The Jennings

My Dad

2009-12-16T21:24:00.001-06:00

Sorry for not posting more "fun" stuff before now. But here is what is going on now!!

Hello Everyone and Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. We all really appreciate knowing so many care about my dad Gaines. Please know he is doing really well now and the Doctors did a great job. To recap what has happened in the last 36 hours here goes….

Tuesday afternoon Gaines was in Lexington for a meeting. He wasn’t feeling right but thought it might have been a little heartburn or something like that. He sort of brushed it off but a few hours later thought he should get it checked out. When he landed he immediately went to the hospital in Valley and his Doctor, Dr Shiver, was waiting on him. He did have a heart attack. They gave him some medicine to loosen the clot and he immediately was better. They did a cauterization Wednesday morning to see what had happened and it was then determined that he needed a stent. He was immediately taken to UAB where the BEST Interventional Cardiologist gave him a medicated stent in the circumference area of the heart. He did great during the procedure and was soon moved to his room. He was doing so well that we went to dinner. He will be in the hospital till Thursday or Friday morning. They want to keep him to make sure everything continues to go well and there are no complications. Please don’t get me wrong what happened was a serious thing and I don’t mean to downplay it, but what matters now is he is doing very well.

From my entire family, we sincerely appreciate your concern. If I haven’t answered or was short on the phone I apologize. The cell service in the hospital is terrible and we have been talking with the Drs a lot. They have been great about keeping us informed on everything. I must admit I am a little tired and will be in touch when we know more.

Please forgive my lack of medical knowledge and use of proper terms. I should get Dr. Whitney to review this but we both are exhausted. Thanks again for all the concern and I promise to update as needed.

Ashley Lanier Jennings

new pics to Picasa Site

2009-11-25T14:57:00.001-06:00

terrible blogger!! will update soon

check out pics at www.picasaweb.com/ashleyljennings

have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ice Cream

2009-10-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

Two of the reasons I will never lose my Baby Weight! Publix has the BEST ice cream. They always have Special Edition Flavors and they never disappoint. The first is "light" but whatever! It doesn't matter when you want to eat as much of it as I do! Coffee Almond Fudge...need I say more. It is delicious. The second is so good I could get sick off of it...Pumpkin Pie. It is sooo creamy and delicious I want to make a Pie with it! So, if you are home alone like I was last night...resist the temptation to go to Publix to buy ice cream. Be a responsible parent and take your child home to bed...I didn't and I came home with two half gallons! Anybody want to go for a LONG walk?

Saturdays in October

2009-10-04T08:58:00.004-05:00

Poor Whitney has been working all the time and this Saturday was no exception. He is at Cooper Green this month and if any of you are familar then you know why I say Poor Whitney. If ou aren't, well it is the indigent/county hospital. I don't mean County as in ER's County Hospital...I mean good ole Jefferson County.

So, Sydney and I had lunch at Maki Fresh with Anne M. Schilleci. It was delicious and the weather was amazing! Sadly, the exact opposite of Whitney's day.

This look on her face is so funny! She wasn't upset but sure looks like it!It is easy to see where she gets her big feet from....Poor thing

Later that afternoon, we met Jennifer, Tate, and Mary Carter Roberston at Homewood Park. It was so pretty!! Sydney adored being outside.

I took these above shots myself so they aren't the best but I hardly have any of the two of us.

I think I was more excited than she was! Scary picture of me!

Friends celebrating Game Day at 3 months...hopefully will be doing it for a lifetime. Mary Carter is almost 3 weeks younger than Sydney. WAR EAGLE!!! GO TIGERS!!!

First Trip to the Lake and Farmer's Market

2009-10-03T14:38:00.003-05:00

My first trip to the lake since Sydney was born. This is Captain and Co-Captain!
First time on the Boat

Holding Rings - 3 months

One of my Most Favorite Places in the World - the Finley Ave Farmer's Market

Sydney and Pumpkins!

What We've Been Up To...

2009-10-03T14:29:00.002-05:00

Sydney Loves Baby Einstein and so do I! I was able to check my email and do a few things while she learned about Neighborhood Animals. She gets tickled when the dogs are on the screen.

