DUMP

So much....so, so much.

There has been a lot on my mind, lately. Tonight, some things just kind of evened out for me.

Some things were new. Some things stay there for always....just rears it's head every now and again.

In case you didn't notice, I have stopped posting MHHM. I might pick it up again, but maybe not. I still do things, but most don't care, so....well, shoot, if I use that reasoning, I probably shouldn't even blog.

I found out some stuff about a friend. I don't know what she expected my reaction to be. I still love her.

I was defriended by another friend (seems kind of weird using that word, considering how this person obviously feels about me, but I - for some reason - consider this person such). It is because I know some stuff....some would say "who cares" or "it's none of your business." Well....I care, and because of some whom it indirectly affects, it is my business. I still love this person. (Remember this? Well, I value this person, but will not sugar coat the behavior. Oh well, what do you do?)

I have been doing some volunteer stuff for my church. It is hard work, and sometimes a bit frustrating. But, when we (as a church) do what we do, I love to know that I was a part of it.

If I didn't know that DH was shooting blanks, I would think I might be preggers. I have been really hungry the last few days and tired, tired! However, I was so fertile and we haven't taken any other precautions, other than the ol' snipperoo, that I know there is no "oomph" in his little swimmers.

I am on the list to start substitute teaching. I think it will be fun, though I'm a bit scared to be in a kinder or 1st grade class. (Or 2nd, 3rd or 4th, for that matter. LOL)

There have been a few confirmed cases of swine flu. Some people will freak, I'm sure.

There are a few blogs I read. One is a blog that I enjoy because of housekeeping stuff. She gets a bit religious. I don't mind....mainly because I haven't seen anything that is not Biblical. There is another I read because I'm just curious. A lot of her beliefs are not in synch with mine. She is a Messianic Jew. Now don't get me wrong. There is room for the Jews that haven't accepted Jesus, yet. She is an interesting read, but you have to read with a HUGE grain of salt. There is one that I have read a few times....it is like a sad, sad train wreck that you just can't turn away from. I need to stop. It is not good for my spirit. All I know is that there are a lot of "pots and kettles" out there.

I have been baking a lot, lately. I should put it up on TMTT, but I have been lazy. There are 3 reasons that I have been baking. One is that the weather has been cooler and has been "begging" for pumpkin cheese bread, lemon cake, fresh blueberry muffins, banana oat muffins and yummy things like that. Secondly, it is good therapy for me. The 3rd reason, I'm not ready to get into. Two or three of you know, but that is all for now.

The obama crap is really getting to me. What really bothers me is that some of my friends (true friends) helped to put that man into his office. I still love these people, but I'm seriously praying the "spirit of slap" down on them. I'm now hearing that if you don't accept obama-care, you will be fined or face jail time. Now, as a disclaimer, I haven't researched this at all. It's just what I've heard. I've also heard that he wants to make the kids smarter by increasing the school day and the number of days we are in school. Well, HERE'S a thought....pay the teachers more! Just a thought. All I know is that when the poop hits the fan, I can honestly say I had nothing to do with it!

Speaking of teaching, we are still not sure what is happening next year. My hope is that I sub a lot....pretty much every day DH is gone. Then, I can be homeroom mom to my #4. But, my paperwork is in, so I will be able to transition pretty easily. I have already talked to some key people. I expect to start getting phone calls soon. Well, actually, I have already had an offer as a long-term sub...before my app. was totally processed. I don't want to put #4 in childcare.

I am in the thick of the holidays and already feel the crunch. I'm behind on my notebook, however, my cards are coming along nicely. I have them about 1/3 done.

I've enjoyed doing my "Christmas Quote of the Day." For a brief, insane moment, I wondered if I would have enough quotes to get through all 90 days. Then I laughed to myself, "OF COURSE I DO!!!"

Walmart is a concern. Nothing Christmas yet. WTHck? Target, however, has it going on! Of course, there is Hobby Lobby and I will be going on Wednesday. I need a fix. I'm going with one of my BFs. Maybe my hubby will foot the bill for a real, sit-down lunch. If not, Chick-Fil-A will suffice.

OK....you know that volunteer work I said I was doing? Well, I need to get on that.

I'll TTYL!

RANDOM JUNK

This is a "dump" post. One reason is to let you know that I am still alive and kicking. I hope to get on a regular, or at least more consistent, posting schedule.

So, let's see.

My anniversary was this past Monday. You knew that. 18 years....that's a lot. :)

Last night, my oldest went to spend the night with his best friend. The other 3 spent the night with grandparents while hubby and I went to a hotel for the night. Every summer, we take a weekend trip to some far-away place. Then, we take a night for just ourselves and stay the night somewhere. We ate good food at some dives...but they were all like 5 star dives. VERY good!

The big news, and most fun, is that I got a tattoo. I really did!

I had been told that it would hurt because of the placement....the foot. I was nervous, to say the least. I can handle pain, but I don't want to....I mean, who does? A round fellow named Caesar did the deed. ^-^ We told him what I wanted....a Christian fish....they drew the design then made a stencil. They put it on my foot (as a stencil) to make sure of placement. Then, they started drilling, or needling, or whatever you call it.

