Halloween Weekend

Last weekend was one of those perfect weekends - both relaxing and productive! On Saturday, Brian and I took a trip to Nashville to watch the Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt game. It was a close one, but thankfully the Razorbacks pulled through and won the game. It was nice to get out of town - even if was just for the day.

Vanderbilt Stadium

There were so many AR fans! Look at all that red!

Every year we carve pumpkins before Halloween, but on Sunday we decided to take a lazy different approach.

Yep, we busted out the power drill!

As always, Hank was right in the middle of everything. He's so helpful.

 It's hard to see the pumpkin in this picture, but we were happy with the results!

Between the football watching and pumpkin carving, was lots of Halloween candy snacking (the trick-or-treaters are lucky they got any!) and scary movie watching. This is probably the millionth time I've said this, but I really love this time of year.

Tailgating Leftovers: Cheese Dip Chicken Spaghetti

A few weeks ago, we watched the Arkansas vs. Troy game at the house. I believe it is IMPOSSIBLE to watch football without cold beer and snacks, so I made a few things for us to munch on during the game. No matter what or who I am cooking for, I always make too much. It is a good thing Brian and I aren't scared of leftovers! In an attempt to not be wasteful, I decided to try to incorporate the leftover cheese dip into a weeknight meal.

The classic Velvetta Cheese Dip recipe is to cube one block (1lb.) of Velvetta, throw in 2 cans of Rotel (drained), and melt it the microwave - stirring every two minutes until melted. There were only four of us watching the game so I used 1/2 of the Velveeta and 1 can of Hot Rotel.

The next day I was trying to find something to fix for dinner, and I decided to get creative. I combined the leftover cheese dip with the other 1/2 lb. of Velveeta, threw in another can of Rotel, and added a can of cream of chicken soup. While this mixture was melting in the microwave, I boiled 1lb. of pasta. When the cheese mixture was melted, I stirred in a large can of drained canned chicken. Next, I drained the pasta and added it to the cheese sauce. Just like that - Cheese Dip Chicken Spaghetti was born.

Note: If canned chicken grosses you out, you could use rotisserie, boiled, or baked chicken.

Not the healthiest meal in the world - but it's tasty, quick, and resourceful!

Arkansas vs. Auburn: Woo Pig Sooie!

As I mentioned, last Friday was Brian's birthday. To celebrate, we decided to head to northwest Arkansas to watch the Arkansas vs. Auburn game. It's only a 9.5-10 hour trip - no biggie. The drive was long, but totally worth it considering we got to spend the weekend with great friends AND watch the Razorbacks beat Auburn 38-14.

We started the weekend off by everyone eating at least 17 pounds of food a piece at Shogun's. Here is a group shot we took after dinner. If I look puffier than usual, please remember I had 17 pounds of chicken and rice an hour before this :).

Side note: Look at Ashton's festive mantel. So pretty!

Brian got TWO birthday cakes this year. Dang, he must think he is special.

We spent Saturday tailgating with Stephen's family. Good food, good company, great day!

Stephen and the birthday boy

I love this pic.  Erin, Ashton, Laura, me, and Heidi (Stephen's adorable niece).

I really like this boy. I think I'll keep him :).

This is the first time we have ever been to a game in Fayetteville and not sat in upper-upper deck! Ashton's parents were beyond generous and let me and Brian have their tickets to the game. I know. Amy and JP are my favorite people. This view is MUCH better than the nose bleed section!

Woo Pig Sooie!

Besties. (I don't think boys call themselves that, but that's what they are.)

Our friends are so fun. I love our little mini-reunions. I can't wait to see everyone again at the Mississippi State game in November.

Wait, It's September?

Wait, It's September 20th? What a crazy, busy, wonderful couple of weeks! Here are a few pictures I have taken (and stolen from my friends).

Brian and I went to the Arkansas vs. New Mexico game in Little Rock a couple of weeks ago. We hung out at Jared and Erin's house before the game, and then walked over to the stadium before kick-off. I LOVE games at War Memorial. I don't think I have ever been to a stadium that is louder than that one. Crazy-loud Razorback fans just make me happy.



Ashton, Erin, Laura, Me, and Wendy before the game.



Woo Pig Sooie!

Oh, and I edited this photo because by this time my forehead was so shiny, you could probably see your reflection in it. At least this effect softens my "strong" Diebold forehead Ha!

War Memorial Stadium

In honor of the ten year anniversary of September 11th, the odd sections wore white, the even wore red, and the student section wore blue. This picture was floating around Facebook so I'm not sure who took it, but this ariel view is a great shot of the stadium that day.

This past weekend my sister Ellen came to visit. We had ourselves a LARGE time. I think I'm still in recovery.

Love my baby sister!

I'm such a weirdo. I was so sad on Sunday after she left. This weekend I am going to a wedding in Maumelle, AR so I know I'll see my whole family at some point -  but still! I was like that on Labor Day when my parents left. I knew I would be seeing them soon, but it just made me sad to say good-bye to them. Basically, I wish that I could pick up the Huntsville/Madison/Decatur area (including our jobs and friends from here) and move them to Arkansas. I mean, I don't feel like that is asking too much. :)

Is It Football Season Yet?

I know its only August, and I should not wish the summer away. However, when I read an article like this, I can't help but get really excited about football season. I love everything about football. I love tailgating. I love loud, border-line obnoxious fans. I love that for three months my weekend diet consists primarily of beer, hot wings, and pizza. I love ESPN's College Game Day with the tear jerker pre-game stories. I love the weather. Most importantly - I love my Arkansas Razorbacks! In an attempt to channel my excitement, I decided to get my office football season ready. This project turned out great, and it was so simple and inexpensive!

Supplies (Note: wooden circles and glue gun not pictured)

What you Need:
*Sturdy Cardboard or Wooden Letters (I used the sturdy cardboard because they were only $1 per letter at Hobby Lobby.)
*3 Bottles of craft paint ($1 per bottle)
*1 Bag Wooden Circles ($3 per bag)
*Hot glue gun and glue sticks
*Sponge paint brushes

I already had the hot glue gun, sticks, and brushes so this project only cost me around $10.00.

First, I painted the front and back of the letters red.

Next, I painted the circles black and white, and hot glued them to the letters.

Woo Pig Sooie!

Maybe my die hard Alabama fan co-workers won't hide these from me. :)