CHRISTMAS TREES, END TIMES, AND STUFF

Yeah.... I put up a Christmas tree. There are many who don't, claiming that it stems from pagan practices.

Well, here is what I know....EVERYTHING Holy that is out there has a counterfeit. EVERY thing. It's what satan does. But, the thing is, I am remembering the birth of Jesus.

Some don't celebrate Christmas as it is supposedly the time of His (Jesus') conception, NOT the time of His birth. Again, I don't think we should split hairs on this. As Easter, arguably one of the most important days to a Christian, is always changing days....yet we still remember....I don't know how good of an argument that is, as those who don't celebrate Christmas don't celebrate Easter....again....pagan roots. BUT, they rename it, calling it "Resurrection Sunday." It's still Easter.

I get so frustrated with the legalism that people hold to. What's more is that nobody really knows the specifics of these holidays, as there had to be a LOT lost in translation.... but we are to remember Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. 

I think Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyer....(is it Meyers? or Meyer?) Either way, you know who I'm talking about.... are full of hot air and it annoys me that their "self-help" junk is going all out. People think just because they have a big church and/or preach/teach to thousands that they are on board with all that is great. Weed it out, people. Yes, I think they are Christian, but I do not think all they say is good. Joel is not realistic and Joyce....well, she doesn't know her place as a Biblical woman.

I know....that wasn't in the title. That was free.....

You're welcome.

The false prophet that I read..... she is fascinating, really. Makes me think. She puts stuff up that makes sense....but she is full of bunk. She is trying to put a date to Jesus' schedule. She calls herself a "watcher." I have no problem with that. We are to all watch. We were given things to look for....and, quite honestly, this stuff is happening at an alarming rate. How long do we have? I don't know. But, if it happened tomorrow, I wouldn't be surprised.

Anyway, this gal is like a train-wreck... you know, it's impolite to stare, but you can't pull yourself away.

I would like to write a book. I have some very sketchy ideas.

And, that's all I have to say about that.

One week from today I am scheduled to teach my first CPR class at a local junior college.

Three words:

Ter. i. Fied!

Really, I am. I don't know why. It's something new. I don't generally like new things. I know how to teach. I'm not "eskeered" to speak in front of people. I have the materials that I need. It's just different. This time next week, I will be OK. I am excited to go this path....this path that God has so clearly put me on.

I have a few more posts in my head. One is fermenting. That will be one on the catty side....then deleted. I need to rant. AND, many would get mad. I guess I should just get a private journal going. I mean.....I tend to speak before I think. We shall see.

My youngest son has started using the word, "butt-hole."

I know.... totally gross. And, he is starting to get swats for it. On the "dirty word scale" from 1 - 10, it is not that bad..... but there are a few words that REALLY offend me. That would be one. Yes, he's a boy, and they do stuff like that, but there are other words I would rather him *experiment* with.

Michelle Duggar.... God bless her. I feel badly for her.... as I would for anyone who lost, or loses, a child. It is not any of my business, or yours, for that matter, how many children she chooses to pop out. I mean, really.... I wish I had the means to have more, but it is not right for me. As long as their family is not on welfare....fine. Have as many as you want! It just irks the snot outta me when people say, "Well, they're only living off their TV show." Well, BOO-FREAKIN' HOO!!! You sound a tad jealous. And really? No, duh! Sounds like excellent business sense, if you ask me. If my family could be on TV for a some money..... dude, I might just consider it.

People also complain about how much quality time they (the Duggar parents) spend with their children. First off...once your children get to a certain age, they don't need you. Second, she doesn't work. And, from what I have seen on their show, and read in their books, he doesn't have set hours that he is gone. Plus, they home school. If they spend 10 minutes per child per day, that is probably pretty close to what you and I get in quality time with our own.

That being said, I need to figure out a way to spend more time with my kids. :-)

I got black pearls for Christmas. They are GORGEOUS!

My Christmas stuff is still up. It won't come down until January 7. Because that's what I do.

Next post will probably have something to do with my resolve not to resolve....or maybe I will resolve.

Call it what you want, resolution, reflection, regrouping, recommitting....whatever, it is all the same thing..... brown duck, white duck....still quacks!

Who still reads? I'm curious. If nobody is reading, I'm considering shutting down. What's the point, right?

IT'S BEEN.....AWHILE

Yeah..... it's been awhile since I've been here.... in case you didn't notice?

Did you notice?

