Friday, November 30, 2007

Hop over for a free giveaway!!!!




GIVEAWAY---HOP ON OVER FOR YOU CHANCE TO WIN!!
A Christmas GiveAway,snow flake candles, gift bags & ribbons.......pretty paper plates & napkins, tags & tins, some filled with chocolate!Cards & postage stamps and lots of other Christmas goodies will be added.AND.................................A 1994 Christmas Collection Edition LONGABERGER
BASKET, complete with plastic liner,
fabric liner & holiday tie-on
!!!!

I have been soo busy this week, as all of you have been, and I haven't posted anything other than my thankful list in days. I visited Ms. Debra here , she is having a giveaway. Stop by and visit her site and post a comment to be entered in the contest. She has such goodies to be won by a lucky person. So hop on over for a visit and leave a comment and let her know you found out about her here. Thanks Deb for hosting this wonderful giveaway. All who participate I will be checking and I just may have a giveaway in the works in the next few days or so....I hope you all have a great weekend.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Tuesday Tip


We are all in the midst or beginning to think about decorating our homes for the Christmas Holidays. I like to look at magazines and get ideas, but I want to be original also. I have a tried and true tip that makes my trees unique. So here is my tip for today.
If you are looking for a different look for your tree skirt, try using a beautiful tablecloth. I have used these for several years now, I try to use color either under the tablecloth or on top. The ideas are as endless as your tablecloth collection, so go for it. I hope you have a wonderful time decorating and try to pace yourselves and don't stress too much!!!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Menu Plan Monday Nov 26-Dec 2

The weather is getting colder here in Tennessee, so I am looking for comfort food which usually means lots of carbs! I hope you enjoy my menu this week and thanks to Laura at htp://orgjunkie.com for hosting 'Menu Plan Monday

Mon: Potato~ Cheese Soup, salad, crusty bread
Tues: Homemade Spaghetti and Meatball, salad, bread
Wed: Left overs
Thur: Lemon~Pepper Chicken, Baked Pot., Green Beans
Fri: Christmas Dinner with employees of Ben Lomand Telephone.
Sat: Eat out or Take out
Sun: Dinner at MIL, yummy!!!!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Traditional or Modern Thanksgiving dinner!!!!!











I must admit when I received this email and thought with today being Thanksgiving what better way to celebrate. I hope you get a good laugh, I know I did. This is quite long but so worth the read....and the laughs.....
Thanksgiving Dinner excluding Martha Stewart:
For those of you who are coming to our place for Thanksgiving dinner-Martha Stewart ain't gonna be here! I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming. I've made a few changes: Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run with children, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.
Once inside, our guests will note that the foyer is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea. The dinning table will not be covered
with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will have a fork. Since it IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic "Peter Rabbit Plate" and the Santa napkins from last Christmas.
Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised.
Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it IS a turkey. We will be dining fashionable late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hot line. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 am upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds.
As an accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen Turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying. We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table, in a separate room, next door.
Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress private" meaning: Do not, under any circumstances enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to bean your sister in the head with warm tasty bread. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of young diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce, if a young diner should inquire "what is cheese sauce" or the orgins of cheese sauce, plead ignorance. Cheese Sauce stains.
Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice; take it or leave it. Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this year. She probably won't be coming next year either. I am thankful.
Have a Happy and Blessed Day with your loved ones....
Much love,

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Happy Heart with a Smile!!!!

I woke up this morning just smiling and happy and content inside. It is Thanksgiving Eve and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Thanksgiving. I talked to several girls this morning in regards to Christmas in Park responsibilities and hopefully I was able to help them. Did I mention I love Thanksgiving...lol I read my comments on here and my heart started to smile...then I read this on my sidebar for christian mothers, I just had to put it out here in this post in case you missed it there. So smile as you go about your work today, and thank God for the many blessing he gives us. As for me, my heart is just overflowing with happy right now......

****Smile often, and let kindness be a cloak you wear as an example to your children****

Lighting of the Tree!!!!



