Prayer Request

I found out after my 34 week check up yesterday (which went great--baby J and I are both on track and I'm dilated .5-1 cm) that my grandmother is in the hospital in Hawaii. My Mom has 5 brothers and one of them lives there and she was visiting his family for the Christmas holidays. My uncle is a doctor and my aunt is a nurse so she could not be with a more appropriate son right now. She had emergency surgery on her twisted esophagus late Monday night. She is in ICU now sedated and expected to stay in the hospital for at least a week or so. Grandma's 86th birthday is tomorrow and I pray that she can pull through this. Baby J is her 1st great grandson (I'm the oldest of 12 grandchildren.) He is named after her late husband, my grandfather. Please keep her in your prayers the next few days.

100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Postively Must Try Before You Die

Ever heard of Garden and Gun magazine? If not, check it out! This is a fabulous article about 100 Southern Foods you absolutely, positively must try before you die! I've enjoyed going through the list and plotting my next few years of eating in the South. I must say, I'm doing pretty well so far!

Congrats and Welcome!

Congrats to our newest Preppy Preggo Club member Impoverished Preppy who is due with her 3rd on July the 16th. Please keep her in your prayers (and all the other mommies to be) during this early stage! I recently found out that A & I's friend Liz is having a boy in May and my friend I is having twin girls! Let me know if you would like to be added to the list---magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail dot com.

Also, please stop by my oldest best friend's new blog today and give her a nice welcome. Click here to see how cute we were way back when. We are 11 days apart (I'm older!) Our parents met in lamaze class and I can honestly say that when I went to my childbirth classes here in NYC I was hoping to meet my new best friend like my Mom did...but no luck. =) Sarah is getting married on March 7th in Atlanta. I was supposed to be in her wedding, but of course, baby J is due on Feb 8th so we downgraded me to a honorary bridesmaid (less pressure to fit in a dress one month postpartum!) I recently met with J's pediatrician for our prenatal visit and asked him if I could travel by plane with baby J and he said he did not recommend traveling with an infant until they are 2 months due to the fact that if he was to catch something, his immune system will not be fully developed and it could be really bad. I told A we should switch pediatricians, but he reminded me that would not change the facts. I'm still scheming up plans on how I can get there. I mean Sarah and I played "wedding," she caught my bouquet and I need to be there! Anyways, on top of a fabulous wedding, Sarah and her finance, Deaner, have made the decision to move to Germany after their wedding. Like A & I, they will move only a week after they return from their wedding! Now, packing up the wedding gifts and the dog and moving to the Big Apple was quite an experience as those of you who have been faithful readers since the beginning of my blog might remember--but can you imagine moving to another country! I know Sarah and Deaner will have an amazing experience and I'm so excited that my friend who can barely write 3 sentences in an email is now blogging about all of these experiences so that I can keep up with her! So, please stop by and leave her a comment, welcome her to blog world and stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting 2009 for her!

Crib Furniture Search

Here's another example of one of my searches...

You've seen my choices for my nursery, but I wanted to share with you my list of cribs, gliders and changing tables that I looked at. So many of you are pregnant, maybe your perfect pieces are among these and I'll be able to point you in the right direction!

Cribs

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-crib.html

http://store.babycenter.com/product/seasonal-special+categories/davinci/davinci/jenny+lind+3-in-1+crib.do?asc=false

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/pk352/index.cfm?pkey=rromnurcon

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/sw640/index.cfm?pkey=rromnurque

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/cf10/index.cfm?pkey=rromnursaf



Changing Tables

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-four-drawer-single-dresser.html

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-seven-drawer-dresser.html

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/k6542/index.cfm?pkey=rromnursto

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/w5221/index.cfm?pkey=csalfrn%7Cb

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/sw660/index.cfm?cm%5Flid=2&pgid=pk358&cm%5Fsrc=rel

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/p109/index.cfm?pkey=rromnursop

http://www.giggle.com/p/19876/Jenny-Lind-Style-Changing-Table.aspx

Armoires

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-door-chest.html

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-two-drawer-armoire.html

http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/345-madison-two-door-armoire.html


