Books are wonderful gifts

I can get lost for hours in a book store. Now send me into a book store looking for a gift and I'm wandering through every isle, looking at just about every book there is. So it's no wonder why I love to give books as gifts. So I'm there in Borders meandering in and out of the various isles of books, looking at what other people have in their hands and wondering what I'm going to come home with. I can't say what I bought (in case the gift recipient reads my blog) but they are FUNNY! They're wrapped up and are being shipped out tomorrow. I also bought some books for the kids...they are going to laugh their socks off! I hope that they enjoy the gifts and that they smile with every page they turn.

blog challenge

I took this from another blogger (see link to scrap and knit) and am now answering the questions here on my blog- enjoy the laugh!



Are you named after anyone? yes and no- Sandra Dee just has a new hit single. Since my parents didn't have a name picked out for me this was the best that they could do. Nice!

If you were born a member of the opposite sex what would your name be? probably something off the wall like Sven or Opie


Are there any mispronunciations/typos that people do with your name constantly? they mispronounce my last name- constantly! Say it with me Griz-ay I tell ya, phonetics works wonders!


Name two celebrities that have really great names.
Dr. Zawi Hawass (Minister of Antiquities - Egypt)- there's something about his name that is so powerful.

Dr. Condoleezze Rice- love this name unusual yet it speaks volumes!



Name two celebrities that in your opinion have strange names.
Sigorney Weaver and Ice-T names they gave them selves - I'd like to know why, LOL!

Do you like your name? Yes

Does your name have a special meaning? It means Protector and Defender of Mankind

Quote of the Day

Joyful people live their lives finding ways to celebrate what is and not what could have been.
~Jane Jayroe

My Cookbook Nook: The Ultimate Sticky Buns

My Cookbook Nook: The Ultimate Sticky Buns

WARNING- this post will add inches to your waist line

When you need a good cry

God knew what I needed....a good cry to purge myself of frustrations. I'm here to tell you, watch any one of the wonderful movies on the Hallmark channel and your eyes will well up with tears. Saturday night I watched the last 3 installments of the "Love Comes Softly" series. Talk about parts in those movies that are heart breaking and other parts that fill you with such joy. To be able to watch a movie that doesn't have swear words but rather is filled with unwavering belief in God.

It was me, a box of tissues, some popcorn and a big glass of water, LOL! This is a story set in the 1800's and it's based more around the women then it is the men, it's their struggles that are chronicled. After watching it and going to bed, I woke up having a a sense of renewal. I was suddenly able to talk about things that have been weighing heavily on my mind- take the suicide of my neighbor for example and now I've made up my mind to start something...

I AM going to get a neighborhood watch program started here in our subdivision! I'm also going to make sure that we ALL get out and meet our neighbors, make time to get to know them and their children. I might not be able to stop someone from killing themselves BUT I am able to start a support network so that no one will feel so lost and desperate that they think that suicide is the only way out of a tough situation.

Understanding Suicide

Suicide has yet again touched my life. This time it was a neighbor who took his own life. This happened a week ago and I've been struggling with talking about this here on my blog. You see, the man left behind a wife and 3 small children, a house that is about to go into foreclosure and it's almost Christmas. I struggle to see the how someone could think that his family would be better off without him. To kill yourself over failed finances? To me that's just plain selfish and stupid. So what if you couldn't keep the house, suck up that pride and talk to your spouse, explain how things really are (finances and everything). So what if you have to move your family into smaller accommodations or even have to get food stamps for a while- at least you're all together. Now the sad part, picking up the pieces, trying to make sense of what happened and living in a house where your husband killed himself. How do you as a mother begin to explain to your children what happened? It breaks my heart it truly does.

Quote of the Day

You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down.
~Mary Pickford

Vacation bound in 2008

As of today, we're going to be going on a cruise! It's booked and paid for and all we need to do is to pack our bags! So where to you ask...the Eastern Caribbean. We'll be going to San Juan, ST Thomas and St Maarten. But we have a couple more months until we leave for this trip - maybe by then I will have been able to loose a few more pounds and find the kids some new swimwear (stuff that fits them). It's going to be VERY nice to have a nice vacation positive to look forward to going on during the middle of winter. Now for me to call my mom and tell her :-)

Why is everything purple today? LOL!

Some days I'm a total dork when it comes to understanding computers and others I amaze myself. Today is one of those dork kind of days. Some how I've made everything purple- I have no clue as to how that happened. I'm looking up color codes and am trying to get it back to looking some what normal here on my blog. I should call in the big guns...my 12 year old daughter. She amazes me with the graphics that she designs and other things that she can do on the computer. Now for me to have more coffee and figure out how to fix this, LOL!

Quote of the Day

Forgiveness is the healing of wounds caused by another. You choose to let go of a past wrong and no longer be hurt by it. Forgiveness is a strong move to make, like turning your shoulders sideways to walk quickly on a crowded sidewalk. It's your move.
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Shopping Addiction

This is a very real compulsive disorder and during this time of year it really flares up. I've met some military spouses with this compulsive disorder- some having it so bad that it has nearly destroyed their marriages. So what causes someone to compulsively shop?


The root cause of all addictions is to anesthetize one self from inner pain. People who fall victim to shopping are using it like a drug because they are feeling impoverished emotionally or as though they don't have enough love, confidence or self esteem.
read entire article here http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316610,00.html
Signs of Addiction
If you're concerned a family member or friend may be a shopping addict, Ablow said there are several tell tale signs to look for.
— People who express excitement about their purchases or great anxiety
— Anyone who is juggling finances to try to cover expenses that seem like needless ones
— History is our best guide: People who have gotten into trouble with their credit cards in the past but can't stop using them
— Someone that seems in great conflict with family members or friends
— If a person is making big purchases to feel wealthy or well-liked
— Someone who lies about their purchases or hides them

Treatments
"I'm a big proponent of psychotherapy," said Ablow. "There are also a lot of groups for compulsive spenders... 12 step groups can be very helpful."
One of those groups is shopaholicsanonymous.org, which covers both shopping and shoplifting addiction. Addicts can also try debtorsanonymous.org.
Both websites provide support and counseling, as well as a list of contact numbers, so someone can find a meeting in their area.
Once a person has recognized they have a problem — there are some basic changes they can make, according to shopaholicsanonymous.org.
Making Changes
- Reduce temptations
- Cut up those credit cards, close charge accounts and throw away credit card offers
- Make lists before going to the store and buy what you need only
- Wait so many hours before purchase
- Ask yourself if you need something or do you just want it?
- Develop other ways to handle emotions
- Find other fun ways to spend your time
- Learn to ride through urges

Christmases Past...

With only 11 more days until Christmas my mind is pleasantly thinking of Christmases past. Waking up to the wonderful aroma of a turkey cooking in the oven, wondering what gifts were under the tree for me and my sister and hoping that we weren't getting anything stupid like sock and underwear (my Mom was notorious for putting those kinds of gifts under the tree for us). We never had any sort of special breakfast, it was always a bowl of what ever cereal we had in the house.

