Perspective Powers

WIGS

2011-01-24T16:45:00.005-05:00

Writer Martha Beck calls unrealistic goals WIGs: Wildly Improbable Goals. In the September 2002 issue of Oprah magazine she says: "... learning to invite and accept your own WIG can awaken you to a kind of ubiquitous, benevolent magic, a river of enchantment that perpetually flows to your destiny

Most of my life it seems I have had WIGS.
wanted to open a children's museum when I was a teenager. I had gone to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh with my grandmother. I had never seen anything like it and wanted to open one in SC where I lived at the time. I spent hours dreaming of things that could be in the museum. I held on to that dream until I was in college. I don't really remember letting go of that dream per say and I still think of it from time to time.

I don't really think I had a WIG dream in my early twenties. I guess I was to busy serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, dating, getting married and trying to find a job. not necessarily in that order ;)

In my mid twenties to early thirties I wanted to open a school. I had a lot of friends who were teachers, but had chosen to stay home with their children. I wanted to open a school where these women could keep there teaching skills up to date, but not have to work full time. I dreamed of finding the perfect house to buy and turn into a school. I wanted a big white farm house,kind of like the school Mary went to on "Little House on the Prairie" when she went blind. Now that my kids are older and I only have 6 1/2 years of schooling (before college) left. I have left that dream behind too. In fact I have no regrets that this did not happen. I think it is a great idea but I would have been very unhappy if I had ever really done this.

I have three current WIGS. I would love to open a fiber arts store. It would be more than a yarn store. It would be a place where you could take classes on, kitting, crocheting, spinning, tatting, weaving, rug hooking and whatever else is in the fiber world. So many "old fashioned" arts are being lost. I started doing old fashioned rug hooking several years ago I really love it. I don't spend as much time on it as I would like or should. That is mostly because I really don't feel like I know what I am doing. Most of the time classes are for weekends or weeks in the form of retreats which I can't afford right now in my life. Which is also why I can't open store.

The second WIG I have right now is to own a bookstore. I love books, I love the smell of them, the feel and sight of them. It calms me down to walk into a bookstore. Instant feeling of " I belong" . Drew got me a Nook for my birthday which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!! As much as I love holding a book I have to say I love being able to have several books with me at a time. I currently have 174 (yes that is correct) books on my Nook. I love that no matter where I am I have something to read. It fits nicely into my purse so I am almost never without it. I think this WIG maybe the one that is the most realist WIG I have had. This one may just happen but I don't think it will be anytime soon.

The third WIG is that I would love to write a book. I have had this WIG off and on for about 20ish years now. There is one HUGE problem. I am not very gifted at writing. Writing a blog is much different from writing a book. I have several ideas for books (one of them I think is really really good. I have shared it with 2 other people and they think it is a good idea too) I just don't know how to translate that idea into a book. I am thinking and taking notes and maybe in another 25 years I will have written a book.

I may never accomplish any of my WIG's but I think it is wonderful to dream about what could be.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2011-01-11T16:36:00.002-05:00

We got between 6 and 7 inches of snow Sunday night. We had lots of fun playing in the snow and it is really pretty. The only thing I hate is GA is so no prepared for a snow like this. The DOT has sand and salt trucks running 24 hours a day but we just don't have enough of them to ever get to the secondary roads. We have several big hills around here so even if the roads are just a little icy it makes them really dangerous.

Sunday dinner

2011-01-11T16:31:00.002-05:00

For our Sunday dinner we had London Broil, roasted potatoes and salad. I love to cook in my dutch oven. I really need to get a good iron skillet but I don't have any where to store it so I just stick to my dutch oven.

Time

2011-01-11T16:26:00.002-05:00

I spend a little to much time at this store. Between , craft projects and projects for church it seems I almost always end up here. One thing I love is that they are not open on Sunday. Got to love a company that will give time to their employees.

Two of my favorite things

2011-01-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

Meet Veges my sisters dog not a great picture of him but he wasn't really in the mood for a photo shoot. He is so sweet! Love that dog he was my buddy while I was at my mom's. I slept in my sisters room which is where he sleeps (shhh don't tell I even got him up on the bed with me for a little while). He love to give hugs and snuggle

the photo of Vegas was supposed to be taken on the 6th...I even got up to take it and then promptly got sidetracked by who know what. I remembered at about 12:05 that I had not taken the photo. Oh well I did not let that stop me.

I love Krispy Kream doughnuts. I grew up eating them. If you have never had one it is worth every carb and calorie but you have to stop at a KK store when the big orange HOT sign is ON! Nothing like melt in your mouth hot KK's. YUMMY

When I was in high school at exam times. One or more of the clubs would sell KK's during our break in between exams. I would always split a box with a friend and we would devour it. As much as I love them I really don't know how I ate 6 KK's at a time. The thought of it make me a little queasy.

Suprise

2011-01-11T15:56:00.002-05:00

I drove to SC for my mom's birthday on the spur of the moment. Her Birthday was Wednesday and late Tuesday afternoon. I was trying to make it work. I had to make sure the boys got to and from school and rearranged Justin's baseball lesson. It all worked and my mom was totally surprised.

I called her while I was still in Atlanta little did she know I was on 285 driving toward her :) A friend was taking her to lunch which was perfect. I wasn't sure if she would be home when I got to the house so I planned to call. If she wasn't home I was going to park in back so she would not see my car. As it turned out she was home. I called her when I got off the highway and she was telling me all about her lunch. When I turned into her driveway I really thought the dogs would start to bark but they didn't. I actually got all the way down the drive (which is quite long) parked so she would not see my car and walked up to the door and rang the bell all while talking to her and still the dogs did not bark until I rang the bell!! She told me to hold on the "mailman must be at the door" I wish someone could have recorded her reaction when she realized it was me. Best birthday present I ever came up with!

2011-01-11T15:49:00.002-05:00

A couple of years ago I found this cute shop on Etsy and Drew and the boys got me this and one other picture. I love them!! This one is hanging in the family room and I have the other one in the living room.

2011-01-11T15:37:00.003-05:00

I know the photo is upside down. I flipped in on my computer but I guess blogger didn't like it.

This year for our family service project we are sending packages to a friend of mine who is deployed. I will send the packages and he will put them in a common area for all to have access to. He is in a camp where they don't have a place where they can purchase things that they may need. If they don't get it from home.

I am going to contact the boys school and see if any of the small groups or clubs want to write letters that I can stick in some of the packages.

It isn't much bu it is what we can do as a thank you to the men and women who serve and protect our country. We already pray for them and their families nightly but felt like we needed to do something more.

Snowmen and such

2011-01-11T15:29:00.003-05:00

Ok so I tried to upload a weeks worth of photos the other day and it did not work so I will do them one or two at a time.

Here is my sad little collection of Christmas decor that I put out this year. I have lots of snowmen and usually leave them out through January. This year I put it all away at the same time. I love my snowmen they make me happy. The fat one in front is on of my all time favorites.

Project 365

2011-01-01T14:15:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!!

I found this article on Project 365 . You take a photo a day for the whole year. It is something I am really going to have to work on to remember to do. I do carry my camera with me often so hopefully it won't be to hard. I will post my photos here at least once a week.

Here are my photos for January 1, 2011

This is one wall in my living room. I love these chairs I picked them out 11 years ago when we moved into this house and I still love them just as much today. The clock was my grandmothers grandmother and is made out of Burl Walnut. It brings back happy memories of my childhood.

When life makes you slow down

2010-12-21T14:51:00.002-05:00

I have been forced to slow down this Christmas season. A little over two weeks ago I went to the doctor and he said I had Bronchitis and a sinus infection and started me on some meds. Two nights later I woke up because my neck hurt and I thought I had slept on wrong, after several days of pain I went to the urgent care and they diagnose me with Shingles (the chicken pox virus). It has attacked a nerve at the base of my skull on the left side this is also a trigger point nerve and is causing me lots of pain. It has also totally wiped me out! I can only do a few things and then I am done for the day.

It seems we are always saying "remember the reason for the season" but do we really do that?

As I have had more time this year to ponder and think about the birth of my Savior, I have prayed that the spirit of the Lord will be with us and in our home even if our home does not have all of the usual holiday decor, because it truly does not matter if our home is decorated or not. What matters are the things our family can do to share our love of the Savior with others. To know what we can do to serve those around us and then to act upon those things.

My wish to each of you is that you know that I love The Lord our Savior with all my heart. I hope that my actions each day show how much I love him and want to serve those around me. I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who sent his son, that I might live again with him. I am thankful for Mary and Joseph for their courage and faith. I am thankful for a loving family who loves me even when I make mistakes.

May God bless you in all you do, May you to know the love of our Father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ.

Subway Art

2010-12-08T10:13:00.004-05:00

photo from The Idea Room

Amy over at The Idea Room came up with this great project! Go on over and get your free download today. I love it

Shanty girls giving a Silhouette away!!!

2010-11-25T09:11:00.003-05:00

The girls over at Shanty2chic are have a Silhouette give away too!!! Holy cutouts batman. I really really really want one of these machines! The more I look into them the more fun things I can think of to do.

Again if you win this and I don't ....you have to share with me ;)

The Shanty2chic girls will be announcing the winner on Monday Nov 29th, 2010.

Look whats being given away

2010-11-23T19:03:00.004-05:00

Lorie from Be Different Act Normal got to review a Silhouette electronic cutting tool and Silhouette gave her one to give away!! How cool is that.

I have to admit I have seen several things about these but never really paid much attention to them. Lorie has me sold!! I really really want one. I could do so many fun things.

Go over to her blog and enter...but if you win and I don't you have to share with me ;)
You have until 10 am MST Monday November 29th, 2010 to enter.

5 books

2010-11-20T14:43:00.018-05:00

**all the books are at the top of the page because I have deleted the photos to many times as I tried to edit my post. I finally gave up

Barnes and Noble asked a question on facebook today " can you tell your life story in 5 books (from kids books to current reading)? It got me to thinking about the books I really remember reading or being read to me over the years.

Those of you who know me know I am an avid reader. I have read thousands of books. I really wish I had a list of all the books I have read over the years.