Junior Auxiliary of McMinnville is known for "Christmas in the Park" this has been a long standing tradition for us. The lighting of the tree has begun the Holiday season for many. This year we will be putting bows on the 35' Christmas Tree in downtown. We sold bow in honor of or memory of loved ones and friends, the profit from the sale of the bows will be given to Healing Hearts, our welfare project. The bows will be placed on the tree Friday night. The lighting of the Tree will take place on Saturday night, at which time our members will read the names of the ones whom the bows are representing.
Our traditional "Christmas in the Park" Will be celebrated this year on Tuesday, December 4th. There will be lots of fun activities for your little ones to enjoy. We will have our Cider House in Regions bank, please stop by and grab a cup of cider and cookie and meet our Provisional members. We will once again, with many thanks to Ben Lomand Telephone, have the Santa Phone Booths (little one can call Santa). We have a new addition this year, the Lollipop Shop, little ones can come in and purchase a gift for their families. We are also in charge of the entertainment. I know there will be several performances you will not want to miss. This along with the downtown Merchants involvement should be a night of fun for all. Please come out and enjoy the beginning of a wonderful Holiday season, bring your young ones and the young at heart for a festive evening courtesy of Junior Auxiliary. As always may God bless our efforts with this project.
Special Note: Please keep our President, Susan Burks, family in your prayers. Her grandmother is in the hospital having test today. Lets pray for speedy recovery and good test results.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

God is Smiling on Us


I am sure you all have received this email at some time this past month.
I just wanted to remind everyone of God's love. I think of my children,
and when they make me happy, and I smile. I truly hope that I help
God to smile down on me, when he sees me going about my day to day life.
I strive to make him proud as his child, and I pray to live my life to show honor
and respect to him.
How about you? Is God smiling down on you.

Tip Tuesday!!














This week being a busy week for everyone, and knowing how
many of you are crafty and so talented. I am posting this tip.
I found it on one of my emails. Big Shout out to Better Homes
and Garden "100 days of Holidays" for this neat tip!!!
I haven't tried it. I hope it works.
Please post if you have tried this method and it works....
Tip of the Day: Make your own felt for craft projects by
washing lengths of wool in hot water, then drying
them on high heat.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Menu Plan Monday Nov 19-25


Wow can you believe in four days we will be having Thanksgiving Dinner!!! So this week with my Menu I took that into consideration. Woohoo, I did not have carry- overs this week. I stayed on track had to switch a day around to do so....I want to take a moment to thank you for visiting here and let you know how much I have enjoyed blogging and all the sweet comments I receive from you. I am thankful for you girls!!! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast and many things to show gratitude for in your life!!!
A big thank you to Laura for hosting Menu Plan Monday, please check out her site. She has fabulous ideas on menus and organizational tools. Here we go with my Menu...
Mon: Kraut and Summer Sausage, black eyed peas, Mac/Cheese.
Tues: Homemade Pizza, salad
Wed: Sloppy Joe's (manwhich), oven baked fries, fruit
Thur: THANKSGIVING DINNER at MIL....we all contribute to this meal...
Fri: Leftovers........what else would it be?
Sat: Eat out or carry out
Sun: Dinner at MIL....Yummy

Sunday, November 18, 2007

New Twist on Turkey Recipe

OK girlie's it's Sunday evening. I have laundry in wash, a dish on stove for dinner at church tonight. I was checking my email and I run across this funny recipe!!!! Hope you enjoy

TURKEY RECIPE your dinner will be the talk of the TOWN!!You should try this!Sure to bring smiles from your guests!
1. Cut out aluminum foil in! desired shapes.
2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)
3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.4. Watch your guests' faces...

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Craft Fair = Christmas Shopping



Well from yesterday post you realize how hectic our weekend is going to be. I am so looking forward to the craft fair at the Civic Center this weekend. My sweet friend Tabetha, will have a booth and I am heading over to do some Christmas shopping. Both levels of the CC will have vendors with their wonderful crafts on display. We enjoy visiting and making several unique purchases for gift giving.
I have my grocery list made out for Holiday meal, along with several items needed to do a little baking for my children (yes they love Christmas cookies).
You all know how I live by list. Well today hopefully I will mark off several completed projects. Have a fun Saturday however you spend your time.

Friday, November 16, 2007

TGIF looking towards busy Weekend!!!