I was mildly freaked, at first. The doo-dad sounded exactly like a dentist's drill. Most of you may know that I don't like the dentist. On of my hubby's best friends is a dentist. I like him, the man. But, him, the dentist? I don't have much use for. In fact, when I go in for a cleaning, our friend's staff calls MY hubby and arranges for the cleaning. I don't even know until we are about 2 blocks away that I'm going in. I will NOT drive myself. Nope. Uh-uh! No way, Jose!

It was a bit uncomfortable, but not unbearable. In fact...I'm ready for another one. You kind of get an adrenaline rush, I guess. It was thrilling! And I'm SOOO glad I got it.

Off to another topic.

School is going alright. I have already been there to help out and hope to be able to help out a lot more. It is fun being there and visiting with so many teachers we have either had (or I have worked with), but not have the "job" to focus on. Does that sound bad?

I was browsing facebook the other day. The daughter of a cousin has some "not so nice" stuff on her profile and pictures. I am disappointed...not as much in the girl, but more in her mom. I wonder if she knows. If not....SHAME ON HER! If she DOES know, then DOUBLE SHAME ON HER! I know the girl is trying to appear cool and/or mature to her friends. I guess the old-lady in me is just disappointed in her, you know? It is not cool for me to read the language or see some of the pictures.

I have several more posts that I have on a back burner. I need to get to them. My hubby and I have been busy, though. We still haven't fully recovered from being out of town and taking so many little day-trips. We have been switching bedrooms for 3 of the kids....but that involved 3 of the 4 bedrooms in the house.

The 3 older kids are at Hawaiian Falls for the day. The older 2 earned it by getting another seal for JBQ....which I still need to post on. It's coming...I promise. I am here with the younger. He wanted to go, too, but he needs man-on-man defense. That usually falls to me, but my tattoo cannot be submerged for a few weeks and needs to avoid the sun. So.....I am here, they are there.

There is some Japanese entity leaving comments on my blog. I think it's a phishing site or something, but still....quite bothersome.

I need to work on cleaning the house....at least the front bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen. We are having my folks out for church and lunch tomorrow. We will have grilled salmon and mahi-mahi, baked potatoes, steam asparagus, heirloom tomatoes...and especially for my hubby, tiramisu....the real stuff....with the rum and everything. Personally, I don't like tiramisu, and I don't think my mother will, either. SO, I will make a coconut cream pie for us.

Considering all that I have to do, I better get busy. I have trouble working for a long time. I was sick as a dog last week. Won't go into details, but I did lose about 5 pounds. Now, the most I can eat is the equivalent to 1 kids meal and 1 appetizer each day. I ate breakfast (migas with smoked turkey) this morning about 10:30. I only ate about 1/3 of my meal....and I'm STUFFED! It is almost 3:00. If that is a result from being sick, that is OK....maybe I'll lose more weight. But, I sure do miss my food. :)

Well, I should scoot. Lots to do and daylight's burnin'!

JUST STUFF

Hey, guys. Does anybody miss me when I'm not on? I haven't blogged in awhile. Sorry.....

I didn't get my Making a Happy Home Monday post up, nor did I connect to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday because my family and I were out of town one last time for the summer.

The trip was totally cool....not something that a majority of people get to do...well, not in the way we did, anyway.

My hubby is a pilot. You know that if you have read this blog for any length of time. He doesn't fly for a typical airline. He flies business jets....not for one particular person/business, but for the rich and famous who need to fly out to the Caribbean for the day or night or to North Hampton for lunch or what have you.

Whereas pilots for American get several one-way vouchers to share per year and get to fly immediate family for a nominal fee, my hubby's company allows its pilots to fly on their planes for free....wherever they may be going. AND, immediate family can join him....for free.

Some might think this isn't a very good trade off. I mean, you can't plan where you will go...you just go. You might have to rent a car back (which we did). But, we flew on a PRIVATE JET! It had first-class accommodations. It sat 8. It sat 8 VERY, VERY comfortably. Comfortable as in 4 of the seats faced the other 4. The seats can swivel out into the aisles, turn 360 degrees, and lay back (all the way). That flight, if we just bought tickets for the entire family through a similar private charter company, would have roughly cost $28,000. Not joking....we just looked. We got it for free.

THE PLANE


INSIDE THE PLANE

Some other benefits he gets are hotel points because he stays in hotels 10-16 nights per month. That works out nicely for us, as we haven't paid for a hotel for years. So this expensive trip really didn't cost us that much.

We had so much fun. It was a last minute flight. So last minute, in fact, that we only had 30 minutes to get ready and get to the airport. My hubby even forgot his clothes. LOL!

We didn't get to San Antonio until late. The next morning, we lazed around, then swam for awhile. We changed hotels and got on the Riverwalk. We did a boat tour, saw the Alamo, had a snack, then went for rest. After that, we went down to the Riverwalk and ate dinner. We swam for a little bit, then went to bed. The next morning (Monday morning) we went tubing down the Comal in New Braunfels. We went through Austin and saw some great friends. Had a few of their pretzels (YUM!), then ate at Hula Hut with Mommy Spice and Spicy Girl. (See Hunan Spice in my sidebar.

We got home LATE Monday night, or properly stated, early Tuesday morning....yesterday.

Yesterday was also the day we welcomed a new boy into our family. His name is Moose. He is really cute and has fit in nicely.