Last Weekend, We went to Elizabeth and Thomas' house to eat hamburgers. Anna Cate and Caroline joined us. Emmett is 6 months, Sydney is 3 months, and Caroline is 1 month!

Preciouse Little Girls!

Lilly was ticked off I left her because in the middle of the night she let me know she has been feeling neglected. She got my purse off the chair and spread the contents all over the floor! Then she moved on to Sydney's room. She destroyed several diapers and two bags of wipes! Better start giving the Poo-Head more attention!!

Daddy

2009-09-22T14:05:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday, I asked Whitney to hold her a minute so I could catch up on some laundry. I didn't hear him call for me so I just keep cleaning up our room and folding clothes. It had been a while so I went to check on them and this is what I found. It melted my heart...Whitney gave me a dirty look after the camera flashed. Oh well. It was worth it. I wish all Sundays were like this.

They Grow up too Fast

2009-09-22T13:31:00.003-05:00

Sydney is now 11 weeks but I took her picture last week in the dress she wore 1 day old. My friend Mary Scott did a similar thing and I couldn't believe how much Henderson had changed so I decided to do it too. Wow. I just want to eat her up!!

Day 1, July 3, 2009
Week 10 - September 10th 2009

Hanging out with Mary Carter Robertson (right).

2009-09-08T14:40:00.003-05:00

This is why I resisted doing a blog for the longest time. I am embarrassed it has taken me over a month to update it. I have been much better about updating my Picasa site so for more pictures check it out at www.picasaweb.com/ashleyljennings Sydney is growing like a weed and I can't believe she is already 9 weeks. I am thinking she is going to be tall like her daddy! She is 95% in height! Here is a glimpse of what has been going on with us...Henderson Lincoln - 8 weeks and Sydney Jennings - 9 Weeks...Friends Forever

Aphid, Sydney, and Lilly

Sydney loves her sister Lilly!

4 Generations, me, Grandmother Sydney, Little Miss Sydney, and my Dad Gaines

A Mini Reunion

2009-08-05T21:17:00.003-05:00

A rare opportunity arose over the weekend...all 4 of us were able to get together! These are my best friends from home. It wouldn't do our friendship justice to just say High School since we all went to Kindergarden together and became great friends through the years. Our "gathering" was especially special since Brett lives in Colorado, Elizabeth in Birmingham, Mary Scott in Valdosta, GA, and me in Bham. Even during the big holidays it is hard to all meet up. It is also hard to believe but Elizabeth, Mary Scott, and I all had babies within 3 1/2 months!

Elizabeth and Emmett (named after Thomas's grandfather and T's middle name); Mary Scott and Henderson (after MS's maternal Grandfather), and Me and Sydney (after my maternal Grandmother) You think we like old family names?

Jessica, Brett's sister, was also able to join us.

Sydney (on the phone as usual) - 4 1/2 weeks, Emmett - 4 1/2 months, and Henderson 3 1/2 weeks

My Sweet Baby!

To See more pictures check out my picasa site www.picasaweb.com/ashleyljennings and Mr Scott's www.picasaweb.com/scotthuguley

Beth and the Baby Whisperer

2009-07-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

Monday, Beth Oliver came to visit Miss Sydney. We had a great time visiting and going to Lunch. Sydney was very sweet and slept while we ate.

Whitney aka the Baby Whisperer! He has an amazing ability to calm her down and reduce the fussiness! He also sings funny songs to Miss Fussy Gussy!

3 Weeks

2009-07-28T14:47:00.004-05:00

It wasn't in the budget for professional pictures of her this young, so I will just have to do for now. She has grown so much to me over the last 3 weeks and I can't believe this Thursday she will be a month! Time does fly...

see more pictures at www.picasaweb.com/ashleyljennings

Mary Carter and Sydney

2009-07-28T14:40:00.004-05:00

Miss Mary Carter Robertson was born Monday July 20, 2009! Sydney and I paid a visit to Jennifer, Robert, Tate and MC on Wednesday. The girls are almost 3 weeks a part! What fun they are going to have when they get a little older! Mary Carter is very pretty and tiny!! I am not very blogger savvy and I can't make this picture view horizontally. Sorry!