Wow the weeks are just rushing on past, now that the Holiday season is upon us. I just spent a week at work, a meeting earlier this week for Junior Auxiliary, and several nights caring for sick daughter (bronchitis) and a day or so with a sick husband (that only happens 1 year) and now I am looking to my weekend calendar and all I can say is aaarggghhh....My weekend looks pretty full at this point. It amazes me how we go to work Mon-Fri and still have so much work to do in our down time. House work, meetings, etc. I have a meeting Saturday morning re: to Christmas in Park, then shopping for Holiday ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner, clean and organize the home office (should be 1st priority) maybe get a little Christmas shopping out of the way. Of course all the usual, cooking, laundry, cleaning and Church on Sunday. Somehow, some way we are adding a little fun in there. lol A mothers work is never done. Retirement is looking so good today!! hehehe...Much love to everyone, get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been so blessed with. I hope you and your family have a rest~ful and fun~ filled weekend.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

The Great American Smoke Out

Today is the "Great American Smoke Out", a good day to encourage someone you know to kick the habit. With all the medical information about the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke, this alone should motivated us to encourage those we love and care about to kick the habit. Basically it comes down to the individual and their desire to continue or finally kick the habit and stop.


Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Tuesday Tip Nov 13th

Girls, I know the Holidays are upon us. We are running on adrenaline and we have a million and one things to do. This month is Thanksgiving and if you are like me you are already planning for Christmas, there are just not enough hours in our days.
Lets all stop and take a deep breath and find some time to rejuvenate our body and soul. In this fast pace world of ours it is essential that we females carve out a little time for ourselves. This is not selfish nor is it unfair to take time to unwind. Your family will thank you for it.
I know you say "who has the time"! Well that is the idea, take the time, renew your soul, and I assure you the benefits will far outweigh the cost. My tip for today is simply "MAKE TIME FOR YOU" I have listed a few ideas below, please post your ideas on how you pamper yourselves or simply unwind. The list is unlimited, may you have a blessed day!!
Create a home spa- bubble bath, candles, and aromatherapy products.
Sip a cup of hot tea (fave. drink) and read a book.
Read and study a Chapter of our Bibles. Start a Journal.

Monday, November 12, 2007

A Ray Of Sunshine and Encouragement


There are people who just make your day by being themselves. Ms. Kat has a way of making everyone feel so special and I feel so honored and blessed to be her friend!! She sent me a sweet email and tagged me "personally" Thank you Kat and I hope you know how I appreciate your friendship! Even though she is miles away she makes you feel she is always close by...
So I am following her example and passing this award along to those on my blogroll. You are all "rays of sunshine and encouragement" I feel so blessed by each of you.

To Cute Not To Share!!!

I received a cute email from my sweet friend Leanne. I wanted to share a portion of it with you girls. Hope this makes you smile..ROFL
"A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...Hard to Find..Supportive...
Comfortable..Always Lifts You Up..Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging...And Is Always Close To Your Heart"
Share this with a friend! I Just Did

Menu Plan Monday Nov 12th-18th

Hello everyone, I have one carry over from last week. It seems lately I am having to adjust my schedule. I hope you enjoy visiting and thank you Laura at http://orgjunkie.com/ for hosting Menu Plan Monday, visit her for other delicious menu ideas.

Mon: Fajitas, rice and refried beans
Tues: Crock Pot Pork Chops/Mushroom gravy, potatoes, green peas
Wed: Lasagna, salad (carry over)
Thur: Left overs
Fri: Eat out-carry out
Sat: Chili, grilled cheese sandwiches
Sun: Dinner at MIL "YUM"

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Happy Veterans Day Revised!!!!!

Happy Veterans Day to all of our past, present soldiers and their families! If you are wondering why this is a revised version look at my Friday post, have a good laugh, I did....much love have a blessed Sunday.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Reflecting on the past........

