Always Hot & Fresh

Remember that big Teacher Appreciation Commitment I had right before I left to see Blake?  Well here it is. It all came together swimmingly {and I even  squeezed in a hand shake with the country super star}.  Not bad.

With that being said, I'd like to welcome you to the HFE Diner where we always serve it up Fresh & Hot {just like our teachers and staff}. 

There is nothing like spoiling the hard working men and women in an elementary school.  Trust me it's a big job that takes a big heart.  Not to mention, I can't imagine a better group of ladies to work with!  #TAWbesties

Clearly, we went for a retro diner theme this year.  We had so much fun with it.  The colors, the decor,  the food, the gifts, and even the special guest.  And did I mention the costumes? Getting into character was part of the fun.  Just call me Sweetie from here on out.

I pretty much mortified my 5th grade son, but my girls loved it and more importantly the teachers felt the appreciation.

We fed the teachers breakfast and lunch everyday and made sure the soda shoppe was stocked full of retro snacks all week.  Breakfast included Peggy Sue Pancakes, Kiss my Grits & Biscuits, Yakety Yak Yogurt Parfaits, and Diner Donuts.  

As for lunch we served up Big Bopper Burgers, a Good Golly Grilled Cheese Bar, Love Me Tender Tomato Soup and even TV Tray dinners.

We satisfied those sweet tooths with milkshakes, a pie bar, and a soda float fountain bar as well.

The pictures can hardly do any justice to the cuteness and fun of the week.  But as you can imagine, being open 24 hours at the diner leaves little time for picture taking.

After a four year run, Sweetie, Darlin' and Honey are retiring from Teacher Appreciation Week.  It's been amazingly rewarding and a pure joy to work with these ladies.

We are passing the torch to Sugar and her new committee.  I can't wait to see what they have in store for the staff next year!

Hands Down

Ya'll this really happened...so hold on to your cowboy hats!

As you surely already know, I may be Blake's biggest fan...Shelton that is.  Being part of his fan club and all {yes, you read right}, I get the before hand scoop on his concerts etc.  Well, imagine my disappointment when I saw his tour dates and not a single one brought him to me!  Ugh!

In a situation as this, one must improvise.  To my luck he was headed down to Jacksonville, Fl.  Score!  I could see Jon, Bailee and my sweetest baby B! Only, slight problem was the date fell right before Teacher Appreciation Week, only my biggest commitment of the year. So with a quick flight in and out and I somehow made it all work.

And let me tell you it with was so worth it!  Hands Down the best!  {and pun totally intended...wait for it}...

We started the evening with a dinner with the cutest 2 year old in the world.  I could have completed my night right there.  Love this boy.  And especially love the way he says "Aunt Paula".

Bailee and I said our goodbyes to the boys {I adore Jon too, isn't this the cutest?} and we made our way to the venue.

I think the whole town was prepping for Blake's visit.  There were signs everywhere, but this was my favorite.  Definitely one of my fave Blake songs.

Bailee and I had a blast and some pretty amazing seats.  Although we rarely used them, I mean who would when you get this close to the man of the hour?

Blake had a group of amazing special guests that brought me right back to my high school days!  Seminole Wind anyone?  Still reliving that moment.

But the best moment of all...it's coming...

Yep, you guessed it...Blake grabbed my hand gave it a squeeze and then did another one on my thumb.  Sigh...I wish I could say I'll never wash my hands again, but I do have three little kids.  But, seriously HANDS DOWN the best concert night ever!

I put this right up there with the time he said my name and talked to me at a VIP pre-concert event.  It just keeps getting better.

The groupie in me is just waiting for his next concert!

Bury The Hatchet

We love a good date night.  And now that the kids are a wee bit older {and thanks to Grandma} they are much easier to come by.

This past weekend we had a great night out at Bury The hatchet with a lovely group of friends.  I can't lie, throwing axes sounded a little daunting, not too mention scary at first, but it turned into a fun evening.  I highly recommend it.

I insisted that everyone dress the part...like Paul Bunyan style, I mean obviously.  Some cooperated while others didn't.  I won't name names...ha.  

But even dressing the part can't overcompensate for my lack of ax throwing talent.  Needless to say, I was not in the final bracket.

This guy, always determined and up for a challenge, faired well.

But Mandy's hubby walked away the winner.  Who knew there was even a winner at this sport?  Is it a sport?!?!

And of course, this lady came in a close second.  She loves to give Clay a run for his money.

So I may never be a pro Ax thrower, but a good time was had by all!  Can't wait to see where our next date night leads.

Viva Las Vegas!

Oh Las Vegas...this mommy and daddy are in need of a get away!

I'm not really sure how this weekend actually came to fruition, but it did and I am so happy.  Clay and  I threw the idea out and before we knew it we were on a plane headed to Vegas.

It was a quick trip, but that's about you need there.  We got two great shows in, a bit of gambling, some shopping and quality time together.  My cup is full!

We stayed at the Venetian which was absolutely lovely and right on the strip.  Plenty of dining and shopping options nearby and a great view night and day.

Our first night we attended the Gwen Stefani show at planet Hollywood.  I am her boyfriend's biggest fan so it only seemed fitting.  The show was incredible with amazing dancing and costume changes.

Naturally, my favorite set was the Western one.  Loved it!

We spent our evening roaming around and of course, Clay got a few bets in.

After another full day of gambling, shopping, and eating, we went to the Laugh Factory Comedy show.  I always enjoy a good comedy act.  Somehow I found myself up on the stage for this one.  I swear it lasted a good 15 minutes {which is a life time onstage}.  It was great fun though and Clay definitely got a kick out of it.

And then just like that our quick get away was over.  Much appreciated we returned home with lots of goodies for the little ones.  Always nice to leave and always wonderful to come back home!