The "First" Babies

2009-07-28T14:29:00.002-05:00

Aphid LOVES the hose, sprinkler, and lake, but HATES getting a bath! So, we usually "bathe" him outside using the hose. He bites and barks and tries to "kill" the water. It is so cute. He also likes to attack the water while we are bathing Lilly. If there is a sprinkler on, Aphid will get in front of it and let it hit his chest till it nearly knocks him down. Truely a funny site to see!

The other night when I was up for a 1 or 2 am feeding I looked down and the puppies and Aphid was on his back sleeping so funny! He was dead asleep...that was till I started taking pictures!

Company and Cookies

2009-07-28T13:59:00.004-05:00

Elizabeth, Thomas, and Emmett came over for dinner a few weeks ago. Emmett is 3 1/2 months and Sydney is 9 days old. They didn't really notice each other but hopefully soon they will be able to play together! I can't believe Emmett has grown so much!

My Friend Anna Cate Little has a cookie company called "Icing on the Cookie" and she made a few for Sydney! They are taking orders now and will be opening a store on Central in Homewood this fall. Be sure to check them out. Yum yum!

SYDNEY WIMBRETH JENNINGS IS HERE!!!

2009-07-09T18:41:00.003-05:00

Our precious little gift from God was born Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 12:56pm. She weighed 6lbs, 14oz and was 20 1/2 in long. I was so blessed to have a quick labor and easy delivery. My Dr called her a "lunch time baby"! It is truly an amazing experience to become a mother and I didn't know I would love it this much. Whitney has been home this week and has taken the best care of his girls. I couldn't have made it this week with out him. Sydney is doing very well and we are getting to know each other more and more. I think I am killing her with Kisses! Her siblings, Lilly and Aphid, are adjusting well and love their sister...especially Miss Lilly. We are so blessed to have such a healthy and happy little girl. She is one week today and I can't believe it. I know the time is going to fly. I have too many pictures to post so I am going to link our Picasa site if you want more. Thank you all for your support and prayers over the last few months and keep them coming.

www.picasaweb.com/ashleyljennings

p.s. My best friend Mary Scott also had her baby this week...Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Henderson Howard Lincoln. Check out pictures of him at www.picasaweb.com/scotthuguley

The Hospital!

2009-07-01T20:37:00.003-05:00

I am such a blogger slack! I meant to post this Monday but was too excited to sit down and type, so now that I am in the Hospital Bed I guess I am here for a while. I am being induced tomorrow (Thursday) so we can maximize Whitney's time off. My Dr had me come in tonight so they can do a CRB to help me get more dilated and effaced. I didn't realize this would start the contractions tonight! Wow. I am fine but boy I understand now when they say you will know if you are in labor! You can't miss it! I am still in shock that she will be here tomorrow if all goes as planned. Thank you to all who have shown us such sweet support and encouragement! Keep the prayers coming!!! Stay tuned for more....

The Nursery

2009-06-23T18:01:00.006-05:00

We are "ready" I guess...Well, at least her room is ready. All of the artwork is courtesy of my most talented mother! I took some close ups so you can see her work. Thanks so much to Whitney too for assembling the crib and glider, hanging the pictures, and painting the chest/changing table.

The ribbon holder and a few of the ribbons were a gift from Aunt Lindsey. I sure hope she has some hair or gets some soon. I think Mama said I was bald for a long time!

Getting Ready for Sydney

2009-06-23T17:45:00.002-05:00

Miss Lilly is the apple of her daddy’s eye! She can do no wrong in his eyes. She is very curious about all the new baby toys and I can only imagine how curious she will be when the little one comes home. Whitney loves to play with the pups and tells Lilly and Aphid that all Sydney’s things are really Lilly’s. As you can see, Lilly has taken a liking to the new “stuff”.

Whitney's Graduation May 17, 2009

2009-06-23T17:36:00.002-05:00

Four Years sure went by fast...I just hope we survive the next 3 years of Residency....