We have been very busy.

You know that CPR thing I'm doing? Well, I'm just about done. In fact, I already have some classes scheduled at the community college. I'm nervous as all get-out... but just as excited. This is truly an answer to prayer. That helps with the nerves. God didn't set all this up for me to fail.

The boys are starting their Christmas vacation.... just as my husband ends his vacation. I wish his vacation overlapped with the boys', but we take what we can get. He will, fortunately, be home Christmas Eve. It will be nice to have him home Christmas Day. He will work New Year's day....holiday pay is decent.

I didn't get my candies done. :-( It makes me sad, as I LOVE to make my candies. By the time I had time, it was way too humid. The candies I make are caramels and things that need to set. High humidity prevents it setting. SO.... I baked bread.....about 40 loaves of bread. Those were the gifts to teachers. I'm not done with treats. I still have our neighbors to bake bread for.

Having the kids home for 2 weeks is going to be great. The thing is to keep them busy, while letting them relax, getting my stuff done, and enjoying the holidays AND each other. :-) There will be stories, and treats, and games, and movies. Here are some things I have planned right now: gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, clean, Christmas movies, go look at Christmas light, play games, donut breakfast, play at the park....not forgetting piano lessons, guitar lessons, and JBQ practice.

I have a "catty" to blog, but I need to wait a few days. Nothing really TOO catty, but enough that I need to keep it from certain people.

I will try to be back in a few days. I still have a lot of ideas....they are listed in a file, so I don't forget them.

Until then, know I'm praying for you. I'm praying for my friends, non-friends, ex-friends, a false profit, many following a false religion, and just people.

Later -

IF

If you are cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you really should have your turkey in the fridge, thawing.... assuming it is frozen.

Your menu should be complete.

Most of your shopping should be done.... except for the stuff that needs to be consumed within a day, or two, of purchase.

That being said.... I really should complete my menu.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I know what I want. And, I have most of the stuff planned and purchased. BUT, I haven't had the time to work on my cookbooks, as much as normal. SO.... there might be a few unexpected dishes that show up. :-)

So far, this is what I have:

2 turkeys (one smoked, one roasted)

dressing

mashed potatoes

gravy

sweet potato pie

green beans

broccoli and rice casserole

macaroni and cheese

rolls

cranberry conserve

yum yum salad

fruit salad

pecan pie

pumpkin pie

3-4 other desserts

and 3-4 appetizers

I am doing all, but the mac-n-cheese, taters, sweet potato pie, yum yum salad, and fruit salad. I will make 2 appetizers and the pumpkin and pecan pies. Hubby is prepping the smoked turkey, while I do the roasted turkey.

So.... speaking of that, I'd better make sure my fridge in the garage is on and the turkeys are thawing.... instead of rotting. I *think* hubby turned on the fridge... if not? yikes! We will have 2 rotten turkeys to toss.

TURKEY DAY ON THE WAY

Today, let's talk turkey.

Turkey is one of the easiest things to fix, but so many have never done it and are a bit overwhelmed.

First off, you want to allow roughly 2 pounds per person so if you have 10 adults, you need at least a 20 pound bird...I would allow 1 pound per child. This will feed everyone well and allow leftovers which are a MUST! Keep in mind that when you look at the tag with the weight, they are including bones...you are not getting 20 pounds of meat and an adult isn't going to eat 2 pounds of it.

When you buy your turkey, it needs to be bought with enough time to thaw or defrost. (I have a former friend who would say "dethaw." Huh?)

To thaw in the fridge you need to allow 1 day per 4 pounds. So, a 20 pound turkey will need 5 days....Thanksgiving is on Thursday. Your 20 pound bird should be bought and in the fridge by Saturday! There is another way to thaw...using a cold water bath, but this is a pain in the tush. You have to change out the water every 30 minutes. It's messy and you have a mushy, gross mess if there happens to be a hole in the wrap. Also, if the bird gets TOO warm, you do run the risk of bacteria in the meat. Just buy it a week early and keep it in the fridge.

Thursday morning you need to get up EARLY (if you want your feast at lunch) and work on prepping "Tom." If you buy that 20 pound turkey, you will need to bake it 3 1/2 to 4 hours. (Until a meat thermometer, stuck in the inner thigh (don't touch the bone) reads 180.) You really don't want a "self-basting" turkey, as that tends to mask the flavor of the turkey (IMHO). At the same time, if you buy a frozen bird, it doesn't get much better than Butterball....again, IMHO.