I have found out the teachers for my children and am thrilled that they will be working with my boys. I am going to be room mom for the kindergartner, but will help with my 3rd and 5th graders.

Other than that, we are slowly getting into a routine. School starts this Monday. I'm sad, but glad. I will be back in a few days. I have a lot to do. A lot to blog about. A lot of reminders about where we are in holiday planning. really, y'all....only a month before WalMart starts putting out their Christmas stuff!!! WOOHOO!!

I'M A BAD BLOGGER

I have been so slow in getting my stuff up. Well, it's not just my blog.

I do love you all and have tons to say, as always.

I'll just give a little rundown of what is going on so far. I have my Monday post planned. I will also be taking pictures of those cookbooks today....I promise, today!

I hope.

We have been busy busy with summer activities.

All 4 boys have been in swimming lessons. We go from 10:45 until 12:45. Two of the boys are together, so there are 3 classes that we attend. One of the lessons was cut short and another cancelled, due to storms. We will be making those up this Sunday....uh, tomorrow.

Beginning Monday, we will be done with lessons, so we will start our 3-5 times/week trips to the Y to go swim.

Speaking of storms, we have had some doozies. Wednesday night, we got several storms...one of which sent us all to the bathroom. It was after midnight, the electricity went off, sirens started to sound....it's hard enough to get 4 kids into the bathroom when you have to wake them from a dead sleep...but to do so in pitch black...that was harder. Sure we had candles in the house....flashlights, matches. But, really? Who thinks of that when you don't know where the tornado is? Just get into the bathroom.

My little storm chaser was freaked and wouldn't sit and wait while I grabbed the babies....well, the 4 year old and 6 year old. He held onto my t-shirt while I stumbled and scrambled to get everyone in and settled while dh went to the back of the house for ds #1.

Another storm that night brought a tree down. :-( I'm sad for my tree....

We had a birthday party last Saturday. Twelve adults and 21 kids. We got a big, inflatable water slide. I had a lot of fresh fruit cut up for anyone who cared (watermelon, pineapple, cherries, grapes, strawberries and blueberries). We had 2 cakes because the party was for #4 who turned 4 this past Sunday and #1 who turns 10 on the 25th. One was a white cake "Backyardigans" theme and the other? Oh my.....Ghiradelli Triple Chocolate Brownies with chocolate frosting. mm, mm, mmmmmmmm! Of course, ice cream to cut the sweet.

DH and I are getting ready for our 20 year, high school class reunion. More on that, later. We leave Wednesday and come back Sunday. Of course, I'm fatter than I would like to be so, in true tradition, I'm on a crash diet. Four pounds down so far....I started Tuesday.

Kids are doing better on chores than I am. *sigh* I'm a work in process. Always will be, I suppose.

Only 31 and some hours until the new Harry Potter comes out. I don't do the midnight showing as I would need a midnight sitter for the 4 kidlettes. We usually go on day 2. However, that is when we are getting ready for our trip to Boston. SO, I might see this movie in Boston. The day after we get back from Boston, DH and my 2 oldest kids will go to church camp for a few days.

Man, the summer is almost over. I already miss my kids.

I need to get busy. School's starting, Fair is coming, Holidays are eminent which means......CHRISTMAS! Already have my holiday book out. :)

FAVORITE THING FRIDAY

OK, I need to get some housekeeping things done.

First, a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to my friend Lisa over at One Hip Mom (see sidebar) for creating this widget for me. TOO CUTE, don't you think?

Secondly, Mr Linky was causing issues. So, I will no longer use it. If there is anything you want to share, you will simply have to leave a comment. I will continue with MHHM just without the link up.

If you have had trouble getting onto my blog, it is because of Mr Linky. I have, since, removed to problem coding and all should be working well. This past Monday, I had posted on how I was going Six Flags with my hubby and older 3 boys. We had a blast. It was a much-needed and well-deserved day off.

I had posted a teaser about a give-away. I hope to get that up and running SOON...as in the next few days. I *plan* to kick off the actual give-away during Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

OK.....Today is Friday....time for my Favorite Thing.

This is anything that is a favorite...maybe a life-long favorite or maybe just my favorite for the day. Either way, if you have a favorite anything you want to share, leave a comment, please.

THIS favorite will be of NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE who reads at all.

MY FAVORITE SEASON IS.....

wait for it.....

wait for it.....

4th of July.

ROFLMBOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I'm so lying!

My favorite season is CHRISTMAS. A countdown can be found to the right. Memorial Day marks 7 months until THE day. We are only 4 months from the start of the season. I pulled out my holiday binder yesterday. I'll start work on it, soon. :)

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAY

Hey, y'all. Being that it's Tuesday, it's time for my cyber-friend....you know what? I'm going to drop the "cyber" and just call her friend. We keep in touch. We pray for each other. It ain't just a blog "thang." Anyway, my friend Lisa...and her sister Lana, host this fun blog carnival. In this carnival, other bloggers post recipes, kitchen ideas and/or questions. It's a lot of fun and I hope you will join her.

While you are obviously involved in carnivals and memes......please join me on Mondays for my Making a Happy Home and Memorization Monday.

OK...I have no recipe. No, that isn't quite right. I have TONS of recipes....even more, thanks to 3 new cookbooks and several magazines from my mother. Yeah....it's time for me to give some of those away....perhaps a drawing?

