Retro Banjos

Here is a blast from the past...Christmas 2008. All the kids have changed since this was recorded but it is really hard to believe that sweet little baby voice at the end is Andy. The video and lights are courtesy of Lake Park's Dave and Lisa Brown. We love the show every year but I happen to think that 2008 year was the best. ;)

Dualing Banjos Introduction - Lake Park Lights 2008 from David Brown on Vimeo.

Tough To Be A Dog

 Spicy rests his head on a pillow and enjoys the fire. Lucy stops bothering G-mama long enough to pose for the picture. Yes friends, it is tough to be a dog at the Horner house. Someone should come rescue these pups.

Loser Loser

In keeping with the loser theme, I just noticed I'm a day late in joining the Home Tour. Sorry Nester. I am a slacker. I do plan to join but it likely won't happen until the weekend. I still have 2 boxes of Christmas decorations on the floor in the craft room. (shhh...don't tell the neighbors...the wreaths on the windows make them think I have it all together.) In all honesty, I may not even put out anything else. I'm sorta feeling the "less is more" sentiment this year. We don't even have stockings hung. (gasp) Yes, I know. Here is the reasoning I gave to Mr. Traditions (aka Aaron):  We always have the fireplace going. Our stockings might catch on fire, or at least melt. Here is some additional information that I withheld from Mr. Traditions: I don't like our stockings. I wanted new ones from Hobby Lobby. I was too cheap to buy them at the beginning of the season. Now they are gone. I'm still pouting.

If Only...

If only the road to blogspot was paved with good intentions...  I've had such good intentions of blogging. I have written several mental blog posts. Sadly I've lacked the follow through of actually typing them up.  In my defense, I have been slightly psychotic concerned about finishing up this last class for my masters. As of today, I have turned everything in. I should be finished. I say *should be* because this is the week my professor looks through my portfolio and lets me know if there is anything else she needs from me. (please no...please no...please no) Grades should be posted by Dec. 27 and  I anticipate that beautiful diploma to arrive shortly after the first of the year.

So. Sad day for me. I'm a blogging loser these days. But rest assured, we're still here. The Christmas wreaths are up so the southern hospitality patrol won't come knocking and the banisters look lovely. (thanks to Maci). I will post pictures. For real. Just not today...or tomorrow...maybe next weekend.

Happy Birthday Mr. Disney

I'm not a violent person and we never allow yelling in our house. But tonight the stars aligned...  Oklahoma bedlam came to Charlotte television. I haven't watched a bedlam game in years. Years. That may be a good thing because tonight I have heard myself yelling at the tv a *teensy* little bit. Yelling phrases like "throw him down", "tear him up", and GET HIM!!!"  The kids said, "Mom- why are you so growly?" Growly? No worries, it's just bedlam dear.

But honestly, must they play Boomer Sooner every freaking time those boys do the slightest little thing? Puh-lease. Just because OSU has a crappy fight song...how does that fight song go anyway?

So the game continues...Brad watches from upstairs. I watch from downstairs. This ensures a happy marriage after the 4th quarter.

I promise I'll keep my yelling to a minimum.

UPDATE- interceptions release me from that promise. stinking freaking piece of crap game.

UPDATE 2- Freaking play the entire game. I don't care who it is. I don't care what the score is. Play the  whole game.  Seriously. Other than that- good game!

Elf Vision

Andy's favorite Christmas decoration is Santa's house. I picked the set up a few years ago from a "giveaway" pile at school.  One mans trash has been Andy's treasure. He looks forward to playing with this little set every season. 

This year, Santa's house is decorating the downstairs "powder room."  Andy was opposed to this location for obvious reasons but he soon realized it was indeed a decent home. (and "there is a fan in there if you need it")  He rearranges the elves often- its a new scene almost every time I visit the powder room.

Here is a picture of the most recent scene. Apparently one elf may have had a bit too much to drink. I'll keep you posted on the elf happenings as the season continues...

Aw Man...

Don't you hate it when your pouting inadvertently turns into napping?

Its That Time of Year Again



I hope everyone remembers my little spiel about the Happy Day shoppers vs the Sad Day shoppers from last year.  If you would like to be a Happy Shopper, it is now time to start checking BF ads for the latest ad releases.  Wal-Mart claims they are holding their ad until 11/21 but they also claim that they won't start the sale until 5am and we all know the end to that story. I'm still annoyed by the way. 

As ads are trickling in I have already circled a couple things in Walgreens ad and just this morning I snagged the early Itunes gift card deal ($50 gift card for $35 at Walmart).  Please don't tell my children.