I have a vivid memory of going in the library when I was eight and checking out LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott. I was drawn to it not because anyone had told me about it but because the author's first name was Louisa which is my middle name.

When I was in high school I decided I was going to read all of Earnest Hemingway's books which I did. Who knows what made me want to read all of his books.

Books have always been a part of my life. It is in my blood. One of my favorite things to do is go to a book store. Chase asked me the other day "If there was a Zombie invasion where would you go?" with out hesitation I said Barnes and Noble....if I am going to die I am certainly going to die in a place I love plus I can get snacks at Starbucks until the Zombies come to eat my brains. I think it is a win win ;)

So with out anymore ramblings on my part here are my 5 books (but I had a really hard time keeping it to 5)

The first book I remember "reading" was I AM A LITTLE BUNNY by Ameri Fechner. I loved this book and would look at it over and over again. It is the one book I can remember asking
for my mom or dad to read to me at night.

I have lovely memories of my dad coming home from work taking a shower and then I would sit in his lap while he would read to me from THE WIND IN THE WILLOW by Kenneth Grahame. I think I was in Kindergarten or first grade when we read this "together".

I loved reading the ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN BOY DETECTIVE series by Donald Solob. This was the beginning of my love for reading mystery's

When I was in middle school I came across a book called THE VELVET ROOM by Zilpha Keatley Synder. This was a book that I read over and over even when I was in high school. On the Barnes and Noble site it says for age 9 and up which I think is fine I don't remember any thing that would not be OK for a 9 year old but I am not sure I would have read it in high school several times if it was a book for such a young audience. Then again I will read the back of a box if there isn't anything else around ...so maybe it is for a younger audience.

I am currently reading CHILD OF THE NORTHERN SPRING BY Persha Woolley. This is book one of The Guinevere Trilogy. I am on page 114 of 450 but I am loving this book so far.

Here is the link to the synopsis because I don't know how to copy and paste into my blog.

Back to normal...if you can call it that

2010-10-11T13:36:00.004-04:00

Finally I have a new computer. I can download photos and everything Yee Haw. First I have to down load the billion photos I have taken and sort them all out.

I have been under the weather the past couple of weeks. Had to have a little surgery but not anything you want to know about I promise. I was so thankful for my new laptop. I wish I could say I was in a drug induced haze but I can't take pain killers so all I could take was Tylenol. I could not even take Advil it thins the blood and doc does not want that.

The boys started school. It is hard to believe that Chase is in High School! I think what makes it so hard is that means less than four more years with us and then he is gone. I don't care if you come back and live at home it is never the same once you have gone off to college.

Justin is doing well in middle school. Before I blink an eye it is going to be him in High School and then they both will be gone.

We bought a piano Chase wants to learn how to play now that he is not taking band anymore. I only took lessons for a short while but I think I can pick it back up it will be nice to try.

Justin is still playing baseball. The other night he his a 2 run RBI single of course it was the first game I have missed. I was so sad that I missed it. Drew said it was a nice hit right between first and second base.

I know I have so much more to catch up on but I will wait for some photos so you have something to look at and no need to pay attention to my ramblings :)

Lemon Chicken

2010-07-22T19:01:00.004-04:00

I love to cook but cooking in the summer is not my favorite thing.While I love summer in some ways in ( think lazy days) the thing I really dislike the most is heating the kitchen up when cooking. I avoid baking as much as I can during the summer. This summer our grill is not working so that has made things little harder. I am always looking for new recipes and today I found a good one for Lemon Chicken. Of course I don't ever follow the recipes I use them more as guide lines....so here it is with the way I cooked it :)

4 boneless chicken breast ( pounded thin or buy chicken cutlets )

1 large onion sliced ( I used a sweet onion)

2-3 cloves of garlic pressed

olive oil

butter

flour

salt

pepper

1 lemon

chicken broth

*squeeze juice out of lemon

*heat a skillet put in about 2-3 T of olive oil add onions and garlic cook until the onions are translucent about 3 minuets

*remove onions and garlic from pan

*Add butter about 1 T

*put flour on a plate or baking dish add salt and pepper to taste (I have no idea how much I use we don't do a lot of salt so I don't use as much). Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.

*put chicken in pan and cook on medium heat for about 2-3 minuets on each side or until golden brown.

*remove chicken from pan

* add about 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and lemon juice let come to a boil

* add the onions and chicken back to the pan and let cook for about 5 minuets.

I know there are a lot of steps but it was done in less than 25 minuets from start to finish.

I think the next time I make this I may wilt a bag of spinach in the pan the last couple of minuets.

20 Years ago today

2010-07-11T12:01:00.002-04:00

Twenty years ago today I was introduced to my sweetheart. I had a good friend whos husband worked with Drew and kept trying to set us up but I wouldn't go on blind date.... I had another good friend who knew Drew ( but did not know the other friend) who introduced us...True love, it was ment to be.

PS don't you just love my 90's hair!!

The 4th of July

2010-07-09T10:32:00.005-04:00

We had a great 4th we were up at 5:30 (yes AM!!) so that Drew and Justin could get to the starting line on time. They ran the Peachtree Road Race together Drew's 21st and Justin's 1st. I was excited and sad at the same time. I was going to run the Peachtree with Drew last year. It was a Christmas gift to Drew, then I got a stupid sinus infection which led to taking some meds which led to having tendinitis and tendionosis in both of my Achilles tendons. Four months of Physical Therpy later my feet were better but still have pain sometimes. Anyway back to my boys :)

Shannon and Max ran the race with them so Chase and I went over to their house to get the girls ready to go down and watch the race. Drew, Justin, Shannon and Max went down to the race together. Chase, the girls and I picked up Granmommy and Grandaddy and went down to watch. Thank goodness Grandaddy was willing to drive. I hate driving in Atlanta. We were really lucky and got a spot close to where we wanted to stand to watch for our runners. It was so nice outside it really was a great day for running. Our gang ran the race in an hour and eigh minuets. Not bad for having an 11 year old (who had not trained) with them.

After we got home showered and took naps we went over to Granmommy and Grandaddy's house for a cook out. We played games, ate and played more games. Then we went and watched fireworks. The past few years we have gone to Lenox Mall and watched they but this year we just went up the road to watch. It was nice to be close to home but not as much fun as being at the Mall and feeling the big boom in your chest when the fireworks go off.

Next year's goal the whole family running together....that's my goal anyway.

Hope you all had a great 4th and are having wonderful summer.

sorry there are no photos I am having to use the boys compter and it will not download them :(

I snagged the one of the t-shirt from the web

Fainting goats

2010-07-07T16:41:00.002-04:00

We were out to dinner last week with Drew's family while we were at dinner we got to talking about fainting goats, which got us to talking about the Mythbusters trying to get the fainting goat to faint... I was laughing so hard tears were running down my face. Some how I missed that episode so I had to look it up. I found this clip on youtube.

Favorite meal

2010-06-19T17:09:00.009-04:00

I was just reading a thread over at Ravelry about favorite childhood meals. I think the one I miss the most is country ham, grits, with pan fried sweet potatoes and fried okra. No one can cook country ham like my grandfather could and he made sweet potato fries before the were trendy. I miss my grandfather and his cooking too!

I don't have any photos of my grandfather on my computer and my scanner isn't working right now :(

How does my garden grow?

2010-06-15T18:30:00.003-04:00

I really wanted to have a garden this year, so I decided to get containers and found these at Wal-mart for $5 each. Chase drilled holes in the bottom for me, I added a layer of gravel and then filled them with soil. I have a Japanese Black Heirloom Tomato, squash and cucumber planted in the first one. A Creole Heirloom tomato, squash, and cucumber in the second one. In the third one I have a Rose Heirloom tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, and a basil plant.

I am excited to see if they do well. I already have some tomatoes getting ripe and several squash and cucumbers starting. The boys seem to like to check on the plants with me but I don't think they will eat any of what I planted. I may have to get some more container next year so I can plant some cantaloupe and watermelon.

Summer reading

2010-06-11T14:17:00.008-04:00

I LOVE to read and my kids love to read ... so reading the books is not a problem. I think that if the kids are on vacation from school then any summer reading should be optional.
va·ca·tion- noun

a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: Schoolchildren are on vacation now.

HUMM key words here suspension of work

My kids will be the first to tell you we are the mean parents we make our kids do some kind of school work over the summer just to keep their little brains going. We do a lot of reading on our own. This year my oldest is going to take two classes over the summer one on grammar ( which I could use myself) and one on writing. They only last a week and are two hours a day.

I think having the option of having summer assignment is great BUT it should not count against them if they don't do it. Have them write a paper on the book or take a test and then use that as an EXTRA grade. If you want the whole class to read something together then do it during the school year....I'm just saying

6th grade
The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster
The Sea of Monsters, by Rick Riordan

9th grade
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

Talents from Generation to Generation

2010-05-17T13:58:00.014-04:00

Elizabeth Marshall Ayers
"Granny"

Edyth Kenny Powers
"Grandma"

I have been thinking a lot about talents lately. For a long time I didn't think I had any. Both of my grandmothers were wonderful artist, gardeners, seamstresses and cooks among many other things.

I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandmother whom I called Granny, when I was very young I could not say my "G's" so I called her Nanny and as an older teenager and into my twenties I often, affectionately called her Lizzy. I spent many afternoons sewing cloths for my dolls from scraps of material that she was making cloths for me. While I spent many hours "sewing" with her this in NOT one of my talents. I loved to be in the kitchen with her cooking and baking. I learned the " a little of this and a little of that method " with her. Cooking is something I am good at but didn't really think of it as a talent until later.

I did not spend as much time with my paternal grandmother but learned so much from her. She always made me feel special. The first real memory I have of spending time with her was the summer I was 8. She drove down to South Carolina from Pennsylvania with my uncle who was 16 or 17 at the time. Then drove all the way back with me. We spent time baking together, making art projects and just hanging out. I loved every minuet of the two weeks I spent with my grandparents that summer. It became the highlight of my summer when I got to go visit them.