Anyway, I just wanted to talk "kitchen" and "food."

First, I just bought a new fluted pan and a pan with 12 mini-fluted wells. They are by Wilton, which IMHO, is the best you can get in a "regular" store. I got mine at WalMart and together, they were about $20.

Secondly....scroll down. That is my newest toy. WOOHOO!!! The name of this beloved pet is "BAKAWA." (Post explaining that is coming soon.)

Thirdly....WHEN did WalMart change the aisle name from Mexican food to Hispanic food. Really? We can't even call it Mexican food anymore? Whatever! I wonder what the people at the plants in MEXICO think.

Next....I'm currently working on desserts that are low-fat and low-cholesterol. Why? I ask myself that a LOT! LOL! I am actually doing this for 2 reasons. First, and most importantly, for my husband. Actually, he didn't really care if I made them or not....he just doesn't want me making the "really good" stuff. However, my cooking outlet was my home team in church. Now there are a few that no longer want to eat the "really good" stuff. *sigh* What to do......what to do? I like being known as a good cook. So I guess I will work out something so that I may maintain my "Martha-esque" status. ;)

I'll let y'all know how it goes.

That's all....have a great day!

This is totally an aside....off the subject. I just saw a commercial for the Scooter Store and their power chair. It just showed this "granny" doing donuts in the living room, in her chair, while her family looked on with and seeming to "wax" excitement for her. ROFLMBO!!! Gotta try to find it on youtube! (sorry....couldn't find it.)

GOINGS ON

HEY, Y'ALL!!!

Just thought I would come on here and touch base. I feel as if I have been neglected all 3 of you. LOL!

It has been busy. This time of year is busy for me with school parties, springtime activities and other things.

Monday night, I played a fun game of Bunco with some great friends. I actually won the $5 I put into the pot....for the fewest number of wins. It pays to lose!!! Anyway, I had spent all day baking a coconut cream pie (esp. for my friend tollesons4him) and a cinnamon chocolate cake with PUDDLES of icing. yum.

Tuesday, after the smoke fiasco, I spent the day on a field trip with my oldest. It was fun....but hot. Fourth graders don't have cute smells anymore...it's just B.O!

That night was spent airing out the house and wiping things down...TRYING to deodorize the house.

Wednesday, I went to the school to teach a lesson on volume (the measurement) to my 2nd son's class. That was a lot of fun. After that, we had guitar lessons and soccer practice.

Yesterday, I FINALLY started on my regular housekeeping duties. When you need to run 3 loads of laundry a day to stay in control, and you haven't done anything since Saturday....well, you find yourself in a laundry conundrum....heh....I like that word. Picked up the kids from school for more lessons/practices and such.

Today, went to the store to buy things for my 3rd sons birthday party. He turned 6 on Tuesday. We are having his party tomorrow at the park. It will hopefully be fun for all.

I do have a gripe....and I have to write "in code" as I'm not sure who all reads. All I can say is this.....there needs to be a school handbook written, FOR PARENTS, on how to be a room mom/dad. I mean REALLY? Some of these moms I'm dealing with are using some questionable decision making skills......well, they are being ridiculous. (Please note that ridiculous has NO "E's" in it.....) LOL (that's a whole " 'nother" peeve of mine.)

Anyway, if you are a room parent, your job is to make the teacher's job easier, when it comes to parties. I'll be quiet for now....I guess I'll go work on that handbook. LOL!!!

Tomorrow is the 25th. I know you don't need reminding (well, some of you do) that tomorrow is the monthly Rudolph Club Meeting over at OrganizedChristmas.com. And I feel it prudent to remind you that, including tomorrow, there are only 8 more meetings until THE DAY!!!

Other things I'm thinking about.....I really want the sheet music to some of the Twilight movie soundtrack. I want "Bella's Lullaby," but until I hear the soundtrack, I don't know for sure if it has what I want. I can't find the part that I want. It might just be some "free composing" on top of the melody. That is fine....I just want to know for sure.

I have some Pampered Chef stuff that I need to get handed out to my friends.

My son's ear appointment went well. We are going to wait 18 months, on the advice of the surgeon. That is OK....now we know.

I have a lot of work to do around here. I feel 5 steps behind, ALWAYS! I need to pull an all-nighter. Wish I still had it in me to do, but I just don't. Maybe in the next few, my hubby will take the kids for an extended play date. *hint hint*

I'm about to start making all of our bread. I'm pretty excited about that.

OK....that's all. Y'all have a good day. I'll be back my Monday, at least.

OK

Last week was not a very good one. Nothing truly bad happened, but I just had issues of my own...as I am prone to do, from time to time.

On Friday, maybe? I had a breakdown...not a rush to the hospital, put her in the looney-bin breakdown, but the overwhelmed, can't breathe, don't know where to start, cry and blubber like an idiot, breakdown. And I feel better.

So, because of all this, there are a few changes I need to make. Changes that should allow me to continue all the things I love, but get all the things I DON'T love, done in a timely fashion.

