BURN, BABY, BURN.....



As in Disco Inferno.... Anybody out there know that song? I have tried, unsuccessfully, I might add, to download a picture of this fantastic gift that Santa brought me this year.

It is a 3 cd collectors edition of the Best of Disco. The 70's version. I cannot tell you how excited I was when I ripped off that first bit of silver paper and saw the word "DISCO" on the side. I screamed out loud and startled all the relatives. They had no idea what a nut job I was about to become.

Thankfully for me, there are several more ladies in my family who go just as ga-ga over disco music as I do. We sang and one cousin shook her booty while the rest of us sang the songs. It was a great time.

So, we are having a New Year's Eve party this year at our community center. Everyone here is invited and we are all encouraged to bring our disco music. I can hardly wait to dance in 2009. Although, I will be more likely to sit and sing and laugh at everyone else dancing. I would hate to get my groove on and then break into line dancing like my good friend Madea.


I'M SO EXCITED..... and I just can't hide it......LOL.

Hope you guys have a great week.

Merry Christmas to all.....

Well, this is a little wish hoping that all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All of our presents have been opened and Christmas dinner has been eaten, and the family has scattered to the four corners of the house to entertain themselves with new presents. Me and DH are just lazing around glad that all the hubbub is over for another year. The kids were really excited by their Christmas presents this year and it makes me feel good to know that we pleased them with our choices.

I hope everyone is having a day filled with love and laughter and food and naps.

Merry Christmas.

The Best Storytellers.....

Hello all. I have been thinking a lot since yesterday. Last night, we took two of the kiddos to a theme park in south Georgia for the Christmas lights and we invited DH's mom to come along. She is such a neat person. She enjoyed the lights and even though most of the rides weren't open, she was a good sport to hang out in the 30 degree temperatures to wait for the Light Show over the Lake. (That actually turned out be about 6 minutes long). Anyway, I thought I would post this story today, since she is traveling to my BIL and SIL's house and will probably not read it. I don't want her to see this, it will probably make her sad.

Two of the best storytellers I have ever known, I met through my DH. The first one was Papa. He was my MIL's dad. What a wonderful man. I miss him. He was the dean of journalism at the UF for years. And he has quite a few published books. My two favorite are Cold Before Morning and What Tomorrow Brings, by John Paul Jones. He has other books. I am so glad that my boys got to know him before he passed away. Neat, neat man. Told a fabulous story, too.

The second storyteller was my FIL, that man could have you hanging on the edge of your seat or rolling around laughing out loud. And he would just suck you into whatever story he was telling. His hand gestures and facial expressions just carried you along on the river of the story that he was telling. I didn't get nearly enough time to appreciate him as fully as I should have. We are so blessed that all of our children got to know him and to have time with him so that they too, remember what a great storyteller and granddad that he was. I have been missing him a whole lot lately and am afraid to talk to my DH about it cause I don't want to upset him. But, Joel, I miss you. You would have gotten a great deal of stories to pass on with laughter from the experiences I have been enjoying since we moved here. I wish ... oh well. You can all guess what I wish. But my FIL was not one to get bogged down in wishes and emotions. He is with Jesus now, and I'm confident that we'll see him again one day. And he'll have more fabulous stories to tell us.

Do you all have a favorite storyteller? I'd love to hear about them.

I LOVE MY SECRET SANTA

This afternoon, the mail person brought me a big ole package from Tracy at A Simple Country Life.

At first I was like, I don't know anyone from Alabama. But then, I remembered that my Secret Santa was on it's way. I was so excited. I could not control myself and I ripped into the box right there at the bus stop. (I was waiting on my kids' bus).
And inside, oh girls, inside this box was a beautifully wrapped gift box.
(In case you haven't figured me out yet, I couldn't wait). Again, I ripped into the Christmas paper and lo and behold, there was a beautiful picture of a crystal dessert plate on the outside of this box. Dare I hope? I have never owned anything this beautiful before. So, I was holding my breath and I slowly pulled the tape of the opening and inside were two more cardboard boxes. Man, can this gal wrap or what? So I opened the smaller box first and nearly screamed. It was the bottom half of the dessert dome. Yippee!!!!! I have a Shannon crystal dessert dome. Just in time for me to use at Christmas. (Cause we are having Christmas at my house this year). Thank you Tracy, so very much for this beautiful gift. I thank Kori for all her hard work and matching us all up. I am going to try to post a picture, good luck to me on this, it didn't work out with the tree.

Where's the pictures?

Okay, I see that my beautifully decorated Christmas tree and other Christmas pictures did not post. Okay, I'm a little (ha..a lot) technologically challenged. I don't where they went. And no, I can't find them. Sorry to everyone who took a day off work just to see these things. Just consider the time a mental health day and try to look deep in your hearts and forgive the one, the only, Ouisa.

Okay, more randomness....only one more day and no school for two weeks. YAY!!! I'm so looking forward to sleeping late and not going anywhere. Well, on Saturday, my folks are having a shindig at their house, so I gotta go there. Sunday evening, we're hay riding and caroling with the church, so we gotta go there. And on Monday, we are taking the kids to a theme park with a Christmas theme, so we gotta go there...I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here......like Forest Gump says, "I'm not a smart man....."

I have one Christmas wish this year, it is so selfish and I cannot believe I am going to say this, but I know that I am among friends who love me and will support me in my selfishness. Here it is, I want it to be COLD on Christmas. I don't want to be able to wear shorts and a tank top. I want to have to wear gloves and a hat and a parka and 14 pairs of socks. I don't want anyone to get hurt, I just don't want to sweat on Christmas. Is that so wrong? Is there a twelve step program to help me? Should I check into rehab?

I hope you guys are enjoying your Christmas season. Glad tidings to all.

