Cookbook review

I have posted on here before about attempting some recipes off of the Pioneer Woman blog. Well, she now has a cookbook, AND she came to Little Rock to do a book signing. My Aunt Karen and I decided to go have our new cookbooks signed. Well, we waited and waited and waited some more. After an hour passed, we had only moved a few feet and were both questioning our loyalty to PW. It only took an hour for us to solve all of the problems of the world, and we were running out of things to occupy ourselves with. We eventually determined that we are not very loyal fans because we decided to blow off PW for her hubby!! haha! Aunt Karen got her books signed by the Marlboro Man, and I decided that I preferred a clean book. I later found out that several friends remained loyal to PW and waited over 3 hours to get their books signed (Robin, Stacy, and Paige, you guys are my idols!!). I would like to point out though that all of these girls had access to a baby to play with while they waited, so I feel that they had an unfair advantage. Just kidding! I, on the other hand, spent the evening on the couch with Jesse, reviewing my clean, fresh, unsigned copy of the Pioneer Woman Cookbook! haha!

Before getting the book, I had already tried several recipes from the PW blog including: mac and cheese, bbq meatballs, and chocolate cake. I am fairly critical and typically only use recipes with "normal" ingredients and that don't throw in one of everything. So far, we have LOVED everything we have tried off of the blog. Anyway, since getting the book, I have already tried out a few of the recipes that I haven't seen on her blog. Last week, we tried cowboy calzones, and this week, I made her chili. Both were excellent. Chili isn't something I am known for in my house, and I had high hopes that this was my chance to redeem my previous chili attempts. I have to say that it was pretty good (patting myself on the back).

I would recommend the cookbook for several reasons:
1. Good, reliable, normal ingredient recipes
2. Excellent photography
3. Interesting stories
4. Not outrageously priced
5. Would make a good Christmas present


I know that PW has been waiting with bated breath for my approval. I am equally sure that this little review will give this cookbook just the boost in sales they needed (never mind that it had already reached #1 on the NY Times Bestseller List). So, I am officially giving the book my seal of approval, so all 2 of my blog followers who don't already have this cookbook should rush out an get it! haha!

Dance Class

Tatumn has started taking dance lessons each week. She goes to a class of 3 and 4 year olds and has 20 minutes of tap, ballet, and gymnastics (also know as tip-tap, ballerina, and flipping by Tatumn!). She is having a wonderful time!!

They had their first parent show this past week. All the parents and guests could come sit in for the class. I now understand why the instructor doesn't do this every week....Tatumn spent most of her time waving and smiling at us and much less time paying attention!! haha! It was super cute though.

We started about 2 months into the class, so her tutu hasn't come in yet. The teacher has them all wearing the same thing, but Tatumn is wearing a blue dress in these pics. Also, just in case you notice it, she picked 2 holes in her pink tights during this session! haha!!

Here is Tatumn practicing her "flipping!" She tells us that this is her favorite part!

American Red Cross 2009 Arkansas Hero Award

Today my little brother, Lance, was awarded the 2009 Arkansas Hero Award. He, along with 3 other fellow firefighters were honored for their bravery in a rescue that saved the life of one of their Captains. I could not be more proud!! What an honor, and he really is so deserving. Lance is a wonderful man, and I am just so happy for him that I had to brag a little!

This is the plaque that he received from the Red Cross.

Lance, Vivi, Mom, and I attending the banquet. I was so happy that we were able to be there!

Me, Mom, and Vivi

Lance and Vivi

All the guys in uniform are the firefighters that were honored. The man in the center is the Captain that was rescued. He was so appreciative to these guys and had wonderful things to say about all of them. A very deserving group!

Lance in front of Engine 1, which is the Engine he rides. Tatumn calls it Lance's fire truck and doesn't seem to understand that he doesn't actually own it! haha!

What a wonderful day! It was really nice to celebrate with all of the guys from Lance's station. We are so proud of Lance!!

Halloween 2009

We had a great Halloween. On Saturday, Jesse's cousin Rob came down with his 2 little girls, Abbie and Hayden. Tatumn was so excited, and the girls played so well together. That night, we went to our church Halloween carnival. It was a blast, and Tatumn really enjoyed all the games and costumes (except the scary one!). We came home to meet up with Lance, Vivi, Gunner, and Gwen for a little neighborhood trick or treating. The kids were so excited and had a great time!

Jesse even got in on the dressing up action! haha! He had this from dressing up for Awana, so he thought he would put it on. Tatumn kept telling him that boys don't have long hair! haha!

Gunner was Mario. His mustache was awesome!! He looked adorable!

Gunner and Tatumn

Tatumn was Snow White. She didn't care what she dressed up as as long as it was a princess with a dress! She loved showing it off!

Gwen was a bumblebee. I did not get one of her full costume unfortunately. She was super cute though. When it comes to pics with Gwen, you have to pretty much run and hope that one turns out!

Tatumn

Tatumn enjoyed getting to run around with Gunner and Gwen. She really only wanted to be in pics that Gunner was in, but we convinced her to get a few shots of her own!

I think this sassy little pic summarizes our girl! haha!

Gwen

I am not gonna lie.... Gwen is tough to get a pic of! She is just like her daddy was at that age. Whatever you want her to do, she will not be doing that! Ask her to smile, she will cry. Ask her to stand still, she will run. Ask for a hug, she will smack you. haha! I love a spirited little girl! In spite of the challenge, I think we ended up with a few cute ones! This girl makes me laugh!

Gunner

I took the kids out to take their Christmas pics this past Saturday at Hendrix College in Conway. Gunner was such a big boy and so cooperative! He is such a cute kid. I love his smile! He was so helpful with the other girls too!! I got so many cute ones of Gunner that it is going to be hard to choose a favorite, but I picked out a few to show off.

More pics are coming!!