So as much as I love summer- and I do love summer. Black Friday excitement will keep me warm for a little while.

I'm No Preacher...But Sometimes I Preach

Love. Love. Love this worship song...my favorite part starts at 3:23-You make all things work together for my good. I'm going to hang out there for a minute....


"You make all things work together for my good." This is pulled straight from the Word (Romans 8:28) which means we can bank on it. Some people get hung up here on a misunderstanding. This verse does not imply that God puts junk in our lives so He can then make it good. WE put junk in our lives. We do that because of our sinful nature. Still don't believe me? Ask yourself--would YOU make your child sick just so you could give her medicine to make her better? Absolutely not. Then why would we believe a sovereign God would work way?

Let me say it again- WE bring the junk into our lives because of OUR sinful nature. But in God's goodness, He still loves us. He still chooses to take our junk and make it work for our good. Now please know we can't sit in our crap and expect God to make it a bed of roses. He won't. We have to acknowledge the crap, seek forgiveness, and turn from it. Then God WILL restore us. He WILL make ALL things work together for my good. His love never fails. There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning.

See why that is my new favorite worship song?

Listen and worhsip.

Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda

I should be posting about the tragic state of education in this state but I don't feel like dealing with it right now.

I would have posted about it this morning when I was all fired up. --random side note-- I used to have a principal that would go around saying, "what is Mrs. Soandso all fired up about?" Do you know I have taught for 7 principals in 9 years. What does that you tell? See. I'm sure that tragic state of education post is on the horizon. Trust me. I'll get fired up again.

I could have had a profitable career in the travel industry. Darn you college algebra!

Disney Firsts

One thing I wanted to be sure I jotted down is a list of "Disney Firsts" from our last trip. People ask how many times we are going to go to Disney or haven't we seen it all yet.  The answers are "as many as we can" and "no- we haven't come close to seeing it all yet."  There are always new things to do or see (or eat) at Disney. Always. So in our quest to discover more...we had quite a list of firsts...

Firsts in 2010
*Taking the Keys to the Kingdom Tour which included our first time to go backstage and even down into the utilidors.
*Behind the Seeds tour at the Land in Epcot.
*New restaurants- Columbia Harbour House, Ohanna, Rose and Crown
*Riding the boat from DHS to EPCOT.
*Making it to rope drop at DHS.
*Seeing the Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom (twice!)
*Slowing down to watch some shows- Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, and the film in France
*Strolling down Main Street to take time noticing the details- this was actually part of the KTTK tour but we promised each other we will make a true effort to slow down in the parks and enjoy the scenery.
*Experiencing Epcots Food and Wine Festival.
*Seeing Disney with fall decorations (very nice but not as magical as Disney at Christmas)

Even with all those firsts...we still have a Disney To Do list...
*Stay at the Contemporary
*Take family pictures in Canada (Epcot)
*Be at Epcot for rope drop
*Resort hop to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, & Pop Century
*Eat at Sci Fi
*Eat the bakery in France
*Have a Dole whip
*Stay in a Magic Kingdom room at the Contemporary & watch the fireworks from our balcony
*Watch Fining Nemo at Animal Kingdom
*Go to that Conservation area at Animal Kingdom (I actully don't like Animal Kingdom...but if I have to go there...I need to see these areas)
*Draw Minnie Mouse at the animation studio
*See all of Downtown Disney
*Spend a little bit of time at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (ok, so this isn't on my to do list...but it is on the kids)
*Take the Epcot backstage tour
*Take the Walt tour
*Stroll instead of sprint
*Stay awake during the Hall of Presidents presentation
*Watch them retire the flag at dusk at Magic Kingdom
*Make my kids watch the 360 degree Canada film like I remember having to do as a kid.
*Ride the Astro Orbiters (I chicken out every.single.time because of the height!)

See. We do need to go back next year. And the next. And the next...

That Boy...

First he tells us about a dream he had. It involved disco lights, dancing, and "good outfits." Then he tells us his prayer request (that he gave his group leader during his small group)- he asked for them to pray that he'll go to a college on the beach.

Today he was rocking a tie with his t-shirt.

Confidence? Check.

Style? Check.

Worried like crazy about this kid? Check.