As I was growing up anytime talents were talked about at school or church. I would think to myself I don't have any. While I LOVE art and so wanted to draw and paint well like my grandmother well lets just say that isn't one of my talents ;)

To me a talent was, drawing,painting, singing, dance, playing a musical instrument ... something tangible and I didn't feel that I had any of those ( I KNEW I didn't have any of those). I had friends who danced, sang, played instruments and not only did they do these things they did them really really well.

When I went to college and people would ask me if I had any talents my answer usually was " I am here for the entertainment others" or " I smile really well". It was said jokingly, but it really was to hide what I thought was a huge fault... I had no talent in ANYTHING.

It wasn't until I was older and already married that I began to realize that some talents are not as easily seen as others. I also discovered that I do have talents. I don't sew (much), I don't sing, I don't dance, I don't garden much,( in fact I really do think I have a black thumb). I don't play a musical instrument but, I can cook, bake, crochet, knit , and rug hook. Once given the opportunity I discovered that I work well with clay. I love babies and can usually get them to stop crying and to sleep when no one else can ( but not always ). I can keep a secret and if I tell you I am going to do something you can depend on me to do it.

So what does all this have to do with my grandmothers? I know I may not be a great artist in the drawing and painting department or gardener like they were but I also know that I am a better person for knowing them, spending time with them and learning from them. They taught me to love, listen and look for the beauty in the world around me. They taught me to try new things and not be afraid of failing.

This is a dress I made for my niece for her second birthday. I knitted the top and did a very simple skirt on the bottom.

P.S
Least you think my mother does not exist or that I did not learn from her, she does, I did and I love her very much but that is a whole other post.

car mirrors

2010-02-16T07:25:00.001-05:00

Are your car mirrors adjusted correctly? I found this video very informative I hope you do too

Socks

2010-02-10T11:59:00.007-05:00

We all loose socks but not pairs of socks just one! Have you ever really thought about it? We all seem to gripe that our socks disappear but where do they really go? I have never had a house elf so I haven't given any socks to them to set them free. I guess there could be some gnomes or little people taking them.I mean are they ready for a vacation? Can they just not handle smelly teenage feet anymore?Did one of the two just up and walk out of the house heading south for the winter? Are the Washing machine and Dryer having a fight and the sock couples are having to choose sides? Are they getting a divorce? Do I need to use some other kind of dryer sheet? What gives...

The Winner is ...

2010-02-09T06:48:00.002-05:00

I did a random number generator and came up with #17 The Jaggi Family. I will be contacting you :)

Five Senses

2010-02-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
HERE

The other day I was over here reading a new blog. She had a post on the five senses I liked it so I am using her idea.

List 4 things you love, and one thing you dislike, for each category.

SMELL:
Likes
1. cookies being baked
2. The Ocean
3. My boys right after a shower :)
4. Limes

Dislike
Hamburger being cooked

Taste:
Likes
1.Chocolate
2. Lime
3. Cherry
4. Cilantro

Dislike
Salmon

Touch:
Likes
1. Holding hubby's hand
2 boys hair when they get it cut really short
3. Someone playing with my hair
4. Holding a baby

Dislike
raw meat

Sight:
Likes
1. My family
2.The Ocean
3. Sunset
4. The saving on a recipe :)

Dislike
Seeing any of my family upset

Sound:
Likes
1. My kids playing happily together
2.The Ocean
3. Beautiful Music
4. Wind/Rain

Dislike
Unhappy family

I leave you with a photo of the Ocean since it made 3 out of 5 list

Silver Goose Giveaway

2010-02-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

***Contest closed***

One of my all time favorite online stores is The Silver Goose.
The Silver Goose has all kind of things not just jewelry.
Go see what fun things you can find and can't live without

In celebration of Valentines day I am giving this bracelet away.

Here's what you need to do

1. Go to the Silver Goose Website and then comeback here and leave me a comment about what your favorite thing you found.

2. For an extra entry link this contest post to your blog leave me a comment letting me know you did this

Bonus if you order something from The Silver Goose you will get 3 extra entries again leave me a comment letting me know what you got. I can check this I have my ways ;)

All entries must be received by Midnight February 8th, 2010

****only open to US residents ***

I will choose a winner by a random number generator on February 9, 2010

Giveaway coming soon

2010-02-01T11:38:00.001-05:00

Come back tomorrow I will be having a giveaway :)

Reach Out I'll Be There

2010-01-31T18:13:00.004-05:00

On the day I was born this song was at the top of the charts. I have always loved it. When I found this video of the Four Tops singing it I wanted to share it with you. I love the last four lines of the song.

I'll be there to give you all the love you need
And I'll be there you can always depend on me
I'll be there to always see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you

So many people have Reached out and been there for me through my life.
Thank you and I love you

Here are the Lyrics

Now if you feel that you can't go on (can't go on)
Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion)
Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion)
And your world around is crumbling down, darlin
reach out come on girl reach on out for me
reach out reach out for me
I'll be there with a love that will shelter you
I'll be there with a love that will see you through

When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up)
Cause your life just ain't good enough (just ain't good enough)
And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold)
And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own)
And you need a hand to hold, darlin
reach out come on girl reach out for me
reach out reach out for me
I'll be there to love and comfort you
And I'll be there to cherish and care for you

I'll be there to always see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you
I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head)
Your not in love now, now your afraid (you're afraid)
And through the tears you look around (look around)
But there's no piece of mind to be found (no piece of mind to be found)
I know what your thinking,
You're alone now, no love of your own, but darling
reach out come on girl reach out for me
reach out reach out.......... just look over your shoulder
I'll be there to give you all the love you need
And I'll be there you can always depend on me
I'll be there to always see you through
I'll be there to love and comfort you

Marshmallows

2010-01-28T13:37:00.003-05:00

This year for Christmas I decided to give homemade marshmallows and coco to all of Chase's teachers. I ended up making two batches for nine teachers ( 7 are men). I used Alton Brown's recipe which I have used before and love. We packaged the marshmallows in clear bags with white ribbon, and put the coco, marshmallows and card in a gift bag. I wish we could have done more but with that many teachers it just isn't going to happen. Here are a few photos of the marshmallows in process.

mixing for 12-15 minutes

resting in the pan

cutting time

It is a messy process but they are so worth it!!

Have you ever made marshmallows? Did you mix in any flavors? I was going to make peppermint ones with crushed peppermints on top but I didn't get to it this year.

Baby Day!!

2010-01-22T19:51:00.005-05:00

photo from Lily the Black Bear facebook page

So today I have been glued to my computer watching Lily the black bear. She gave birth today around lunch time to at least one cub. I feel blessed that we live in a time where we can be a part of this. I have continued to keep my computer linked to her den and listen for the sweet cries of the cub.

While I was able to watch Lily today I was not able to be with my cousin Annie. Annie also gave birth today to a sweet baby boy.I wish I could have been with her so I could have given her a big hug and kiss and snuggled with her sweet little boy. He is so darn cute!

This past week found me looking through old photos. I laugh a lot and cried a little as I looked at my own sweet boys as babies.

I am truly blessed in many ways.

Hot Chocolate on a stick

2009-12-12T15:07:00.005-05:00

Photo from Sprinkle Bakers

I was over at Be Different ...Act Normal and found this link which sent me to this link for these...Hot Chocolate on a stick!! YUM

Thomas Paine aka Justin

2009-03-15T13:30:00.003-04:00

Last week Justin's class presented a Wax Museum. All of the kids did a great job. Justin was Thomas Paine. He did all the research himself and we came up with his costume together. I am so proud of the hard work he did. All the kids had "buttons" that you could push and they would start talking about whom ever they were. It was a lot of fun to hear about the different people.

First 5K

2009-03-14T13:47:00.003-04:00

Holly and I before the race
Holly won third over all!!!

Well I ran my first ever 5K and let me tell you it kicked my butt! Holly ran it in 23 minuets and I ran it in 41. There were some major hills and Holly said it was the hardest course she had run. I have come to the decision that I am not ready for the 10K in April. I am really sad about this but I struggled with the 5K and have been having some health issues ( a little matter of breathing) that are getting in my way. I am not giving up in fact there is a 10K on the 23rd of April I hope to be ready for.

The Winner Is

2009-03-11T12:16:00.004-04:00

I used a random number generator and the number was 206 Lori is the winner!

Ty Park Candles

2009-03-10T07:09:00.005-04:00

***Contest Now Closed***
Spring is in the air at least here in Georgia. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and birds are singing. It is that time of year when we shake off the dust of the winter and do our spring cleaning. To celebrate SITS is having a Spring Fling.

My friend over at TY PARK CANDELS specializes in hand poured candles made out of all natural soy wax.

I LOVE these candles! I was never one for scented candles until I found these. They are the only ones I use in my home.

To win a Signature Jar and Room Spray from TY PARK

1. Leave me a comment worth one entry

2. Go to TY PARK and look around come back here and leave a comment about what you liked best. That is worth 5 entries

What I have been doing

2009-03-06T16:53:00.003-05:00

Laundry( you would think we had 8 people living in our house not 4)
Not blogging
going to church
volunteering at the elementary school
volunteering at the middle school
Not blogging
running
Laundry
cooking
not blogging
cleaning the house
running
taking kids to where they need to be
not blogging
Planning a Pinewood Derby
Planning a Blue and Gold Banquet/end of the year cub party
laundry
reading a few blogs (I have not even done much of that)
commenting on blogs that I read
not blogging
putting together a Bingo Basket for Justin's class
started a new hobby (that I want to blog about)
running
not blogging
not blogging
not blogging

I hope to be back to blogging more often soon very soon.

Running again

2009-02-13T15:28:00.003-05:00

When I was in college I ran 3-5 miles almost everyday. I loved running. I am not really sure what it was that I loved so much. Now I am desperately trying to remember, because I am running once again. I have set a goal to run in the Cooper River Bridge Run on April 4th. My sister is running it and I want to run it with her.

My neighbor is my coach and I don't think I could do it without her. How in the heck did I get myself up at 5:30 am when I was in college in Idaho where it is below zero most of the time and go run (admitedly I ran in the field house where it was warm, but still I had to get to the field house in the cold).

