Food Network Star returns for a ninth season

I love to watch Food Network. I have watched it pretty much since we have had it. I remember how excited I was when I first learned about it. When I was younger I used to have my own cooking show every time I would cook or bake, which was all the time.  So, naturally Food Network was something I was very interested in.  I remember that I watched Food Network all the time. I didn’t really watch anything else. I love watching other people cook.  I spent a lot of my pregnancy watching Food Network while I was on bed rest too.  I knew if I turned on Food Network there was always something entertaining to watch.

My family likes to watch  Food Network Star. We have been watching it from the beginning.  Just like any competition show, you have your favorites. You also have the ones who you wish would leave.  These people become like your friends. Sometimes you end up getting just as emotional as the contestants. Only one time, has my favorite ended up winning.  I end up being very happy with the winner though.  I used to dream of having my own cooking show. I actually thought about trying to be a contestant. I decided my palate is probably too boring. I wouldn't be able to make exotic dishes like they make.  It's fun to see all the work that goes in to it. I love to watch them grow and see all their different styles.  I love their personal stories, and who their influences are.  I know that some of my favorite dishes to make are inspired by family.  My favorite part is watching the winner go from an unknown chef to a star. I love watching their new show and know that their dream has come true. Some people forget that Guy Fieri got his start on Food Network star, and he is huge. He has so many different shows, products and even has his own brand of meat!  It is really exciting I am so happy that they are doing another season of it.  I know that when I start seeing the commercials it is a sign that summer is coming.

Food Network’s long-running competition series Food Network Star returns for a ninth season this summer with fresh talent, intense challenges, and culinary icons Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay leading the charge to discover the best and brightest new faces in food television. In the one-hour season premiere on Sunday, June 2nd at 9pm ET/PT, the twelve contestants arrive in Los Angeles, ready to kick off the biggest audition of their lives to find out who has the personality, on-camera charisma and kitchen chops to follow in their idols’ footsteps and helm their own show. In new twists, focus groups of Food Network fans will also have their say on contestant performances and one finalist will be brought back after elimination for another chance at victory. Viewers will again be able to vote online or via phone before the August 11th finale to determine who will win the ultimate prize: their own show on Food Network.

I hope you will check it out. I really enjoy it. 

Do you like to watch Food Network star? 

I am working with Food Network on this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

He is Growing Up So Fast

I only have one child. He is six and a half. He is really growing up. I knew this would happen, but it's happening so fast. Time is flying by like the wind. I am cherishing every day and every moment. It all started when he told me to stop calling him baby. No matter how many times I say that I am not calling him a baby that wears a diaper. I am calling him baby like honey or sweetie.  It doesn't matter, he doesn't like it.  I have been working on it but its hard.

Noah has started giving himself his own baths. I am in the room of course but he doesn't want any help. I let him do it, but help to get the extra shampoo out.  We had a conversation about how I can't give him baths anymore. I wanted to cry. It was definitely a bittersweet moment. I am happy that he is independent and confident. I am a little sad because he's no longer that little boy. I am crying while writing this.

He has started telling me to stop babying him. I am his mom, I want to help him but I guess I need to wait to be asked.  He always thinks its amazing when I read his mind. When I know what he wants. I just smile and say because I am your mom.  I know what you are thinking. 

He no longer watches Sprout. This past Christmas, there wasn't a Caillou Holiday Movie marathon. I no longer hear Chica's squeak. I look forward to all the awesome things to come. I'm just gonna miss things that he used to do.

We will Miss you Lexy.

A couple days ago, we noticed our kitty Lexy was not acting like her self. She wasn't in pain, but was very lazy. That's not normally like her. She hid for the first time in a long time. It took us twenty minutes to find her under a bed. There is a lot of stuff being stored under there. She was almost twenty years old. My sister and I both got kittens when I was 11. Lucy was "mine" but I loved them both equally. Lucy and Lexy lived with me. When Lucy died it was heartbreaking.

Lexy passed away on April 19th sometime in the early morning.  She died peacefully. We are all heartbroken and so sad. She has been in our family for a long time. Noah is heartbroken.  I hated having to tell him. I didn't tell him before school, he didn't ask or I would have.  I knew it would be hard for him to go to school knowing. They were throwing water balloons at the principal for doing their homework over spring break.  When Noah came home he noticed that the litter box was gone. He asked where it was. I sat him down and broke the bad news to him. I held him while we both cried. He said I am glad that Lexy gets to go to heaven and she gets to see Lucy but I am so sad because I miss her and I won't get to see her again.  It is weird not having any pets after 19 years. It becomes routine and you love them so much. 

Both Lucy and Lexy are and were extremely loved. They were good and sweet cats that lived long lives.  We miss them terribly.

Now to pick up the pieces of our broken hearts.....