Oh, one last thing, please remember to pray for Kori and Richard. He is supposed to be having an MRI tomorrow morning.

Toodles for now.

Okay, I am loving this season. I don't know why, but this year, I really feel in the mood for Christmas. I was reading a story to my three kids tonight about the Savior that God Sent. I loved that little book. My daughter checked it out from the library at our church. It was such a lovely little story. And so simple. It was a good story.


I am not a crafty, interior decorator kind of person. I'm just not. I have tried and failed miserably for years. So, now I just put up little things that make us happy. As you will see from the picture of the tree, most of our ornaments are homemade. (Yeah, it's that obvious). And the other little groupings probably don't go together, but hey, they make us happy. I hope you all enjoy some pics.

Hair, Hair..

Okay, here is a picture of the new perm...



I a enjoying it nicely. Thanks.
The solo at Church went well. Everyone seemed to like the song. A lot of people had never heard it before. It surprised me.
The cantata went off last night with only one or two glitches, but that is to be expected.
The music quit in the middle of one of the songs, but we just kept on singing. And then one of our sopranos fell out. Apparently she had given blood yesterday right after morning services and had not rehydrated properly.. she just about passed out. But I am happy to report that she is fine.

All in all it was a blessed weekend. I got to see my father's family for their little Christmas celebration and although our numbers are dwindling, we make up for it in love.
I hope you all are enjoying your Christmas season.

Friday .......Fantasy Girl????

Guess what? I have done it. I broke down and went to a beauty shop today. Yes, I did. And I got me a spiral perm. Wow. I L.O.V.E. it. And what I will love even more is in two days, I can pull it back out of my eyes. Now, why can you not put your hair up for two whole days after a perm? And, do you think they could have made the solution stink any more? YIKES!!! And, just to go all out, hold on, cause it's a shocker, I had them do my unibrow. And make it into two seperate ones. She laid me back over the sink and proceeded to put this warm wonderful stuff around my eyebrow and then rubbed on it a little. Then she snatched that off and it felt like all my dagblasted skin came with it. Now, I got two big ole swollen up eyebrow areas. I hope that goes down by the time I have to sing Sunday.
See, I've decided to do the whole outside beautiful thing. Which is a hoot, cause ladies, I haven't worn serious makeup since 13 years ago before the first baby came along, and let's just say, I'm not as beautiful as I used to be. Oh, I know, it's inside that counts, but can't nobody see my guts, so I'm gonna have to conform and try to highlight brows and all other whatchawannacallits so I can get my outside to match my insides. Okay, the problem is, I don't have a stinking clue how to apply all the mish mash of stuff.
I went on down to the CVS after my perm today and bought $61.00 worth of beauty products. Dang, you can just about get plastic surgery for that much, can't you?
Did y'all know they selling eyelash curlers?? It's true, I saw it with my own two eyes. I tell you what, I don't know about you all, but I bought me one of them suckers cause I want to have beautifully long and lucious lashes for my honey to gaze into. And that's where the other problem comes in, how do you apply that mascara without sticking yourself in the dagblasted eye? Then I wind up with black smeared all under it and I can't go to church looking like DH punched me one. All the different colors and what not. I don't know how to pick. I'm cosmetically ignorant. And I fear that my attempts will make me look like a three year old playing in mama's lipstick. And if I find out whose been taking my picture through my bathroom winder, I'm gonna get even. I'm just sayin.

Oh well, we'll have to see what hubby has to say about it tomorrow when I get all shined up for a Christmas party we are going to.
Any tips and pointers are welcomed and will be tried.


Oh, and before I forget to put this in....Ravings of a mad housewife is having a cool giveaway....hurry on over and check it out, you won't be sorry.

And, go to Not Your Average Soccer Mom for her super first ever giveaway, you won't be sorry there either. Check out this stuff:

I've been tagged

Sporadic Cook has tagged me, I'm not sure this is what she had in mind but.....


Random facts about me:

1. I am a super nerd. I would rather read than most anything else. I mean it.

2. My favorite soda is Sprite.

3. I'm not really as pretty as my picture seems.

4. I love GREY'S ANATOMY.

5. I love to eat. (Not cook and clean, just eat).

6. I can type 82 words per minute.

7. I have fallen in love with a 500 lb heifer and would let her live in my yard if I could.

So there, you have it. I can tell you are all dazzled beyond speech.

Now, the seven random victims, I mean, bloggers I am tagging are:

I'd love to know some random stuff about these ladies:

Thorn Among Roses

yeah, Sure Youbetcha

6ByHisDesign

John Deere Mom

My Version of Sanity

Bakerella

Mommy from theMidwest

Oh, and thanks Sporadic Cook.

Okay, okay.....

I weinied out and went ahead and took her to the doctor. Viral infection. Nothing can be done but let it runs its course. Apparently there is an epidemic of this in school age children. Okay, so now I know. She has to stay home until she has been fever free for 24 hours. So, no school again tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by with all the advice. I just needed some validation I guess.
I was hoping for a miracle cure at the pediatricians office and we would come home and look like the mother and daughter in this picture. NOT.
I called the school and got her work sent home yesterday, so at least she won't be too far behind when she goes back.
Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and advice yesterday. I really do appreciate the time you all took to send those messages.


And on to other topics. We are having a cantata at church for Christmas and it is beautiful, beautiful. I have never been part of a choral experience before and I love it. I also found out that I am going to be singing a solo on Sunday morning (in both services). Okay, I know that doesn't sound like it would be much of a problem for me, but let's face some facts.

1. I am a rather large individual and it makes me self conscious when people are looking at me.

2. I sweat like a .....hmmm...what's somebody that gets real nervous? Well, I just pour sweat when I'm nervous and I'm afraid that I may have persperation running down my face before the song is over.

3. This is a big crowd. I know, in my heart, that I'm singing for the glorification of Jesus, but my human side just nearly freaks out.