I should confess it is more of a walk/run righ now, but I think there was more running than walking this week(please don't tell me if that is not true just let me believe it!).

Am I crazy to take up running again at 42? Will I fall in love with it again? I really kind of hope that I do. Yep I'm crazy but then those of you who know me already knew that!

Contest and hair bows

2009-01-31T15:31:00.004-05:00

(photo by Berkleys Clippies)
Be Different...Act Normal is having a contest you can check it out here
OR
Check out Berkley's Clippies here to buy these cute hair clips

Magic Spots and People

2009-01-23T21:12:00.007-05:00

Me and Grandad one of my Magic people

The Beach one of my Magic Spots

I was reading a blog post by my uncle over at his blog the Incompetent Gardener about "Magic Spots" It got me to thinking about Magic Spots I have found in my life. Then when I was donating platelets I watched the movie "Mr.Magorium's Wonder Emporium" which got me to thinking about "Magic People" I have and have had in my life. It seems to me that for me my "Magic Spots and People" tend to go hand in hand.

When I was little I spend a lot of time with my mothers parents. My grandmother loved to garden. She had a Rose garden that she really loved to work in, beside that garden there was a Dogwood tree that grew at an angle. It was the perfect spot to sit and watch my grandmother, to dream and just be. I wish I had a photo of that tree it really was the perfect climbing tree. I think this was one of my first Magic Spots, My grandmother was one of my Magic People.

As an Adult I still find Magic spots and Magic People. I love the Beach it really brings a peace to me when I am there. You would think that when I have my days that I want to run away from everything that is where I would want to go, but when it really comes down to it I want to go to "Thistlemoor". That is where I find peace and love and family. Again I wish I had a photo ( I know I have taken them but who know what I filed them under and I can't find them sorry). Thistlemoor is my Fathers parents house in Pennsylvania. When I was little it was a fun place to be. My Grandmother always made sure we had fun, but gave us plenty of time just to be a kid. Now I just love to be there and wish I could spend more time there. I love the beauty, the peace and the love. I love that I can sit on the couch with my Grandad and we don't have to talk or we can talk for hours about what ever crosses our minds. I love that there is an endless supply of books, I love the beauty of the land, I love the memories that abound when I am there, I love that I can spend time with my Uncle John and that he is so willing to share his knowledge with me. Yes of all the Magic Spots Thistlemoor is my favorite. I hope that I am creating a "Thistlemoor" type home for my family.

Six words

2009-01-12T08:42:00.005-05:00

Me and Deb in November at her graduation
Betsy

David with all the Nephews

So I saw a writing prompt here she had gotten it from here.

"Ask a loved one to use 6 descriptive words to describe you and report your findings. How well do they know you? "

Well you know me I could not just ask one person I asked three. My brother and two of my sisters. Here is what they had to say

This is the order I received them in and the order they wrote them in.
So lets see how well they know me.

Deb
Loving: I really do try to love all those around me. I have found that I am much happier when I can love each person for who they are and not who I think they should be or want them to be.

Creative: Well two of you wrote that I am creative and I guess I am in some ways. I think I am just a really good copier.

Intelligent: Well of all my brothers and sisters I think I am low man on the totem pole in academic education. However when it comes to everyday life I think I do OK.

Talented: I am not sure what area you are referring to there are so many.... Just kidding. I love to learn new things so I am always trying new things. I think I am truly a Jack of all trades master of none kind of person.

Beautiful: Thank you

Thoughtful: Again two of you choose this word. I really do try to think about others and how they are feeling. I don't know how successful I am but I try.

Betsy
Nurturing: Not to sure how well I do at this. My kids would tell you I run for the hills when they are sick.

Creative: see above

Considerate: I think this goes with being thoughtful. I want others to be happy and if they are not I don't want it to because of me.

Accepting: I do try to be accepting to all those I meet. I know that you never know what someone has gone through, or is going through. I try to live by the old saying " Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes"

Involved: Yes you hit the nail on the head with this one! I try to be as involved as I can at the school. I volunteer in the class room , Media center, PTA and help out with the copy program at the elementary school. At the Middle school, I am the band booster President, help in the media center, and help with the knitting and crochet club. I am the Cub Committee chair person for our Cub Scout Pack, I help at church with visiting our sisters, our service group and what ever else I am asked to do. I also try and do as much service in the community as I can. I really love to help others.

Expressive: Well I guess this depends on who I am talking to and what I am talking about. I tend to keep things inside of me. Very few people know all there is to know about me or even most of what there is to know about me.

David

Caring: I do care about a lot of people and a lot of things. I think that is one reason I am as involved as I am with church, school, and community.

Wise: well that is still out for debate ;)

Understanding: I try to be but sometimes it is really hard.

Fun: I think I am more myself when I am with family and tend to cut loose a little more. Family may think I am more fun than some of my friends.

Stubborn: Why YES I AM when I think I am right. I do try to listen to all sides of what ever is going on. I WILL change my mind. I don't tend to speak up about things unless they really mean something to me. Most of the time if things are being decided I won't say anything unless I have strong feelings on the matter. I often let others make the decisions because in the long run it really does not matter to me. So if you are ever with me and I am really trying to get you to change your mind or I have spoken up about something you know it really matters to me anyway.

Thoughtful: again see above.

I think for the most part they get me. Seeing as I am 10 1/2 , 13 and 15 years older then they are and for the most part did not live at home while they were growing up. I love you all thanks for sharing with me.

The Bridge that Chase built

2009-01-08T13:19:00.004-05:00

Dear Chase,

I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. I know you did not want to do this science fair project but you did it. You did it without much help from Mom or Dad. We bough the supplies and Daddy helped you with the building of the bridge. You my dear son did all the research, writing of papers, and display boards all by your self. You did not ask for help you just did it. I have to admit it felt a little strange to walk into the kitchen and see you making your display board with no help from me. You gathered your supplies and just did it.

I love you and not matter what happens tonight at the judging I think you did a great job!

Love,
Mom

Why can't I

2009-01-06T13:23:00.006-05:00

Why can't I find the things I have lost? I have read more blogs in the past week about people finding things that they have lost than I can stand.

LOST:
***Wedding ring It was in my bathroom drawer and had been for well over a year ( I gained to much weight and could not wear it
:( . Then one day it was gone just gone it has been over two years now . I still have hope it will show up.

**Car keys Came home the other day and then could not find them. Have had the car towed and the new keys made. In case you didn't know you can't just have a key made they have to reprogram a new key so if I do find my keys my old key will not work.I still want to find the key ring it had other keys that I need.

* pair of jean Seriously I put them in the wash and now they are gone! How do you lose a pair of jeans in the washing machine?!

So all you people out there who have found wedding rings, earrings, wii games etc.... tell me how I really want to know.

I know what you are thinking if I find the jeans the wedding ring and keys will be in the pocket... Not going to happen I lost the ring first then the jean and the keys last. Thanks for the thought anyway.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T08:24:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a joyful and blessed 2009!

Terracotta Army

2008-12-30T11:12:00.003-05:00

The boys got to go see the Terracotta Army yesterday with the grandparents. They were so excited when the got home and talked about it all afternoon. Last night Justin told me he wants to go back. The King Tut exhibit is also here and we would like to see that. Looks like we will be spending another day downtown sometime soon.

The Last adventures of Archie and JT

2008-12-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

The boys woke up one morning with wrapping paper across their doors. I think Archie and JT should have covered the whole door both boys crawled out under the paper.

We can tell that JT only got to chapter 5 because we have had a lot more TPing this year!

JT and Archie decided they were going to document what they do at night so they got my camera and took lots of photos. I have left out quite a few. They got into Drew's car but we could not tell if they had gone anywhere or not. They also got into the cookies but I left those photos out. They took a photo of each of them doing what ever it was they were doing at the time. I have only included one photo of each activity in most cases. ;p

The boys had to search a little to find Archie and JT. The coco and Krispy Kreams made the searching worth it!

On the night of the 23rd Archie and JT wanted it to look like it has snowed so they TPed the family room. They also hung snowflakes from the fan and in the doorway to the living room. The snowflakes are really pretty and we would have left them on the fan but it got "accidentally" turned on and they flew off....

I know I have had lots of fun having Archie and JT around. I am sad that they had to go home with Santa when he stopped by but I know they will come again next year. I look forward to the mischief they will get into. I am sure they will keep me hopping like they did this year.

Christmas

2008-12-29T18:45:00.002-05:00

We had a really wonderful Christmas. I am so thankful that we live so close to family and are able to spend time with them.

This was Justin's big gift. He has been wanting an acoustic guitar for a while now. He picked this one out months ago. Several weeks before Christmas we were at his guitar lesson and I saw a "package" deal with a guitar and a amp to go with it. It was cheaper than this one that did not come with an amp. I showed him the other one and told him that it came with an amp and it was what we could afford. He totally thought that was what he was going to get. It was awesome to see his face when he got the one he wanted. ( plus he can use the amp he already had for his electric guitar!)

Both the boys wanted latch hook rugs so we got them. I don't think they realized what they were but I think they both will have fun doing them.

Opening stocking stuff

What a great smile!!

Not sure what he had gotten here but this was the same expression but better when he opened his "Big" gift an I-pod touch.

Hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours.

New Years Surprise

2008-12-26T20:33:00.004-05:00

These would be so fun to have at a New Years Eve party with family and friends. Go here to find out how to make them

Edited to add:
Apparently the link does not link to the project and after searching and searching I can't find it again sorry about that.

Here are the directions as best I can remember them

You will need
crepe paper ( the kind you buy in a roll)
ribbon
styrofoam balls
paper strips with fortunes written on them

start wrapping your ball so that all the white is covered. While wrapping put one or more fortunes in the ball. When you are done wrapping tie a ribbon around the ball. I can't remember if this was in the directions,but I think I would use a dab of glue on the end to hold it together. you could also use a straight pin.