Gliders

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products_g/k5220/index.cfm?pkey=cfrnrck%7Cb

http://roomservicehome.com/prodinfo.asp?number=FF147201

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/p505/index.cfm?pkey=rromnursto

Baby Boy Shower Invitations

Many months ago I was in search for the perfect baby boy shower invitations for my friend Laura and posted about the ones that my friend made for me here. Whenever I'm "in search" I always save the images of the things that I find and here are some of the precious invitations that I was deciding between. Perhaps one of you could use them...


From Tiny Prints


From The Paper Cafe


From Tiny Prints

From The Paper Cafe

From The Paper Cafe

From The Paper Cafe

From The Paper Cafe

From The Paper Cafe

From Tiny Prints
From Tiny Prints

Here is the link list with prices:

Here's a list of some more that I almost got for her that I had saved:

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/bridescorner/2518_hp26145twinkleblueinvitation.asp

25 for $79

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/birthannouncements/2346_pmei029bluebabycarriagebabyshowerinvitation.asp

40 for $60

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/birthannouncements/2556_hpa7104weensiebluebirthannouncement.asp

25 for $79

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/birthannouncements/3657_we178122naligiraffeblue.asp

25 for $69

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/birthannouncements/3659_we178124swissdotblue.asp

25 for $69

http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/invitationsannouncements/birthannouncements/904_pmshortssquareinvitation.asp

40 for $80

http://lemontreepaperie.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_30_35&products_id=637

25 for $56

http://lemontreepaperie.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_30_35&products_id=2855

50 for $125

http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_3226.htm

50 for $62

http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_3531.htm

25 for $43.50**

http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_3531.htm

25 for $43.50**

http://www.tinyprints.com/products/ProductView_3513.htm

25 for $43.50**

Alabama Christmas

A and I returned to the city last night after an awful day of travel. (4am wake up call, 2 delayed flights, 1 mechanical issue, 1 weather delay, 1 shut door, 0 meals, 2 lost bags and a very long taxi stand line) I went to bed last night at 8:o0pm! The doc may have said I could travel, but this trip was a lot on my body. A and I are both back at work today and praying for slow work weeks. I took a cab to work this morning--the walk just seemed like a marathon!

Overall, we had a great trip and we are both thankful that we were able to be with our families and see many of our friends. We arrived in Birmingham at 3am on the 21st after yet another day of exciting travel (1 canceled flight, several delays, an impending snow storm as we boarded, 1 deicing of the plane...and then we almost got kicked off the airplane because 9 people had to go and we checked in late--ever heard of that one?). Next year, we're staying put. =) We had Christmas with A's family on Monday night. They spoiled us rotten! His parents are buying us our stroller. I also received a beautiful Reed & Barton silver chest with my monogram and a full setting of my china. His brother gave me a silver serving spoon in my silver pattern and a new collar for Daisy (A received a matching belt). His sister gave me the Twilight book, have any of you read it? Baby J received a Chicago Cubs onesie/bib/booties (his family are big fans) and a t-shirt/bib from A's high school. He also received a monogrammed onesie and burp cloth, a kissy kissy jacket, two cute blankets, pacifiers, a Bama baby bottle and some toys. He did quite well for a child that has yet to arrive. =) Since our trip was cut short in Birmingham we did not get to see as many of our friends as we wanted, but we still had a great time.