4. I love to sing and I hope that Jesus will be glorified and that no one will laugh.
5. Oh, did I mention this is my first time in front of this big a group?

There, my insecurities laid bare for all the world to see.

I know some of you gals are singers and speakers and such, how do you all handle these situations?

QUARANTINE........STAY FAR, FAR AWAY

Hey peeps, that's what I feel like.

My darling sweet baby child is sick for the 2nd day in a row. I hate it when they get sick. Not because I don't enjoy all the extra time I get to spend with them, but genuinely, I hate it when they don't feel well. Especially, when they fell so bad they don't even want to smile for mama.
She woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat and a temp of 102.3. So, break out the Tylenol and send her back to bed. As the day progressed, the temp would go down and come back, go down and come back. She ate alright, but mostly just kind of laid around.
This morning, her temperature was 103.0. And I broke out the Motrin.

Now, here is my dilemma: Do I take her to see the pediatrician, or do I wait another day? This is what I hate about my children being sick. When do you take them? And when do you just wait it out?

What's a mother to do? Looking forward to hearing your procedures for kid sickness.

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH, life on a farm.....

As many of you know, we transplanted to my DH's husband's farm in June, and in the beginning, I was scared of everything. I didn't want the cows to come up and be near me, they freaked me out. The jumping insects and all that jazz just about made me come unglued.
Then, I realized that I needed to bloom where I was planted. And life became a lot easier for me. (Oh, BTW, I still don't do spiders and mice). I have been given a task of feeding the replacment heifers their treats every day and I absolutely love it. They know me now, and as long as I have their treats, they love me. They know me and come running when I call to them. (Isn't that great, even my kids don't do that).
So, you could say that I have adapted to farm life rather well. It's simplicity and beauty take my breath some days.
We are now in calving season. All of the pregnant cows are beginning to have their little ones. And I have never, ever been a part of a calving season. The absolute renewing of life, in any creature, amazes me and astounds me. It leaves me with questions about how the mother cow copes. Does it hurt really, really bad? Do they make a lot of noise? Are they scared being alone when this miracle of life happens? What does the calf look like at first? Just millions of questions, and no answers.
UNTIL NOW......
Yesteday, my DH took me out riding in the pasture to see some of the newborn calves. My Uncle D stopped us and said that the nursery was full. That, while I had been in town taking care of bidness, a lot of the cows had birthed. I was so excited, I could hardly sit still. I was anxious and jumping around on the seat of the Kubota like a child on Christmas morning. Oh what joy, what bliss. Newborn calves.
(And NO, I could not remember to bring my camera). They were just precious. All gangly and some of them were days old and trying to be playful. Oh, my heart just melted. And I giggled, like a little girl. I really did. I was so enamored of these beautiful little creatures. I just wanted to pet them or hold them and rub their little noses. (I didn't, mama cows don't like you messing with their newborns). Smiling and clapping my hands, shouting, "Oh, look, there's another one", or "Over there" and "Aw, look".
Then I saw a cow under a tree, whose baby was so brand new that she was still having contractions to deliver the afterbirth. Wow, I ALMOST got to see a live birth. But not quite.
Then, on the other side of the field, I saw a small bundle on the ground and the mother was nearby and having some contractions. (These mother cows were not making any bellowing noises or any noise at all with the contractions, so I couldn't tell y ou if they felt the pain of childbirth or not). Anyway, as we got closer, the mother cow was chewing something. DH told me the cow was not even an hour old. And I thought, "You go girl, up grazing that soon". Then we got closer and GGGGGGAAAAAAKKKKKKK. The mother cow was eating the afterbirth. WHAT?????
The images of little bluebirds flying around and bunnies hopping and an angelic choir singing came to a screeching halt.
How gross can one animal get? Oh yeah, the babies are still cute, but I'm too freaked out about the afterbirth thing to get past it. Now I wonder if I fell down and couldn't get up, would the cows eat me, too? Oh, my. Talk about an eye opener.
Mother nature. You gotta love her.

This was me yesterday. Golly bob, howdy. I was all dressed up for the SITS bash and I was not disappointed. That Heather and Tiffany, they know just exactly what they are a doin. I never had me so much fun in one place. (Although, the chair arm prints in my thighs are kind of a downer, I'm sure they will go away in a day or two).

I enjoyed yesterday, but I was glad when it came time to go to bed. And the comment LOVE. I had, are you ready, 60 hits yesterday. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I know, for some of y'all that's small potatoes, but for me, I usually only get three or four a post. I was eating it up like buttered mashed taters.

I think the main thing that I came away with is this, no matter who you are, no matter your religion, your race, your creed, your personal politics, we can all come together for at least one day and love each other, even those we would not normally visit.

I love each and every bloggy friend that stopped by and all those that didn't too. I guess it's just the season.

Now, let's get out there and spread some more bloggy love.

Oh, P.S. I ran into some new bloggy friends yesterday. I will have them on my blog roll sometime later today.

SITS girls ROCK!!!!!

The Secret is in the Sauce: Merry SITSmas!

The Secret is in the Sauce: Merry SITSmas!

Merry SITsmas everyone!!!!!

Can you believe that Christmas is only 23 days away. I am looking forward to seeing everyone's Christmas cards today. And to leaving some comment love.


I love this season for many reasons,

1. It is Christ's birthday. What a blessing to the entire human race.

2. Everyone is nicer to each other for a few weeks.

3. The children's pageants. I love to watch their sweet earnestness and wonder what is going through their minds. (Check out the Joseph in this picture.)

4. I L.O.V.E some Christmas lights. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned.

5. SITSmas contests. ALL DAY LONG....just head on over to Sits and check it out.



How about you, why do you like this season (or not).

Oh me oh my....