With that in mind, I've been asking my family what kind of dinner they would like to have on Christmas Eve- so far it could be a hot pocket or a frozen pizza as no one has voiced an opinion. I can't get over that they have no opinion on this matter...maybe they trust me to make something yummy, I have no idea. I decided that I'm going to make make a special Italian style dinner on Christmas Eve with Panettone for dessert (oh how I love that stuff-see my link to my cooking blog for Panettone recipe links). Then for breakfast on Christmas Day I'm going to wow them with my French style breakfast, I'll be giving them an extra special treat that they won't expect :) Dinner will be on a much smaller scale than Thanksgiving as I will only be cooking a small turkey breast as compared to the massive 20 pound turkey that I cooked for our Thanksgiving dinner (it really was a LARGE bird). Maybe I'll make it (the turkey breast) Cajun style and instead of mashed potatoes I'll make rice- ooh that sounds yummy. I love to cook for Thanksgiving and Christmas but just things other than the "traditional fare". I want to add some taste bud pizazz to it all.

With Christmas and the fresh fallen snow on my mind- it's making me want to cook up lots of Christmas goodies for my family and friends.

My Cookbook Nook: Panettone

My Cookbook Nook: Panettone

Quote of the Day

If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could be in paradise in a few years.
~Bertrand Russell

x-rays round 2

I got a call last night from our doctor- Hannah needs to go back in for another round of x-rays on her arm and wrist. Depending upon what is found in round 2 of the x-rays she will leave with a cast or a brace. So much for ice skating.

As for me, I should be hearing from a podiatrist soon. I have bone spurs that need to be removed- ouch.

Quote of the Day

You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.
~Albert Schweitzer






please check out this fantastic website - http://www.quotationspage.com/ for quotes that fit all occassions.

Brown Bag Christmas Story

My girlfriend René sent me this touching story. I'm not sure if it's a story of a real event or a very well written story but what I do know is that it's full of hope, love and faith in our loving Savior Jesus. It's stories such as this one that fills me with such an powerful feeling of hope and the knowledge that one person can make a difference. That any one of us can be that person, the one who can make a difference in another person in a family in a community.

Brown Bag Christmas Story
When I asked our newlywed Sunday School class to share a favorite Christmas story, Carrie Fuller said, "Our family has one we call the 'brown bag Christmas.'"
When she finished, I had to hear more. Two days later, I called a member of her family for more details.
It was the early 1930s during the Dust Bowl days of Kansas, in the heart of the Depression. The Canaday family---Mom, Dad, 7 children---were having a tough time existing, so there would be no luxuries at Christmas that year. Mom told the children to go outside and find a Christmas tree and decorate it.
After a lengthy search, they returned with a dead branch, the only thing they had been able to find.
They stood it up in a bucket of sand and decorated it with pieces of paper tied with string. Little Judy, almost four, did not know how a Christmas tree was supposed to look, but somehow she knew it was not like that!
As Christmas approached, the Canaday children, like children everywhere, pestered Mom and Dad about what presents they might get under their "tree." Dad pointed out that the pantry was bare, that they did not have enough to live on, and there certainly would be no money for gifts. But Mom was a woman of faith and told her children, "Say your prayers. Ask God to send us what He wants us to have." Dad said, "Now, Mother, don't be getting the children's hopes up.
You're just setting them up for a disappointment." Mom said, "Pray, children. Tell Jesus." And pray they did.
On Christmas Eve, the children watched out the window for visitors, but no one came. "Blow out the lamp and go to bed", Dad said. "Nobody is going to come. No one even knows we're out here."
The children turned out the lamp and got in bed, but they were too excited to sleep. Was this not Christmas? Had they not asked God to send them the presents He wanted them to have? Did Mom not say God answers prayer?
Late that night, when one of the children spotted headlights coming down the dirt road, everyone jumped out of bed and ran to the window. The commotion woke up Mom and Dad. "Don't get excited, children," Dad said. "They're probably not coming here. It's just someone who got lost." The children kept hoping and the car kept coming. Then, Dad lit a lamp. They all wanted to rush to the door at the same time, but Mr.
Canaday said, "Stay back. I'll go." Someone got out of the car and called, "I was wondering if someone here can help me unload these bags." The children dashed out the door to lend a hand. Mom said to her youngest, "Stay here, Judy, and help Mom open the bags and put up the gifts."
A deacon from the church in town had gone to bed that Christmas Eve, and lay there tossing and turning, unable to get the Canaday family off his mind. Later, he said, "I didn't know what kind of shape you folks were in, but I knew you had all those kids." He had gotten up and dressed and went around town, rousing people from their sleep to ask for a contribution for the Canaday family. He filled his car with bags of groceries, canned goods, toys, and clothing. Little Judy got a rag doll which remained her favorite for years.
With so much food, Dad wanted to have a Christmas feast, to spread it all out and eat as they had never eaten before. Mom, ever the caretaker, said, "No, we need to make this last." And it did last, for weeks.
The next Sunday, Mrs. Canaday stood in church and told what the members---and one deacon in particular---had done for her family. There was not a dry eye in the house.
Years later, the oldest sister Eva wrote up this story about her family for a school project. Eva said, "We were so thrilled by all the wonderful things in the bags, for a while ;we lost sight of the most special gift. The best gift that Christmas was not in brown bags at all.
It was Mom's faith, as she taught her children to bring their needs to Jesus and trust Him to meet them.
And a Dad's love that wanted only to protect his children from hurt and disappointment."
When Carrie finished telling her story, she added, "Little Judy is my wonderful grandmother." Today, Judy Canaday Dryden lives in Sanger, Texas. As she relived this event from seventy years ago over the phone, one could hear the tear in her voice and feel her pride in being the recipient of such a precious heritage from her mother and father.
At Christmas, we celebrate praying mothers and caring fathers and believing children. We give thanks for sensitive deacons and generous friends and sleepless nights. And we praise God for the hard times that teach unforgettable lessons, stories of faithfulness that get told and retold through the years inspiring each new generation to place their faith in a loving Savior.

can you say X-Ray?

I like to think of today as being Mother & Daughter Day at the hospital. Both Hannah and I have had x-rays today. My ankle & heel have been hurting me for weeks and at times the pain has been almost unbearable. So I got myself seen today. Hannah...she went ice skating with her class yesterday and of course she fell hard on the ice a few times. She was complaining of pain last night and really going on about it this morning. Sooooooooo- that puts us at the hospital this morning. We've both been checked out by the doctor and have had a series of x-rays and are now back home waiting for the radiologist to call us with the results. We started calling ourselves the gimpy girls and it makes us laugh. Each station at the hospital looked at us and said "both of you" and we answered "yes". From the doctors office to the radiology department to the pharmacy. I can only imagine what's going through their heads...both of them? LOL! Yup it makes me laugh!

We're taking it easy and are going to hang out watching "chick" movies. It's times like these that I just I love having a daughter, LOL!!! Sure I can do this with my son but he isn't too jazzed on watching a chick movie with his Mother if you know what I mean, LOL!

I just remembered something...I need to reschedule that dental appointment that I had this morning.