On Tuesday, we rented a car and headed to South for my family's Christmas. The normal 3.5/4 hour trip took us a tad bit longer than usual due to frequent bathroom stops. Hey, I'm 8.5 months pregnant-what do you expect? =) I had my final haircut for awhile (I'm preparing to not have time for that kind of thing the next few months). We went out for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner with my family, followed by a beautiful evening Christmas Eve mass. A and I even got to see the priest who married us and tell/show him our good news. Christmas day was 80 degrees in South Alabama and we enjoyed a lazy day of opening more presents and relaxing. My brother and sister treated me to a prenatal massage at The Grand Hotel on Christmas day. I asked my masseuse if she wanted to move back to NYC with me for the remainder of pregnancy, but I just could not convince her. =) In addition to the massage, I received a nightgown/robe, 2 sets of pjs, a pink fleece robe and slippers (do you see a theme?) We received a ton of practical gifts for baby J (ultimate crib sheet, waterproof pads, warm clothes, socks, bath supplies, toys, books, etc). My parents gave us a pastel portrait of Daisy for the nursery. It is absolutely perfect and so sweet. It is being framed this week and shipped to us so I'll share pictures soon! A and I did small gifts for each other and we are buying either this camera or this camera sometime before the baby arrives! Do any of you have either one, I would love to hear some feedback. We're leaning towards the Nikon. My Mom outdid herself with a yummy Christmas dinner. It truly was a perfect day.

We were supposed to go to the beach on Friday, but by this point A and I were worn out, so we spent Friday and Saturday not moving much and taking lots of naps. My sister's friend, David, brought over 3 of his yellow lab puppies and we had a great time playing with the puppies. (If you live on the Gulf Coast and are looking to buy a yellow/white lab puppy--these are too cute!!) The puppies inspired a trip to the movies to see Marley and Me. I also painted some shelves for J's nursery...pictures to come. We went out to dinner on Saturday evening and tried to get to sleep early for our 4am wake up call. We had a action packed trip and it is going to take us at least a week to recover. I hope that you had a Merry Christmas with your friends and family.

So, I'm now in lock down in the city! I think another blogger meet up would be fun. Any interest? A and I plan on spending the rest of the month taking it easy, going on a few dates and getting ready for J. Any tips on things to do before the baby arrives? It won't be much longer now!

A Preview?

Here's a picture of A when he was a little boy. Isn't he precious! I'm hoping baby J will get some of his good looks. =) I have curly brown hair and brown eyes and A has blue eyes and blonde hair...there is no telling what our little one is going to look like. We'll know soon...just 6 weeks until my due date!

Merry Christmas from Daisy!

Preppy Preggo Club Updates

Congrats to LSU Melanie who had a baby girl, June Marie on December 12th! Stop by and offer up your congrats and see a picture of her little princess!

Congrats to Blissful Belle who had a baby girl on December 15th. If you are one of her readers make sure you stop by to learn her name and see some precious pictures of this southern belle!

New additions to the club:

Preppy Coastee The Mommy-due Feb 13th with a boy

The Icing on the Cake-April 21st with a baby girl

Confessions of a Dr. Pepper Addict-due end of July

Mrs. Juice Box-due end of July

Keep reproducing girls--we're doing great! Send me an email if you are a new add--magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com

Baby J Updates

I'll be home for Christmas....I had my 8 month (32 week) appointment on Tuesday and J and I are both doing well. Apparently, all my aches and pains are completely normal. I've asked my Mom for some berry flavored tums in my stocking and the doc says my nights of sleeping sitting up will end the moment I deliver him. We had a quick ultrasound at her office on Tuesday and said my doc said he looks great. His head is down and he had one foot almost in his month and the other one kicking his Mom under her ribs. Figure out that position! I can't see very well on their machine, but according to the doc he has nice chubby cheeks!! I can't wait to pinch them. =)

So then yesterday, A and I went to the hospital yesterday for our final "good" ultrasound. The equipment there is much more high tech. J looked great and it was so much fun to see him on a clearer screen. I have a few pictures, but our scanner at work is broken again so I'll have to upload them when I get home. The pictures are harder to read now because they just show body parts, not full body shots because he is so big now. He's definitely still a boy! =) They took a few measurements and then the tech's eyes got very wide and she looked at me and said you are going to have a very big baby boy! A and I immediately asked...how big is big? We were told J currently weighs 5.8 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!! He is in the 93rd percentile in weight for 32 weeks! At this point the average baby should double in size between now and 40 weeks. There is a small variation of 10-15% in the measurement, so really we are looking at a 5-6 pound baby right now. As you can see above, I've upgraded myself from the average 32 week jimama. We are skipping the 33 week pineapple, the 34 week cantaloupe, the 35 week honeydew and moving straight to the 36 week crenshaw melon! Ha, Ha!