Hey everyone. Tomorrow is Merry Sitsmas over at the Secret is in the Sauce. They have just announced a 200 dollar grand prize gift card from Target. So, tomorrow, each time you comment, you get an entry into the drawing. How cool is that. Get to blog (which I love to do) and maybe get a prize.

Okay, recently I read on Kat's post a little game that involved telling of ten things you like starting with the letter "?". She would assign you a random letter and you have to find ten things you like starting with that letter and post about it, so here goes.
My random letter was "T"

1. Tacos - yummy. Nuff said.

2. Turtles - the yummy kind with chocolate, pecans, and caramel. Although the other little fellows are kind of cute as well.

3. Tablecloths - I absolutely love a beautiful tablecloth. Don't put them on my table because my kids would destroy them, but I definitely appreciate the beauty of them.

4. T-Bone steaks. YUMMY!!!!!

5. Turnovers. Apple, lemon, whatever kind ( is anyone noticing a trend here, so far all mine are about food or food related things).

6. Talking. Boy howdy do I love to talk.

7. Teachers. Adore them. Think they are marvelously wonderful people.

8. Twenty-nine. Love this age. Have celebrated the anniversary of this birthday for many years now.

9. Truth. I love to hear the truth. Painful, awful, doesn't matter. I'd rather hear the truth.

10. Tennessee. I love the beauty that is the state of Tennessee.


So there you have it. I hope you all will go on over and get your letter and start playing. It is very interesting what you can come up with.

My bloggy friend Kat is having a super duper contest. It involves books and chocolate. No, really gooooooood books and yummy delicious chocolate. You should go over and check it out.

She also gave me my letter. I'll be back later on today with that.

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IT CAN'T BE TRUE.........

Tomorrow is a day that will live in infamy. No, it's not Pearl Harbor Day, that's in six more days.

My oldest child will be turning 13 years old. THIRTEEN????? Where did all the time go? What have I accomplished with him?? I thought there'd be more time......


My sweet little lumpkin has very quickly and right before my very eyes turned into a handsome,sweet young man.



I'm not sure what I did to deserve him. He is a wonderful guy. He is very helpful to me and is always concerned about my health and welfare. He's not really a lovey dovey type child anymore (boo hoo for me), but he has a fantastic sense of humor and his laugh is like sunshine to me.

He loves Jesus and is growing every day in his walk with Him. And I couldn't be more pleased with the young man he is becoming.

So, here's to you son, mama loves you sooooooooooo much. Keep on walking in grace and trusting God for your direction.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

I'm a Marilyn........

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear
• * Listen to me carefully
• * Don't judge me for my anxiety
• * Work things through with me
• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us
• * Laugh and make jokes with me
• * Gently push me toward new experiences
• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all

Hope all of you had a great day. Can't wait to hear your wonderful stories tomorrow.

Blessings to all.

We're baaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkkk.......

Hello everyone, we are back from a super long road trip to the playoffs and unfortunately, our bid ends here. But man, what a season this team had. And I learned an incredible amount about football. I learned that 39 degrees is way too F R E A K I N G cold to be out watching a football game. That 39 degrees will make your hands hurt if you clap them. That hot chocolate is named "hot" chocolate for a reason. It tastes much better when it's HOT.

Here we are: Me, my MIL, and my auntie M all bundled up and enjoying the weather.

I was wearing two pairs of gloves here and my hands were still freezing. It's okay though. Good family times, huh? My daughter was exhausted from the trip and climbed up in Uncle Mike's lap and promptly fell asleep under a blanket. Poor Uncle Mike, no more cheering for him.

Who else out there didn't get to see Twilight?

We're heading to the first round of playoffs......

I cannot believe that I am going to ride in a car for 6 hours, then sit in freezing weather for two and half more, simply because our town's high school football team is going to the playoffs. WOO HOO!!!!! I have never been to a playoff game, cause until we moved here, I never really cared a durn for it. Now look at my bad self......

I wasn't gonna go but Uncle Mike says that the games are no fun when I'm not there. (See I did miss some games). He said no one else is quite as enthusiastic a fan as I am...(what he really means is no one else will make an utter fool of themselves like I will).

But, it keeps me off the streets, and out of trouble with everyone but my DH,so it's off we go.

Pray for traveling grace for the team and all the local fans who will be making that long trek. Pray for health and safety for the players as they endeavor to advance once again and pray for the big W I N. YAY!!!!

Y'all have a great weekend. I will try to remember to bring my camera so I can post some pics on Monday.

Happy Monday

Happy Monday to everyone. It is cold here this week and I am so glad. I know a lot of people hate cold weather (my DH being one of them), but you know, fat girls can put on more clothes than they can take off and not get arrested for it.

I started my week with a phone conversation with Melissa and I am in such a good mood now. I missed her while she was on blog hiatus. Now she's back. And I'm. SO. GLAD.

I get all jealous when she tells me she talked to Kori and Lula on the phone. BUT, then I talked to her too, so she loves me too. YAY.

I hope everyone has a great week and sends me some comment love this week. I could really use it.

It's a Twilight Contest to end all contests.......right?

Hey, Kat over at Sunshine and Lemonade is having a super fantastic contest right now. It ends this Friday, so skitch on over there and enter.

This contest is for the ultimate Twilight Fan Pack.......and it's got some goodies in it...including a signed companion book. Signed by LULA..........aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Check this out:

Oh, my friends this is not all. There are at least three other things that come with this prize.

Hope on over and check it out. Tell Kat, Ouisa sent ya'

Have a great weekend.

Some folks are just so talented........





Hey y'all. Just check out this beautiful quilt....




You, you..... could win one of three quilts this fantastic contest is giving away. Just click the red barn co. button on my sidebar and it will take you there. But, hurry. Contest ends soon.

Thank you........