The Lake House

2009-06-23T17:06:00.007-05:00

I am back! Where does the time go? I have been meaning to update the blog for quite some time now, but every time I think I am going to have the time to do it something else more important comes up. I doubt any of you actually check it anymore since it has been almost 2 months since I updated. I promise to be better once Miss Sydney arrives (you mothers out there are laughing at me I am sure!). Well, here is a little glimpse of what has been happening with us lately…

First, the Lake House and it’s recent issues…
We spent the day after Christmas with the Jennings on Lake Mitchell. After eating and socializing, we headed to our place on the lake for the night. When we opened the door, we heard a noise that sounded like running water…then we stepped inside further and saw the floor in the den/living room was wet…we walked in further and saw water everywhere! A pipe from the sink in the back bedroom had burst and water had been running for over a week. The water was draining through the HVAC vents in the floor to the basement (see flooded basement pics). Long Long story short…we (I should say Whitney) had to replace the floor throughout the entire cabin from the subfloor to the vinyl. It has been a long process but it is back to normal and even a little better.

The basement after 100,000 gallons of water went through the cabin

The culprit!

Whitney took up the old flooring and water was pooling between the wood and the vapor barrier.

The After Pictures...too bad we won't be able to enjoy it as much as I would like this Summer and Fall.

Cookie Monster...or in this case the Sandwich Monster

2009-05-12T15:44:00.005-05:00

Whitney loves to play a little game with me and you would think I would have learned my lesson a long time ago. It all started back when we were renovating our house and we didn't have a kitchen. We ate out a lot and leftovers were the next day's lunch. We had gone to Surin and I had most of mine left over so I planned on having it for lunch the next day. I checked the refrigerator to see if the box was still in there before leaving for work stuff the next morning. I was thinking about my Surin for lunch all morning and couldn't wait till I got home. I opened the box and all I found was a piece of garnish! I was SOO mad!! There was nothing else to eat and I had already passed several places on the way home. He thought this was funny and so he started a game with me. So, I learned to check the box for weight before leaving the house. Then he would start putting other things in the box to add weight because I didn't always open the lid to check. His latest attack was last week. I went to Jason's Deli and had 1/2 my sandwich left over. I wrapped in a napkin so the fruit wouldn't make the bread soggy. When I went to eat the other half later, I noticed the box felt about the same and the napkin was still in place. But I was fooled again...see pictures below!!!! He is getting more sneaky!!

Bday, Anniversary, Medical School Graduation, and Babymoon All In One!

2009-05-07T09:21:00.008-05:00

From April 19th to May 14th (May 17th this year!), we have a lot to celebrate. We have our Birthdays and Anniversary within those few weeks. Well, this year we also have Whitney's Medical School Graduation (YEAH!) and a baby on the way (8 weeks or less now!) so we wanted to do a little mini vacation to celebrate. I surprised Whitney with a trip to Barnsley Gardens near Rome, Ga. It was absolutely perfect in so many ways! It was about 3 hours away, quiet, and had lots of fun things to do. Barnsely Gardens doesn't have a hotel...they have cottages! All the rooms are in Cottages so you feel like you are staying in a home. It isn't like a B & B, but more like a duplex. Each cottage looks different and they all have beautiful landscaping. Many of you know, Whitney is very very into fly fishing. Well, BG has an Orvis store onsite and a special pond stocked just for fly fishing. According to Whitney it was "the season of the sunfish" (aka Bluegill Brim). I think he caught 100 fish! They have an old house that was originally built in the 1800's but a tornado nearly destroyed it. Can you imagine having a wedding reception in the old house? Wow! I don't think my pictures will do the place justice. There is also a golf course, spa, pool, tennis courts, croquet, Frisbee golf, and so much more! Oh, and they have an Orvis sporting clays course too. I am already dying to go back!

The remains of the Estate House

Family Cemetery - What a place to be buried!

Frisbee golf course - we didn't get to play but wish we had

On the hiking trail..a king snake! It nearly scared me to death!!

There were two Swans and two geese that were also at the lake

Where the Sunfish live!

The Easter Bunny paid us a visit!

This is the lawn in between the cottages. Croquet anyone?

more cottages

I love a place with Robes!

Baby Shower for Little Sydney and 30th Bday

2009-04-27T09:56:00.007-05:00

Last weekend my wonderful friends hosted us a beautiful and fun baby shower at Anne's house. Thank you all so much for all the sweet presents and delicious food. We had a a GREAT time. Thanks also to my sister in law Linda for taking all the photos. Sadly, I didn't get a picture with all the hostess.