I need about a week.....I might not be on here very much. I need to get some things in order. And if I'm not going to be on the computer very much, I won't be checking YOUR stuff as much. Though I WILL sit down sometime during the week to check stuff...just not daily. I WILL check email daily, due to other responsibilities and things that I need. If you NEED to get hold of me, you know how to do so. :)

Here are some things I must accomplish:

laundry (yuck)
coupons...I'm WAY behind on it
schedule stuff (between all the music lessons, JBQ meets, coaching and practice and other things, I'm not using my time efficiently.)
Valentine's Day parties....2 of them.

I know this probably doesn't seem like a whole lot to you, but you are a better person than I......to me, this is huge.

So don't be offended if you don't "see" me for a few days.

Pray for me....I need it :)

I'll be back soon. Love you all.

TO WATCH.....OR NOT TO WATCH

Frankly, I probably WON'T watch the Inauguration.

It has nothing to do with who is getting sworn in. I generally don't watch them. I don't like to watch debates or other "politically/newsy" type things. There are many other things I can be doing.....like watching my Martha or a Food Network something or other, scrubbing the toilets or even doing laundry.

I do wonder what tomorrow will bring. I am concerned....as many Americans are.

I hope and pray that Obama is good for this country. Of course, it remains to be seen. I don't expect the world to stop spinning as soon as he is sworn in.

As I said just now, I hope he is good for this country. I don't expect it, to be quite honest, but I hope. If everything is "peachy-keen/hunky dory" with him in office, then great. PLEASE, GOD, LET THAT BE THE CASE!

It worries me, though, if he is NOT good for us. What if so many of us who are worried are correct? I don't want there to be any "I told you so" statements. Just get him out of office. No, the thing that really worries me is if he DOES do something wrong....obviously wrong....and so many people DON'T realize it. I mean can someone be so bad and people not realize it because it (he) is sugar coated (poor word picture, I know) to be all sweet and benign?

Of course that can happen....you see it all the time. And more importantly, it is prophesied. A lot of the world WILL BE misled by one who brings peace...one who unites those who cannot be united...one who seems to be "THE ONE."

Yes, I'm talking about the antichrist. Now before anyone gets their knickers in a bunch, I am not saying that Obama is the antichrist. Please....we are close, but I don't think we are THAT close. I think timing is prime, but I don't think location is. But I digress.....All I'm saying is that so many will be misled.

I will say this...it bugs the dog outta me when I hear certain media refer to him as "The Messiah." To me, that is disrespectful to the Christian community. I know the point they are trying to make, but still...I find it inappropriate.

The fact is this....Obama, in less than 24 hours, WILL BE President of the United States.

Christians are to pray for their leaders....that is Biblical (not just wise.) We are to pray for all our leaders.

Oh well....this is just some of the crap I think about.

I rest in the fact that God is in control. We, as a country, will be judged for our choices. But, He rewards those who diligently seek Him. I will just continue to pray, seek His face and raise my children to do the same. My family will be OK.

A LITTLE MORE TIME

Hey, y'all. I just need a little more time.

I'm getting things wrapped up for the old year and ready for the new. I have lots I'm wanting....no, NEEDING to post about, but don't have time just yet.

Kids are out of school until Monday the 5th.
Tree needs to come down.
Order needs to be restored (well...at least what I had, anyway.)
I need to rework budget, groceries, menus.
SIL and 2 nieces coming out tonight.
BF and her 3 kids coming out tomorrow. *pant pant*

Hubby to leave Wednesday for 7 days.
TSO concert Saturday.
Lasik NEXT week (and appointments for that.)

NOT TO MENTION cleaning up the blog, changing dates, lists and such.

Thank you to all who are "following" me. I'll be by to check you out SOON!

SOOOOOOO..........

If I don't get back here by Thursday. Y'all have a safe and happy New Year! God bless you all richly.

Stay safe.

See you in a few.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Hey, y'all. Just a fly-by today.

I have so much to do. I was gone ALL day yesterday, so I couldn't post anything. I know y'all are disappointed. LOL!!!

Anyway, I have in-laws coming in a few hours and that means a whirlwind cleaning for me.....the house is trashed.

SO...that being said. I'll try to be back on...probably tomorrow or Sunday.

See y'all later!

WHAT a DAY~

So last night, I was going to start on my candy....well the humidity was about 70%. That would have messed me up. (It would have made the sugar that I was turning into caramel get crystals and then not set properly.)

I didn't start my candy. :( But, I did get to spend some time with my DH. He has been gone for almost 3 weeks solid. I've missed him.

The plan for today was to make candy, do some baking, then have some outside pictures taken of the family. Great plan....we can do it......

Until we woke up to windy, cloudy and 30 degrees!!! And that was the high.

SO, we cancelled the portraits for another, WARMER, day.

Couldn't work in the kitchen for 2 reasons.

We are having new windows and siding put up. (Thank you hubby, for a wonderful Christmas gift.)

WELL....as they were busting out the windows, I noticed projectiles popping all over.

"Um....excuse me, sir. That is NOT a pecan. It appears to be a hunk of dry-wall....perfectly preserved in a sugar crystal because my millionaire didn't set right because it is raining. SO SORRY!"

And, since they WERE busting out windows, it was freakin' COLD in the house. The little boys, hubby and I were forced to flee from room to room, fully-clothed, including jackets, and keep covers around us. All we did was watch TV and play games. Fun....but the noses were runny.....except for #4. He has an issue with clothing. He doesn't like it (unless it's his soccer monster shirt or scooby-doo "swim soup.")