Things My Mother Has Taught Me

In no particular order....
#1. Never return a pan empty.
#2. Babies should nap in their beds.
#3. Wear shoes during a thunderstorm.
#4. Rats make nests in messy drawers.
#5. Always run a sink of soapy water when you're cooking.
#6. Always ask yourself "what would Grandmama think..."
#7. You just feel better when the refrigerator is cleaned out.
#8. Downsize leftovers frequently. (must be tied to #7)
#9. Red fingernail polish makes people think you are a floosy (aka- a Jezebel).
#10. Never. Never whisper in public. Never.
#11. Don't call people after 10 pm.
#12. Watch who brings in what food at a covered dish party.
#13. Your jewelry pieces should never add up to more than 10. Each earring counts separately.
#14. Your hose should never be darker than your shoes.
#15. Floss.
#16. Gargling with warm salt water solves a myriad of problems.
#17. Underwear should be white cotton.
#18. Cake in milk is a perfectly acceptable breakfast choice.
#19. Garages are for your cars- not your junk.
#20. Make your bed.
#21. ASDFJKL;

Simply for Grandmamas entertainment---Andy wanted to add the things he has learned-
"I have air coming out my pants!"
"We gotta put clothes on when we get home- you naked people."

Happy birthday Mother!!!

Note to Self

This is your life.
Be purposeful.
With your family.
With your job.
With the dreams that you are living.
With the dreams you're still trying to capture.
With the people you allow to speak into your life.
With your attitude.
With your time.
With your finances.
In everything.
Be purposeful.
This is your life.

Birthday Wishes

Wow. It kinda feels like birthday season again.  Today is my sister's birthday. I'd calculate her age but she'd probably rather I not. Let's just say she is old older than I am.  She would want me to clarify that the above picture was taken during our girly tea party at the beach last summer.  She wouldn't normally be wearing a green boa...or that hat. 

Happy birthday Connie! Love you bunches...see you soon.

Coffee in Heaven

In the past 3 weeks, my family has lost my aunt Delores on my dad's side and my uncle Jimmy on my mom's side.  Both losses were pretty unexpected- certainly we weren't prepared for them.  As a Christian we know this isn't the end. But as a human it is an awfully difficult time to endure. 

These are the times it really really sucks to be 1000 miles away. I also find it difficult to grasp the reality of the situation when I'm not there. Maybe that's how I protect myself a little bit...

Today I am focusing on the picture that Grandmama has Jimmy's company running in the daisies and I firmly believe they will be continuing the Sunday coffee tradition in the morning. Oh yes.  There is coffee in heaven you know.

Lots of Love

I love this picture. I love that boy and I love that girl. And man oh man does my boy love that girl! Happy birthday my dear Stacie!

Legal Again

For those of you that were concerned...and I know there were many....I'm no longer driving with an expired license. I know the little angry man at the Kansas City airport would be happy. 

I spent my 40 minutes of wait time studying for the signs test. I seriously studied.  But just so you know- that test is a rip off.  Do you know what this sign is?

Me either! The lady tried to tell me it was the railroad crossing sign. What the heck? I told her that in the real world the railroad sign has a big X across it.  She said "well this is a shape recogniton test." Lady- I teach kindergarten. I know my shapes! Fortunately missing one won't fail a person.

More good news- I don't have to worry about renewing again until 2018.

Little Paws Apparel

I found this talented lady on Ebay and wanted to share! Here is the link for Little Paws Apparel. That is her blog.  Here is her ebay store.  Soooo many cute things for those of us with little furries around. (big furries too!) You know I will be posting pictures of Lucy in her zebra harness with matching bow as soon as they arrive!

Ok. Ok. Ok. I'll Go Back.

and for this reason....we must return.  Happy Back to School.

Holy Tea Cups

Now they are saying the Teacups will also be down for refurbishment during our trip.  First Its a Small World, then One Man's Dream, and now Mad Tea Party. I think I deserve a partial refund.

Funniness

Nester featured this blogger last week and she has quickly become one of my favorite reads. This made me laugh out loud.  Truly. Like shaking the bed because I was trying to hold it in because it was late at night and Brad was sleeping next to me kind of laugh out loud.

What? More puppy talk?!

I know. I should get a grip and post about something else but I'm up to my eyeballs in puppy training.  (if you aren't in to puppies or puppy training you can stop reading now)  I wish I had blogged about Spicy's progress as a pup so I would have a reference for Lucy. 

We've learned alot about Lucy. She plays hard and then when she is tired she will climb into her bed and sleep hard.  She likes to bury her head to block out light when she naps. She prefers to sneak a piece of Spicy's kibble than eat her own. She has adjusted very well to sleeping in the crate at night. She sleeps all night amazingly. Unfortunately I wake up multiple times to check on her. She is learning her name and comes pretty well too.  When I read over that, it sounds easy. Let me tell you- it isn't.  Puppies are sooooooo rewarding but they are also sooooooo much work.  The kids "take shifts" to watch her and Aaron has especially taken an active role in "raising her."