Lindsey, Me, and Mama

Anna Cate (due around August 24th), Me, and Mary Scott (due July 11th).

Donna (due in August), Lindsay (due in September), Linda, Me, Mama, and Mrs. Jennings

The beautiful flowers my sister, Lindsey, did! Isn't she amazing!!

Miss Tate Robertson was also there and she was a BIG fan of Anna Cate's cookies

My Grandmother Sydney (our babies Namesake) and the Gorgeous Art my Super Talented Mother did for the Nursery. She is doing two more smaller pieces and they are so amazing! Will post pictures once they are finished.

Beth (due October 15th). There were so many pregnant girls at the shower! Lots of babies on the way!

My Super Delicious Birthday cake from Edgar's. It has 3 layers (one chocolate, one vanilla, and one strawberry) with cream cheese icing. It was soo good and thanks to my sweet hubby for picking it up for me.

Thai Beef Soup

2009-04-06T15:15:00.003-05:00

I was craving something warm yet with a little spice during this cool weather. So, I made some yummy soup. Here is the recipe (bear with me because I kinda made it up as I went). If you have questions, just let me know. Will post a picture soon.

Ingredients:
- 3 Cans of Beef Broth
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 cup peanut sauce (I used a spicy peanut sauce for some kick)
- 1 8oz can of water chestnuts (optional, I did)
- 1 80z can of bamboo shoots (optional, I did)
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- small package of cellophane noodles (the package I used had 3 small birds nests and I used all three) or you could use any kind of noodle
- 1 1/2 pounds of sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 2 green onions, sliced

1. Combine broth, water and peanut sauce in large stockpot, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil then add water chestnuts, bamboo shoots and broccoli.
2 Bring to a boil again and add noodles. Cook according to package directions.
3. Add steak and reduce heat to a simmer. Add green onions. Cook additional 2-3 minutes. Don't let meat boil or it will be tough.

Enjoy!!!

Flint Hill Fishing Pics

2009-03-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

Some are from Vday weekend and some are from last weekend. This past weekend we went for the annual Jennings fishing trip. This year wasn't as fruitful as the past, but a great time was had by all. Beth came out on Sunday and we walked around the farm working on our "farmer's tan"! Then Sunday night we decided to fry some fish and almost burnt Lindsey's house down. Someone (not mentioning any names here) left the grease on high and didn't check to see how hot it had gotten. Well needless to say we had a little fire on our hands. Luckily we remembered the ole baking soda trick and it put it out. We had start over with new grease and a more watchful eye and the fish fry was a success! Yum Yum.

Lilly loves to fish with her Daddy!

Embarrassed

2009-03-25T16:31:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am back and embarrassed that it has taken me over a month to post anything. I really want to get better but then I forget or get lazy. Not too much has happened over the last month, but we did find out that we are staying in Birmingham for Residency! YEAH!!! Such a huge relief especially since Sydney will be making her appearance around the time residency begins. I am embarrassed too because Mary Scott got this exciting news on her blog long before I did! I also found out that Elizabeth and Thomas Street (now with Baby Emmett) will be moving here too. I am on the house hunt for them and hope they are close by. Over the past month, we went to Atlanta for Whit's test and visited the Aquarium, and we have been to the farm fishing several times (see photos following). Good times...

Baby Shower for Elizabeth and Emmett!

2009-02-11T10:52:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we had a Baby Shower for one of my best friends Elizabeth and her upcoming baby! It was in Atlanta and was so much fun! She got some really cute things!

Girls, Girls, Girls!!!

2009-02-04T18:41:00.004-06:00

We are having a Girl!!!! Sydney __?___ Jennings

Yesterday I was in shock, but today I have gotten so excited!!! I woke up with a bee in my bonnet to go to Mama's and get some of my old dresses! I can't wait to get them washed and hung in Sydney's closet! It is so weird (and fun) typing her name. I feel like she is so much more "real" now. Mama thinks there might be more in our house in Lanett, so I am sending Lindsey there Tuesday to "hunt". Seeing these little dresses is so much fun!!! Now, I will just have to get her some Cowboy boots to go with them (thanks to my friend Jennifer for showing me Tate's!).