The doctor came in confirmed that J is already a big boy! He asked me if I had gestational diabetes. I told him I passed my test a few months ago and he advised I should get another test done asap. He asked if A or I was a big baby--we were both 7 pound babies. He asked about our family history of big babies and I told him I was not aware of any on my side--my brother and sister were both 7 pounds as well. He said my due date has not changed, but they will need to see me again in 4 weeks to see if J is continuing to gain weight or if he will level out.

I called my doc and I was sent back to ultrasound at the hospital to pick up yet another orange glucose drink. Yum, Yum! An hour later I found myself back at her office getting my blood taken. I will get the results today if I need to go back in for a 3 hour test. My doctor's think that I'll pass again. My doc promised me she would not let me have a 12 pound baby, but she said she loves 10 pound babies! Oh Lord! The nurse told me that she guessed they would induce me or do a c-section at about 38 weeks (Jan 25th) if he keeps on this weight track. But, really all we can do now is wait. We are both very happy we have a healthy big boy and if he decides he wants to come in January (or the doctors decide that is when he needs to come) that is just fine with me. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted!

My Mom laughed and reminded me all those 0-3 month clothes we have received are not going to fit for very long (if at all.) She gave J a really cute monogrammed cashmere outfit that is 3 months and jokes that she knew all along that is what he would wear home from the hospital. She also informed me she was a 9 pound baby and my grandmother had several large babies. In addition, my Aunt Kathy was apparently a large baby too. A's Mom then informs us that his brother was a 9 pounder as well---so there are big babies on both sides after all! I think we have a future linebacker on our hands.

A and I are still okay to travel, although I've been told to take it easy. Most women carrying this much baby around are in their 36th or 37th week. We were scheduled to leave LGA at 9:30pm tonight for Bham, but there is a little snow storm that is currently dumping snow on the city. The streets are salted and the city's plows are working! As I look out the window, the snow has covered the trees and sidewalks. It's a winter wonderland. =) They are expecting anywhere from 1-8 inches depending on how quickly the storm moves out. We're basically at mother nature's mercy! Most of the flights this afternoon were canceled, so we went ahead and rebooked for tomorrow evening to be on the safe side. Hopefully we'll be good to go tomorrow.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!

****Update*****
My doc just called and my diabetes test was clear!!!!!!!

Project Dream Nursery

Sick of baby talk yet? Sorry--I'm less than 8 weeks away from J's due date and I've got baby on the brain!

I'm looking and thinking about the following for the nursery:

I would really like to pull the blue and white polka dots out of the bedding and use those as much as I can. I also love my Central Park Andy's Gang Toile, so that will look cute in other places too. Any suggestions and or thoughts?

1) Large and deep wall shelves in an espresso or mahogany finish like these (overpriced) or super cute blue/white polka dots (but I don't like the depth on this one) to hang/BOLT over the changing table and put baskets (hence why I need the larger depth) in them to help with storage issues in my small NYC apartment. I love these, but I'm thinking the white would not look so good with all of my dark wood. Thoughts?

2) Baskets for above shelves. Seen any cute and affordable ones? I love these with the dark brown basket and green/white polka dot liners, but these would work with the blue or green ribbon.

3) A great price on a chandelier. I'm thinking either this one or this one or this one. If you know of a cuter one that is a better price or how to get a better price on one of these please do tell!

4) Some really cute chandelier shades--maybe in a blue/white polka dot (like the bed skirt from my bedding) or matching toile chandelier shades from the same place that made my bedding or one of these (thanks for the website Blissful Belle)

5) A really cute rug--either blue with white polka dots, white with blue polka dots (thinking this one will get too dirty too fast, blue/green polka dots , green and white stripes like my hallway, or maybe just blue. I'll go with whatever comes in at bargain price! Seen any that will work with my decor??