He ran around half-naked all day. It'll be interesting to see about tomorrow.

It kinda sucked though. Cold as it was, I watched the humidity hover around 30%. Decided to make my candies tonight. Well...humidity is up to 55%. Hmmmmmm......

So I guess I'll do the OTHER stuff that doesn't have to set and pray that the humidity is down tomorrow. The windows are in, so nothing should be flying around the house.

Bitter disappointment if I don't get all my yummies made....BITTER disappointment.

MY LOCAL NEWSPAPER

We still get it.

It is truly a small-town paper. It is printed once per week and during a good, full-of-news, week...the paper has 10 pages. Sometimes, it's only a 4 pager. Either way, the paper seems to be 75% filled with school-related news. The rest contains some local news, rarely state, never national news and short, mind-numbing blurbs telling everyone about who went on what vacation and if their rheumatism acted up or not.

Though my husband and I have been gone from our home-town since 1989, we have always received the paper - thanks to my grandparents.

For a long time now, I haven't recognized the subjects of the stories. Every now and then, I recognize the name of someone I used to babysit, but those times are getting fewer and farther between.

Most people consider writers to be professionals. They consider editors to do just that.....edit. And what does that entail? Several things....

• Does the story flow?


• Does the story make sense?


• Are there any grammatical errors?


• Is everything spelled correctly?

I personally think that these are reasonable expectations.

I mean, with computers, the holidays and all of the "educated" minds floating around my small-town of 3600, why am I baffled to see that "SANTA CLAUSE" is coming to town?

THE DAY AFTER

Before I go too far, I wanted to share the turkey recipe that I did. It was good and moist. I did kind of freak though. It was done in 3 hours. I'm so used to roasting large turkeys...and taking 4-5 hours, that the 3 hour process was a bit disconcerting. I took the temp a few times before I was convinced that it was safe. HA HA!


So here is the recipe for:


APPLE-HERB ROASTED TURKEY


1 14-15 pound turkey
1/4 cup minced, fresh rosemary
1/4 cup minced, fresh sage
1 apple, cut into quarters (cored)
1 rib celery, cut in half
1 onion, cut in half
1/2 cup butter, very soft


I heated my oven to 350.


First, I removed the neck and the innards for gravy. I then rinsed the turkey, inside and out, and patted dry with paper towel.


I gently loosened the skin and put my herbs (which I had combined) under the skin. (My "gentleness" wasn't gentle enough. Where it tore, I just "sewed" it together with toothpicks.)


I stuffed the bird with the apple, celery and onion. Then, I used the entire 1/2 cup butter and spread it on the entire bird.


I put it in the oven....3 hours later, it was done. I let it rest for about 1-1/2 hours. It was perfect.







SO, after dinner, we got the kitchen cleaned up. It didn't really take that long, considering how much food we had. We sat down and listened to a guitar/piano concert that my 2 oldest boys had planned. It was really good. They played 4 solos each, then ended with a duet. (Really good, considering that I didn't really have anything to do with it.)


After, we settled for some dessert and football.


My folks left about 5:30. Then the work really started. We got everything out of the attic. We got our Christmas tree out. I got all my Christmas books and my Nativities. (I collect those.) My mother gave me a new one this year....saved my hubby from having to buy the new one ;)


Of course, I have been in the holiday spirit for about 2 months now, but I haven't totally planned my Christmas....NOW it is time. On the slate are: organizing 2 parties for school, planning a cookie swap, helping with an ornament exchange, finishing up my cards, wrapping all the gifts, finishing my shopping and planning/baking all the candies and cookies that I want to do this year. I can't believe the holidays are almost over and I still have so much to do.


Hmmmmmm......I should get busy. LATER!

WHOSE LINE IS IT, ANYWAY?

OK, y'all. I won't keep you waiting. I really figured these were easy to guess. I'm either about to date myself, or show you what a dork I really am.....heh....did I just date myself by saying, "dork?"

Here goes:

"Where you at, Desmondo?" The Fugitive
"This ain't like dustin' crops, Boy." Star Wars
"Don't ANYbody move....a fuse is out" A Christmas Story
"I can add." Apollo 13
"It's them balsams." A Christmas Story
"Negative, negative. It just impacted on the surface." Star Wars
"Fra-geel-leh" A Christmas Story
"Oh, Mr. Rhett, you is bad." Gone With the Wind
"Aw, gee." A Christmas Story
"Think me up some donuts with sprinkles, while you're thinkin'" The Fugitive
"You'll get worms!" A Christmas Story
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets it's wings." It's a Wonderful Life
"Stupid is as stupid does, Ms. Blue." Forrest Gump
"FUDGE!" A Christmas Story
"Concentrate!" Star Wars
"May I have some more red cabbage?" A Christmas Story
"Get my pies outta the oven!" Under Siege
"Never cross a Sicilian when death is on the line." The Princess Bride
"You ever been on a real shrimp boat? No, but I've been on a real big boat." Forrest Gump
"Don't start that again." The Jungle Book
"We got cows!" Twister

Can you tell the movies that have the greatest impact? And even as I was typing this, I was thinking of others that I forgot....like "ASTEROIDS!" (Star Wars.)