Hope that helps and if anyone finds the link let me know ;)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T11:38:00.005-05:00

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, sent out a decree (law) that everyone in his empire had to be taxed. Each man was to pay taxes in the city of his ancestors, so Joseph and Mary had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a difficult trip for Mary because her baby was about to be born. (See Luke 2:15.)
When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the city was crowded with people who had come to pay taxes. There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inns, but they were finally allowed to stay where Mary "brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger" (Luke 2:7).
That night there were also shepherds in the field watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:
"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
"And ... ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:1012).
Suddenly there appeared a multitude of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14; see also Luke 2:13).
When the angels had gone, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15). Hurrying to Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger (see Luke 2:16).

More adventures of Archie and JT

2008-12-18T07:45:00.009-05:00

Archie and JT are missing the NP and the snow

JT and Archie built a fort in the family room with all the cushions

They had a little snack and shared the rest with the boys

Archie and JT had a lot of fun TPing the down stairs

The boys took down all the TP but it got left in the the middle of the family room floor. JT and Archie did not want to cause anymore mischief until it got cleaned up so they just played in it. They made quiet a mess and got a little tangled up.

The boys have been asking for trees to put in their rooms so Archie and JT got them each one after working hard to clean their rooms and get rid of the things they don't want any more. Thanks for working so hard boys!

Archie and JT had a little fun with some crape paper. They started in the family room and went all around the down stairs, up stairs and ended in the guest room with the end of the roll wrapped around them.

JT and Archie went a little crazy with post it notes. They made picture on the walls and in each picture there was a riddle.

This on was on the frount door both the boys thought that Archie and JT had left when they came down stairs.

Watching Christmas movies and eating popcorn in the family room. I keep telling them they are not to eat any where but the kitchen but they listen about as well as the kids do!

Pretzle Hug Yummies

2008-12-17T22:08:00.003-05:00

If you love chocolate covered pretzels you will like theses. They are easy and kid friendly to make. I am not sure where we got the recipe from. My mother in law was the first to make these and now we make them every Christmas.

What you will need.

Hugs (It take a little over one bag of Hugs to do a pan)
Pretzels
M & M's

*Pre heat oven 200F
*Unwrap Hugs
*I line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and then put a layer of pretzels.
*Put a Hug on each pretzel
*Put pan with Hug and Pretzels on it in oven for 10-12 minuets
*after you remove pan from oven press an M&M into the center of each Hug
*place in refrigerator until firm.
*store in an airtight container.

I make bags of these to give to friends each year. They are a favorite and I always have people ask if I am going to make them.

They are fun to make and the kids like to unwrap the Hugs and place them on the pretzels. Now that my boys are older they like to put the M& M on top too.

Have fun!

Dining Room decor

2008-12-13T19:04:00.005-05:00

This is what I ended up doing with my dining room table and light. I have the table set with my snowman plates on silver chargers. Greens with ice crystals branches on them down the center of the table. I have metal snowflakes scattered in the greens. I put a ivory table cloth with an overlay that has snowflakes on it. I found a swag that looks like branches with ice crystals all over it and wound it around the inside, then hung metal snowflakes that glitter and Christmas balls.
What do you think?

And then there were two

2008-12-10T11:46:00.009-05:00

So Archie is back for his yearly visit and this year he brought a friend. Jedediah Tiberius or JT for short. They have been friends since they met in Elfementary School. Unlike Archie who went to Mischief school JT has only read "Mischief Makers for Dummies" He started it on the trip here and apparently only made it to chapter 5 " The Many Uses of Toilet Paper". They have been having lots of fun Here are a few things they have done. I have more photos but haven't loaded them onto the computer yet.

Archie is on the left and JT on the right.

Justin with Archie and JT the morning they arrived

JT

Archie

They put cotton on the Christmas tree the night we got it. They had heard Chase asking for a flocked tree because it looked like snow. They said they wanted it to look like snow too so they would not be so homesick.

The boys went with Drew's parents to Callaway Gardens this past weekend. Ava went to and did a little bungee jumping. JT and Archie saw the video that Justin had taken and decide they needed to try it for themselves

The other night the boys forgot to put out crackers and water for the Archie and JT so they had to fend for themselves. They went fishing it looks like they had lots fun and did quite well.

PS if you didn't know the water reminds them of the melted snow they drink at home and the crunch of the crackers reminds them of the sounds ice burgs make.

I'll be back soon with more adventures of Archie and JT

Happy Birthday Deb

2008-12-08T15:41:00.004-05:00

This my beautiful little sister Deborah. She was born my Freshman year of High School. I remember being called to the office to go home the day she was born (thanks you got me out of English that day). I was so excited. The next day at school I went around telling all my friends that I had a new baby sister. I wish I could find the picture of the day she came home from the hospital. I had so much fun holding her. She has been a joy to my life. I love her more than I could ever express. She is a lot of fun to be around. She is good a lots of things and is a great Aunt to her niece and nephews. I wish I could be with her today to celebrate. She is a great woman, friend, and sister.

May your day be filled with joy and this next year be a blessed one. I love you

Here are a few more things about her enjoy getting to know my little sister a little better.

I think this was while I was on my mission. She must have been around 6 or 7.

At Deb's graduation in November She graduated at the top of her class and had the highest average ever in the 25 years her instructor has been teaching!! Way to go Deb.

What is your favorite thing to do?

Right now my favorite thing to to is probably riding my horse, Nova. There is something very therapeutic about it. Riding my motorcycle comes in second, though. I can go fast for a long time and not feel bad about making it work hard, like I do with Nova. :)

What is your favorite color?

Green

What is your favorite book?

Ouch! I don't think I can narrow it down to just one. My old faithful is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien. I've probably read and re-read those more than anything. I also love Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. I have to give a shout out to our sister Betsy and the book she has written. It's excellent! One of the best romance books I have ever read.

***I have to agree with this and can't wait for it to be published***

What is your favorite food?
Dang. If I have to pick I guess it would be and Indian dish called Matar Paneer with some nan bread on the side. If you put that in front of me I'll eat it until it is gone, every single time!
What are you most afraid of?
My family becoming gravely ill or terribly injured. I believe that is an unavoidable by product of my profession, however.

What are you most proud of?

Becoming a Paramedic. When I was a kid, I'd see the ambulance go screaming by and think, "wouldn't that be cool one day?" Now it's a reality and it's just as cool as I thought it would be. How awesome is that?

What is your favorite music?
Classical, hands down. Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi...I love it.
What is your favorite movie?
Labyrinth. I know it is juvenile, but I loved it the moment I saw it and haven't ever stopped. Plus it has a great moral: Don't ever give up. If you want it bad enough you can overcome anything. (And I had the worst crush on David Bowie because of that movie, too!)
What is your favorite memory of me ?

When you gave me the tape of Labyrinth. ;) I still have it, too. Seriously though? That's tough. Anything you did when I was a kid was special to me. I loved being around you. You were so beautiful and grown up! Lots of my favorite memories are of us just sitting around and you playing with my hair. I still like it when you do that. Some stuff just doesn't change.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Going out to Utah to visit Grandma Vel.
What do you love most about life?
Learning new things and going new places. The two go hand in hand. I've been very fortunate in my life that I've gotten to travel and see new things and meet people and learn new ways of doing things. I have a job where I have to constantly learn to keep up to date. I have an insatiable curiosity and I'm blessed to be able to feed it as much as possible.
what are you really good at?
Crafts! That is one thing I can do, for sure. And I love it that you are crafty too. I can talk to you about knitting or whatever and you don't think I'm insane!

Thanksgiving better late than never

2008-12-07T18:42:00.010-05:00

As usual three cooks, untold hours cooking, and 20 minuets after we sat down its over!

Drew's parents brought games for the kids to play. It never ceases to amaze me how creative they are!

The first game the kids had to find 20 pieces of paper each that had been hidden in the yard. Each child had a paper bag with some kind of picture on it and the kids had to find their papers. One of the pictures had the word "prize" on the back they had to find that one to be able to claim their prize.

Chase and Justin at the start of the hunt

dashing through the woods

GAME 2

Notice their is a boy and a girl turkey!

The kids had to drop candy corn into the mouth of the turkey

Ava and Chase with Tess looking on

Grandmommy, Tess, Ave, Max and Chase

Ava and Justin with Drew looking at all the candy corn on the floor

half of Tess and Justin

Ava, Grandmommy, and Tess

GAME 3

Toss the coins

Chase with his cute smile

Justin with Aunt Sandra next to him

GAME 4

Grandaddy aka as Mac Daddy put an orange in the leg of pantie hose and tied it around the kids waist. They then had to use hip action to swing the orange into another orange that was on the floor and get across the finish line. This was a timed game ( of course in Grandparent world there are no losers!)

Justin and Grandaddy getting ready

Justin was the first to go

Ava was a riot to watch boy she sure can use those hips!

Finally Chase got to go he was the fastest I almost didn't get any photos of him he did it so fast!

Uncle Max and Justin no words needed just look at their faces it say it all "Here comes trouble!"

We hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. I am so thankful that we live so close to family and are able to spend time with them. We have been blessed this year with many friends old and new in our lives and are looking forward to spending more time with them this next year.

Merry SITSmas from our home to yours

2008-12-02T06:20:00.003-05:00

Secrets in the Sauce is at it again! It is Merry SITSmas today. With a prize every hour with the grand prize being a $200 gift card to Target! So remember tis the season to be jolly so go spread some SITSmas cheer.

Archie

2008-12-01T20:45:00.007-05:00

Dear Archie,

We really enjoyed your visit last year and are looking forward to your visit this year.We hope you will find our home comfortable while you are here. I would like to ask you to remember a few things. First the flour is for baking not making "snow angels" though I have to admit it was really great to see how much fun you had. Second please be very careful we were really worried about you last year with the dental floss incident. We thought we were going to have to rush you to the ER when we saw you hanging from the stockings. Not to be a "fussy" mom about everything I also wanted to compliment you on how sweet you were with the other Christmas visitors. You made them feel welcome in our home and I really appreciate all that you did.

The boys will be leaving crackers and water to invite you in very soon. We hope you have a safe trip! See you soon.

Love,

Your adopted family

PS if you see Drew bring in Godiva Key Lime truffles let me know and I will share a bite with you!