Quote of the Day

You know you're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoelaces and wonder what else you could do while you're down there.
~George Burns

cards to soldiers

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it really is true…you can no longer send an  addressed  greeting card to “any soldier” and haven’t been able to do that for quite some time. I have a link to a news article http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316484,00.html please read it. I hate for folks to waste money trying to do something nice for an injured soldier. Now if you have a son/daughter/husband or wife that is currently overseas on a deployment send a box of cards to them and have them distribute them to others in their immediate squadron. That’s the best advice that I can give to you. I know that there are people out there that want to share their well wishes with our military service men and women. As for being able to givie you an address to send cards to, I’m sorry but I’m unable to help you with that.

 

Oh My Gosh!

I have to laugh because this IS funny...remember that little Christmas tree that I tied milk bone dog biscuits to for our philanthropic charity/collection of for the animal shelter? You know...the one I wanted to take a picture of and show how cute it turned out? Yes, that tree - Okay the function is cancelled and not to be rescheduled. So we took the items out of the van and put them in the garage. Our son didn't close the garage on Sunday and guess what...some wild animal (raccoons are the current suspects) got into the garage and ate most of the dog biscuits off of the tree. There is poo in several places on our garage floor...it does not look like cat or dog poo. The perpetrating animal squashed the gift bags and it looks as if it had curled up on top of them and slept there for a while. Talk about just plain weird! Sooooooo while I do have to clean up animal poo from the garage floor, I am laughing. Christmas you see is not just for humans, LOL!

Quote of the Day

If you haven't found something strange during the day, it hasn't been much of a day.
~John A Wheeler

Crafting with Peggy

FUN- yup I have had a FUN day! My friend Peggy has the best little craft projects for us to make and today was no exception! I've always wanted to try stamping on tumbled marble tiles and today we did it! Oh my gosh they turned out cuter than I had expected! She showed us several different examples and guess what, I went to Lowe's and bought myself 2 boxes of tiles. I'm going to make some coasters and give them to friends as presents :-) Another project we made was a small chipboard clip board. Talk about fun! Of course I had to be the odd bird and want to do mine in blues and green while everyone else was happy with red, LOL! I'm going to finish mine up and post pictures. The 3rd project was covering an Altoids tin and dressing up some mints to go inside of it. I like to call these projects elegantly simple. Some times the complex crafts take the fun out making them. The instructions to make our projects were straight forward, nothing too complex or elaborate. I plan on showing my friends the tiles. I see Lowe's going through a lot of those tiles. There are 9 of those 4x4 tiles to a box for the low price of $5.50 wow that's cheap! I see those tumbled tiles with stamped on pictures going for as much as $20 for a set of 4.

Now the pressure is on me to finish my little projects and post pictures of them. If you're reading this Peggy- Thanks for a wonderful time!

Monday Monday- dah da da da da da

It's Monday and I'm double booked for 2 of the 5 events that I have going on today. I'm Super Mom, I can fix it right? LOL! I was able to change one event to later on in the week, the other double booking is going to take some skilled driving (have I made you laugh yet?) but I think we can do them both.

It's 16º out and with the wind-chill it feels like a whopping 5º- m'm toasty! I can not wait to get out of here and to someplace more tropical! That's what vacations are all about :-) More later...

okay I've had some coffee and I'm here to add to my post...

I'm going to be crafting with some friends later on this morning, I'm not sure what the project entails beyond working with tiles yet but with Peggy in charge it's going to be oodles of fun!

Our daughter Hannah is getting an award at school this afternoon (A honor roll), then right after that she has an appointment with the plastic surgeon. You may recall that she had a congenital birth defect "fixed" (will be year a ago on the 20th of December) and the doctor is going to see how it looks. You can look back and read my blog entries from last December to find out more.

Then this evening we're going to see a play at her school- should be lots of fun! It's tied together with a canned food drive.

It's going to be a busy busy day for me. I just need to put on my Super Mom apron and I can pull it off!

Quote of the Day

It's not your blue blood, your pedigree or your
college degree. It's what you do with your life that
counts."

~Millard Fuller

Quote of the day

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.... You must do the thing which you think you cannot do."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Scrapbooking Tools

Besides your paper trimmers and scissors...what is the #1 most used tool in your scrapbook room? It's it a die cut machine? Punches? Stamps and inks? (yes stamps are a tool).

For me it's my die cutting machines. I flip flop back and forth between the 3 that I own- QuicKutz, Sizzix and the Cricut. I also own several Cuttle bug dies and they work perfectly well in my Big Shot machine. I can't choose just one, because I use all 3 of them equally. If I had to do it all over again I would have waited to buy a universal machine that works with all brands. But as it so happens there is a machine that works with ALL of the different dies out there...it's the Big Shot machine by Ellison Designs. I sold off my other original Sizzix machine but still own a couple of QuicKutz hand tools and of course a couple of the Side Kicks for the thin Sizzlits dies. I wouldn't get much for them on e-bay so I keep them around for friends to use when they're here for a crop.

Vacations

Have you ever been on a real vacation? Not the kind where you stay in a hotel when you visit your relatives, but one where you take the spouse and kids and don't know a soul besides the people you came with? Being a military family, it's so easy to get wrapped up in the kinds of vacations that have you visiting your relatives. That has always bothered me, because the rest of the family never came to see us they went off on "real vacations" to exotic places (Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii etc) and we were stuck going out to see them (grrr). So I made the big decision a few years back that we would take our children on "real" vacations- to go out and see places and do things that you see on the travel channel. Our first real family vacation was going away for Spring Break while in Texas. It was to a Mustang Island and the town was Port Aransas. We had a wonderful time! But then we got back into the rut of visiting family again. No one would take time off from work or even their exercise schedule to spend the day going some place with us or heck to spend any time with us. Meanwhile if they came out to see us, we were fully expected to bend over backwards to accommodate them. To loan them a car and to take the entire week off to chauffeur them around the area - do you see a problem here?

When we had out house for sale in Virginia (2003) I told the family (selling it by owner) if they help me to keep it clean and tidy and we get full asking price that I'll take them on a fantastic vacation. I sold it for full asking price and immediately booked us on an all inclusive cruise to the Western Bahamas. We had the best time. In 2005 I booked us on a 10 day vacation in Hawaii- we loved it! Last year (2006) we tried that military Space A travel to Europe, we went to some pretty interesting places but the trip it self was an adventure all by on it's own (and not the kind of adventure any of us want to have again). This summer (2007) while Andrew went to a military Leadership school in Louisiana Hannah and I went to California to visit my parents (her grandparents). It was the first time that Hannah and I went on a trip that was just the two of us. I loved spending one on one time Mom and daughter time with her, it was girl fun! Lots of shopping and going out to lunch :-)

So here I am, planning a family vacation and it's not to visit family either. I want to give our children wonderful vacation memories. I've been looking at the "all inclusive" kinds of vacations. Ones where you didn't have to worry about paying extra for every little thing. Ones where all of our meals are included, if we wanted to go to the gym we could and not worry about being fleeced (some places I looked at charge as much as $20 per day per person to use the gym facilities). The big issue is the cost of airfare- living smack dab in the middle of the US makes flying rather pricey, actually it's about half of the cost of the entire vacation package, LOL! I asked the kids where they'd like to go and both said "somewhere warm and tropical - but not Jamaica" (yes it's safe to say that we've been to Jamaica and we didn't like it). So I'm working on it and now will present my vacation plans to my husband and children today. I decided that I could do this on my own and not use a travel agent. I've got 3 different vacation packages for them to choose from and each of them looks good. I'll post on the vacation package that they pick out. I think that all 4 of us really need this vacation, to get away and relax...to let others do the work and for us to just have FUN!