6) Daisy painting for over crib is being given to me for Christmas. =)

7) Blue/White polka dot letters with ribbon being done by my friend S from Two Girls and a Glue Gun.

8) Mobile--why are they all so ugly? I can't seem to find one that even blends with my bedding. I'm searching for a blue/white polka dot mobile that has music. Anyone seen something like this? I'll settle for one that is baby blue/green/white. This is the only one I have found that blends so far. Oh, and I can't break the bank. $65.00 is not a good price for a mobile.

9) Diaper Caddy like this one in green and white polka dots or this one in blue and white damask or maybe this one in the dark basket with blue or green liner. Or maybe I should just get the one that matches the bedding. Fairy Godmother?

10) Rubber Ducky in (your guessed it--blue and white polka dots)

11) This would be pretty on the side wall by the kitchen. This would be cute for the shelves. Sure would be nice to have a pillow that matches my bedding.

I'm stopping now to go out and buy a lottery ticket. Can't wait to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

Sweet Dreams Baby J!

I've got my bedding and it is perfect! (You can find it here at Monarch Creations) The nursery certainly is not finished...but it's a start!! Lots left to do!!

Preppy Preggo Club Updates

Please keep Preppy Preggo Club member LSU Melanie in your prayers today as she delivers a baby girl or baby boy wiggles. Congrats Melanie!

Please welcome A from Pink Cashmere Cardigan to the club! She is due in early July and waiting to get her exact due date after her 2nd ultrasound.

My friend C and my friend K both have recently found out they are expecting BOYS! Baby J is so excited about his guy friends.

My friend S is expecting in July!!

Are you expecting and want to be added to the growing list? Just email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan at gmail dot com.

I Need a Silent Night!

Why is it that no matter how hard you try, this time of year is just such a whirlwind! This week has been really busy at work and I suspect it will continue this way until next week. I hosted 110 docs at Tribeca Grill last night and being a special events coordinator at almost 8 months pregnant is not the easiest thing to do. My feet were not pretty when I arrived home last night at about 11:30pm.

Lately, I've been having trouble sleeping, even with my snoogle. I just can't seem to find a comfy position or make it more than a few hours without a bathroom break. My poor hubby is also waking up as I "rock" the bed trying to move around. I told him this morning that it was just all preparation for when Baby U (actually let's go ahead and call him Baby J) arrives. I am counting down the days and I'm so ready to have him here. This third trimester is tough! If anyone has any tips on how to survive the aches and pains that go along with this trimester, please pass them along. I think I just need to slow down--easier said then done this time of year. Tonight we have our 2nd and final session of our childbirth class. I am looking forward to it, the 1st session was so informative and our teacher is an actual labor & delivery nurse at the hospital I work at and where I'll deliver. It's nice to have the inside scoop from a pro!

My sister was supposed to come visit me tomorrow, but had to cancel her flight last night for a variety of reasons. I understand why she can't come, but I was really looking forward to seeing her and spending time with her. Gotta say I'm pretty bummed today about it. I'm hoping I'll see her in just two weeks. Originally, I was supposed to have a NYC baby shower on Saturday, but we decided to postpone because there is just too much going on right now. We've rescheduled for Jan 10th, so NYC friends mark your calendars and make sure I have your address so you'll get an invite. I go to the doc on Tuesday for the final word on if I can travel home to Alabama for the holidays.

So next week is a big week for Baby J. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. On Tuesday I have my 8 month appointment and I find out if I am able to travel home for Christmas. Of course, if the doc says no then I know that is what is best for my baby boy and Christmas in the city will be just fine. It is out of my hands right now, but I think a trip home would make me so happy. On Thursday, we have our final ultrasound. The doc said we didn't have to do it, but why on earth would I skip a chance to check out my precious baby boy. I need to see how big those legs are that are kicking me! He should weigh about 3.3 lbs, but we'll get a better estimate next week.