So, unwrap your turkey, rinse inside and out.

****VERY IMPORTANT**** Remove the bag with the giblets and neck.

Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Oil the skin. (here is where opinion comes into play) You can brush with vegetable oil, spray with cooking spray or rub with butter.

Personally, I like to take a handful of softened butter (quite literally) and rub it over the breast UNDER the skin AND on top of the skin. This will keep the bird moist and will brown the skin nicely.

Sprinkle both outside AND cavity with salt and pepper. Then fill the cavity with aromatics. (I personally don't do stuffing. The thought grosses me out (it also adds baking time) I do a pan of dressing.) I fill cavity with onion, celery, thyme, garlic, maybe lemon slices. You won't eat this, but it flavors the meat mildly.

Tuck the wings under the body to prevent them from browning too much. Tie the legs together. (You want to do this as the legs loosen from the body and the skin will break. You will end up with leg bones and meat just hanging off the body....broken skin and a lot of moisture lost) Some folks say to skewer the opening...I don't because I don't stuff with a side dish.

Put turkey, breast side up, (flat portion down), in a roasting pan. You NEED something heavy-duty. If you do buy a disposable roasting pan, it will need to be put on a cookie sheet or other heavy-duty baking pan. I have placed it flat on the pan, roasted it in a bag (in the pan) and put the turkey on a rack.) I have had success with all 3, so don't freak if you don't have a turkey-bag. I will say this, a bag helps with clean-up as the juices can really stick to the pan. Just be sure to cut a vent in the bag and allow enough room for the steam to "puff up" the bag. You don't want it to touch the top of the oven. My preference is to place it on a rack.

Put the turkey into a 325 degree oven and bake for at least 3 1/2 hours (for a 20 pound turkey). The last 30 minutes to an hour, you might need to tent some foil over the breast to keep it from getting too brown and too dry. You won't do this if you use a bag.

Before taking it out, check for doneness. One easy way is to grab a leg-bone and move it back and forth. If it moves easily, it should be done...or really close to being done. I like to check the temp. I stick a meat thermometer into the inner thigh (where it is thickest...NOT touching the bone) to see if it reads "180." If yes, I remove from oven.

Final step before carving....LET THE MEAT REST FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. Keep it covered with foil to retain heat. Really, this step is very necessary. ANY meat that you roast should sit out for a bit. As the meat is roasting, the juice tends to head to the surface and evaporate. While the meat is resting, the juices redistribute leading to a moist meat. If you carve too soon, a lot of the juice will run out at the first cut.

Carve, either at the table or in the kitchen. (This is what I prefer. I carve it and arrange on a platter to put in the center of the table.)

Well, there you go. I hope this was helpful. Another great help is Butterball...the company. You can go to butterball.com and they can give you MANY turkey tips. They even have a hot line that you can call on Thanksgiving Day to help will any "uh-ohs" or other concerns you may have.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

So, I made these whoopie pies today. They are my latest, favorite things to make.

Anyway, these are a big hit, whenever I take them anywhere.

Today, in about 2-1/2 hours, I fixed about 60 of these. Lots of fun. Full of flavor. It doesn't get much better than this.

A lot of folks asked for the recipe......so here it is!

Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten

1 cup Pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

6 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

For cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or line four baking sheets with parchment paper.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in medium bowl.

Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.

Stir in flour mixture until combined.

Drop by heaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets. (A total of 72 cookies are needed for the recipe.)

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until springy to the touch.

Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy.

Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Spread a heaping teaspoon of filling onto flat side of one cookie; top with flat side of second cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.

THIS-N-THAT

I have been busy. What about you all?

The holidays are here. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. And I...... just made my menu. :-(

I am SO behind, but it is all good.

I am now, officially, a CPR Instructor. I will be starting to teach soon, I hope. I need to observe a few classes before I start teaching. There are a few things I need to watch.

I'm nervous as all get-out.

No.... that isn't bold enough.

I'm completely terrified.....and excited.

My oldest son is doing well. He got his cast a little over a week ago, but his arm is quite swollen. So, they split the cast, and taped it. We go in on Monday to get it tightened. Then, the Monday after Thanksgiving is when he will have it removed. After that, he will have 4 more weeks of restriction. That puts us the day after Christmas. :-( Poor thing. He was wanted to try out for the basketball team and he will miss the entire season.