Snow Trivia

The commonly used ten-to-one ratio of snowfall to water
content is a myth for much of the United States. This
ratio varies from as low as 100-to-one to as high as about
three-to-one depending on the meteorological conditions
associated with the snowfall.
***
In the western United States, mountain snow pack contributes
up to 75 percent of all year-round surface water supplies.
***
The greatest snowfall officially reported at the Phoenix,
Arizona National Weather Service Office was one inch. That
occurred twice. The first time was January 20, 1933. It
happened again four years later on the same date.

***
Mashed Potatoes?
In the early 1900s, skiers created their own terminology to
describe types of snow, including the terms "fluffy snow,"
"powder snow," and "sticky snow." Later, the terminology
expanded to include descriptive terms such as "champagne
powder," "corduroy," and "mashed potatoes."
***
Why is snow white?
Visible sunlight is white. Most natural materials absorb
some sunlight which gives them their color. Snow, however,
reflects most of the sunlight. The complex structure of
snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from
which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little
sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over
the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white
appearance.
***
Why is snow a good insulator?
Fresh, undisturbed snow is composed of a high percentage of
air trapped among the lattice structure of the accumulated
snow crystals. Since the air can barely move, heat transfer
is greatly reduced. Fresh, uncompacted snow typically is
90-95 percent trapped air.

Quote of the Day

"A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips
of his life, will have left only the hard, clean question:
Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well - or ill?"
~ John Steinbeck

TGIF

We have snow and enough of it fell to make me need to shovel the entire driveway last night. Did I ever happen to mention that we have a really large driveway? Oh yeah, it's big, LOL! Today is the one day that I have no where else where I have to be, so I'm taking care of business at home. I need to get some HOA stuff done, and see about rescheduling our OSC function for next week.

Yesterday's snow storm wrought some havoc in the Rapid City area with some 58 auto accidents happening and all before 4 pm. The roads in my little town are still terrible. Some sand has been spread but nothing beyond that. I'm calling the city to see when we can see some of the other major streets and roads are to be plow and when they plan on doing snow removal for the various subdivisions. Our area is expected to get more snow over the weekend (up to 6 inches). I'll have to go out and get some essentials...ingredients to make some-mores, and with that goes milk. If there's a football game (and there always is) I will need to make nachos and other tasty treats. I like it when it snows...I'm such a home body and this kind of weather makes it so we all get to stay warm and cozy at home :-)

Christmas Survery

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you can do, and try not to be a Grinch!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you.

'Tis the Season to have a little fun!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both plus I also use hat boxes

2. Real tree or artificial? I have a new artificial tree this year. Too dry here for a real tree, not to mention the pine needle mess to have to clean up

3. When do you put up the tree? The first week in December

4. When do you take your tree down? Some time in January

5. Do you like eggnog? Store bought-no home made yes

6. What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child? Barbie

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Well being Catholic that’s a given, LOL! I have several and add to them yearly. Also have a collection of holy family ornaments

8. Hardest person to buy for? My husband

9. Easiest person to buy for? My Mom and Daughter

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got? I still remember it…it was a hideous purple outfit that still gives me nightmares

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail of course!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It’s a Wonderful Life!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I pick things up throughout the year

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes- who hasn’t, LOL!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? ribbon candy, honey ham and pumpkin pie

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night in German

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I’m such a home body; I really dislike traveling at Christmas Time.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Me? Of course I can!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel-my Mom made it for us J

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? On Christmas! We used to open one on Christmas Eve when the kids were little, but now I like to open them all on Christmas Day

22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? The unchristian like behaviors that seem to take over. Christmas is a time of sharing and giving not seeing what we can get from others. I think that there are more folks worried about getting a so called “good deal” at a local big box store than are willing to take an afternoon to work at a homeless shelter. That they don’t see that there are less fortunate families out there that don’t have food on the table or have coats and shoes for their children. They forget that this is a celebration of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

Its a snow day!

I've started the calls and we are cancelling tonight's function. Lots of snow on the road and worse yet- black ice is underneath of it! It's too dangerous for folks to be out driving.

Tonight's OSC function- Christmas Around the World

Tonight's OSC function is our annual Holiday Party, our menu features dishes from around the world. Our theme is Christmas Around the World (hence the food from different countries). We're having a Christmas Sock exchange (those are always fun). As an added bonus (only a handful know) for those that come and have submitted their RSVP for the function, they will receive a little gift. I have all of the gift bags done up and ready to go. I have my items ready for the craft/boutique table. And my cute Christmas Socks are ready to be put into a bag and swapped around with other Christmas socks. And my small Christmas tree is ready for the table to get donations for the animal shelter. I have tied small dog biscuits all over it with red yard (it's a laugh riot). I'll have to take a picture of it and post it later with pictures from the party.

Yesterday...

It got off to a bad start. You know when something happens that sets the tone for the rest of your day- well I woke to that feeling yesterday. You see- I awoke to find the pieces of the pearl and lapis lazuli bracelet that I wore on my wedding day scattered throughout my bed. I was so tired the night before that I forgot to take it off and accidentally went to bed with it on. I awoke to find it scattered between the sheets. I was heart broken and mad at myself, on the verge of having a pretty good cry- not a good way to start your day.



I do want to tell you that it ended on a pretty good note. You see, I had made dinner reservations for my husband a week ago. I preplanned a "date night". We went to a nice little restaurant down town called "The Corn Exchange". It's a small place (which adds greatly to it's charm).The wait staff was excellent, the BEST customer service in this area to be sure! Let me tell you about the food...it was like nothing else out here. Our appetizer plate was of cheeses, grapes, dried apricots and the most delicious imported olives I've ever had. Now the salad on the other hand was not to our liking (too much of the overly pungent cheese and bitter greens made it rather nasty). But wait...the main course fillet Mignon. The steak was done to perfection, mine had a mushroom sauce and my husband (who does not like mushrooms) had garlic butter on his- once you took a bite, the steak just melted in your mouth! I've never had such a wonderful steak in my life and my husband said the same thing! The veggies were perfect, not over or under cooked- WOW! Dessert was some chocolate torte kind of thing. One of my little secrets (something I've always been able to do) is that I can pick out spices and ingredients used in making desserts. That I can come home, write it all down and recreate it for myself. Not that I would share this restaurants secret dessert recipe- but I look forward to recreating it this weekend for my family :-) Now unless you feel as if you've won the lottery...don't bring your kids. The food is on the pricey side but at the same time worth every single penny! Want to go out for a romantic dinner with your sweetheart? Then this place would be perfect!