In other news, many great companies have emailed me this week and last to offer my readers some fabulous deals. I'm going to just post them all so you can shop to your hearts content!

1) The Scrappy Shack an Etsy Store that offers cute scrapbooking materials is offering MMM readers a free die cut alphabet circle in the color of their choice with any purchase from the shop. Just mention MMM at checkout!

2) Preppy Pails another Esty Store that I mentioned a few posts ago is offering MMM readers if you buy a 1 gallon PREPPY PAIL, get a Petite Christmas PREPPY PAIL free. When you place your order you should mention MMM. This offer ends this Saturday!

3) Marternitique is offering a free gift with every purchase. They have amazing stretch mark minimizing cream as well as a body firming serum and eye brightening cream for new moms--all that have been safety screened in the LACT-MED database to ensure no negative interference with baby or breastfeeding. Also, Mambino Organics is offering customers a free organic lip balm with a purchase of 2 of their products. Body Toning Oil and Youth Glow Omega Face Complex are our two bestsellers. If you are expecting or a new Mom check out this great site!

4) Electras Monograms is offering free shipping on their precious monogram stickers, decals and wall monograms. The code is "noshipping" which can be used at checkout (you must click apply after typing in coupon to activate) and it is for free shipping with any $16 or more purchase.

Happy Shopping!

Thank You Ladybugs and Lilypads!

Blogworld never ceases to amaze me. I've made so many wonderful friends and I enjoy checking in with each of you and hearing from you. I especially love when I find a fabulous store with a wonderful owner. I became a fan of Ladybugs and Lilypads long before I was pregnant. Their stuff is so cute, you have to check it out if you have never seen it before. Well, sweet Sara from Ladybugs and Lilypads sent over these fabulous gifts for baby U. He is one lucky boy and A and I are such lucky parents. We can't wait to meet our little one! Not too much longer! Thank you so much Sara for your generosity in celebrating our baby boy.



Check out the precious gifts!



Frog Bib

Laundry Bag


Baby Legs, Pacifier Holder and Minky Blanket

A Sock Monkey Outfit!! Monkey just might have to come back to NYC and meet Baby U!

I LOVE this onesie. How precious will he be in this!


Please go check out Ladybugs and Lilypads if you need a baby gift or something special for Christmas for your little one! Thanks again Sara!

Amy Grant's Christmas CD Giveaway Winner

Congrats to SUBURBAN PREP!! Please email me your address and I'll get your cd out to you this week-magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan at gmail dot com.

I used the random integeter generator.

Here are your random numbers:

3 Timestamp: 2008-12-07 15:05:16 UTC

Let's Get Ready to ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

Tomorrow is a BIG day for Tide fans. It's the SEC Championship! I wish I could be in Atlanta, but we are making the best of it and having a party at our apartment with new and old friends! I have no doubt this will be the hardest game Alabama has played this year. Florida is a wonderful team, but I would love nothing more for the Tide to pull through and go all the way to the National Championship. Wish us luck!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!

Have a great weekend and don't forget to sign up for my Amy Grant Christmas CD Giveaway. Today is the last day to sign up and I'll announce the winner either tonight or tomorrow. Good luck! Click here to leave a comment!

Here are a few of the dips that I'm making:

Bacon Cheddar Dip

1 (16 ounce) container sour cream1 (1 ounce) package dry Ranch-style dressing mix1 (3 ounce) can bacon bits or use real ones1 cup shredded Kraft Cheddar cheese. Mix together and serve with Ritz Crackers


LA CAVIAR

They serve this at LuLu's in Gulf Shores and it is one of my favorites. I cut the recipe down for my smaller group.

2 #10 cans (114 oz.) drained black eyed peas

2 lbs diced green bell pepper

4 diced red onions

5 pints of quartered cherry tomatoes
2 cups olive oil

2 cups balsamic vinegar1

½ cups granulated sugar

3 tablespoons salt

3 tablespoons black pepper

I mixed my oil, vinegar, sugar (or splenda, or half of each), salt and pepper in a separate bowl and blended it real well before I put it into the veggies.

