Tiny Dancer

scroll to bottom of post for baked french toast recipe

Amanda Lily's Ballet recital was on her birthday this year. She was such a sweet tiny dancer, and did sooooooo great on stage. It was held at Lake Sumter Community College, and it was a packed house both Saturday and Sunday. She had a special part in the dance, but we weren't allowed to take flash photos, so I have no pics of it. I do have a great video though. If I figure out how to get it onto my blog, I'll update this post later. The photos here are of her during dress rehearsal, and then after the Sunday performance. She had friends and family come to support her. Nana even was in town from Georgia! We all were so proud of her, but I think George was the most proud. They have such a special relationship, and it fills my heart to watch. He picked up her roses from the flower shop, and was happy to present them to her after the show. Aunt Heather and Sophie and close friends Heather and Mia also brought her flowers. She LOVES them!!! When the performance was over, Steven gave her a big hug and said "Amanda Lily, you're a STAR!!!!" AWWWW.

After the show, we had Heather and Mia over for a little Ballerina Birthday dinner. When I asked Amanda Lily what she wanted me to make, she said "breakfast". So, I did a brunch type menu. We had baked french toast with pineapple cream cheese and a breakfast casserole. Also, her biggest request....cheese grits and fresh fruit! The breakfast casserole and french toast were make ahead items, so when we got home for dinner, all I did was pop them in the oven, and we were all set. I'll include the recipe for the French Toast. It was delicious, and EASY! I dressed the table up with pink tulle, white candles, and roses.

Now, I'm changing gears and getting ready for Steven's birthday party with his school friends that is coming this weekend!!!! The following weekend will be a double family party. Am I out of my mind? Maybe. But, I hate the idea of them missing out on their own special birthday parties just because they were born a week apart. My brother and I were born only 10 days apart, and Mom always had separate parties for us. I always remember being glad that she did.

Pineapple Cream Cheese French Toast

Sliced Sourdough Bread

8 oz container Cream Cheese with Pineapple

4 eggs

1 cup milk

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 lbs strawberries

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. Line the dish with sourdough bread and spread cream cheese on bread. Top with remaining bread slices. Beat eggs in mixing bowl, and add milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon and salt. Beat well, then pour egg mixture over sandwiches. Leave the casserole dish at room temperature for 5 minutes, then turn the sandwiches over. Cover, and refrigerate overnight. Chop 1 lb of strawberries, and toss with 1/2 cup of left over sugar. Refrigerate overnight.

To prepare french toast, uncover and bake in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Meanwhile, chop the remaining strawberries and add them to the chilled strawberry mixture. Mix lightly and serve alongside french toast with syrup. YUM!!!!!