My day did end on a good note. And I feel pretty good about today. I'm pretty sure that I have all of the pieces to the bracelet and I'm going to ask my friend Irene if she could fix it (restring it) for me (for a fee of course, I insist upon paying her). You see, Irene designs and makes beautiful jewelry as a hobby and she would be the only one I would trust with my little treasure.

Quote of the day

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin
you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent.
Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."
~ Carl Sandburg

I think I have an ulcer...

I'll be the first to say it, I dread going to board meetings. Ever since taking the position of Programs director all I seem to do is to complain about the club (Dakotas not the OSC). Every board report that I turn in has something or other going on about the lack of customer service. I'm frustrated beyond words and am afraid that we will not be able to get anyone to be programs director for next year. I've already let it be know that I will finish out my year but don't ask me to do it again. I can't begin to tell you how stressful that job has been for me. Listening to complaints from others who don't like my programs, who don't like the meals or the prices. So there it is, out in the open. So anyone who thinks that my life is easy or glamorous in any way shape or form, you are so sadly mistaken. I've been so stressed out ever since the club cancelled on me at the last minute (like 24 hours notice) for the September function, I really do think that I'm developing an ulcer. I hope and pray that tomorrows function works out well. Oh how I need a vacation away from here, someplace warm and tropical would be nice.

Quote of the Day

Household tasks are easier and quicker when they are done by somebody else.
~James Thorpe

this is oh so very true :-)

just a wee bit of stress....

I really should have limited myself for how long I was to be at the Thrift Shop yesterday. By around 11 am I was seriously worn out. By the time we closed the doors at 2 pm I was ready to go back to bed and stay there until morning. I'm still not completely over this nasty head cold; my red bloodshot eyes, snotty nose and continual cough clearly show it. I know that my time (and the time of all of our volunteers) at the Thrift Shop is always appreciated by Heidi our store manager. Our Thrift Shop fulfills such a huge need in our military community and the money that we make goes right back into our local community.

I managed to get a couple of things done on my list yesterday...now to finish the rest of them up today-ugh! At least Andrew got his pants, that was #1 on the list. The goodies to make the cheesecake are on the kitchen counter so they can get to room temperature. That's the first thing on my list this morning to start- while that is in the progress I can get other things done around it.

Since having company for Thanksgiving my house has been topsy turvy. My paper work for being able to make my board report has been mislaid and I am unable to figure out where it went...I sent an e-mail to the treasurer and I've not heard back from her. Just poke me in the eye and get it over with. So here I am, the morning of the board meeting and no board report because I can't find my paperwork- it's giving me a stomach ache. Alas, I have no one to blame but myself. Here I am always running here and there -doing way more than one person should. So of course things like this are apt to happen. I'm going to jot off an e-mail to my VP and let her know. Aah morning stress, there's nothing like it, LOL!

It's Tuesday Gromit...

I was able to get most of my errands done yesterday and only have a handful of things to get done today...

*go to Sears buy son 3 more pairs of pants done
*make a 10 inch New York Cheesecake for Thursdays Christmas Feast at MSG
*go to Hobby Lobby buy more gift bags for OSC function
*go to BX purchase more Colonial at Home candles for OSC function on Thursday
*Volunteer at Thrift Shop-train other volunteers to work front end done
*finish decorating house for Christmas
*put away holiday boxes
*prepare a board report for tomorrows board meeting
*makes copies of HOA covenants (3 sets) bring over to new home owners
*start on Christmas News Letter
*address Christmas Cards
*Make list for who gets a cheesecake this year... who's been naughty and who's been nice?
*contact travel agent

I'm tired and it's going to be a long day. Being sick set me back (I'm still sick but now on the road to recovery). My voice is still in and out (I sound like a frog that swallowed a hair brush). The weather is warming up a bit, today it's supposed to get to 60º, woohoo! No wonder why my boy wore shorts to school today.

I've had a scrapbook layout on my desk top for almost 2 weeks now that I need to finish up. Seems as if I never get time to get into scrapbooking- that something else is always pulling me away from doing any sort of crafts. I gave up on making my Christmas cards, I broke down bought several boxes of them yesterday. I just don't see myself being able to make the time that's required to to finish them (I can save them for next year). They are cute, shades of brown with little silhouettes of reindeer stamped on them. Reminds me of the Lindt chocolate reindeer herd that I bought at the Lindt Chocolate store last year in MA...oooh they were yummy!

Quote of the Day

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.
~Marie Curie

I am so blessed!

The farewell from MSG luncheon was very heart warming. So it's official, he's no longer one the MSG Deputy Commanders. Hearing what the different squadron commanders that make up the Mission Support Group had to say about my husband was very endearing. To know that he was a good leader and mentor to these people fills me with pride. When my friend Kristi got up in front of everyone and presented me with a farewell gift from the spouses (I had to hold back the tears). Heidi made this charming book about the Princes and Princesses of the Mission Support Group- I LOVE IT!!! I love stuff like that! And the basket with the Angels on it and the Willow Tree Angel, these are things that I will always treasure! I still can hardly believe that we've been in the Mission Support Group for a year and our time is up. This was a phenomenal group to work with and to be a part of. I got to understand the workings of the other part of our base. Now when asked, I can say that I "do" know what's going on and how the other squadrons work and what they do to make this base work as a whole. I adore the Mission support Group Commander, she's awesome stuff! For woman to get where she is takes a lot of hard work and dedication. She's there for her people and they in return are there for her. I want to thank Kristi, Heidi, Gail, Suzanne, Dannie, Cindy and everyone else for a wonderful year at MSG.

Quote of the Day

The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money.
~Mark Twain

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas

I love getting the house ready for Christmas. And this will be our first Christmas in this house. Every house we've ever lived in has been different from the last- this house is no exception. So decorating the outside of our homes (and the inside) is a wee bit of a challenge. And of course now that we have a little bit of snow and the temperature is below freezing, that too poses a bit of a challenge.

Hannah and Lucien and my driving force...they got the trees out of their boxes and out them together for me. They brought up the boxes with the Christmas decorations and got to work on getting the house strung with lights and garlands. The entire foyer is filled with Christmas stuff- it's spread out all over the place. The formal dining room has even more boxes strewn about, believe it or not it makes me smile.

We have two Christmas trees, the one upstairs is the main Christmas tree it's large and fluffy like a Christmas tree should be and all sorts of ornaments go on it. Downstairs is the skinny Charlie Brown Christmas type Christmas Tree, only snowflakes and snowmen go on it. I had always wanted to do a themed Christmas tree so I did one last year for the first time and loved it! So now it's going to be a family tradition- 2 Christmas trees with maybe one or two little ones elsewhere in the house. I have a very small tree for my scrapbook nook, with little ornaments and even a little tree skirt and a star for the top. I even have a little present or two to put underneath of that little tree :-)

I'm feeling better this morning and my voice has come back some (haven't really been able to talk for about 2 days). I still have to take medication and have bypassed the Sudafed PE and went right to a prescription. Some times you need to get the heavy duty medication to help you get over a cold and this is one of those times. I can't afford to be sick any longer, I've got 1001 things to do this week. First one being the Farewell Luncheon for my husband. He's being fare-welled from the Mission Support Group (MSG) today. I loved being part of the Mission Support Group spouses, they're a wonderful tight knit group who are really there for one another. The ladies that make up that group have become very dear friends and I will cherish them always. And just because I'm at another group does not mean that I leave my friends behind, it just the contrary. Besides...one can never really have too many friends can they? I already know everyone in our new assignment (which by the way was the group we left for MSG). So now we're over at Base Ops. Which by the way means I have many more cheesecakes to bake for these office parties coming up.