What A Game

2008-11-29T16:59:00.001-05:00

You're Done

2008-11-25T17:19:00.000-05:00

Frosted Snowflake

2008-11-24T19:08:00.003-05:00

Found this soap on Etsy and I like the name and then the description of plum and sweet oranges sounds really yummy. South Pacific Body Shop has some really fun things go check them out.

Sorry I haven't been around. Busy weekend and now two sick boys.

*I am thankful that I took them to the Dr. and that they will be on the road to recovery by Thanksgiving.

*I am sad that I have no days this week to do the things I need to do for Thursday without at least one of the boys around. ( I love them but really is one day asking too much)

* I am Thankful Thanksgiving is not at my house this year.

* I am thankful for the rain we need it so badly.

* I am thankful for my family

* I am thankful ...... just thankful

Winter Berry

2008-11-20T08:34:00.002-05:00

I found this store on Etsy and fell in love with the prints. Click here at Naokosstoop to see more.

Fall candles

2008-11-19T15:17:00.001-05:00

These would be great for your Thanksgiving table. You can get them here at Berd and Bee Etsy shop.

Cold and Wet

2008-11-15T09:39:00.005-05:00

We had a Court of Honor and Pancake breakfast this morning. It was cold and wet but we had lots of fun. It is in the low to mid 50's and windy, but there was a nice fire going and we had lots of Hot Chocolate to keep us warm. Chase was elected to be the scribe for the troop and got his 2nd class. We are really proud of him.

On The Road Again

2008-11-12T10:51:00.003-05:00

I am on the road to see my little sister graduate from Paramedic school. According to the sign below there are still a few Zombies out from Halloween that I need to be on the look out for.

I'll be back before you know it.

Owls

2008-11-10T21:07:00.004-05:00

Ornaments are a Thanksgiving tradition in our family. Usually they are part of the table decor and each person gets one to take home. I found these at this Etsy shop and thought they would be great for our family this year. To bad Thanksgiving isn't at my house this year. I may just have to buy them and save them for another time, but that would require several things first I would have to remember that I bought them and then I would have to remember where I put them.

Dump Trucks make me smile

2008-11-06T14:01:00.005-05:00

You know how you can smell something and it will take you back to another place and time? Well dump trucks will do that for me. When I was growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My grandfather was a general contractor.He built beautiful homes and my Grandmother decorated them. I spent many happy hours in houses that were being built. I still love the smell of fresh cut wood, dry wall, paint ... it all reminds me of Grandpa. I don't think I was more than about four when Grandpa brought home his new dump truck with a red cab. I loved that truck. I love to ride in it. I love to get into the back of it, I loved the way it smelled everything about it was just fun. I spent many hours playing in the back of it pretending I was somewhere else. I would even dance in the bed of the truck it had a great sound it to! As I got older I worked side by side with my Grandpa many times it was loading or unloading the truck. I think the worse thing I ever had to do was help him unload cinder blocks. We always worked hard he taught me by example the value of hard work. He also like to have fun we spend a lot of time together on the lake fishing. I loved to be with him didn't matter if it was work or play. The pay was always great and usually involved fishing after we were done.

I passed a Dump truck today and I smiled.

Georgie Porgie

2008-11-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

This looks so yummy and fun click at BHG for more info.

VOTE

2008-11-04T08:23:00.001-05:00

I did you should too

Candles on my table

2008-11-03T13:35:00.004-05:00

I like the simplicity of this table. You can click here for more information and other ideas.

Whats in a name

2008-11-01T18:49:00.002-04:00

Just found this meme on a blog and thought it was a fun one.

1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car): Goldy Honda

2. Your gangsta name (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Chocolate Almond Pump

3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal): Green Rabit

4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born): Louisa Aston Greenville (yes I have two middle names)

5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name): Wanam

6. Superhero name (2nd favorite colour, favorite drink): Orange Cherry Limeaid

7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers): David Walter

8. Stripper name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Essentual Key Lime truffle

10. TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Sailor Springfield

11. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Summer Daliaha

12. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Watermelon Jeans

13. Hippie name (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Mac and Cheese Aspen (yes I did eat mac and cheese for breakfast thank you very much)

Halloween night

2008-11-01T16:29:00.003-04:00

Chase went to a friends house and had lots of fun.
Justin went to a friends house and had lots of fun.

The Loot.

After partying with friends the boys came home and we went to the "Hayes Haunt" with Granmommy and Grandaddy. It was great as usual. A great time was had by all.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:50:00.007-04:00

It was a dark and stormy night .... There was a sudden hush in the house you could smell it in the air PUMPKIN. Then an awful sight pumpkin gut spilled everywhere. It dripped from their hands and spilled across the floor.

It was the great pumpkin carving of 2008! The boys carved pumpkins last night..... yes we let them do the carving for the most part creepy I know! Justin worked really hard to clean out his pumpkin and get it carved. He designed his and as you will see in the photos it changed as he worked on it. Chase did a little cleaning of pumpkin guts but I think Daddy did most of it. He used a stencil he found on line. They both did a great job. I think I am liking Halloween more as they get older. They were so cute when they were little but now they are more involved with the whole process. I know I am rambling. On to the parade of photos.

Justin cleaning his pumpkin notice the face on the pumpkin

Pumpkin Guts!!

Notice the face on the pumpkin now

Justin worked really hard to get it just right

Seems Daddy is doing all the work here...

I should have taken a video Chase did a great job carving

You can see his design a little here

Mommy, Chase and Daddy

Justin with his pumpkin

Sunshine doing her FANG impression

Hmmmm seems Justin's pumpkins has changed once again

Chase and his finished pumpkin

All Done

Hope you have a safe and fun Halloween

Busy hands ...Helping hands

2008-10-28T12:34:00.006-04:00

This morning I went to the middle school to help with the knit and crochet club. We have about 5 girls that came every time we meet and then we always have one or two others. It is fun to see them learning a new skill. Last year I also helped with the club, we ( the adults involved) wanted the girls to have some kind of goal. Last year we ended up making loomed hats the last half of the year for charity. This year the girls wanted to make a felted bag so most of them are working on that project we have one girl who is making a crocheted baby blanket and then we have the ones who come in each week knit a few rows and aren't really sure what they want to make. It seems they all have fun and are learning which is the main goal

After I was finished with the club meeting I went to a county Food Pantry to bag groceries.On Wednesdays they give out food and try to have everything pre bagged to make it go faster. I was there for about 2 1/2 hours and it really made me realize how blessed I am to have all I have. They have a pre set list of things that go in each bag. One of the things on the list was a cake mix, Jello or Pudding. We give food but I don't know that I ever thought to give things like cake mixes. I said something to the lady in charge and she said it was really nice at holiday time for them to have cake mixes. I know what I am going to be sure and donate in the future. It also got me to thinking how thankful that Drew has a good job, we are healthy, and the kids have a good schools to go to. We are able to help those in need and I hope that we are teaching Chase and Justin how important it is to serve others. I would really like to find some place for us to be able to volunteer as a family but I think the kids are still to young for most places. Chase will have opportunities at church and Boy Scouts to help with service projects that the youth are involved in. Before I know it Justin will be in Young Men's and will be serving too!

We have a service group at church that I help out with. We have made hats to donate to a cancer center in honor of one of the women in our congregation. We have made freezer meals several times to have for a quick meal when a family needs it. We have also made quilts to donate. We have only been doing this for a few months but it is fun to get together with the other women and serve those around us.

What kinds of things do you or your families do to serve those in your community? I am always looking for ideas to pass along to our service group or for my family to to use. I would love to hear from you.

Tagged and Awarded

2008-10-27T12:50:00.004-04:00

Shellie gave me this award Thanks Shellie I heart your blog too!! Shellie has a great sense of humor go over for a visit and see for your self.

I give this award to

Be Different...Act Normal this is one of my new favorite blogs!

Honey Mommy She has two of the cutest boys ( besides mine of course!)

Gather Round Our Table... Teresa has great recipes

Shellie also tagged me for this
photo this the 6th folder 6th picture

Justin' birthday 2006 ( Yes it was a cookie cake too he loves them!)

4th folder 4 picture

This was taken for a monthly contest when I worked for Tanner photography. We had to take a photo of three identical things. What do you think?

I tag anyone who wants to do this.

You could win this Go Now!

2008-10-27T09:01:00.002-04:00

Go over to "The Secret is in the Sauce" You could win this in their November giveaway!

There is still time to enter to win Photo shop this month

So what are you waiting for go over and look around great blogs and great give aways it is a win win all around.

Popcorn Balls

2008-10-24T14:03:00.006-04:00

I found this at the BHG website. This would be so cute to use as table decorations for a party and then send home as a favor. I think these would be cute to use in the spring and make them look like funny bugs.

Do you have a good recipe for popcorn balls? I would love to have it.

My Love Affair with Books

2008-10-23T11:50:00.006-04:00

This is my Dream House...

I worked at the book fair at Justin's school yesterday and today. I love being around books and it is so fun to see how excited the kids are when they get to pick out the books they want.

I come from a family of readers both my parents, all of my grandparents and as far as I know all my Aunts and Uncles are readers. We will read anything if I am sitting at the table by myself and don't have a book I will read the back of the cereal box even if I have read it a hundred times before. I read before I go to sleep at night even if it is just a page or two.

When I was little my dad would read to me. I have very clear memories of him reading " The Wind in the Willows" to me. He would come home from work or school take a shower and then I would sit in his lap and read. I hope that my children have fond memories of Drew and I reading to them.

I use to love when we would get the scholastic book order forms. I would sit for hours picking just the right books. We never had a lot of money but we always seemed to have money for books. I honestly don't remember my parents ever telling me no when I wanted to buy books. I have a hard time telling my kids no. In "my world" you can never have to many books.

Trips to the library are another fond childhood memory. When we lived in Columbia SC we use to go to a small branch. I read so many books that the librarian would often help me find books in the adult section that were OK for me to read. I read well above my grade level. This is where I first discovered the book "Mrs.Mike" one of my all time favorites.

