“I’m shocked! How did you do it?” Even the Hokie Bird mascot showed up to greet Kotb at the Rockefeller Center. Credit:NBC / Contributor/Getty Images Kotb appeared to be floored by the unexpected arrival of 60 sorority women. “How did this happen? How did this even happen?” Credit:NBC / Contributor/Getty Images “I’m shocked! How did you do it?” According toToday’ssocial media, the sisters didn’t get much notice to make arrangements for the trip....

The morning show host might as well be the unofficial Team Mom. In fact,theTodayco-hostmay be Team USAs biggest booster. TheTodayhost was filmed in the stands of theU.S. Credit:Watch Hoda Kotb Cheer On Simone Biles And Team USA At Olympic Trials Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong were named as alternates. Kotb was in the crowd cheering them all on. “Come on!” In a clip shared on Instagram, she can be seen dancing and hugging the gymnasts....

A whole new chapter is about to begin. NBC / Getty Images Todayhost Hoda Kotb can’t wait to walk her daughters to school every day. Kotb talked on the December 18 episode of herMaking Spacepodcast about what life will look like when she leavesToday. Credit:NBC / Getty Images Kotb officiallyannounced her departureafter her 60th birthday celebration on the morning show. And now she is excited to embrace daily family rituals....

Here’s what to do before you take that leap. NBC / Getty Images HostHoda Kotbshared afew words of wisdomabout change in her final week onToday. “Its almost like imagining what your new life would feel like when yourepot or start over again.” Credit:NBC / Getty Images Kotb has previously shared how much she looks forward to walking her twogirls to schoolevery day. She also expects to continue working with NBC in some form....

“We’re in a place where Hope is thriving.” TheTodayhost says that “things have stabilized” in a new interview withPeople. Kotb is also mother to Haley, 7. Credit:NDZ/Star Max / Getty Images “We’re in a place where Hope is thriving,” Kotb tellsPeople. “We really have excellent care; I have people helping us out,” Kotb says. “I feel like she is finding steady footing.” Kotb recentlyturned 60and has reflected on her desires to transition to a more family-focused life....

Sometimes you name a child, and then they become the name. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images Hoda Kotb recently revealed the special meaning behind heryoungest daughter Hopes name. “I dreamt about her and I prayed for her and I hoped for her. Credit:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images I could feel her like she was almost palpable before she was there, Kotb shared. The name Hope was a layup. Prayers, wishes, and hopes are things that are meant to be....

“But she’s doing great.” Hoda Kotbs daughter Hope is doing better after a health scare and theTodayhost is counting her blessings. In February, Kotbs daughter became ill and then suffered complications that landed her in the intensive care unit. Credit:NBC/ Contributor/Getty Images Her mother took several weeks off work to care for the little girl. Im so grateful she’s home. She is back home. I was waiting for that day to come....

Here are a few of those must-stop destinations to enjoy around The Big Easy. Run by Cindy Brennan of the famed restaurant family, youll enjoy an upscale casual atmosphere and down-homeCreole/Cajun cooking. If Hodas in town, shes likely doing a deep dive into their Barbecued Shrimp or Gumbo Ya Ya. Credit:Courtesy Mr. B’s Bistro It boasts an old world European feel with marble table tops and white tiled ceilings. The pastry chefs make everything from scratch, including Hodas favorite almond croissants....

Youre on your own ride. Youre on your own train, and your blessings are coming when they come. Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images Hoda Kotbis celebrating her 60th birthday by sharing her refreshingperspective on aging. Credit:Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images Because what do I (see) when I look at these women? I see new life. I see all these beautiful things. Like all these things can happen. You get to choose. Some people, when they turn 30, are like, Oh my God, Im 30....

No-fuss wings you will want for every football game. However, the layers of sauce brushed on the wings really elevate all the flavors of the marinade. As it cooks, the glaze develops a sticky coating that makes this a fun and messy appetizer. Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell Transfer 1/2 cup of the sauce mixture to a small bowl, and reserve for later use. Add chicken wings to the remaining 1/2 cup sauce mixture in large bowl; toss until fully coated....

Here’s your handy cheatsheet for what to carry on and what to check. (Better pack your patience.) Here’s the good news: Most foodscanactually be carried through TSA security checkpoints. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox But some holiday favorites will have to go into your checked baggage. Note that even food items that are acceptable to bring in a carry-on often need additional security screening. Bon voyage… and bon appetit!...

Every cheese lover’s personal slice of heaven. Add onion and garlic; cook 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; simmer over medium-low 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Credit: Southern Living Preheat oven to 375 F. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain, and set aside. Stir together cottage cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl until combined. Place 3 cups meat sauce in a 13- x 9-inch greased baking pan....

Hear those sleigh bells ringing? It’s the holiday season. We like to spice it with nutmeg and vanilla extract to call it our own. Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis Ingredients 4cupswhole milk 12large eggs 14teaspoontable salt 1 12cupsgranulated sugar 34 - 1cup(6 oz. to 8 oz.) Gradually add sugar, and beat well, about 1 minute. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Remove from heat, and cool 1 hour....