I am planning 2 parties for the last day of school before Thanksgiving break. One is a feast. One is a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Fun, but work.....on top of the 376 or so things that I feel are on my list. :-) But, I LOVE this time of year... just for this reason.

I didn't get to do my pumpkins this year. Still time? Maybe. I don't know if I can get the tiny pumpkins still. Oh well.... what do you do?

See, here's what happens. I plan all year. (If you read me at all, you know that I look forward to Christmas all year. :-) ) Anyway, I keep putting off stuff until timing is better. Or until I'm done with this, or finished with that. Then, I find that I am almost out of time.

Next year.... HAHA! We shall see.

I have a few Christmas crafts I am wanting to work on.

I was supposed to have my tree up LAST week.... didn't happen. I don't remember why. :-(

I have about 80 Christmas cards to make. I have NO idea how, or when, that will happen. *sigh* I don't have time to start, just yet.

Heck, I just got laundry caught up. Since I finished my long-term subbing stint, I have *maybe* had 3 days at home.

I have a list 2 miles long.

That makes me happy.

My teeth still hurt. Not as bad, but still. I'm tired of dental issues. SO. Tired.

OK.... I'm done.

I'll try to be back soon.

INJURED....AGAIN

My oldest boy..... this one....

Well, he had a bit of an accident today. He, one of his brothers (DS #2) and DH were going deer hunting. We had no school today, due to staff development, AND it is "youth hunt" weekend, so the 3 boys, and some friends, took advantage of the time off.

My boys got to the lease early. They started scouting out the feeders, and such, in order to be sure everything was ready for the morning. DH sent the 2 boys out on 4-wheelers.

Let's just say, "Thank God for helmets."

Basically, the boys went one way, DH another. (DS #1 has a phone.) They weren't at the lease 10 minutes when DH got a call from DS #1... "Dad. I'm hurt."

He had come over a slight rise, going down into a ditch.... except the ditch wasn't too deep or wide. He came over and the front end bit the dirt.... sudden stop. Head hit the handle bars (helmet.... he's OK), his leg got a bit banged up, but he took a lot of the impact on his right arm.

Yes, he has a buckle fracture. The 2nd break in his young life. Same arm, close to the same place. He is right-handed, so he will have a bit of difficulty with school work. Also, his guitar lessons will be put on hold. How long? Not quite sure.

He will go to an ortho. in the next 3-5 days and get a cast. I'm currently trying to figure that one out, as I'm supposed to chaperone a field trip on Monday, meet with 1st grade room moms on Tuesday, meet with 2nd grade room moms on Wednesday, and chaperone another field trip on Thursday. (I currently have no plans for Friday, but that is a week away. I'm SURE something will come up soon.)

Yeah.... that's the excitement in our house.

HOLIDAYS

So, the 2 of you who read know that I am all about the holidays.

I have already had two *panics* in the last few weeks.

The first involves cards. Usually, if I order them, they are in AND being worked on, slowly but surely, to go out BY December 5.

If I make them, I'm usually WELL underway with said crafting.

SO, what is she doing this year? SHE IS MAKING THEM!

Has she started yet? NO, SHE HASN'T!

eeeek!

Panic #2: I met with one of *my* teachers today, to talk about classroom stuff. (I 'm a room-mom in 2 classes and co-room mom in another.) Two of these classes will have relatively involved events, come Thanksgiving. The other? Not sure yet.

I was happily driving home when I realized that, after this week, we have 3 weeks before Thanksgiving break.

SREEEEEEE VEEEEEEEKS! (sorry.... inside joke)

I haven't even introduced myself to the other room moms.... the polite thing to do before I go in and take over everything. MUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! (rubbing palms together.)

OK... I'm not THAT bad.

Really.

Anyway, I haven't introduced myself to the other room moms, to the parents... nothing like that. They are probably thinking that these teachers do not have a room mom. Of course, if they know that my child is in their classroom, then they KNOW who the room mom is, but there are a few folks out there who have not, yet, been formally introduced to yours truly.

That being said, upon this realization, I got on email, lickety-split, and asked the teachers when, NEXT WEEK, I can meet with them (with the other room moms) to get the ball rolling.

It is not too late. I have not run out of time. But, I mustn't dilly-dally.

HEH..... I used "lickety-split" for the first time.... EVER!

I know..... I know......

Yeah, I said I would be back "in the next few days." THAT was a few days ago.... OK.... about 10 days ago.