Stress and illness

I came across this wee bit of trivia the other day and well it answers some questions as to why I'm sick...

Researchers have discovered that events such as pleasant
family celebrations or evenings with friends boost the
immune system for the following two days. Unpleasant moments
had the opposite effect.

Now there says it all. Stress plays a key roll in our health. It makes us more susceptible to illness. Hence me having the head cold from hell and my daughter having a serious bout with the stomach flu.

Happy December!

So it starts today...the official kick off for the Christmas season (for me). It's snowing, what a perfect way to start of December. It's a soft fluffy kind of snow with little moisture to make it truly stick to anything. Not the kind of snow one needs to make a solid snowman, this is just plain fluff! Pretty to look at but not good for much.

About the holiday function last night...did I take any pictures? No, not a single one. Hows that for being a scrapbooker? There wasn't really anything for me to take pictures of. My husband and I were seated with a group of people that we didn't know and there wasn't much conversation. The all around air to this Holiday party was very different from holiday parties past. There wasn't much glamour to this one at all. You see, past holiday parties have always been formal dress up occasions and this one was rather casual and laid back. We had a great time once the dinner was over and we could mingle and talk with friends. The dance floor was hopping! Oh my gosh there were some ladies that could dance all night long (Oh how I remember how I used to do that when I was younger).

The excitement for the night was when the fire alarm went off and the entire hotel had to be evacuated. We had booked a room and brought our kids there (so they could swim and have fun at the hotel)also so we didn't have to worry about driving home after the party when we were tired. That was some scary stuff getting the kids and getting outside and meeting up with one another. But as soon it was found out to be a false alarm and we got the all clear to go back inside we got the kids settled in and we went back to the party for a while.

So here I am, my head cold has me in a firm grip and is not wanting to let go. My nose is now a pretty shade of pink working towards being a pretty hue of red. Once my nose turns red I'll put on my antler headband and see who I can make laugh first in the house. I still have my humor about me, it's just that I'm so darn sick that makes me feel like a couch potato.

Chocolate

When is the right time for chocolate?For me it's any time! I have chocolate coffee in the morning, a couple of Raspberry filled dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares with my mid morning tea and on special occasions when I'm really treating myself I'll have some Lindor chocolate truffles. Since I'm feeling a bit under the weather, chocolate is just the medicine I need to help me to feel better (okay so some more sudafed wouldn't hurt either).

So here it is about 1½ hours before the Wing Christmas party (cocktails starts at 6pm). I'm ready, head to toe ready. I dislike waiting until the last minute to get ready for anything so here I am. My husband on the other hand will be racing the devil to be there on time. The new job has him working longer hours (who knew that he could work even longer hours then he did before?). So here I am with a hot mug of Chai tea and some raspberry filled dark chocolate squares (oh they certainly are delightful). I broke out one of my Christmas presents- that lovely Dooney and Bourke handbag from the auction. It looks great with my outfit :-) Now for me to wait for my husband and son to get home....

Quote of the Day

"Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but
what we ought. Let us have faith that right makes might
and in that faith let us; to the end, dare to do our duty
as we understand it."
~ Abraham Lincoln

day #3 of being sick...

I'm going to say it, feel miserable!!! We have a military function to attend this evening and I feel miserable. I'm expected to be there with my husband, so I'm going to be there regardless of how crummy I feel. How much tissue can one person go through? You would be surprised! In the few days that I've officially acknowledged that I'm sick I've been through 3 (going on 4) boxes of tissues. I'm not sure how much longer my nose can take it before turning bright red and it resembling Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. It makes me think of my Grammy Lola and how she would always have some sort of cold during the month of December and how her nose would always be as red as a cherry.
I started looking up vacation destinations yesterday. I want to go someplace warm and tropical. I also don't want to spend my life savings on a week long vacation package, LOL!

Christmas stuff

The Wing Christmas party is tomorrow evening and I am determined to go! It's $30 per person and we've already paid...so I'm going! Did I mention that I have an outfit for it too? I'm determined to get better. I took the Sudafed medication and it made me so darn sleepy (and this was the regular stuff) that I went to bed and slept for another 4 hours. I never do that, yikes! I must really be sick if I slept like that during the day.

I couldn't stand being in bed any longer so I started going through the armoire to find some Christmas stuff. Nothing is ever a small chore with me, I've always got to drag everything out and reorganize it while putting it back. At least I have my Christmas dishes out and ready to use. Now for me to clear up the little mess I made.

I want to clear out all of the "stuff" that my son has gathered in our storage area. I had these great organizing plans for my seasonal decorations, so what's in there? Oh about 1500 articles of clothing for his clothing drive that doesn't take place for over another month, ugh! I think that we need to cull the herd and get some of this stuff out of here and down to the Salvation Army.

I need to relax with a steamy cup of mint tea and to think about what I'm going to do with that storage area.

day #2 of being sick...

Wow is this head cold kicking my bum! My head is stuffed up my ears are popping and now I've got a funky kind of cough. There will be no volunteering at the Thrift Shop for me today. Call me odd but I prefer to keep my germs to myself. I shudder at the thought of being a kind of Typhoid Mary and spreading sickness around to unsuspecting souls. No one needs to be sick during this time of year (myself included).
Medication- OHHHHHHHHHH do I have to tell you all about what I took yesterday! Sudafed PM- oh yeah! Does it help you to get a good nights sleep? one word...YES!!! Aside from being sick, I was actually able to get to sleep and stay asleep all night long! I might be sick but I refuse to be unhappy about it! It's making me look up vacation packages to tropical places, LOL!

Perspective...a story

This little story came form my friend Lizzie in Florida...she sends me some of the coolest stories!

When things in your life seem almost too much too handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar . Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed."Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided," I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your faith , family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued,"there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

It's official...I've got a head cold

I've been attempting to fight off a head cold for days. It's official, it's starting to kick my bum! My eyes feel as if they are bulging out of my head, my nose keeps running like a faucet that won't shut off (no matter how much medication I pump into myself. When I bent over to tie my shoes I thought my brain was going to explode... my nose sealed shut my eyes felt as if they would pop out and I felt rather nauseous and dizzy. This is just a little something left over from Thanksgiving. So much for me getting out to the gym today. I prefer to keep my germs to myself and not make everyone else feel as miserable as I do today. The dull headache behind my eyes is yet another tell tale sign that I indeed do have a head cold that is not to go away any time soon.

I think that some hot tea, scones with honey butter and maybe even some pop overs would help me to feel better :) There's nothing like pampering ones self while feeling poorly. My family will enjoy the leftover treats and I will enjoy piping hot scones and tea for lunch!