I usually read at least 2 books a week and depending on what I am reading and what is going on in my life sometimes I am reading two books at the same time. When I was in high school I would have a book at school, a book in my room and a book in the bathroom. Somehow I could keep all the plots straight and enjoy them all. I was also known to read and watch TV at the same time which drove my grandmother crazy. I still do this sometimes but not as often as I did when I was young.

One of my dreams in life is to own a library. I volunteer at the media centers at both the elementary and middle schools. I enjoy working with the kids and with the media center specialist. I have become friends with them and we always have a good time together.

I read all kinds of books, Mysteries are my favorite but I will read just about anything. I still enjoy reading children's books. I recently bought a book called " The White Giraffe" at the middle school book fair. It is a very sweet story about a girls whose parents die ( you find that out in the first page so I haven't ruined anything I promise) and she goes to live in Africa with her grandmother.

Another of my all time favorites that I read again and again is " The Hiding Place" I would have loved to meet these two ladies. If you haven't read their story please do no mater what your beliefs it will change how you look at life. At lease it did and still does for me.

I am so thankful that my parents were able to teach me to love to read. It is a connection to them that I will always have with me. I hope that I have passed that same love to Chase and Justin and that they in return will pass it on to their children.

What are some of your favorite books? I would love to hear from you I am always looking for the next great read.

You would think that I would be a better writer with all the books I read. Oh well I try.

A Fish Tale

2008-10-21T12:21:00.004-04:00

Chase won a bingo basket at school last year that had a fish tank and a $20 gift card to Petsmart. So off we went to Petsmart and picked a fish, food, stuff to go in the tank etc. It was quite fun to get it all set up and watch the fish. He picked a dark blue one with a little red and named him Achilles.

It didn't take long for Justin to want one so he got one with his own money. He picked a red one and got a tank and all the stuff that goes with it. He named his fish Phin.

The boys have had fun watching them and I enjoy them too. I had a blue one when I was in high school. How he came to his end is a story for another day. when Drew and I got married with had a fish tank. I kind of missed having fish around. I don't love having to clean the tank but for the most part they are easy pets to have.

Both Phin and Achilles have very distinct personalities and eating habits. When we went on vacation this summer we left them with the neighbors and I just laughed when I was telling them about the fish ending with just feed them twice a day and don't worry about it.

Well last week Achilles started not eating. I did a little research and really wasn't too worried it seems that Betta's do this sometimes and can go up to a month without eating. He has a little hidey hold he likes and he has been swimming pretty much acting normal. Last night I decided I need to check on him and well lets just say he is now in the big pond in the sky. I felt so bad for Chase.

I went down to the basement where Chase was playing Drew's x-box because he got all A's on his report card.( Big cheer for both the boys they both got all A's!) I whispered to Drew what has happened and then told Chase. His eyes got real big and I thought he was going to cry but he just asked how I knew. I told him he asked a few more questions and then he went back to playing the game. End of story

NOT

Later Chase came up and watched a TV show with me and then went in his room to go to bed. I went in to tell him good night. I noticed the light was on in the tank. I asked him about it and then noticed he was all covered up. I pulled the covers down and he was in tears. I gave him a big hug ( what else can a mom do?) and talked to him. He said he did not want to flush Achilles. I told him we could bury him in the back yard and he seemed OK with that. We talked for a while and I thought all was well then he teared up again I asked what was wrong he was afraid that Drew would come in and get Achilles and flush him. I went back down to the basement and told Daddy not to flush Achilles.

This morning Chase said he did not sleep last night so we decided to let him stay home. (Not an easy thing to get to do in our home). He wanted me to get a small box to bury Achilles in I was going to the store any way so I told him I would. Never in a million years would I have thought that would have been a hard thing to do. First thing I went to the craft section of the store. The only box they had was about 6 inches square a little big for a 2 inch fish. I went all over the store, the toy section, the party section the bathroom and kitchen sections if it had potential to have any kind of small box I was there looking. I finally found a small box in the office section that has tags in it that would do.

Now I am home and need to go have a funeral for a fish.

DON'T FORGET PART TWO

2008-10-20T09:03:00.005-04:00

Since The Breast Cancer Site began in 2000, more than 11,000 mammograms have been funded for women in need.

CLICK HERE to help fund mammograms it only take a few seconds and can help save a life.

Don't Forget

2008-10-20T08:40:00.005-04:00

Knit Witch is having a contest send her your best ghost story.

Happy Birthday

2008-10-17T14:50:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday Betsy
This is my sweet little sister with whom I share a birthday. Yes for my 13th birthday I got a sister. I love her beyond words and always have. She is beautiful, strong, independent, and really really smart. She has provided me with two sweet nephews and a niece that is cute enough to eat.

She is a much better writer than I am so I am going to let you find out more about her in her own words.

First of all, Happy Birthday! One of the coolest things about being me is sharing my birthday with my sister--I don't personally know anyone else who shares a birthday with a sibling. Thanks so much for featuring me on your blog today!

What is your favorite book Unpossible! I love too many books to choose just one. Some of my favorites are: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, and My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. I'm sure I'll shortly think of 35 others I should have listed, as well.

What is your favorite color I love cool blues, greens, and purples.

What kind of music do you like I enjoy a whole smorgasborg of musical genres, from opera to bluegrass and most everything in between. Lately, I've been listening to Feist, Bob Marley, and U2. The kids and I have regular ABBA dance parties in the living room. I'll be sad when they get old enough to be embarrassed by dancing around with Mom. We also listen to a lot of Hearts of Space, which is a show featuring ambient, new age type music--Brian Eno, Enya... that kind of thing.

What is your proudest moment? I am really proud of all three of my childrens' births, but my daughter's home birth has a special place in my heart. I'm also proud of having completed three novel manuscripts so far.

What are you most afraid of? I'm not afraid of death, but I'm afraid of leaving my children motherless, or even worse, orphaned altogether. There's nothing like being a parent to really bring out mortality anxiety.

What are you really good at? I'm really good at cooking, and I enjoy it quite a bit. I'd also like to think I'm pretty good at writing, although I am still learning and growing as a writer. My most recently-completed novel, a Regency-set romance entitled Reconciliation, is currently under consideration with a NY literary agent. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

What is your favorite time of day? I love quiet mornings when I watch the sun slowly light and warm the woods behind our house. It's also the time of day before I get caught up in children and chores. I have the energy to appreciate that period of the day.

What is your favorite childhood memory? I always loved going out to Utah to visit Grandma Vel. The West is such a different landscape from what I'm used to, it was almost like visiting a different country. She treated us without spoiling. Grandma never talked down to me as a kid. I always knew that my thoughts were important to her. I always felt really good about myself on those visits, which is as much a part of the memory as the wild mountains she lives in.

What is your favorite memory of me? Ooo, I can't choose just one. You were moved out of the house already by the time I really knew what was going on. I always loved it when you came home to visit. You were my special big sister who was already all grown up, and it was such a treat when I got to spend time with you. It's still a treat to spend time with you! There was one occasion in particular I can think of that was not "favorite" in the good sense. It was actually a really bad day. But I needed you to be with me, and you were. There wasn't anyone else in the world I would have had with me that day. I'll never forget that when I needed my big sister the most, you were there--without question, without judgment, without reservation--just there.

" Wicked"

2008-10-17T10:08:00.004-04:00

Wicked was wonderful!

It is my birthday today and I share it with someone special.....

I have so much to say but I really don't have time to tell you right now so please come back later in the day. I promise it will be worth it.

PLEASE don't for get to click the breast cancer button. If we get enough clicks for 500 mammograms this month one of the sponsors will donate another 200

Early Birthday

2008-10-16T07:57:00.005-04:00

Last night Drew came into the room and handed me a small gift bag. He said I needed to open this one early. Now if you know anything about our family opening gifts early is just not done. I was excited but at the same time thinking but its not my birthday yet.

H got me tickets to "WICKED" I am so excited!!!! I have been wanting to see this and my sweetheart remembered. I never had to say a word when I saw that it was coming. Thanks honey I really love that you know me so well.

So tonight at 8 I will be sitting in the Fabulous Fox Theater with my sweetheart enjoying the show.

(Do you think he realizes that this will require a shopping trip to find some new cloths?)

Two vents and a Thank you

2008-10-15T14:21:00.005-04:00

Dear Store Manager,

When you put up a sign that says "Pumpkins 3 for $13" when I get to the check out and you want to charge me more don't get mad at me. If you want to charge "Pumpkins 2 for $13" by all means do it just make sure that your signs say what you mean.

Dear Bleach Blond chain smoking bubble head fluffing your hair is not a secret sign that it is OK to pull out in front of me when I am going 60 miles an hour down the Highway.

Dear VT's THANK YOU so much for lunch. I really truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to our dinner and a movie night.

Secret Society wantsYOU

2008-10-14T09:18:00.008-04:00

I have joined a new secret society...... It is a world where new friend, blogs and comments abound. Here in lies the problem ...We really really don't want to stay a secret we want every one to know about us. I know I know I already told you about SITS, but The Secret is in the Sauce is running another contest. I just found this site at the end of the week. I am already getting comments from other SITS bloggers! I love it. Now I really need to start writing things worth reading no pressure ;0.

It is a really fun way to find new blogs to read. So use the links below and see if you find a new blog to love

Thanks SITS!!!

Here are a few blogs I have found I am really looking forward to find more bloggy friends.

http://wheresmyangels.blogspot.com/
What an amzing family!! I can't wait to read more

http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com/
amazing lady. Love all the things she finds to share

http://pink-ink-pink.blogspot.com/
she makes me think and may just give me some blog ideas

http://lifejustkeepsgettingweirder.blogspot.com/
she just makes me laugh!!

http://froggity.blogspot.com/
good recipe and CUTE Little Lady

You could be a winner

2008-10-12T10:40:00.006-04:00

Found a cool new site and they have a contest going! What could be better. I am excited to find new blogs to read and maybe find some new readers for my blog. I know I am not an exciting writer but I am trying. So go here to " The Secret is in the Sauce" you could win this

*The new PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 7! This new version of the Photoshop Elements software is amazing. Take regular pictures to spectacular photos!
*And, to help you get it all figured out: Photoshop Elements 7: The Missing Manual.
If you are a Mac user, the prize is:
*PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 6
*The Photoshop Elements 6 Book, which tells you how to anything step by step.