Spicy is doing quite a bit better with her.  They aren't friends yet but he is learning that she isn't going to hurt him.  They both had check ups yesterday. Spicy weighed 11.3 and Lucy is still 2.8 lbs. Spicy had to get a couple shots AND have his microchip inserted. He was a real trooper.  Brad told him how proud he was of him many times. Many times. It was cute.

Like a baby...you have to get things done while the puppy sleeps. So...I'm going to get some homework done. Yuck. Good news though- I will be inbetween classes during the Disney trip. (thank goodness!) and I will be totally finished in December. I can't even tell you how glad I will be to be finished. Again, sooooo rewarding but sooooo much work.

Just a few more pics...

Oh, she is a sassy girl.

She really wants to play with Spicy but...

Spicy in his "safe place" on the couch....feeling a bit pouty.

Introducing...

Lucy McBee Horner

Born May 25, 2010

Currently 11 weeks and 2lb 8 oz.

When Maci and I finally talked Brad into a *little* girl, we went on the search for another fabulous breeder. We found one!!! Miss Melissa and Mr. John from Mustardseed Meadows have been in breeding for 20 years.  We knew right away that this was a fit. We brought Lucy (and all the goodies Melissa sent with her!) home tonight. 

From doing the research, we knew to introduce her to Spicy on neutral territory.  We arranged a meeting at the gazebo behind the house.  Lucy was ready to play right away.  Spicy was not so sure.  He is afraid of this tiny little girl.  We're easing into it slowly and I believe they will be best friends- eventually.  And as long as Spicy does everything Lucy wants.  Brad has now declared that Spicy is "his" dog. Like we didn't already know that.

I can't wait to get pictures of them together....can you imagine....teacup with teapot!

Pop Quiz

Can you speak low country?  Aaron and I were doing some research on how to pronounce "McBee," (a small little town in South Carolina known for its peaches and speed traps.) Not only had we been pronoucing it incorrectly all this time but we've been pronouncing many of these names like a big ol yankee outsider.  I'm shocked that the southern police (the same ones that come get you if you don't have your wreaths hung in all the windows by the first weekend in December) haven't stopped by with a large pitcher of sweet tea and a long lesson in low country.  Quiz yourself.

McBee            =    MAC bee
Belin               =    BLANE (I so would have said bell in)
Cheddar         =    SHED ur (Andy would've gotten that one right.)
Clinton           =    Clin on (do they not see that t?)
Huger             =     HU gee (again, see that r?)
Lancaster      =     lank uh ster
Legare           =     le GREE
Newry           =     NEAR ree
Tammassee   =    tuh MAH see   

I guess this explains Wingate (wing it) Pineville (pine vul) too.  Oklahoma has some crazy town names(Tahlequah, Oologah, Muskogee) but at least we utlize phonics.

Testing Sucks But...

we still rocked it! Scores are in. Love it or hate it scores in North Carolina are of HUGE importance. Being a new school this year we didn't have a baseline so I had no idea what to expect.  We had great results.  87.3% was our rocking number.  That places us as a school of distinction and is less than 3% away from the highest honor- school of excellence.  2010-2011 is our year. Way to go Patriots!

Help Wanted

I've gone back and forth on whether or not to blog on this.  The Bible says not to boast about fasting...it should be a private thing.  However, when a church is doing a fast together part of that silence is lifted. And believe me, this isn't boasting...this is begging for help! In this particular case, our church is getting prepared to start the Daniel Fast.  Brad and I are participating and I want you to help keep me accountable in this.  I am quite the carnivore. I drink coffe- with milk- every morning. Every. Single. Morning.  This is going to be a struggle.  The basics of the Daniel fast are to have a diet of fruit and vegetables.  We will omit meat, dairy, sugar, and heavily processed foods.  I say heavily processed because Brad and I have decided we will eat whole grain bread and some canned vegetables. Does that make us less holy? I actually don't think so. 

I'm going to be really honest here (when am I ever NOT really honest on here?) but I've never fully understood how a fast is helpful in seeking God because I would think one would be soooo totally focused on food that nothing else would consume their thoughts.  I am trusting to come out of this experience with new beliefs and knowledge in this area.