Thank you to all our veterans and current service personnel. Thank you for your willingness to serve this country to keep us enjoying the freedoms of being Americans. Thank your families for their sacrifices while you serve us.
I don't care what your view on war is or conflicts, these brave men and women serve day in and day out so you can enjoy the freedoms that you have. So let's give it up for all our veteran's this day and every day.
If you see a veteran, stop, shake their hand, tell them thank you. Give them a hug. Let them know that you appreciate what they have done or are doing for you.

And always remember, "Freedom is not free. They are out there paying the price".

I will be taking my children to a Veteran's Day parade in just a little while and it will be my privilege to stand and salute and shout thanks to these wonderfully brave soldiers.

How will you pass on the legacy of thanks?

It's Sunday.......

It's Sunday morning and a time for worship and relaxation and to reflect on a week that God has given us. I need to learn to do this whole heartedly. But.....

I get so caught up in "troubles" during the week that I am often guilty of not seeking His favor or advice. So caught up in getting my human feelings out of the way that I don't see the lessons that He is trying to teach me or those around me.
I am a grown woman and should act like one. Sometimes I don't. I have a hard time corralling this sharp tongue that I have. My DH is often the recipient of my lashing out about something I feel is unjust or just plain mean.
This weekend, our town's high school football team won a game and a spot in the first round of playoffs. YAY for them. We all had a great time at the football game. It was especially cool because my SIL and BIL and their kids were able to make the 2nd half of the game. (This gives me something really cool to look forward to next year when they are finally here).
My DH's cousins have lived here all along and their children are quite close to each other. So the two little girls plan to sleepover at one house and they plan it right in front of my daughter. And they don't include her. She wants to be with them and play and have sleepovers as well, but time and time again, they plan things and don't include her. Now, if you don't like me, that's fine. I could care less, but when you make my 6 year old cry because you don't include her, it ruffles my mother feathers. This is not the first time they have done this. And one little one in particular seems to take great pains to make sure my daughter knows that she is not included. Like, we are going to go do so and so and you're not going. That makes me so angry I can hardly see straight. So, what am I supposed to do? We told our daughter that she should not rely on them to be her friends. That she is a beautiful outgoing girl with lots of friendship to offer to folks who want to be her friend. And she can stand on her own. She doesn't need anyone to help her or stand up with her. She is stronger than both of them put together. But it still makes me mad when it makes her cry.
Okay all you veteran mommies out there. Give me some advice. I need it. Pray for me to find forgiveness for these people in my heart so it doesn't demolish the family feeling on this farm.

I'm Just sayin'

My two oldest children had field day at school today. I know that it has been a while since I was in middle school and had a field day and all that, but field days have changed dramatically since I was there.

We ran relay races, jump rope stations, water in spoon contests, just a variety of simple little things. And the ribbons were so pretty. And anyone who wanted to participate, could.

I went to volunteer today at the middle school (trust me, if I had known it was field day, I would have called in sick). Those games were something to behold. They had a couple of really cool foot races, the 100 yard dash, the 4 x 100 relay race. Then they broke out doing a trifecta or something, the kids had to jump over four hurdles and then slide under a barricade on a slip and slide, then do an over and under exercise on hurdles; then they had to do dizzy bat and sit on water balloons until they burst and then jump into a 30 gallon garbage can filled with ice water to retrieve something from the bottom. And they had tricycle races and boogie board contests, etc. WOW!!!! And a tug of war and to top it off, the kids who got wet didn't know they were participating in the events they were in, so they didn't bring any dry clothes to change into, what's up with that?

The kids had a fantastic time and I did too. It is so nice to live in a community that is so supportive of its schools. After all, it's all about them, right?

I K.N.E.W IT

Y'all have got to bust on over to www.reallybadhairday.blogspot.com

and read Melissa's blog for today. And I stinking knew, I stinking K.N.E.W.

that she was gonna be able to sing like an angel. Anyone who is as beautiful and

as funny as her had to be able to sing like that.

Y'all go on over now and listen to that wonderful song she has sung just for us

blogger girls. You will not be sorry. AND better than that, you will be blessed

by her.

Love me some Remi singing into a hairbrush.

Love me some Melissa uplifting me this morning.

Love me some Radtke family.

I'm just saying. God is good. All the time.

No brain cells left.....

Last night, the night AFTER Halloween, this family that I have moved into had a big ole SCARY haunted walk.
Now, you all know that I don't like being scared. I don't dig the whole heart racing, screaming, pee in my pants kind of thing. I just don't. I can be scared by the smallest of things and scream like a banshee at the drop of a hat. Apparently, this is amusing to this bunch. They are sick and twisted to get this much enjoyment from scaring the crap out of people.

They have been salivating for weeks over the fact that they are going to scare the crap out of people. And they are not discriminatory in that. They are equally excited about scaring small children or old people, even teenagers. And they have planned and plotted and in excruciating detail came up with something to scare the bejeebers out of about 150 people who showed up for this shindig.

I was adamant that I was not going to go down this trail. I was not. Then I finally relented to go because the small children didn't seem that frightened and if they could do it, then so could I.

Well, I had other concerns besides being scared, because of my RA, walking a long distance is pretty painful to me. As it was, I had to sit down on a hay bale by the freaking scarecrow, who by the way, was alive!!! And that hay cannot be reused, because I had peed my pants when the reaper snuck up on me before the silly string wrapped around my legs. A giant psycho clown came out of a jack in the box (he was wicked looking) when you pinged off of that, a horrible man came after you with a chainsaw. The cavemen were kind of freaky and then I almost tripped over a log trying to get away from the stinking aliens and their super cool, funky, light up UFO. The poor cowboy lying on the ground told us to watch out for the indians, but did we believe him? Oh no, we kept on walking and the indians got us, too. This doesn't take into account the girl who wanted us to join her at her wedding (uh, the groom was dead, sweetie, don't think you're gonna get much out of him). The spiders and bats and coffins and two way mirrors and all the other little things just added up to one spine tingling adventure. Whew, we're lucky we all made it out alive.