Hats, Scarves and Gloves...

Being that it's currently 23º outside but yet it feels like 7º yes I'd think it was safe to say that it IS rather nippy outside! It's the perfect sweater weather! Unlike most of my girlfriends, I like to wear several layers of clothing...camisole, t-shirt, turtleneck and then the sweater. Nothing keeps you warm like layers and you can also peel them off when you get too warm. Same goes for pants. Did you know that you can get flannel lined jeans? They are great for winter weather! LL Bean has these and they are sweet!
Being in South Dakota for a while now, I've noticed something...people here don't wear hats like they do in New England. A lot of women here are pretty darn vain when it comes to their hair. I have to laugh when I think about that one, it's windy here ALL of the time- trust me your hair is never going to look really good unless you stick your head in a bubble when you go out of doors, LOL! Myself, I love hats! If it's cold outside you can be pretty sure that I'm going to have on some sort of hat that covers my ears.
Scarves- yet another item not seen being worn out here in the Midwest. Yes this is another essential piece of winter wear, it keeps the wind from blasting through the teeth of the zipper in your coat! It also adds a bit of flare to what ever you happen to be wearing that day :)
Gloves-I've always worn gloves when it's cold outside. I've seen how dried out and weather beaten some women's and men's hands look- eeew! Dried, scaly, blotchy, red and even cracked and bleeding. Nope, that is not what I want for my hands, it just looks awfully painful! When it's exceptionally cold I wear thinsulate lined mittens. It's actually better for you to have all of your fingers together when it's really cold outside.
Sunscreen/Sunglasses- I wear sunscreen all year round. Just because it's winter time doesn't mean that the sun is less effective at giving you a sunburn when the conditions are right. When the sunlight reflects off of the snow it can wreck havoc on your skin. There's nothing worse than a winter sunburn. Sunglasses are another year round essential item. I always have a spare pair or two of inexpensive sunglasses tucked into my glove compartment. Squinting because of the suns glare is dangerous while driving, not to mention it'll make you have crows feet! Protect your eyes! Wear sunglasses!

So with all of that in mind...the question is this-

Do you dress properly when you go out of doors? Are you wearing the right kind of winter wear for your area?

Holiday Brunch

What a wonderful time I had at the Holiday Brunch. This was a Senior Spouse event hosted by the wife of our base commander (in their home no less). The food was perfect and her children were the most charming helpers one could ask for. We had a gift exchange I have to say that I LOVE my ornament! One of the most precious things in my home at this time of year is my small but growing collection of Nativity scene items. Be it ornaments of the Holy Family or figurines. I found out that my friend Jennifer was the one who brought it and it make it all that much more special to me.

Quote of the Day

"There is no personal charm so great as the charm
of a cheerful temperament."
~Henry Van Dyke

Depth Perception

It's more than actual vision acuity, it's also about being able to see into a person, to figure out what is going on with them. As the saying goes - "There's always more than meets the eye" with anyone. How well do you really know your friends? Heck how well do you know your siblings, parents or any other close relative?I've always been one for having to figure out or make reason out of someones bizarre behaviour.
It's a common fact that "the holidays" tend to put an extra exertion on the stress levels of some but not all people. I find it interesting that for some (again not for all people) that it's easier to be mean to a sales clerk than to stand there and be patient. As I'm in Hobby Lobby yesterday purchasing a Christmas Tree (and a few other treasures) the register locked up (yes I seem to have developed a habit of that happening to me lately). My first sale transaction was rather slow going through the system, but hey it's the holiday shopping season, it'll be slow every where. So I'm waiting and cracking jokes with the salesperson who is trying desperately to figure out what is wrong with her computer terminal. After a few minutes the transaction goes through but the young woman is obviously stressed out- I look at her and say "relax, you've got an entire day ahead of you, if you let something so small and insignificant like this bother you then your entire day will be ruined and you'll be feeling miserable all day long. Let it go and smile, it's not your fault, it's something that is out of your control". I see this look of relief instantly wash over her face and the salesperson smiles and thanks me and lets me know that she wishes that there were more customers like me. Sure her complement made me feel good but I also wondered what else is going on for this woman to say that to me. I feel that our sales people are being abused by us, the holiday shopper. No wonder why there's such poor customer service is most places these days, it's because we (it's a general statement and does not truly mean all of us) go into shop and come with such a huge chip on our shoulder daring anyone to knock it off. Heaven forbid if the item is sold out, or we have to wait in longer than usual lines or worse, the computer terminal locks up during our sales transaction. We (again a general statement) are impatient and rude when it comes to waiting. Myself, I prefer to make light of having to wait in line...think of it this way- I'd rather be in line here than in line for a root canal. When in doubt, use your manners- be polite and treat others as you yourself would want to be treated- with kindness and respect.

To find the perfect Christmas Tree...

Yup, that's my mission today- to find the perfect Christmas Tree for our home. We tossed out our tree last year as our kitty had torn out many branches; which we strung back together with fishing line. We knew in our hearts that last year was the last year for that tree. So today I will be off in search of a new one- one with clear instead of colored lights. I've been wanting a tree with clear lights for oh...7 years now. I have the idea of the perfect tree in my head and once I see it, I'll know it!

With only 28 more shopping days until Christmas I feel that I better get a move on. I know what items I'm going to buy for my guys...it's all car related stuff. I started ordering presents on line over the weekend and I'm almost done. Christmas shopping has never been easier for me! Now for me to get with it and finish up my Christmas Cards.

Braving the crowds

I did it...I braved the crowds this morning all in order to take part of a sale at our local Base Exchange. I thought that the store opened at 7am but alas I was wrong and it opened at 8am. I thought that I had timed myself just right, to walk in and grab what I wanted on sale, stand in line to pay for it then go back home. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a $20 for my time waiting in line to get into the store. I was able to get everything I had on my list and a couple of extra goodies at an additional savings.

Now I did see some people getting ugly with the sales help- in my honest opinion there's no cause for that at all! They are there doing there job and sometimes the computers do lock up. I was patient and told the sales clerk that it was okay, that I could wait for her manager to fix the register and for her to go ahead and help other customers. She smiled at me and said "really?" I replied "yes of course, it's not your fault the register is acting up", there was a look of relief that washed across her face and she thanked me. A few short minutes later the computer issues were resolved and I was able to make my purchase. I was thanked again by the floor manager for being so nice to her and the sales clerk and being patient while waiting. Life's too short to be mean when things that are out of your control go wrong, plus I figure that good karma will come back to me. Little did I know that the good karma would come back to me sooner than I thought :-) While the store was packed with shoppers I had in the back of my mind thought about the little alarm clock that I wanted to buy for my husband and kids. Their little i-pods sit in them, it plays tunes AND is an alarm clock. I thought that this would be a nice item for my husband to have when he's on a deployment. My kids...well, it's just nice to have in general. The price was fantastic! I was able to get the early bird special plus an additional $20 off! The clerk at that register also thanked me for being so patient and being so nice to her while in line. Wow they were only open for an hour and people were being mean and crabby already, sheesh! Pushing and shoving went on over in the electronic department over the sale TVs and others were trying to cheat at get more gift cards then they were entitled to (one per family, period). I guess that Christmas brings out the nasty in some and the very best in others...I like to think that Christmas brings out the best in me.