I haven't abandoned my blog. I really haven't. I have just been busy.

I told you, I think, about my long-term subbing position. Six weeks of....

Well, six weeks of trying to hold my family together. I don't know that I was a success in either job.

The students loved me. I loved them.

My children ate and wore clean undies.

We ate a LOT more junk and the clean undies haven't been folded in weeks.

Really.

I tell ya, now that I'm home, I appreciate the fact that my hubby has a job that allows me to stay home. AND that my hubby is supportive of my staying home.

That was a journey, to be sure. It is amazing how you can be so convinced that you need to do something...to take a specific path...you pray, you feel led, and it doesn't work out.

It is a distressing, really, when you are so sure that letter "A" is the answer. Letters "B," "C," and "D," don't even seem to be an option. But, then you look back and you realize that letter "R," which wasn't even on your radar, ended up being the answer that God had for you.

Once you look back, though, it is truly amazing to see that God had His hand on you, AND ON THE JOURNEY, the WHOLE TIME!!! I am SO blessed. I am SO thankful. I love God, and He loves me!

So, like I said, the teaching was enjoyable. As long as I didn't think about all the house stuff NOT getting done, I was OK. The problem came as soon as I walked out of the building with 3, of my 4 boys. We would have to go get #1 from another campus. Then, we would rush home to start homework, guitar practice, piano practice, JBQ practice, supper, baths.... we had no time to play. Tuesdays, being our worst day, looked like this: Come home and start homework, leave the house at 5:15, take #3 to piano, leave to get #1 to guitar, leave to pick up #3 and drop off #2 for piano, pick up #2 from piano, leave to pick up #1 from guitar, grab, and shovel some food, drop off #2 at baseball, take #1, #3, and #4 home, put #3 and #4 in bed, leave to get #2, come home and put #1 and #2 in bed (up to one hour late.)

Yeah.... we haven't started our lunches for the next day, nor have we gotten out our clothes. No.... I did that.... often not getting in bed until after midnight. THEN, I would get up at 5 to make sure that I got myself beautified, lunches made, kids up, fed, and dressed and #1 to school by 7:30 so I could be at school at 7:45. Our *easiest* days didn't have as much running around.

My youngest has been a terror.... I think it is because of my working. My kids didn't get my attention because I was busy. We were always rushing. I realize, now, that God didn't have me receive a contract for a reason. My family cannot handle my teaching full time.

That was hard to realize, and even harder to admit out loud - especially when you consider that my husband and I were convinced that this was the best thing for us.

I was raised Pentecostal. We take the Bible as it is... we don't add to it, nor do we take away from it. We are outspoken in our beliefs. I was raised to pray specifically. What does that mean? To put it simply....if your car is broken down, and you want a red VW bug, then pray for a red, VW bug.

Back in the summer, when DH and I started talking about my return to work, I had mixed feelings. I didn't know things would fall apart, as they did, I simply enjoy my time at home. I enjoy going out and shopping for the holidays, when I want. I enjoy volunteering in school. I enjoy, being able to drop and go, as needed, or desired. Mostly, I enjoy having the day with my husband, when he is home. Returning to work would end all of that. Not some. All.

Despite the mixed feelings, DH and I discussed it and both agreed that working was the best thing for us. And, then I started.....

Yeah, it didn't take long for me to pray, specifically, and earnestly, for a job that paid more than subbing, allowed me to leave work AT WORK, allowed me to spend time with my kids, allowed me to NOT go in, on the occasion that I had a sick kid, field trip, or whatever happenstance.

Sure, I felt a bit foolish. I even told God. I told Him that, even though I knew it was within His power, I knew it was a bit *selfish* to ask something so specific and so..... well.... great! (Shout out to my friend, NR, who encouraged me to pray this way, back at kindergarten end-of-year picnic.)

The resolution to this insanity?

Well, I didn't get a contract, and frankly, took it personally. BUT, on my first day as long-term sub, I was told of several posts they had, with me in mind. (All long-term, nothing with a contract.) Yeah.... a bit discouraging.

Meanwhile, I have a friend, who has a business (with her hubby) teaching CPR and had spoken with me about the possibility of teaching CPR. I don't know when I got serious, but it was looking good. I just didn't know if that was something I should do.

About 2 weeks into my post, I started praying specifically. I had already told God about my ideas. Now the prayer was, "God... if I am supposed to teach, I need a measure of grace...and money for a housekeeper. If I'm supposed to teach CPR, I need a CLEAR directive, as I have some long-term positions opening up to me."

