Everyone, Meet Clifton

No, No, No … we are not having another baby, yet! But, Bennett does have a new friend. In the form of a fluffy, furry, fuzzy, stuffed Monkey!  We had dinner at our local strip mall recently and when we got finished early, we decided to take little man to Build a Bear and spend wayyy too much money on a stuffed animal for an early bday present. Money well spent for the shear fact that we got picture #4 in this series!

First, we picked out our Monkey friend and the sound we wanted him to make (oooo oooo ahhh ahhh)

Then, we headed to give him some good ole' stuffing!

 We watched in awe as he came to life!

We picked out the besets heart to make him super sweet.

And put that sweet heart right inside our new friend to help him come to life!

Then we gave our new friend a big, big hug!

 And a big slobbery kiss to get acquainted.

 Then we kept asking, is he really mine? Oh I love him!

 And then finished off the evening by dancing around the store with him!

Welcome to the family little Clifton. We love you already!

Recipe Monday: Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Are you ready for the most creative, genius, delicious, simple sweet breakfast idea that will change your life? Okay, that may be a bit dramatic … But it's really good. Say hello to cinnamon rolls … that become waffles, in about 3 minutes.

Yep, it's that easy.  I'm not really sure I can claim this a "recipe" … but a good idea none-the-less.  Here goes …

Step 1: Warm up the waffle iron and pick out your favorite cinnamon rolls. If you're feeling incredibly feisty and have a ton of time you can even make your own, but for this recipe and what it's worth … save yourself the headache and just buy a package.

Spray your pan with trusty Pam, place one roll in the center of the pan and close. (tip: you can really do two at a time for space and ease, but they won't look as pretty) …  Let the cinnamon roll cook for about a minute or so (it seriously takes no time at all) you just want to check that it's crisp and isn't sticking to the waffle maker.

Lift your lid and VOILA! A perfectly fancy cinnamon roll waffle!

Now of course the best part -- slather on that icing and add some pretty fruit (to make it feel a little more healthy).  And eat your heart out kids.

Cinnamon roll waffles complete. Happy happy day.

Life Lately {Photo Dump}

I've been a little absent in blogland lately, and I blame that on my son who has gone from a sweet little cruiser to a full throttle, non stop, bundle of dirty boy energy that I am so busy chasing around I forget there is anything else actually happening in this world. But, don't be fooled. There has been ALOT happening in our world, I've just failed to share.

So let me enlighten you … and reminisce a bit on this spring/beginning of summer because it's rushing by so fast and I fear if I don't share snippets I will forget all together.

We celebrated my daddy-o receiving a huge honor from his alma mater.

We watched my beloved wildcats play in the National Championship! (the money was a bet …we lost … booooooo)

We took a stroll on the FINALLY complete Big Four Bridge.

 We welcomed home my baby brother after his semester abroad.

We celebrated Derby festivities in the Bluegrass. Winefestin' baby.

We made appearances at all of the happening Oaks and Derby parties.  And BUBs beginner's luck paid off - California Chrome baby!

 Bennett got his first piece of mail, and it was the greatest day ever.

 We made funny faces and had snuggle sessions with cousins.

We kicked off wedding season with a bang.

We celebrated my first Momma's day!

And of course, celebrated the Big Guys birthday no not baby Bennett…that's coming way too soon though ;)

Baby Bennett and I took a weekend trip with Grandma to Northern Tennessee

And then the following weekend I took your daddy back to Nashville for a night on the town!

Then we high tailed it out of Music City and headed straight to the lake for a weekend of sunshine and Memorial Day fun with some of our favorite people!

We took a fabulous sunny vacay to Destin, FL with Hub's side of the family.

We toured a pretty sweet place with PaPaw and were amazed by garden entrances and fancy toilets

 We took neighborhood walks and cheered on the swim team.

And oh my sweet heavens, we bought your daddy's college house as a rental. Lord help me to think you may live there one day. Whew!

Now, I need to try and catch my breath … regain my strength … and get ready to take on summer. Sweet summer time, we're ready for you!