Place the black eyed peas in a colander, rinse and drain. Dice green peppers and red onions into ¼ inch squares. Dice Cherry tomatoes into quarters. Place all ingredients into large bowl. Wearing gloves, hand mix all ingredients Cover, label and place in cooler. That's it!

Fajas

8-oz sour cream1 package of cream cheese - 8 oz

12-oz of shredded cheese

1 tbsp of sugar - can use a few packs of splenda - don't want it to be really sweet
1 4-oz can of chopped green chilies

1 tbsp of graded onion
1 package of tortilla shells1 jar of salsa

Strain the chilies. Mix all ingredients together. Spread mixture in a line on the tortilla shells. Roll them up. Place in the refrigerator over night - or at least several hours. Slice them into bite size, dipable pieces Place them on a platter and serve with salsa. Enjoy!

Woodfern Drive Sausage Dip

1 roll of sausage (any brand)

1 small can of chopped green chilies

1 block of cream cheese

1 package of shredded cheddar cheese

1 loaf of Hawaiian bread (or similar bread to make bread bowl)

Preheat Oven to 350F. Cook Sausage in skillet, drain fat. Drain chilies, and add to sausage. Add cream cheese and mix everything together. Place mixture in your bread bowl and cover with cheddar cheese. Cook in over until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

For Bread Bowl:Cut in a circle around top of bread. Take top off and cut and spoon out inside of bread. Leave about an inch of bread at the bottom. Place bread bowl on a baking sheet and place bread pieces all around it.

GIVEAWAY-Amy Grant-The Christmas Collection

I LOVE Christmas music, it really gets me in the spirit of the holiday! Amy Grant's Christmas songs are some of my favorite and I was very excited to learn she has just recorded 4 new songs, her first new music in 9 years. Her husband, Vince Gill, plays the guitar on one of the songs that they co-wrote together. These 4 songs, along with her favorites, are in her new CD The Christmas Collection. I listened to the CD last night and it is wonderful! "Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) made me tear up as I remembered many Christmases past singing it in the choir at our church. Being a pregnant woman and listening to Mary's words gave a new meaning that brought chill bumps to my arms. I really encourage you to go out and grab yourself a copy, you won't be disappointed!

OR...

Would you like me to send you a copy to get you in the Christmas spirit? Amy's sweet folks sent me a special copy to give away to one special Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan reader. All you have to do is leave a comment here with your favorite Christmas song by Friday!

These are my favorites of her new songs-

I Need A Silent Night

Count Your Blessings

Listen carefully to the lyrics, they both have a great message!

It's Been Awhile...

I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Sorry for the lack of posting and reading, but I needed a little blogging break. A and I left last Tuesday for Bham to be with his parents. It was my 1st Thanksgiving with them (not sure how I managed to go 4 years without doing Thanksgiving there.) I really missed my family, but overall we had a good time. It was strange not to eat turkey though (they have steak instead.) A lot of my friends live in Bham so I had the opportunity to see a few of them. I got to meet K's baby girl, Harper, and L's brand new baby boy, Jack. Three of my other KD pledge sisters and I went to the hospital on Wednesday to meet baby Jack and he was perfect. I got so excited holding him in my arms knowing that I'll have my own little man in just a few short months.

While in Bham, I went to the cutest baby store, Once Upon a Time, and ordered my baby book. It is similar to my wedding book. It is baby blue silk with embroidered brown polka dots and a big brown bow on the side. I'm having it monogrammed with Baby U's initials (jUr is his monogram in case you were wondering!) It has a three ring binder with the most precious inserts. It should be ready in 4-6 weeks. My MIL also had me register there because she insists this is the only place her friends will buy baby gifts. =) Pull my leg, it was fun and the have fabulous baby Bama gear!