About 15 minutes (literally) after that new prayer, I got a text from the one friend, with the CPR business, that says, "There is a local community college that wants to pick up another section of CPR. We can't do it. We told them we had another instructor in mind. They want to start the 'new-hire' process."

Is. That. Not. AMAZING?!?!?!

So, now, I'm fast-tracking to get my CPR Instructor Certification. WAY BEYOND COOL!

That is what is going on, in a nutshell.

That, and we are 9 weeks from Christmas.

NINE. WEEKS!

I gotta get my Turkey-Day posts up.

Stand by!

*TAP TAP TAP*

*click on images to enlarge*

Anyone out there?

Anyone?

Anyone know that I'm posting a blog?

It's not going to be that interesting right now. I just wanted to let y'all know what all is going on.

I have a LOT going on. Too much to blog about, right now. But, I do plan on blogging a bunch of stuff......

So, what has been going on? I have been teaching. But, I'm not under contract. I'm in a long-term sub. position... covering some one's maternity leave.

I was asked today if I ever thought about being a "real" teacher.....

"I am a real teacher."

"No! I mean... instead of *just* a sub, you becoming a REAL teacher."

"I am a real teacher."

*sigh* I don't know if I have lost my knack, or if I'm just too busy to do anything properly. The kids love me. I love the kids..... just some of them don't think I'm a real teacher.

So, I am finished with this assignment on the 14th. Around then, I can blog and *go public* with all that is going on. Big changes.... I'm taking some big chances. But, I have the support of my hubby and we both feel that God has led us to this.

Anyway, I can't say anything just yet. Stay tuned. :-)

On other news:

We celebrated a financial miracle last week.

My 3rd son's 1st surgery had a balance of around $28,000. Well, long story VERY short.... our surgeon is now, in-network. The 1st surgery was resubmitted and our balance went from about $28,000 to $288. (There are no typos in that statement.)

SO.... yeah..... we're still pretty stoked about it. That, along with the other stuff going on.... well, we are SO thankful to God. He is doing a great job providing.

Also, in great news, my 2 younger sons were water-baptized on the 11th. We are very excited and proud of them.... hopefully, I can get some pictures transferred. I'll work on that now.

Have a great day!

TWISTED SENSE

While in Canada, we came across a lot of road signs.... as you would expect when traveling a few thousand miles. What was really fun is that they are completely different from what I am used to. That being said, I decided to dedicate a post solely to those signs.

Now, for those of you who don't know me very well.... this will be corny, a little stupid, and some things might not make sense. However, if you know me at all, you understand my skewed sense of humor.

So, without further ado, I give you some Canadian road signs (except for 1), and what they TRULY mean.

This is the only American sign.... just this side of the border. Simple. To the point.

This is either "Giant Moose Meets Car," or "Smart Car Meets Moose." Either way, you must drive slowly at night.... during the day, all things return to normal size.

Square stoplights..... Square. Stoplights. And circular "go" lights. AND diamond "speed up" lights.

"CHECKERED FLAG... THIS WAY! OR THAT WAY!"

"No camping. No S'mores. No wine. No dogs," ..... but ONLY from April 1 - October 15. The rest of the year? Party with the dogs!

"HANG ON!!!! IT'S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE!"

Chicken Take-Out? "WHERE'S THE BEEF?"

"GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT ANSWERS!"

OK... "Twisted Sense of Humor" alert. Say that top word as you are speeding down the highway. Doesn't it sound like "CWISPMIS?"

(If you are wondering, I think it is Canadian for "Christmas.")

Food. Gas. A bed under a floating roof.

"I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, through the sea of swirly, twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel."

"Please take care of your pet moose's poop."

We drove REALLY fast. ;-)

Three mountains..... that's it.... just three.

When driving a truck really quickly, walls will jump out in front of you!

At this exit you can find: tents, campers, questions, beavers, and golfers..... it's just like WalMart!

And this is our favorite...

Food. Gas. Floating ceilings. Questions. Golfers. And.....

MAGIC!!!

So, there you have it. Whenever you take a trip to Canada, please refer to this post.... it will help you greatly, in your travels.

VACATION

I wasn't exactly sure *how* I was going to write this. I have stories, but so many don't mean anything to anyone, but me and/or my hubby. So, what I think I will do is just post a bunch of pics and describe them.