I'm home now, doing some on line shopping, taking care of my sick child. Our house guests left more than some nice thank you gifts, they also happened to leave us with some icky tummy bug germs, LOL!

Quote of the Day

Friendships are precious, not only in the shade of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part is sunshine.

~Thomas Jefferson

 

Surviving Thanksgiving

If there was anything I gained from this holiday it's of having what I have known for quite some time reaffirmed through the action of watching others interact ...that I do indeed have a very good life. I have such a true appreciation for my husband and children, our relationship with one another and the home life we have together. For these and all things I am truly thankful. Amen.

Going to the Grocery Store...

I know this was how I had planned it for weeks...to go to the grocery store today to pick up things like salad in a bag, potatoes, and dairy products. The parking lot wasn't very crowded when I went in but dang if it wasn't packed when I got out! Holy Catfish Batman it was NUTS! Fresh turkeys are now 50% off...what a savings! Lots of grocery items were seriously picked over, dairy products especially. Cream cheese (which I buy tons of) was at an all time low low price of 89¢ each -I think that I spent nearly $20 on cream cheese. I'm thinking ahead...thinking of my Christmas cheesecake baking ritual.

My word of advice...if you HAVE to grocery shop today, get what you need and get out fast!

If you're driving somewhere today please be careful. Lots of folks on the road, many of which are tired and stressed out. So be careful and pull over to rest if you feel tired!

Thinking about those we've lost

When it comes to Thanksgiving and thinking about those we love and being thankful for them it's also a time to reflect on those that have left the earth and are off in heaven.

We haven't had guests, real honest to goodness dinner guests for Thanksgiving since we were stationed at Dyess AFB, TX. At the time, my husband was going through B-1 training ( his previous plane was the B-52 ) and we had some of the guys (who were also going through B-1 training) over for Thanksgiving dinner. I remember having each of the guys add in a prayer as to what they were thankful for at that time. I know if I scrounge around I'll find pictures somewhere of that day together. There is a sad part that goes along with remembering that particular holiday- it's that 2 of those dear friends are now deceased. One died in a B-1 crash up here at Ellsworth AFB and the other (while deployed) when a fellow US serviceman tossed a hand grenade into his tent. I make sure to say a special prayer for each of them and for all servicemen that are apart from their families at this time of year.

Wednesday's big push

My girlfriend Susan and her family will be here this evening...Eeek! Half of the desserts are done, the other half are going to be cooked this today. Hannah wants to make the lattice work for the apple pie so I will hold off on making it until this afternoon. The sweet potatoes are about to go into the oven to bake for an hour or so. The garlic mashed potatoes will also be made this after noon, it's all coming together.

Now about the sewing machine...it's a goner folks! My husband took it apart and checked it out and it's the drive shaft. It'll cost me more to have it fixed than it will to buy a new one. I do not have time to go out and get a new sewing machine. And personally speaking did I want a new sewing machine for Christmas? NO! If I do this (shop for a new machine), I'll do it when I have a bit more time. Now for me to hand sew the valance-ugh! You know what though...I have some scrapbooking adhesive that just might to the trick. I'm going to look into that right after the kids go off to school.

Yup it's now the big push to make it all come together. I have to make a last minute run to the grocery store (it opens at 9am). So I'm going to run run run as fast as I can today.

Sad news....

Alas my faithful little sewing machine of 16 plus years has died in the line of duty. As I was putting the finishing touches to my valance it seized up and died. I sent an e-mail to my husband requesting his assistance in seeing if he could look at it and see if he could repair it. It was a simple little thing, a White 1510, nothing fancy to be sure but it got the job done. If it is indeed truly dead, I will hold a little funeral for it for is has given me many years of excellent service and has helped me to create everything from bed linens, to custom draperies to clothing, Halloween costumes and the occasional scrapbook layout.

My Tuesday to do list...

Here I am having coffee chatting with the family this morning as they are getting ready to go to work and school. I look out the window and guess what...it's SNOWING! Of course it's just a "dusting" of the white stuff and the Black Hills area will have a lot more of it than we'll get down here in the valley. But it looks pretty none the less. It's the first snow of the season and I'm marking it on the calender.

Now for my Tuesday to do list...
*finish delivering the news letter (didn't get it all done yesterday)

*make desserts (there are 8 in total)

*change sheets and wash bedding in guest room

*finish the valance (it's got only 1 more part that needs to be sewn)

*family room- dust and vacuum clean glass french doors

*decorate formal dining table

Lets end world hunger

For those that know me, I'm into trivia and other interesting things that make us all smarter. Here's a way you can get smarter (or test your knowledge) and donate rice through the United Nations end world hunger program. http://www.freerice.com/ try it and have fun!

a sense of calm

As my girlfriends look at me like I'm insane...here I am calm as can be thinking of what lies ahead of me in the way of cooking our holiday dinner. I've got garlic roasting in the oven, my cranberry chutney done and is now cooling on the stove top and I'm looking ahead at what else I can have ready ahead of time. What I wouldn't give to have a really big refrigerator right now, maybe in the next house. Wouldn't my mother in law be surprised to see me pulling off a big holiday dinner all by myself, HA! The big surprise would be not being swamped in a hot kitchen with a million and one dirty pots and pans to wash. Planning ahead and being organized is the key to my success.

Tomorrow I'll make another part of this holiday feast...which one, well I'm not sure yet but it makes me hungry just thinking about it. Maybe I should have eaten lunch today.

My Cookbook Nook: Holiday Cooking - Day 1

My Cookbook Nook: Holiday Cooking - Day 1

I've added a recipe...come take a look!

Quote of the Day

I burst out laughing while reading this qoute and just HAD to share it!



After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager."
~William S. Burroughs

Scheduling and using my time wisely

I think that if I had to tell my #1 worst fault it would be that I don't do enough of that things called "scheduling and using my time wisely". I'm trying hard to do it and stick to doing it but there are times when it all goes out the window. So starting this week...I'm going to give myself blocks of time in which things are to be done then to move on to something else when the time says to go on to something else- no exceptions. Lets see how long I last...

Things on my list for today:
*print and deliver 55 or so HOA newsletters
*cut and sew a valance for the foyer
*go to gym-ride life cycle for 1 hour
*go to club and get contract for December function
*finish arranging items on 3rd cabinet area
*go to mall-have rings/earrings checked
*finish office/guest room ready for house guests
*finish up getting formal dining room ready for family and friends.
*Call my girlfriends (the ones that I'm baking desserts for) and see if they need or would like to borrow a cake plate for Thanksgiving. Who doesn't like to set a pretty table during this time of year :-)


Yup I think that's plenty for me to do for today. If I don't get the valance done today there's always tomorrow while the desserts are baking in the oven. And if I don't get all of the news letter out...there's always paying my kids to do it for me after they get home from school.