Wonderful Weekend

2009-01-26T14:20:00.004-06:00

Luckily several of my best friends are expecting as well, so we have a good time sharing tips, bargains, etc over email. Two weeks ago, I decided to go ahead and purchase our stroller because it was 20% off and no tax/shipping. I felt a little silly since the baby won't be here for another 6 months, but it was the one I wanted and on sale...so how could I refuse! It came in last week and I immediately put it together, but since I don't have a baby to put in it yet, I decided my other "babies" would have to test it out for me! They didn't want to stay in there long!

On a different note, Whitney went to the lake to meet a plumber and I stayed in Bham. It was nice to get some things done around the house and enjoy some girl time on Saturday. Jennifer, Tate and I met for Breakfast at Bogue's (yummy!) and then enjoyed the day. We made and decorated cookies. Tate was so funny because I think she got more sprinkles on herself than the cookies. Later that afternoon we went to a store in Irondale, Stray Cats, and I found so many things I would love in my house! The store is really neat and they use a lot of reclaimed wood and old things to make "new" things. It was very cool. Thanks Jennifer for introducing me! I will definitely be going back!

Tannehill

2009-01-22T10:19:00.002-06:00

One thing I often take forgranted living in Birmingham is the numerous great state parks so close. Sunday afternoon, Whitney, pups, and I all loaded up and headed to Tannehill State Park (near Bessemer). Whitney loves to fly fish and heard you could do it there. Well, he didn't have much luck Sunday, but we will definitely go back. It is an iron works facility used during the Civil War and had so many neat old buildings. Good walking trails and camping sites.

I'm Back!

2009-01-05T17:36:00.002-06:00

I know it has been a while and I don't have that much to post! We survived the holidays, but sadly I didn't get very many pictures. Here are a couple of Lilly opening her Christmas presents and wanting her stocking. Aphid wasn't too sure about all the action and sat more in the corner...I don't think he liked Christmas very much! But she sure does love the tennis ball. So here are a couple pics from the park.

Girls Night!

2008-12-04T16:20:00.002-06:00

Tuesday night Beth Oliver came into town and we planned a girls night at Sips-n-Strokes! It was so much fun. We all started out a little stressed out but it turned out great. Many of you know my mother is incredibly talented in many forms of art. Well, I am not! I have always said "It skips and generation, and my children will be extremely talented" so from the picture below you can see I am telling the truth. So tiny tiny baby, if I am right you will hopefully inherit many talents from your grandparents. All 4 have so much greatness to teach you. It was a lot of fun and I suggest you try it if you haven't.

I had to make a stop at Target on the way home and look what Beth and I discovered. She was in search for an owl pot holder but look what else we found! I never got into the owl craze in college when most of my friends did. But, as I have gotten older and farther away from Chi O I have a new love for these "wise" creatures! I even found a owl night light for the baby's room. So if she is a girl or boy,we are instilling it early that Chi O's are great ladies!

We Are Excited To Announce...

2008-12-01T18:47:00.003-06:00

WE ARE EXPECTING A BABY THIS SUMMER!

We hope to welcome a little Jennings into our family around July 4th of next year. I am also thrilled because two of my best friends from home are also expecting...Elizabeth Smith Street in April and Mary Scott Huguley Lincoln the week after us! I am so excited and holidays in the hometown will always be so much fun! Please keep us in your prayers as we experience this new journey into parenthood!

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving...I know we have a lot to be thankful for.

Umm Yummy!

2008-11-22T11:06:00.003-06:00

The other night I wanted something warm and comforting to eat but didn't want to go out. So, I came up with this. It was actually really good and could be dressed up for company or more meat added for a complete meal. If any of you make it, let me know what you think. Stay Warm!!

Spinach with Bacon, White Beans, and Balsamic Vinegar

- Splash of Olive Oil

- 4 slices of bacon (more or less depending on what you have) or Ham (if you use ham, might need a bit more oil to prevent sticking)

- 3 large garlic cloves, minced or 2 tablespoons minced

- 1 can of cannellini beans, Great Northern Beans, or White Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed (note I used regular kidney beans since that was all I had. I say use white beans because it would look better)

- 1 can diced italian tomatoes

- 1 can (lg or sm) sliced mushrooms, drained

- Fresh spinach (you will need at least a whole bag. I used aprox 2 bags)

- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinager

1. Heat oil in large pot or dutch oven over medium heat until simmering. Add bacon or ham and saute until crisp, about 5 min. Remove bacon and keep on a paper towel. Crumble when cool.