Thanks for looking.

Crossing into Quebec

Quebec City

The Fortified City

Going down an elevator to the water.

YES! They DO celebrate Christmas in Quebec in July!

POUTINE....this is something that is a Canada thing... maybe even more in Quebec. It consists of french fries, cheese curds and brown gravy. Pretty good, if you are in that "junk food" frame of mind. I was.... I loved it!

We went to a fireworks competition. There were several countries participating, one a week for several weeks. Anyway, we saw Spain's entry.... it was great. The display was held at these falls... Montmorency Falls, I believe.

Nope, no idea who she is. I just thought she was a beautiful little girl.

If you've seen one fireworks display, you've seen them all, right? Though, I did hear a lot of "ooh la la." I didn't think people really said that. They do.

So, probably cooler than the fireworks was this presentation.... all in French, so I'm sad to say that I have NO clue what was said. BUT, they used the falls as a movie screen, of sorts.

We are now on P.E.I...... Prince Edward Island. I cannot describe the beauty. The pictures do it no justice. I want to move there. Now....

This field is actually a vibrant yellow. More yellow than a sunflower.... but not quite lemon-yellow. Anyway, we couldn't figure out what it was. Google is a great thing. It is canola. They grow corn, canola, and potatoes.... LOTS of potatoes.

So, I just had to take a picture of this, because honestly.... WHERE in the States have you seen such a snazzy Super 8?

Our room.... "Rose's Room" at our bed and breakfast: Elmwood Heritage Inn. There is the thought that this bed and breakfast is the inspiration for a house in "Anne of Green Gables." You know Anne's best friend, Diana? Well, her rich Aunt Josephine, in Charlottetown..... this is "her house." In the book, it is referred to as "Beechwood." These are Lucy Maud Montgomery's stomping grounds. So, it looks like this is it. Cool, huh?

You KNOW you gotta have raspberry cordial when you are on P.E.I.

YEA, YEA, YEA!!!

Queen Anne's Lace.

Part of the North Shores.

Oh, my joy!

Lovely

Yes.... this is what you think it is. We bought the newspaper the next day, on which this was on the front page. We were just leaving the area where I did the cartwheel. We were looking left and right, trying to take it all in. I look over and start hollering at my hubby.... "OH MY GOODNESS!!! THAT IS A TORNADO!!!" Well, fortunately, it didn't touch down, so *technically* it was a funnel cloud. But, seeing as how 99.9% of the people currently on the island have no knowledge of Tornado Alley.... well, nobody but the occupants of the red rented car were alarmed.

SO pretty!

Look. At. This!

*SQUEAL!!!!*

So, this house, is the inspiration for Green Gables.... It is set up as a museum. You don't go into the rooms, but through the halls to see each room. This is Anne's room.

Green Gables. The window just above the door is Anne's room.... "Anne, with an 'e.'"

Yes, we went into the Haunted Wood. I wasn't "a-skeered."

Other unusual sightings on P.E.I. When we first saw it, in the distance, we thought it was a big cat... like a bobcat. Didn't take long to realize this pretty thing was a fox. It just crossed the road and didn't give us a snort..... until DH whistled.

These are the cliffs on the North Shore. DH kept bellowing, "The CLIFFS OF INSANITY!" Remember that from "The Princess Bride?" BAHAHAHAHA!

Yeah.... lobster at Subway.

This is the outside of Elmwood.... our bed and breakfast.

Aw..... the good ol' USA!

In Maine. So... since moving to PEI probably isn't realistic, considering DH's job, we could just move here. My dad tells me I am no yankee. And, I don't think I would slip into that. But, I LOVE THE NORTHEAST!

Now we are in Boston..... Sam Adams..... God rest his soul.

This bell was made by Paul Revere.

The Old North Church.... as in "One if by land, two if by sea," is my favorite historical sight in Boston.

Outside our hotel window in Boston..... ignore the smoke stacks to the left. The obelisk is the memorial at Bunker Hill.

Thanks for your patience in looking at these. This is probably 2% of my pictures. It was a WONDERFUL vacation. I am so blessed. The middle part of the vacay, my hubby only wanted to go on because I wanted to go. Prince Edward Island is a "bucket list" type of thing. SO glad I got to go.

I have said that I want to renew my vows on a beach in Hawaii on our 25th anniversary.... a mere 5 years away.

This trip changed my mind. I want to renew on the North Shore of Prince Edward Island!