Today is Saturday, November 10th, what makes this day special? Well everyday we wake up and are given another day is special. I think today was a special day to my mother 43 years ago, she had a baby girl. When I look back on my life at this point in time, I think about all the joy and blessing God has bestow on me. Yes there have been so many blessing in my life. More than one person could ever hope for. My blessing are the things that are irreplaceable to me. My Family, Friends, my Church, God's forgiveness and love. But right now I want what I can't have, to have the love of my family who is not here. I know I have their love here with me in my heart, but what I would give to have one more day with my loved ones.
To see my dad today! My dad passed away when I was 11 years old, it has left a void in my life. I would be so proud for him to see my children, my wonderful husband, and I would love to have him give me a hug and feel his love around me. My grandmother, oh how I would love to hear one of her stories of her childhood while sharing a double cola and Cheetos. She had a way of making you feel the most important in her life. My sweet Aunt Faye, mothers sister, my second mom. She added so much to my life. I truly never imagined her not being here. I would love to hear her boisterous voice and listen to her tell me to never let my wonderful husband feel unloved. Her love could light up a room. I miss her telling me " I loved you more.....". Spending one day of clarity with my mother would be such a joy. To see her happy and excited about my children and my life. Every year she loses more of her memory and our roles are and have been reversing. Having her in the same State would be a gift too.
Today is a happy day, I must look to what God has given me. I must embrace these extraordinary gifts that are irreplaceable....I have a wonderful man to share joy and happiness and even the sorrow with, thank you Richard. I have two amazing children, Brittney and Ethan, I am forever thankful to God for this gift of being their mother. I have a second dad, Mr. Boyd, my dear Father In Law, he is everything I need in a father, his guidance is so powerful in my life. My sweet Mother In Law is the mother I ache for, she is also a pretty good buddy, whether shopping, eating, or playing games she gives me motherly love and I am so grateful for the void she fills for me. My sister lives in Ft. Wayne IND. so Sherri has to fill dual roles for me, Sister In Law , and sister. I love this young woman and hope she knows what she brings to my life. I am also blessed with a wonderful bother In Law who is the closes thing to a brother, mine is living in Alabama, I miss him so..... I have lost and I have gained in my life. It truly amazes me to see God return what I so desperately need. Thank you God for knowing my heart, and knowing exactly what I needed and who could fill those needs. Yes, today is my birthday, time to reflect on this past year, I have grown so much, I have also regressed at times. I have been happy, sad, joyful, sorrowful, and so many things in between....but I am so glad to be....to be here....to be able to live a life with those I love and give back a small portion of my blessing to others. I am blessed beyond measure and today I realize that God has a plan for me...I hope I am that boisterous laughing Aunt to my sweet little nephews and nieces. I pray to one day be that story telling Grandmother to my grand- babies. I want to be a great Mother in Law, and hopefully in the next 43 years, God willing, I will look back and be as happy or content as I am today!!!! Thank you friends. Your friendship is part of my blessings.....I have a day to be thankful and rejoice and celebrate.....May I do this with grace dignity and a grateful heart.....God bless and thanks for the walk down memory lane.....

Six Things You may not know about Me!!!!

Kat at justabeachkat tagged me for this meme. I am suppose to reveal 6 habits or things about me and post the rules to the game. The rules are post in the beginning.
Rules as Follows
1. Each player post 6 habits or facts about themselves.
2. At the end of the post the player then tags people and posts their names. Then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
My Six Habits or Facts
1. Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday! Although I go overboard on
decorating for Christmas.
2. I can literally survive on 4 hours sleep.
3. I can not stand to leave my house with my bed unmade.
4. I have a love for photography, would love to take class and get better.
5. I love, love, love to read.
6. When I was little I was afraid of bridges. I would hold my breath and
close my eyes until we had crossed. I still hold my breath, guess just
old habits are hard to break.
Today I am tagging: Annette at Toadily Handmade Cards and Ashley at Nik Naks By Ash

Friday, November 9, 2007

Happy Veterans Day!!!

Update: News Flash, am I getting old or what? I kept thinking all day it was Veterans Day today in reality in the real world it is Sunday!!! OMG, am I getting old or what~~~hehehe....well we all will just celebrate today and Sunday!!!! No harm done other than I think old age is getting to me.......





Lets take a moment to remember our soldiers fighting for our freedom. Say a prayer
for their families, children, mothers, grandparents. Especially pray for their safe return
home, and an end to this war. Challenge yourself today to find someone in your hometown
who has served our country and thank them for the sacrifices they made. Have a wonderful
day and lets never forget the gift of freedom and the people who have or are making this gift possible. Have a blessed day!!!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

What a Treat, Girlie Retreat!!!!!!







What a wonderful weekend! We all had a great time and laughed until we cried. We ate together, shopped together, prayed together and we even slept together.

So let me start at the beginning. The trip to Pigeon Forge was 4 hours give or take. We chatted, laughed, just played catch up on our daily lives. When we checked into our Hotel, we were treated with a surprise, Gretchen (our coordinator extraordinaire) had a treat waiting on our beds! What girl doesn't love a bag of goodies, roses, and she even included a very informative booklet on breast cancer awareness!!!We had a devotional on "Having a Mary heart in a Martha world", Gretchen did a magnificent job on this subject. She also had a Guinea Pig~ aka~ Sherri (my SIL) hoola-hoop. Sherri started with one hoop and would add another, each time trying to balance them all. Gretchen spoke on our "balancing act" in our lives, how we like Mary must prioritize our lives so that we choose the good things in life. We sang hymns and prayed. At the end of the evening we drew names for secret sister, whom we would choose a gift for and the reveal would be the last night of the Retreat. Then as only females would understand, we head out for donuts. Did I tell ya the time, yes it was 11:00 pm!!! Needless to say we were a sight for sore eyes in a church van 12 women pulling into Krispy Kreme to buy a dozen donuts each. lol The Manager must have been trying to get rid of us or either he felt sorry for us, he gave the last customer "one of our very own" two dozen free donuts. Did I mention we each bought a dozen, well most of us bought a dozen. So need I say more about the sugar buzz we all had!!!