2. Add garlic to oil, saute 1 min.

3. Add mushrooms, saute 3-5 min.

4. Add tomatoes and beans. Stirring occasionally till warm throughout.

5. Add spinach till tender and wilted but still green, about 3-5 min. Add a little water if you need think it needs it.

6. Add Vinegar, stir. Season with Salt and pepper if needed.

7. Stir in 3/4 of crumbled bacon to dish. Sprinkle remaining amount on top.

Note: You could add cooked chicken to make more of a one dish meal.

Nobody Knows You Like Your Mama!

2008-11-20T14:41:00.004-06:00

Mama's really do know you best. They know what will really brighten your day or what to say when things aren't so great. Well, today my Mama surprised me with a super special present! She gave up her cleaning lady and sent her to OUR HOUSE!! I don't think she could have done anything else that made me as happy as my house smelling like orange Pine-Sol!! I have had a terrible head cold this week, so cleaning was not just far down on the list...it wasn't on it. We have two precious pups but they like to track in a lot of un-precious things. I took a few pics to share my joy! Thanks Mama!!! I love you!!

The inside of our microwave!!

Lilly and Aphid had to spend the day outside (which she isn't used to anymore) and she wasn't very happy about it.

Race For the Cure

2008-11-18T15:00:00.003-06:00

These pictures are from earlier in the fall. I found them on my camera card and thought I would share. The picture of the dog is the real reason I am posting this. Ellen Buckner, Ryan Buckner, and I ran (yes ran...can you believe it!) the race and on our way back to the car we saw this dog! Too funny!!

Auburn-Georgia Weekend

2008-11-18T14:41:00.003-06:00

What an exciting and yet disapointing weekend. The weather in Auburn was very pretty but Very windy and cold! I have gotten a terrible head cold from being out in the weather all day Saturday. But, we got to see lots of old friends including Brooke and Emily. It was so much fun seeing everyone.

The puppies all had a great time and Cousin Henry is getting so big. He follows Lilly and Aphid around till he passes out! It is so funny! This time he got into the clean laundry from the dryer!

The Skirt

2008-11-18T14:21:00.002-06:00

Beginning early this fall, I began taking sewing lessons. I loved it. Here is a copy of my finished skirt (lined too!). So, for the Lanier-Lewis-Jennings crowd...my Thanksgiving outfit! I am working on a purse to match.

I Finished Something!

2008-11-11T11:38:00.004-06:00

I love to do "crafts" but I am terrible about actually finishing it. I am big on jumping in head first and not thinking through the entire project (Whitney is nodding his head in agreement if he were reading this). But I recently started sewing and I really love it. I am excited about finishing projects and still notorious for starting several at one time. Well, I still have the skirt and purse to finish, but I completed the water bottle holder! Enjoy. I should have the skirt hemmed soon.

Whitney's Recent Fly Fishing Excursion

2008-11-07T17:03:00.006-06:00

Whitney and some buddies headed to West Virginia for the Auburn game a few weeks ago and he stayed an extra few days to do some fly fishing. While he was gone, I went home for a party my dad hosted..."Flint Hill Round Up - Going Green". Yes, we tend to get in touch with our "red" side on the farm but a great time was had by all.

I Finally Did It!

2008-11-07T16:35:00.005-06:00

No, nothing special, but finally decided to create a blog. Actually, I reserved this "site" a while back but never took the time to post anything. Mostly because I don't think I have interesting things to post and I am not a very good writer. But, I really enjoy my friends' blogs so much and seeing what is going on so I took the plunge. Whitney will most likely give me a hard time when we realizes I have done this (he makes fun of me for "blog stalking" and wasting time!) but I am doing it anyway! I have also been torn because I have been using Facebook as a way to keep in touch, so there may be some duplication! Well, thanks for looking on and I hope to provide funny stories, good laughs, and maybe some good new recipes. ~ Ashley