So, if you happen to be a blog reader that prays for us, please pray heavily from August 8th-August 21st. We start at 6pm on the 8th...so yes...you will see me with coffee at church Sunday morning.  Please don't think I have already fallen off the wagon by 10am!

If you have participated in the Daniel fast and have encouragement (AND RECIPES) to share...please send them our way.

No Mother, the kids aren't participating. They will still get all the milk and meat they need.  They might see a few new vegetables around here though.

Creatures of Habit

Thanksgiving 07 above and Summer 08 below

Summer 2010 above and Summer 2008 below

Is it just me or has Maci changed the most?

This & That

Just random thoughts today...

My lips are sunburned. I hate it when that happens. It hurts like a big dog.  I got all kinds of stuff to put on them but most of it says to contact poison control if its swallowed. Would that be a concern to anyone else?

We ate at Bucas  last night. Crazy place. Next time we are going to make reservations for the table in the kitchen. That looked way fun. I'm thinking that'll be a good night of entertainment the next time my parents are in town. Super good food too.

We spent an hour in the Disney store last night. 56 days...until the REAL Disney store.

Andy bought some Toy Story stuff. I swear we had all of it before though. Like 10 years ago. If only we'd known we needed to prepare for the comeback.

Boarhead Cajun turkey = yummo. I'm not sure what kind of mustard to put with it though. Honey dijon wasn't the right choice.

July is my very favorite month and today is the very last day. Goodbye July. I will miss you dearly.

Summer at Sunset

See. That was a teensy tiny little break. We are home already. I dusted the sand off the camera. Literally. Here are a few pictures from Sunset. As I looked through the pictures I realized they look just like last year...and the year before that...then I realized that is kinda a cool because it highlights our traditions. We did have some firsts this summer though...

Maci had her first try of sushi. She liked it...now Brad will have a full time sushi eating buddy. Great.

We skipped Margaritaville for Yamatos and it was a good swap.

Brad and I biked to the beach early one morning. 40th Street Access doesn't have stairs but it does have some hills. Holy crap I am out of shape.

Maci and I trekked all the way around the island. We survived some treacherous landscaping to get it done but we made it!

We went to the Planetarium!

We found a fabulous deli that will be a new tradition.

Happy Summer!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Teensy Tiny Little Break

My July blog run has been good! So good I felt I could harass some other bloggers on their recent slackedness. (like that word? I don't know if it is a word but I'm calling it one)

However, this is the last of my pre blogs so I must admit...I'm actually not even at home right now. Yes, this is a previously recorded blog. We are beaching it for a few days so I'll be back to live blogs in a few with a much better tan and few pictures to share.  See you then.

Just Save It

I don't remember when or how but one time I stumbled into this site. Save that link. Super fabulous information we all should have access to.

No, that isn't my grandma up top. I don't know who that is actually. I just googled "vintage Grandma" and I thought she looked like a winner. Much better than this one.

I'm sure she is a lovely lady and all but that sweater choice would make me second guess any advice she had to offer.

A Little Summer Redo

It's hot. Like super hot. That means I had to go shopping for a summer conforter. We have a great raging red winter set that I adore but it's hot. So I went to TJMaxx (love that place) and picked up a dandy Ralph Lauren set for well under $100! Cha-ching.

To complete the redo I had to take down the red curtains. The "new" curtains are mistreatments. $5.99 pillow cases from another favorite store- Target (read that with the fancy accent). The rods were stolen borrowed from Brad's office. Which works perfectly because the old red curtains are now in Brad's office. His old curtains? They are in my bathroom. Did you follow? That my friend is called "shopping the house" which is my other favorite place to shop.

Before you take a peek at the pics let me apologize (yet again) for my lack of photog skills. Our bedroom is loooonnngg and kinda skinny. Which works well for me to fulfill a life long dream of a corner/diagonal bed- but it isn't great for taking pictures. It also means I have a big empty space at the other end of my bedroom...anyone want to donate furniture to the cause?

Before- Raging Red

After- Summer Blue

The little stairs are for Spicy. Honest. Here is proof. He is spoiled rotten.

The Hippie Chick

So we've already covered the fact that many of you are no longer blogging. I had no choice but to move on. I even deleted some of you from the list. It's not personal. It's business. (Yes, that is from You've Got Mail) No updates. No linky for you.

In my quest to find some linky worthy blogs I started with Jana's list. I went down the whole thing. Many (most) of them bored me. It's not personal. I bore easily. But one of them- one of them is funny. It's Aud's blog and it is funny I tell you. I also noticed she goes to The Nester. That settles it. Any friend of The Nester is a friend of mine. So even though I don't really know this self proclaimed hippie girl (although I think I maybe I was at her house for a shower once??)I'm adding her to the Linky list.