So, there ya go. I'm off to finish my Thanksgiving shopping list, then on to my addresses to for my Christmas card list. Tomorrow, or Monday, I will start making my cards......all 100 of them. YIKES! :-O

"Frankly my dear...."

I don't know how it is in your family, but around here, my hubby and I use movie lines....a LOT. Sometimes, well usually, they ONLY make sense to us; not our kids and certainly not our friends.

Some of these lines fit into the situation appropriately. Sometimes, they don't, but because we always seem to know what the other is thinking, we can say the line and then laugh our butts off. A LOT of the time, we both start to say the same line at the same time.

SO, without further ado, here are some of the lines. I've worked on this list awhile, and as I have said, or heard my dh say an oft-used line, I would write it down. See if you know what movie these lines are from. I'll come back in a few days and tell you. Please, don't spoil the fun by listing the movies in the comment section.

*these might not be direct quotes, but they are close enough to identify and they are listed how we use them*

"Where you at, Desmondo?"

"This ain't like dustin' crops, Boy."

"Don't ANYbody move....a fuse is out"

"I can add."

"It's them balsams."

"Negative, negative. It just impacted on the surface."

"Fra-geel-leh"

"Oh, Mr. Rhett, you is bad."

"Aw, gee."

"Think me up some donuts with sprinkles, while you're thinkin'"

"You'll get worms!"

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets it's wings."

"Stupid is as stupid does, Ms. Blue."

"FUDGE!"

"Concentrate!"

"May I have some more red cabbage?"

"Get my pies outta the oven!"

"Never cross a Sicilian when death is on the line."

"You ever been on a real shrimp boat? No, but I've been on a real big boat."

"Don't start that again."

"We got cows!"

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Did it just end? Or start? I don't remember how they word it. All I know is this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE when it gets dark early.

Crazy, I know. Most people I talk to don't like it. I can't imagine why.

Because I have a streak of strangeness, I feel like my day is actually longer when it gets dark early. My kids seem to settle a bit earlier...they don't go to sleep earlier, but they calm down earlier.

And I love to have it dark outside while I sit and do whatever. I know that I have a bit more time before bed.

I just love it!

STUFF

I am no theologian. I haven't been to seminary. I only know what I read in the Bible and what I feel in my heart. There are certain things I KNOW will happen....I'm just not sure when. Lots of things are being said and I guess I just want to jump on the wagon and share my own thoughts. I have no doubt that this will bug some people, but I haven't (to my knowledge) made anyone mad in a bit, so.......

I thought about linking you to some specific articles, but I will let you research a bit. (Heh....I can't find what I'm looking for.) One site I like to look at every now and then is a gal on Xanga who goes by annamatrix. She looks into prophecy. I don't know if she is or considers herself to actually BE a prophetess. I think they exist, but I don't know if she is one. I do not necessarily agree with all she has to say....and I don't care for her language at all...so a disclaimer, should you look her up. She is a Messianic Jew and has said some interesting things. I don't read her all the time, but I have seen some interesting things on end-times.

Some think that Obama is the Antichrist. I don't know. Part of me....the "pre-trib" part of me....wonders if we will know for sure who the Antichrist is, or if we will just have a few "inklings" about certain people. The "mid-trib" part of me says that we WILL know. I am not ready to put money on anyone...YET. (Though Javier Solana has caught my eye.)

I do feel that Obama is totally wrong for this country, but honestly, I have a peace about it all. Keep in mind that NO MATTER WHAT....GOD IS IN CONTROL. He still answers prayers and there is a measure of protection over the saints (Christians). If you aren't comforted by this, you should be. It reminds me of the book of Judges. Israel fell into great sin and was appointed judges. It was a cycle of being away from God, being closer to God. I think that is what we, as a nation, are going through. We have to go through hard times. It is in the Bible. We will possibly go through tribulation. How much of it? We won't know until we go through it. Pray for the best, plan for the worst.

That is in the back of my mind when I stockpile. I do not have my own cattle to butcher, nor do I garden enough to can and store. But I do buy a few extra staples every now and again. There are a few trains of thought about this. I have spoken to friends....just to get their ideas on this subject.

Matthew 6:34 says: Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.

BUT, Proverbs 6:6-8 says: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

What do I get from those verses? I get that I, as a follower of Christ, will be taken care of and that I shouldn't needlessly worry. I also get that I should not take a lackadaisical attitude about it all. Yes, what will be will be, but I shouldn't just sit back and watch it happen. I still need to take care of my family.

So, what are we (my hubby and I) doing? Well, we are still planning our future. We are about to open up more college funds. I still coupon. We are stockpiling, but not because we may, or may not, be in the first part of the Tribulation. We stockpile because when I shop correctly, I get twice the food for my money and don't have to go to the store as often.

We are making sure that our kids are brought up in the Word. Not because we are worried about the future, but because we are supposed to do that. We are still working in JBQ, which is a great way for us to teach the Bible to our children. We are training our children in the way that they should go....planning for another 50 years....though I personally give us less than 10. BUT like I said, I am no prophet. It is just my thought.

My friends, (heh...now I sound like McCain), if you are a Christian, then you are not to fear. WE have the Blessed Hope. We know that we know that we know that Jesus is coming back and that we will be taken up, in the twinkling of an eye. These are exciting times! Remember....GOD IS IN CONTROL!