The work and creativity and imagination that went into that trail, was really appreciated. They did an excellent job. My DH is the one who hacked the trail through the woods. Good job, honey! And the cousins and my MIL set it up wonderfully. I'm sure that it will be the talk of the town for some time to come.

Hope you all are in good health and enjoying this beautiful season.

Snaggletooths abound......





This is my daughter and her two closest cousins (friends). They are having a ball after school.





Tomorrow, they may be goblins and vampires (or mermaids), but today, they are inseperable and getting along.

It's because of lovely children like this, that I got roped, Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to say that out loud.....that I volunteered to work at Fall Festival at their school tomorrow. I hope all your little ones have a good time no matter what they do tomorrow.

Hello, my name is Ouisa

and I'm a whiner. A complainer. An unhappy person. Someone who thinks that everyone is out to get me. WHAT?????

All this time, I thought I was pretty content with my lot in life. Apparently, not.

They say the first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem. So, okay, someone close to me told me these very things. And it floored me.

Yeah, I act somewhat like Ouisa Boudreaux from Steel Magnolias. I didn't mean any harm, truthfully.

Now I may have to go into therapy to get my smile and self esteem back. Man what a blow.

Anyone got any tips for recovery from this disease? I guess I can use all the help I can get.

(After all, everybody in Chinkappin Parish would give their eye teeth to take a whack at Ouisa).

This is some kind of good.......

And as you can tell from the above photo, I am not, I repeat not, a photographer.

This is what I call a caramel nut cake.

I made this today for lunch at my aunt's house. And man it is delicious with a glass of cold milk.

It's a german chocolate cake (baked according to its directions) 7 oz of melted caramels drizzled on a cool cake and pecans finely chopped and sifted onto the caramel while it is still hot.

I wish I had smell-a-blog. It's just too easy and too tasty. Ya'll have a good day.

AAAAhhhh

The week is over (a new one is about to begin)
today is a day of rest from the previous days' madness.
Time to catch up with family on the events of past and future.
Just sit in the recliner and be and watch them all swirl around you.

That's what I hope for everyone today.

Guess what? The Secret is in the Sauce is launching November's giveaway.
It is totally something that I need. You should bop on over and check it out.
They have such neat stuff and the community of support just keeps on growing.

Blessings to all and I hope you all have a wonderful week.

There are two jobs that you.......

absolutely could not pay me enough to do.

1.

A Teacher........after spending a few hours in the school these last few days, I don't know where they find you guys, but God bless you all.

2.

A school bus driver.........I cannot even imagine without screaming in horror.

Just let me give you all a shout out. I admire you and admit there is no way I could do your jobs. You are all obviously very special folks.

That being said, I volunteered to my hearts content today. I got to use.....(gasp and sigh) a copy machine and an industrial school paper cutter and I got to file and I got to make up cute little gift bags for the cafeteria workers.

I Made It

Well, my first day of volunteering was quite a non-event. When I got to the school, my daughter's teacher did not need me, so I was shuffled off to another classroom. It was a real learning experience. I got to do the kind of work I love without ever having to touch the first germy kid. YAY!!!!!

I had a great school lunch of whipped potatoes, chicken fried chicken (or something) and some delicous pears. And a Shoney's quality roll. All for the bargain price of #3.00. WOW, what a deal.

After lunch, I trundled on over to the High School and met with the volunteer coordinator who immediately put me to work on alphabetizing and separating and filing and I could not have been more happy. It was almost like my old job.

So, there are plenty of opportunities out there for me, I just have to decide which school I will go to today. I have a child in the elementary, the middle, and the high school levels. So, I guess I have my work cut out for me.

Thanks for all the wonderful thoughts and wishes.

Oh, did you know that Rhea over at Texas Word Tangle is having a giveaway. She's got this super cool pot to give away and some Jambalaya mix. No need to stick around here....Hello, is anyone there? Oh well, have a great day.

Can you really go home again?

Hey everybody. (All three of you). I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Here in the south, we enjoyed some rather mild weather and it was marvellous not be sweating by the time I reached the car.
After church Sunday morning, I took the kids and headed back to my hometown.
Four years ago, I was diagnosed with RA (rheumatoid arthritis). And once you find a good doctor, you kind of hate to let them go. Anyway, the kids were out of school for planning day and I had a doctors appt. today, so we went and spent the night at my mom's house (who, by the way, has gone to see the foilage in the mountains. AND, she wouldn't even take me with her, can you believe her nerve?)
Anyway, nothing looked quite like it did the last time I was there. And I found myself just wishing I could sleep in my own bed. AND WOWSER, that's when I knew that I didn't consider that my home anymore. Oh, I visited my old neighbors and I still dearly love them all, but it's not the same. I'm not in their business 24-7 like we were when we lived there. Life has moved on without us. The world did not stop just because we left. And I thought I was irreplaceable. LOL.
I went by my old job and saw my old workmates (many of whom I consider my closest friends when we were there). I shouldn't have done it. I miss them even more now.
So, I have made a decision. I am not going to sit at home anymore and just be a farm wife. I am going into all three of my children's schools and I am going to be volunteering at least three days a week. I have got to get out of this house and stop feeling sorry for myself. Pull myself up by the bootstraps, etc.
The RA makes me not feel so good a lot of the time and all the medications that I have to take make me feel anywhere from sleepy to even more sleepy. But I have let myself go for long enough. So, I bought me some hair color. Fixed it right up. I wore makeup for the first time in almost four years on Sunday and I am gonna start this volunteering stuff. I need to enjoy my children's life as much as possible. And I'm starting right now.
(If I pass out from over stimulation at the elementary school tomorrow, I'll let you know).

