield a glue gun, that's for sure

inspector Rigby

Weather was nice and we got to hang out outside (no patio required!).

The best part is having all of my momma's that are still with me here on earth in one place, enjoying the company of our fabulous family.

Marietta is Tasty!

On a Sunday near the end of April/beginning of May, the Taste of Marietta is held on the Marietta Square which surronds Glover Park.  As always, the Taste of Marietta did not disappoint. Perfect weather, entertainment, and company  made for the backdrop of a beautiful day at the Square.

Mom and Dad-in-law reserved our usual table right up front by the live music (and this year we had VIP seats in the shade!). Now, because I live in Marietta and have access to the vendors present any time I choose, the food is typically not my main draw. But, the atmosphere is one not to be missed!

Chuck and Carolyn's friends, Bob and Sylvia joined us this year along with Christen and Aaron.

enjoying the band

chatting

eating the famous black bean and feta dip

necklaces courtesy of "Henry"

Almost forgot one of the best parts, the band. Banks and Shane performs every year and they do covers of mostly oldies and Jimmy Buffett and a few new ones, like ZBB. They put on a great show and we look forward to hearing them every year! If you are reading this Banks or Shane, I could use some pro bono work from you in a couple of months!! Call me :)

Banks and Shane

They Say It's Your Birthday (Day 2)

Day 2 of JD's birthday celebration involved a meal inspired by Pioneer Woman. I've been wanting to try her Braised Beef Brisket for a while but needed a reason to buy all that beef. So, I finally had the reason but then finding that similar cut of meat in the appropriate size proved to be a challenge. I'm not sure if beef cuts are seasonal but I traversed to every grocery store within a 5 mile radius of the Big Chicken, so it seemed.

shameless plug

The first place I found it available (in it's totally organic form) was Harry's. Needless to say, that was not within my budget. Jump to the last place I look, Wal-Mart. Not typically my first choice for meats but I found exactly what I was looking for and then some (a couple of pounds are still in my freezer).

For my review of the brisket, I would not make this again using the same recipe. I followed the recipe exactly and the soy + canned beef consumme makes it a little too salty. Now, the salt lovers of the family really enjoyed it and munched on leftovers all week long, but the saltiness really overpowered the taste of the beef. The beef itself came out perfect as far as tenderness is concerned. Here is PW's end result and a link. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/brisket_baby/



For the sweet end to our meal, I made these cupcakes http://katesshortandsweets.blogspot.com/2011/02/vegan-valentine-cupcakes-red-velvet.html. They are from a vegan recipe, but I used all animal products and they turned out just as great. It was my first experience at making my own icing and it was really kinda fun. Now, if I could just master the icing application process. Everyone enjoyed and the rasberry flavor was nice for a different touch.



Because we are coffee lovers, my gift to JD was a Bodum Chambord french press coffeemaker. I little more work for a cup of joe, but so worth the flavor!

Bodum Chambord

JD's 1st birthday high chair with his new coffee grinder

birthday barista

Duncan's and Salamone's

Mann's

birthday love

They Say It's (was) Your Birthday - Day 1

Happy birthday to my hubby (back on February 12)!! JD's selection for his birthday dinner was 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs. Their local brews were tasty I must add - wouldn't mind going back! And, that speaks volumes since I've mainly been in a cab sav state of mind lately. Our family joined us and JD was even able to try some GA rabbit off the menu. I'm pretty sure he said it tasted kinda of gamey - surprise, surprise! Of course, it was served with carrots.

Mr. & Mrs. JD

Hotties

Mom & Dad -in-law

Mom & Syd

Me & my Munich Helles

More Helles (great minds think alike)

If you would like a more detail post specifically about the beer and brewery, check out JD's blog here http://whatsinyourkoozie.blogspot.com/2011/02/birthdays-and-beer.html

Scandalous!

Here are the good pics from Extreme Ski Getaway 2011! I thought since I only have one follower and he's in these pics, what's the worst that could happen. Sorry if these come back to haunt your political campaigns down the road JD and Sami!!

In our sweet ride

The Thinker

The Stinker

Posers

Too much 2Buck Chuck?