WHEN I WAS A KID

I grew up in a small town. A town where football ruled during the fall. Summers were filled with Little League Baseball and hours of swimming. To go to a mall, or a movie, one simply had to drive to the nearest "big city" (pop. 108,000), a mere 30 miles away.

I grew up as an only child, but I had 2 cousins that lived in the house just across the street. One cousin is 10 months younger and her brother 3 years younger. We did everything together for YEARS. We lived in an area of town that was right on the line separating the blacks and the whites.

Now, if you know me at all, you know that I'm not being racist in the slightest...also, if you lived in my town (or know the area) you know that I speak the truth when I say that there was a wall (which is still standing, by the way) that kept the whites in their neighborhood and the blacks in theirs. My kindergarten building used to be the black school. I often walked passed the shut-down black pool, and would swing and slide in the white park...being able to see the black park. The only thing we lacked were the signs that indicated the drinking fountains for "colored only." (And I'm sure they were there at one point.)

SO....my cousins and I would play in the street (on this border) a game that we made up. The street that crossed between my house and my cousins' house was 2nd street. It led to a grocery store (going East) and led into the black neighborhood (going West). Then going North, Katherine Street would go to the livestock pens and finally, going South, the road would lead to the swimming pool. (That was desegregated.)

The name of this game was "CAR!" And let me tell you....HOURS of fun, my friend. HOURS we would play this game...standing in the middle of the the intersection. We were lucky to spot about 10 cars an hour, but we loved it.

This is the gist of the game....

We decided that we couldn't have anyone driving a car see us. What would happen? We haven't a clue, so stealthy we were...so good at avoiding detection...we were never spotted, thus never finding out what horrors awaited the one who was caught.

Our escape was simply running to my yard to hunker down behind the 2 foot tall, cinder block fence. OR, we could run to my cousins' yard to peer twixt the branches of the Crape Myrtle. As this would only work when the thing was in bloom and leafed out, we would often find that we had no choice but to throw ourselves on the ground face first, flat as we could get and eyes pinched shut....because you know the rule....if you can't see them, they can't see you!

Our warning system was the most sophisticated of the day. We would stand and watch for cars. When one was spotted, all shimmery in the heat, floating on the apparent lake that hung on the horizon, we would holler at the top of our lungs, "CAR!" Then we would give the location. This information was vital to our escape plan.

Now, before I go on....let me refer you to paragraph 3. I am NOT racist, but my grandfather was, as was a lot of the town. Nurture over nature my friend...we talked as any self-respectin' redneck was expected to talk.

So the following are the 4 most common warnings that could be heard:

"CAR! Coming down Circle M Road!"

"CAR! Coming down N****r Road!"

"CAR! Coming down Pool Road!"

"CAR! Coming down Sheep Pen Road!"

Creative, no?

So difficult was the game if there were 2 cars coming from 2 different locations at the same time.

You will be happy to know that neither my cousins, nor I, ever got caught. We were able to escape the cars, as well as our prejudices, to lead relatively normal lives.

MAKES MY HEINEY PUCKER

And it wasn't even my situation....not really.

We went to The Great State Fair of Texas. SO MUCH FUN. So much money.

Anyway, DH was riding a roller coaster with the 2 older boys. My 3rd was not tall enough, so I took him on a smaller ride. (Frankly, I don't know why he could ride this specific ride instead of the one mentioned...but I digress.)

AS I WAS SAYING, we were on a different ride....kind of like the Octopus. The claw that has the seats hanging from the top arm. It raises, spins, twists, and turns....I had to pray...LITERALLY....that I would not puke. (again...digression)

My 5 year-old and I climbed on and got the shoulder bar pulled down and locked into place. I looked around and saw a mom with her 9 or 10 year old son, all grins....she was locked in...he was not.

She asked me, "Could you wave that man down? He needs to lock in my son."

First, for those who don't know me, my voice carries....well....ok, really, I'm LOUD. (I don't have to try.) So I wave and holler, "SIR!"

I did this about a dozen times....leaning to the left trying to catch the eye of the man locking the seats....leaning to the right trying to be noticed by the man operating the machine.

I looked at the mom and said, "He'll probably be back around to check."

I continue waving, kicking and hollering.

Next thing we know...the arm starts to lift up. Had my heiney not been puckered so tightly, I would have pooped my britches! The mom, in hysterics, screams at her son, "GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!" At the same time, using her left arm to physically shove him out of the seat.
These kind of seats have the raised area that fits between your legs to keep you from sliding out.

He finally got out and dropped about 4-5 feet. As soon as he hit the ground, people waiting in line began screaming and waving that there was a loose body under the ride. The boy ran over to the gate where the operator just froze (thankfully, after pushing the "stop" button"). A few seconds later, upon coming to his senses, the operator lowered the ride, and the boy (surprisingly) got back on, strapped in and all went as planned.

That could have been bad.....really bad....REALLY BAD.

I still have the memory of that momma's face in my mind...I hear her screams....I put myself in her place and think of my own children.

One of those freak accidents that could change lives forever.

Thank you, God, for keeping your hand upon that boy. For helping him to be instantly obedient and for giving that momma the physical strength to help her son out of the seat.

For helping me not throw up.