I WAS SO ANGRY.....

I have always thought of all people, I would be one level headed woman when it came to issues with my children. I really did.

Not so, number one.......I nearly lost my mind yesterday. On Wednesday afternoon, my middle son (MS) came home from school and asked to speak to me privately. Uh oh, is what I first thought. What has he done now. (He tends to run his mouth alot and trouble seems to find him). I am not blind to my child's faults.

Apparently, another boy had punched him in the mouth on the bus on the way home from school and called him some rather unflattering names. The first question I asked was what did you say that made him hit you? Okay, that was so wrong. I backed up and said, it doesn't matter, nothing gives him the right to hit you.

So I went to the school, the principal wasn't there and the snotty woman at the front desk informed me that there was no one there that could speak in her absence. WTF??? Is this a public school or what? She didn't even ask me what I needed to speak with her about. And finally, when I said, you mean to tell me that someone can assault my child and you can't help me? Then she was like, Oh where did it happen. When she found out it was on the bus, she said we can't help you, you'll have to go so and so. I was livid.
So I went to so and so and they pulled the video of the bus ride home. Guess what, you can clearly see my son trying to ignore this person. This other person got up from a seat behind where my son was sitting and began punching his arm. (My son will not fight because we have told him it is not the way to handle things). So on the video you can see this other person get up while the bus is moving and change seats to deliberately antagonize my son. And on the video you can clearly see my son trying his best to keep his back turned to the other person. The other person hit him about three times on his arm and then my son turned around and put his hands up around his face. The other person stood up and punched him right in the face. I didn't know they had videos on the bus. Well, needless to say, I called the principal later in the day to find out what had been done about this other person. She tells me, get this, they cannot tell me anything about the discipline of the other child because it would violate HIS rights. Are you kidding me? What about my child's rights to an education without living in fear of some bully?
We try very hard to do what's right, but I'm freaking out over all this stuff.
Anyone with similar experiences have any advice for me. I'd love to hear it.

Six Things.....maybe a few more.....



I was tagged by JillJillBoBill to list six things that make me happy. Sheesh, only six?



If you ask DH, he will probably tell you that nothing makes me happy. (LOL) Just ask him.



So here we go (oh, and before I forget, thanks JillJill for tagging me? You are my favorite separated at birth twin who got the bigger slice of grey matter).



1. Hearing my kids laugh. That is a sound that just warms my heart and makes me smile and giggle a little.



2. COMMENT LOVE (HELLO) makes me very happy.



3. My internet connection actually working makes me extremely happy.



4. My hometown high school football teams winning their games makes me happy.



5. I love to sing along with my favorite songs and hymns.



6. I am happy to be alive in this beautiful world that has been created just for us. To see His beauty all around us, every day.



7. I am happy to live in a country that I am free to get on this internet and chat and voice opinions and no one is going to hunt me down and kill me for them.



8. I am happy that my mama taught me how to act when I really feel like jumping on somebody's head and pulling their stinking hair out.....wait, I need to get to my happy place for a minute.................................................aaaaaaahhhhh. Okay, I'm back. (I'll post tomorrow about what was making me so angry).



9. I'm thankful for each and every one of you beautiful women (and men) who take the time to lift each other up even when we don't know each other from Adam's housecat.



10. I'm thankful that the Twilight movie will be out soon (that's for you Lula).



So I didn't have 6 but 10 and I could keep on going cause it's fall y'all. And I love fall. But enough. So here are my six people I am tagging to do this:



Karin at 6byHisdesign



LeighAnn at Lulaville



Melissa at Stretch Marks



Kori at Life As a Cfers wife



Stephanie at Life as a Southern Rose



That's only five, but that is all I can remember right now.



So, ladies, hate me if you must, but please pass on the love.

What a Ride . . . . .

Hey is everybody worn out from yesterday? I had a blast. No wonder they don't hold blogathons every day. We'd be so tired our little fingers couldn't press any more keys...
I so had a great time yesterday and found so many more blogs that I want to follow.
I was thinking this morning, what a fantastic network. We are women (and some men) all over this precious country of ours. We are so different and yet so much the same. And no matter where we hale from, we can all understand or at least "get" what most of the rest of us are blogging about. I am new to my area and I don't have a close friend here. I haven't met "that" friend yet. So it's nice to be able to blog and "talk" to all of you. And know that somewhere, out there, someone understands me.

Thanks for a wonderful day, SITStas.

It's a Blogathon....

I'm not sure what that means....but the gals over at SITS are hosting one for Tueday (get it...Tue day) oh well. I try to be clever sometimes. I should have learned my lesson by now, though.

Jump on over to The Secret is in the Sauce and join in on the blogathon.

I have only been blogging about four months and I am going to get to the point to ask SITS to feature me, but I hate to be pushy. Just have to over come that. I do not have that many readers, maybe four or five per each comment. It makes me feel like I'm boring? Was that a SNORE?

Some of my favorite blogs are Leigh Ann from Lulaville. She is one Edward Cullen obsessed Georgia Bulldog fan. And I love to read her everyday and if you ask me why I'll say......she's just plain funny most days.

I am the separated at birth twin of Jill Jill Bo Bill. She says and does exactly what I wish I was brave enough to. Besides, she's an animal whisperer, even though she doesn't want to be.

I like to read Caroline at Pocket Change everyday.

And Karen at 6 by His design

And I absolutely heart Melissa at Stretch Marks

These are just a few of the wonderful bloggers that I follow daily. And I picked up most of them at The secret is in the sauce.

Hope you all have a great day.

IT'S OFFICIAL......

It's official. I have become a.......... football fan. Ssshh!!

I cannot believe at the ripe old age of 43, I have discovered football. And it is all my boys' faults. If they hadn't insisted on playing midget league this year. I could still be sitting here all fat, dumb, and happy.