So what are you waiting for go enter

Money, Money, Money

2008-10-10T13:17:00.007-04:00

Our school rocks! We counted Boosterthon money today and we have collected over $90,000 which is 80% of the money pledged. We expect another 12-15% will come in late. The teachers get 10% of what their class total was today. I can't say enough how much I love this fundraiser. The Boosterthon guys help count the money, They run the event the day of, they get the kids excited and pass out the prizes everyday during the week of pledges. The PTA has very little to do( compared to other thingswe could be doing for fundraisers) so for us it is a great event.
Here are some photos with us collecting
the money with the Boosterthon guys

for more information about
Boosterthon Fun Run click here .
I do not work for them nor do I get a kickback just really love this company this is the 3rd year our school has worked with them and it has always been a good experience

My favorite kind of day

2008-10-09T08:58:00.010-04:00

Yesterday was good. I got to do the things I love to do. First a group of us met at church and created some freezer meals. We do this every couple of months. We have several families in our area that have some ongoing needs. We can also use these meals for those times when a true emergency comes up and someone needs a meal unexpectedly. I love getting together with different women and getting to know them better and at the same time serving those in need.

I then went to the library. I love books! that is the long and short of it. In my world there can never be to many books. I tend to find an author and read all of the books written by that author. It is always fun to walk around and find new books to read. I am always looking for new books so let me know what you are reading and some of your favorites. I love "The Hiding Place"

by Corrie Ten Boom. When life gets bad I try to remember to be thankful for the fleas. If you don't know what I mean you need to read the book

It also rained yesterday (and is still raining today) I love the rain. It was the kind of day that reminded me of sitting with my dad and watching the storms. We didn't have any great storms yesterday but in the afternoon there were lots of rumbles. A good day to curl up with a book.

Last but not least I made a breakfast dinner. It just was that kind of day. Eggs, bacon, and biscuits with dripping butter and honey. It was not quite cold enough for a fire but it would have been nice. the only down part of the evening was that Drew ended up having to work until late.

Oh I almost forgot I got to hear one of my all time favorite songs. " American Pie" by Don McLean. I could sing this whole song by heart when I was 4 years old. I have always loved this song it take me back to my childhood and happy places and times.

I hope you had a great day and I hope today is just as good!

Pursuit of Excellence Reading Challenge

2008-10-06T15:54:00.006-04:00

Pursuit of Excellence Challenge.

During his closing remarks of Conference President Thomas S. Monson urged us to study and ponder the teachings from General Conference that will be published in the November Ensign and Liahona magazines. This is a challenge to study together and help encourage each other in this study.I hope you will join us.

For more information go here

How many have you tried? I'v had 63

2008-10-05T07:24:00.010-04:00

I found this here and thought it was fun. You can click on most of the items and it will take you to a recipe or site that explains what it is or where it is from. I see I have a lot of things I need to try. while I did not cross off anything on the list there are somethings I want to try more than others

1) Copy this list into your site, including the instructions!
2) Bold all of the sweets you've eaten--or make them a different type color.
3) -Cross out any of them that you'd never ever eat.
4) Consider anything that is not bold or crossed out your "To Do" List.
5) Optional: Post a comment here linking to your results--or just post a comment letting me know how many you've tried, or what you're going to try next!

1 Red Velvet Cake
2 Princess Torte
3 Whoopie Pie
4 Apple Pie either topped or baked with sharp cheddar
5 Beignet
6 Baklava
7 Black and white cookie
8 Seven Layer Bar (also known as the Magic Bar or Hello Dolly bars)
9 Fried Fruit pie (sometimes called hand pies)
10 Kringle
11 Just-fried (still hot) doughnut
12 Scone with clotted cream
13 Betty, Grunt, Slump, Buckle or Pandowdy
14 Halvah
15 Macarons
16 Banana pudding with nilla wafers
17 Bubble tea (with tapioca "pearls")
18 Dixie Cup
19 Rice Krispie treats
20 Alfajores
21 Blondies
22 Croquembouche
23 Girl Scout cookies
24 Moon cake
25 Candy Apple
26 Baked Alaska
27 Brooklyn Egg Cream
28 Nanaimo bar **This is the one I want to try!!!***NOW
29 Baba au rhum
30 King Cake
31 Sachertorte
32 Pavlova
33 Tres Leches Cake
34 Trifle
35 Shoofly Pie
36 Key Lime Pie (made with real key lime)
37 Panna Cotta
38 New York Cheesecake
38 Napoleon / mille-fueille
40 Russian Tea Cake / Mexican Wedding Cake
41 Anzac biscuits
42 Pizzelle
43 Kolache
44 Buckeyes
45 Malasadas
46 MalasadasMoon Pie
47 Dutch baby
48 Boston Cream Pie
49 Homemade chocolate chip cookies
50 Pralines
51 Gooey butter cake
52 Rusks
53 Daifuku
54 Green tea cake or cookies
55 Cupcakes from a cupcake shop
56 Crème brûlée
57 Some sort of deep fried fair food (twinkie, candy bar, cupcake)
58 Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
59 Jelly Roll
60 Pop Tarts
61 Charlotte Russe
62 An "upside down" dessert (Pineapple upside down cake or Tarte Tatin)
63 Hummingbird Cake
64 Jell-O from a mold
65 Black forest cake
66 Mock Apple Pie (Ritz Cracker Pie)
67 Kulfi
68 Linzer torte
69 Churro
70 Stollen
71 Angel Food Cake
72 Mincemeat pie
73 Concha
74 Opera Cake
75 Sfogliatelle / Lobster tail
76 Pain au chocolat
77 A piece of Gingerbread House
78 Cassata
79 Cannoli
80 Rainbow cookies
81 Religieuse
82 Petits fours
83 Chocolate Souffle
84 Bienenstich (Bee Sting Cake)
85 Rugelach
86 Hamenstashen
87 Homemade marshmallows
88 Rigo Janci
89 Pie or cake made with candy bar flavors (Snickers pie, Reeses pie, etc)
90 Divinity
91 Coke or Cola cake
92 Gateau Basque
93 S'mores
94 Figgy Pudding
95 Bananas foster or other flaming dessert
96 Joe Froggers
97 Sables
98 Millionaire's Shortbread
99 Animal crackers
100Basbousa

I've been tagged and a Contest

2008-10-02T17:12:00.014-04:00

Contest
Go over to Knit Witch and enter her Ghost Story contest.

I got tagged by Shellie

Seven random things about Amanda

1 My sister and I have the same birthday but we are not twins we are 13 years apart

( I' m older)

2 I was the majorette in a parade at school when I was in second grade and was on the local news

3 I wanted to work for the FBI when I was growing up

4 I have had nine surgeries

5 I have two fake teeth because I did not have permanent teeth under my baby teeth

6 I can watch TV and read at the same time

7 I collect rabbits (because my grandmother called me bunny)

I tag Dawnelle, Kendra, Jane, Andrea and anyone else who wants to play along

Thanks Shellie

Run J Run

2008-10-02T06:49:00.004-04:00

So yesterday was the Big "Boosterthon Fun Run" the only fundraiser we do at the school. I love it! The kids get to be outside,exercise, and have fun while doing it. They do not have to sell anythingI do not work for Boosterthon nor do I get any kickbacks but if your school is looking for a great fundraiser this is it!

Here are a few of the highlights

Justin and friends waiting to start

Big smile for Mom, Dad and Chase

J and friends

ZOOM....there he goes he ended up doing 37 laps in 30 minuets

Tooting his horn

2008-10-01T14:50:00.006-04:00

Yesterday afternoon J and I went over to the middle school to watch the football game and listen to Chase play in the pep band. It is so fun to see Chase enjoying himself. I have been amazed at how well he has done. Until last year he had never even tried to play the trumpet. Drew and I thought we would have a lot of nights with cotton in our ears but it wasn't that way. I am really proud of what he has been able to learn in just over a year. I think it is fun that he is playing the same trumpet that my brother and sister played!

Happy Birthday J

2008-09-29T15:29:00.010-04:00

This is the Birthday boy Can't believe it has been 10 years!!

First we did this

then we did this (Lazer Tag)

where Dad's shirt did this

then we ate this

Sunday we made these

and did a little of this

where he got this his number one
asked for gift

then had to get it out of the box
(don't you hate all the packaging)

then we ate these

no one will fess up to inviting him

learning to play "Cosmic Catch"

Playing with the family

loving dad

We had lots of fun all weekend. I sure do love my boy. It was worth all the cooking, cleaning and driving around ( even though we can't get gas in this crazy town right now).

Happy Fall

2008-09-22T15:09:00.007-04:00

Happy first day of Fall. I have been working on this scarf for a class at church. It is super easy

Chain 15 and then double crochet every row until it is as long as you want it ;)

I have also been working on this for a special

little guy. More on that when I get done

And these are my favorite flowers that are blooming right now

FIRE EATING

2008-09-19T18:15:00.001-04:00

Need I say more?

Mason-Dixon

2008-09-16T13:51:00.004-04:00

All you knitting fans hop on over to Mason-Dixon Knitting and help them celebrate their new book "KNITTING OUTSIDE THE LINES"

http://www.masondixonknitting.com/

2008-09-15T13:04:00.001-04:00

I love the beach! It is where I want to be almost 100% of the time. I grew up going to the beach every summer. My grandmother, my mom, sometimes my dad (when he could get off work) myself, my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins went to the beach for two weeks every summer until I was in high school. Some of my fondest memories are being at the beach just doing nothing. We went to Pawleys Island in SC until I was about six or seven and then we went to Edisto Island also in SC. We stayed in the same house for several years it was called "The Sand House" The sand house did not have a phone, no TV, no radio, no....nothing. Holy cow how did we ever survive? Lets see we walked and looked for sharks teeth( I was the champ of finding them!), we swam, we went crabbing, we walked to the store to get ice cream, we played cards, we read, we watched shooting stars, and then we got up and did it all again!