Lily's 4th Birthday Party

Luke and I went to Lily's 4th birthday party yesterday at the Riddle's house.  We had a blast as usual.  Lily's party was Strawberry Shortcake themed.  The cake was too cute!  Lily had fun opening her presents- well, some of them. Others...she wasn't really thrilled with.  Luke and I surprised her with a trip to the Memphis Zoo soon, so I'm sure she'll look forward to that.  The kids had a blast beating the pinata.  Poor Luke, his arms were sore I'm sure from holding it up that long!  I still can't believe Lily is 4...where has the time gone!!!

Lily's 4th Birthday Shoot

 Lily and I spent the day together today.  I was able to shoot her 4th birthday pictures here at the house.  I'm amazed at how much she has grown- where has the time gone!!!  She no longer has a baby face- but is growing into a happy little girl.  We had fun taking pictures, seeing the dogs and cats, drawing together, and then taking a nap.  I just love this little girl!!! 

Ma's Pork Tenderloin

So I didn't get a chance to take any pictures of the tenderloin- but trust me, it was delicious!!!!

Ma's Pork Tenderloin
2 Pork Tenderloins (1 1/2 lb.)  ours was just 1 and at about 3 1/2 lbs.
1 t. meat tenderizer
1/2 c. worcestershire sauce
1 stick butter melted
1/2 t. lemon pepper
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
Heat oven to 500.  Line a 9x13 with foil.  Wash and pat try tenderloin.  Sprinkle with meat tenderizer.  Rub in the worcestershire sauce. Pour melted butter over the top.  Sprinkle with lemon pepper, salt, and pepper. Place in oven.  Roast 12-15 minutes.  Turn off the oven.  Let it sit for 45 minutes.  Do not open the oven.

The juice that comes off it is amazing!!!!

Mom's Surprise Party!!!

 Mom walking up the driveway!

 Singing Happy Birthday!

 Some of the food: We had Egg Salad, Chicken Salad, Chips, 7 Layer Salad, Ice cream pops and cookies!

 Mom spotting the flowers from Dad!

 The Gang!

 Me & Mom at Cracker Barrel

 Kingston

Luke and Dad

Friday, I surprised Mom with a Birthday Party.  It took a whole team to pull it off.  Dad stalled her at home and then Dr. Mike's office stalled her again!  She got here around 11.  The Bible Study ladies were all waiting on her.  She figured it out when she pulled up the drive and saw all the cars.  We had a great time visiting and catching up.  Lunch was good too.  After the party we met Dad, Luke, and Kingston at Cracker Barrel for supper.

Living in the Country....

At first, the idea of living "so far out" didn't really appeal to me.  I just went along with it.  Over the last few months, I've come to love our little home in the woods.  It's peaceful, quiet, and serene here.  The dogs have adjusted so well, are happy and quiet....until this morning.  Stormy kept barking and barking.  I went outside several times and couldn't see the usual bugs she barks at, turtle, or even a snake.  I finally looked beyond her pen, and behold...a DEER.  Actually, a family of little deer.  I ran inside, grabbed my camera, put on my zoom lens, and crept back outside.  The dogs barking didn't phase the deer at all.  I didn't want to get too close- 1, because I was in a pair of Luke's crocs....and we all know about me and shoes, and 2, I was afraid of seeing/stepping on a snake in the woods.  So, these are what I took.  I'm pretty happy now with living in the country!!!

Sausage Pancake Muffins

I decided to make a new recipe today.  Sorry I don't have a pic of them, but imagine a muffin filled with sausage and syrup.  I'm thinking these will be wonderful for on the go mornings!

Sausage Pancake Muffins
1 lb. maple sausage
Bisquick Pancake Mix- mixed according to the directions
Syrup of your choice

Brown sausage in skillet.  Let cool.  Mix pancake mix according to the directions (I used the 14 pancake recipe on the back of the Bisquick Box).  Spray 12 c. muffin tin along with a 6 c. muffin tin (total of 18 muffins!).  Pour 1/4 c. pancake mix into each muffin cup.  Top with a heaping tablespoon of the browned maple sausage.  Bake 350 for 15-18 minutes until golden around the sides.  Heat up your favorite syrup- I used about 1/2 c. on all the muffins.  Pour syrup over muffin and let sit.  Once cool, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. 

I plan on microwaving mine when I'm ready to eat them.  I think these will be perfect for Sunday church mornings, or any morning where you're super busy!

Chicken Pot Pie Muffins

We had these for supper last night- OMG were they delicious!!!

Chicken Pot Pie Muffins
1-2 c. shredded chicken
1-2 c. mixed frozen veggies
2 c. chicken broth (you can use the Knorr tubs and add water to it.)
3 T. Milk
cornstarch
Cold Water
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 can Biscuits

I found this recipe on Pinterest.  But then again, I can't seem to follow a recipe exactly.  I already had cooked chicken.  So, I added the chicken & veggies into the chicken broth.  Bring it to a boil. Add your milk.  In a separate bowl, mix together a slurry of cornstarch and water- this will thicken your broth.  Add it to the boiling chicken and veggies. Once thickened, turn off and let cool a bit.

While cooling, roll out each biscuit into a bigger circle.  Place into a greased muffin tin.  Fill your biscuit with the chicken mixture.  Pinch the tops together.  Bake according to your biscuit can.  Mine was 350 for 10-15 minutes.  You want the tops brown, because the bottoms still need to cook a bit.

Love these!!!