And Aud...if you ever read this...don't do the home birth in the bathtub...even hippie chicks gotta draw the line somewhere sweetie.

Hey, Where Did Everyone Go?

Look over there at the blogs I read section...it is a sad day. Out of the 13 or so blogs listed only 3 are even updated anymore. Not naming names but some of you have small children or are newlyweds or recently moved or all of the above. You have lots of blogging material. What's the deal? Doesn't anybody blog anymore?

I know the "pros" like Nester and Vintage are still kicking but where are the rest of you? It's too quiet...I see you reading but no one is talking back to me anymore...Hello? Hellllloooo? Is this thing on?

Trash & The Grouch

Let me preface this with a defensive statement-- In all of my adult life, I have never ever had a separate bill for trash collection. Never.

In Oklahoma it was included on our electric bill. I never gave it a thought. In Lake Park it was included in our tax bill. (I assume) So again I never gave it a thought. For the first 5 1/2 months in this house I never gave it a thought. And then...it happened. We got skipped. Humph. That wasn't nice. We only have pick up once a week so we had alot of extra trash coming into the following week. Guess what. We were skipped again! This time Oscar Brad was none too happy. He called the trash people and demanded an explanation. They gave him one. We aren't customers.

WHAT? We've lived here for almost 6 months and our trash has been taken every week for 6 months (minus the last 2). We asked if possibly the previous owners had paid in advance and it just ran out. They said no. They say our address isn't even in the system. What inthetrashcollectingworld is going on here. Apparently we scored free trash collection for quite some time. I don't think it is considered stealing when we didn't know we were supposed to be paying. Do you?

Another week has passed. As I type, Oscar Brad is hauling a crapload of trash to the curb AND placing a little envelope with a check enclosed under the door mat. That is our peace of mind that tomorrow morning all the trash will be taken away.

If not...the kids and I are going to have to bury it in the back yard before Brad gets home. He really (really) will lose it if we have to hang on to 3 weeks of trash. Really.

:::UPDATE:::

They took the trash. They dropped off a recycle bin. The check is still under the mat. 5 more free months? Kidding!!!

Mrs. Brown's Shrimp Fettuccine

1 package fettuccine
1 1/2 lbs shrimp (peeled, deveined- I use frozen)
1/2 c unsalted butter (or you could substitute extra virgin olive oil)
1/4 c minced fresh parsley (or 2T dried)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2T lemon juice
2T chicken brother
1/2 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese

Then my additions to the recipe...
1 bag of fresh spinach
small container of cherry or grape tomatoes (cut in half)

Cook noodles as directed. In a large skillet saute shrimp in the butter for 4 minutes. Add parsley, garlic, lemon juice, broth, salt, & pepper.

Add the spinach handfuls at a time so it can wilt. Add the tomatoes at the end. Stir a bit more until the tomatoes look right. (I don't know...that's just the kind of cook I am...eyeball it.)

Drain the noodles and put them in a large bowl. Pour the shrimp mixture over them. Mix with 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese.

Voila. Mrs. Brown's yummy spinach fettuccine- with a summer twist.

The Science of Snacks

So initially you may think that researching where to use your Disney snack credits is a bit over the top. But I gotta tell you- not all snacks are created equal. With the dining plan every person receives one snack credit per day. If these aren't strategically planned out, one might waste their credit on Coke, popcorn, or bagged cookies. A little bit of research will lead you to The Disney Food Blog- the Bible of all things food Disney. Before long you will be salivating over something like this chocolate peanut butter cupcake from Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's ok. Go ahead...scroll and drool. I'll wait.

Yes, that would be chocolate shavings on top of peanut butter icing on top of chocolate cake with more peanut butter icing in the center. Of course if you are some alien being and don't find the combo of chocolate and peanut butter to be the end all of all snacks. There are many more options. Like this runner up for me...

The carrot cake cookie available at The Writers Shop (also in DHS). Yummo.

Another option- the Butterfinger cupcake.

Moving to EPCOT...here is our very own snack try from Sunshine Seasons (along with Brad's counter service meal).

This was butterfinger cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, and chocolate cake.

Now, you understand why snack research is essential. Plan wisely and you can eat your way through the World. (for free!!!)

I beg of you- for the love of all things Disney- do not waste a snack credit on Dr.Pepper!