Speaking of Bama---A and I went Saturday morning in the rain to the Iron Bowl. We were quite nervous about playing Auburn. They have beaten us the past six years! But, the Tide pulled off a marvelous game and a 36 to 0 victory. I was quite a site in my large plastic elephant poncho cheering on the Tide at the top of my lungs! (The outfit under was a cream colored cowl neck maternity sweater from Old Navy, Gap maternity jeans, houndstooth flats and red/gold earrings, with a very cute ROLL TIDE button.) Despite the horrible weather, we had a great time and it was fun to see my little sis (a senior a UA) and a few other friends. Singing Rammer Jammer about seven times will not be forgotten. On the way out, A bought be a onesie that I'll have to take a picture of soon. On the front it says "Game Day Baby" with a houndstooth hat and on the butt it says "Auburn Stinks." We couldn't resist, it was too funny! Next up, Florida. We are VERY nervous about that game. I wish we could go to Atlanta, but it is just too much right now with the economy and the baby. We're having a party at our apartment to celebrate and watch the game so I have a lot to do this week. Anyone have a fabulous tailgate dip for me to make?

I'm 30 weeks (as of yesterday)! The plane trip was not too bad, just really uncomfortable. I tried to get up and stretch a lot. Yesterday mornings flight was VERY bumpy and they would not let us out of our seats the ENTIRE trip. I survived without going to the restroom for 2.5 hours which is a new world record for me these days. However, the lady behind me and the stewardess got in a screaming match over her having to go to the restroom. I told A that I bet him $50 that the stewardess would call the police and sure enough, when we pulled up to the gate a police car showed up with several policeman. It was quite interesting.

When we arrived back to our apartment yesterday, I had a very special box waiting for me. My parents bought me the baby bedding that I posted about awhile back and it arrived! We decided to order it direct from the people that made it to save a few dollars. A and I put it on the crib last night (even though my mattress is not here yet). It looks fabulous and I'll take pictures soon. I love it and it is everything that I had hoped it would be! I can't wait to see my little one in his crib. =) I HIGHLY recommend Monarch Creations if you are looking for unique and well made baby bedding.

Ok, got to go. A and I are about to interview a pediatrician! We also have our first childbirth class on Thursday. Things are moving so quickly...it won't be long now!

Cyber Monday Deals

Hope y'all are enjoying your Cyber Monday. There are a million deals out there, but here are a few of my favorites that I wanted to pass along in case you didn't see them. Happy Shopping! Remember, most of these deals are for today only!

The Paper Cafe
*****FREE SHIPPING****
ON ANY ORDER OVER $50 PLACED TODAY
*place your order and pay regular shipping charges
*we will then refund you the shipping charge back on to your credit card!
*MUST MENTION THIS SPECIAL

30% off at CK Bradley

25% off at Kate Spade (with code GOOD CHEER)

I bought ALL of my coworkers gifts this morning at the Give Simple-$9.99 sale. Click here to see all the great items you can get and if you spend $100 it all ships for free. They will make great stocking stuffers too!

30% off at JCrew (with code EXTRA30)--Good until Wednesday

20% off at Old Navy (with code SAVENOW)

15% off at Provence Gifts (with code SHOPEARLY)

20% off at Swoozies (and free shipping with code PRIVATE20)

Babies R Us and Toys R Us

15% off at Gap (with code GAP15)

Free Shipping and Monogramming at Pottery Barn

Kodak Gallery-20% (HOLIDAYGREEN) and Free Shipping (HOLIDAYSHIP)

Three Tigers Down, One Gator To Go!

Online Show---A Touch of Whimsy Designs

I know how much you ladies are like me and love your stationery so we're going to have a little Thanksgiving week (November 24-December 1) stationery show at A Touch of Whimsy Designs. If you go to their website and find something you like, then enter code MMM10 at checkout, click redeem and you'll receive 10% off your order until December 1st.



I figured we should start with the holiday items since the last day to order these in time for the holidays in December 5th!

Having a Christmas Party? How cute are these invitations!

Going to a Cookie Exchange? How cute would these be!






How about some cute Christmas stickers or labels for your gifts?

Have you picked out your Christmas Stationery yet, these would be perfect for thank you notes!