Saturday morning began with Continental Breakfast!! Yum and Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. lol Next on our agenda was " Tanger Outlet", to do some serious shopping. If you haven't been shopping with 12 ladies you really should try it. It was a blast to say the least. We shopped till we dropped and then we had lunch and refueled for more shopping. Some of our crew decided to go on to the van and wait. I must say we had some very interesting conversations in that Van. In regards to sleeping attire and undergarments (does anyone use that word anymore). Late afternoon we head back to the hotel to freshen-up for dinner and more shopping later that evening. We stopped at "Christmas Place" yours truly, trying desperately to carry less, decided not to take my purse. I carried my debit card, cash and was so proud of myself, until I stood in line for 30 minutes and was ready to check out only to realize I had no ID for my debit card. Sherri (SIL) to the rescue!!!! So we had a few laughs over being carded to buy Christmas ornaments....lol We decided to split up for dinner. Our group ate at Bubba Gump's Shrimp. Pretty cool place, lots of memorabilia from the movie "Forrest Gump" and the food was delicious, even though we sat near the bar, and we saw a young man celebrate his birthday by dancing on his table. We were ROFL.....Back at the Hotel we had a devo on "Friendship" and what it meant to each of us. We wrote the definition (our version) on a card and read them out loud. Then we started our gift exchange. It was fun to see who's name we drew and what we had decided to buy to show our friendship to them. Much love went into the choices and everyone was so pleased by each others thoughtfulness. We all had a prayer and back to our rooms for bed.

The next morning was breakfast and getting ready for Church Service at a local congregation. We learn that during the night 3 of our ladies had left early for home. A phone call was made to their room at 2:00 am and Pam's (DIL) who was back home waiting the birth of her child had gone into labor so they left to make it back in time for the birth. They made it to the hospital safely at 7:00 am and Sara Nicole was born at 11:11 am (Tish and baby are doing great). After our Church Service we head out for home.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be with my Sisters-In-Christ, to have spent time with them. We are so lucky to have each other and I feel so blessed to have this special family to share my joy with. I hope you enjoy the pictures and laugh as we did!!!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Tip Tuesday!!!

To freshen and help garbage disposal work more efficient
Try putting several ice cubes down the drain and turn the
disposal on for few seconds. You can also freshen up or remove
smelly odors with lemon juice. I add the ice to sharpen the
blades and then add the lemon juice to eliminate odors.
I hope this is helpful to you as always use caution when trying
new ideas.

Menu Plan Monday #8

Richard is out of town on business this week, so again we are going for simple. Please check out other menu ideas at http://www.orgjunkie.com/ thank you Laurie for hosting Menu Plan Monday.
Mon: Homemade Vegetable Soup, cornbread
Tue: Grilled Chicken, corn, peas, salad
Wed: Lasagna, salad
Thur: Leftovers (clean out Refrigerator)
Fri: Take out
Sat: My Birthday Dinner out of Town
Sun: MIL (my choice for birthday) yummy

Friday, November 2, 2007

Weekend With The Girls!!!!

Our Annual Ladies Retreat is this weekend. We are leaving in a bit. We are all excited to be able to get away and spend time together. There are 12 women meeting in Pigeon Forge. One of our friends is driving in from Ohio to meet us there. This group of ladies range in age from 28 to 65 years of age. I will post pictures later.
Go out this weekend and have fun either with girlfriends, loved ones or just by your self. Try to renew your mind and spirit. Have a blessed weekend!!
Hugs

Thursday, November 1, 2007

I'm Giving Thanks


I saw this at Kat's and if you are interested in participating visit Leah here and find out how this works. I am listing my "thanksgivings" on my side bar.
Our ladies class is leaving Friday for our annual Ladies Retreat, in Pigeon Forge, TN. I will be back with pictures and lots of stories!!!
Have a wonderful weekend.