But NO! They just had to play. Which forced me to try and learn a little bit more about how the game works and what the purpose of all those men in black and white stripes was. Not to mention yardage and downs and all that other brain cell sucking stuff.

Also, I was introduced to high school football in a big way. Here in this little town, Friday Night football is IT!!! In a big way, so I kind of got sucked into the spinning vortex of high school ball as well, especially since we have relatives and good friends playing on the high school teams.
And not only do we get to play midget league on Tuesdays, but Thursdays we have a cousin in JV football, on Fridays we have a cousin and friends in Varsity football. (I have been learning rapidly about why the yellow flags fly and all tha business). I'm a very good student.

I knew that I was in trouble when, Saturday night, during the UF/LSU game I was screaming at my TV. In that moment my eyes were opened and I felt , I don't know, ridiculous. Here I was screaming GO at the top of my lungs at people on a TV set who not only could not hear me, but would not care one way or the other if they could.

I have confessed my failings, please don't hate me because I have come to love F O O T B A L L.
And find it necessary to yell (even when I still don't understand exactly what it is I'm yelling about).

Anyone else out there feeling my addiction?

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....

Hey everybody, how's tricks?

I woke up this morning after two go rounds of extremely bad weather to discover.....there is no pollen in the air this morning. YAY!!!! There is a crater running through the middle of my driveway, but at least I don't have a sinus headache. (Flip, flip, ta da)

I got the funniest joke in my e-mail this morning and I laughed and laughed at it (almost as much as the dirty little secrets post over at StretchMarks blog).

A man said to his wife: "No matter how mad I get and how much I fuss at you, you never lose your cool. How do you control your anger?"

The wife replied: " I clean the toilet".

The husband said: "How does that help?"

The wife replied: " I use your toothbrush".

Y'all have a great weekend, you hear!

FINALLY......I'M FINISHED

Okay everyone, I have finally finished the Twilight series. I have to tell you, it worked out better than I had hoped for. No spoilers though. It is a relief to finally be finished though. No more wondering when I was going to get that call from my local l ibrary telling me my crackliture was in and that I could pick it up at any time.
I even missed watching the Nascar race at Talladadega yesterday to finish up this book.
Man, I feel such a relief and that a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.(Thanks Lula).

Has anyone else got any crackliture they are recommending?

We are blessed..........

When I get the kids off to school in the mornings, sometimes I just like to ride around the farm on the little Kubota and just soak in all the beauty that the Lord has created just for us.

When I rode out this morning I saw.....(don't know if you can see them, but the farm cows are in this field)

And this......

And my sweetie pies, of whom I actually have a picture......but alas I cannot get it to load right now, so I will save it for another day.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Did someone say purse?





Hey everybody, hurry on over to http://www.handbagplanet.com/ and enter their 24 purse in 24 hour give a way. Who doesn't want another purse? They have some gorgeous stuff and you get to choose which purse you want to try and win. Cool huh?





Okay, last night my DH and I went to see this movie

I have to tell you that this movie really hit home for me. Some of the issues that this couple were dealing with are almost exactly what my marriage is going through at this time in our lives. Yes, we have decided to commit to making this marriage better, even before we saw this movie. We are taking a marriage builders class at our church and are praying for divine blessing on our marriage. But I think all marriages have seasons, we just have to hold on.

Anyone else seen this? Got any comments on it. I'd love to hear from y'all.

They're Back

Hey, hey what do you say?

I been waiting all summer to see

me some new Grey's.

Okay, kinda lame, but the season opener for Grey's Anatomy came on tonight after forever in reruns.

I have to say that nothing too dramatic happened. A lot of the usual bantering and Christina got K.I.S.S.E.D. I mean he rocked her world. I wouldn't mind seeing him more often on that show.

And just near the end of the show, a Denny Duquette cameo. (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) I wish they had not killed him off. Cause I really like to see him smile. Check out this pic.....

He is seriously H.O.T.

Too bad they didn't bring him back as Denny's long lost twin separated at birth or some other shenanigan like that. Oh well, that's why I live in nowhere land and Shonda Rhimes is the professional.

Hope everyone has a great day.

I Want to Win.........

I so want to win this contest. I so want to win this contest.

So, please put my 10 entries in your bowl and tell you daughter I will love her forever if she picks my name out of the bowl on Saturday.

How's that. You all should go check out this blog. She is great.

Okay, now on to today's post. I kind of think my car is jinxed. You know, first with the baby powder scented car wash spray/bug spray/toot smell and now with this.

My two boys are playing league football this year and I have to drive over 2o miles each time they have a game. They have a little cousin on their team that rides with us (because they have to be there an hour early). So he rides with us while his parents stay at home until game time.

This is not a problem. I'm all for carpooling and since they are kind enough to take my daughter to school everyday, I am MORE than happy to give this little guy a ride.

Last night, however, man OH man.

We had just pulled up to a stop light and I hear water running. I thought, "why do I hear water running". Turns out the little guy was puking his guts out in the floor of the grocery getter. YEP, spewed taco salad all over the floor of my van. And worse than that, I had to clean it up. It wasn't even my own kids puke and I cleaned it up. I wish I had a picture of that because I had to roll up a kleenex and stick it in each nostril so I could do that.

And to top that off, we are at a county ball park with cars parked all around us and kids and adults everywhere staring at the lunatic with two white things sticking out of her nose and muttering under her breath and carrying large quantities of nasty, disgusting huggies wipes to the garbage cans. At least, there were garbage cans there. I'm not sure I could have ridden home with that kind of stink in my car.

Today, it sits all alone out in the middle of the yard, where there is plenty of sunshine and the doors are wide open.

I sincerely hope not vermin or squirrels get in the car. Because shortly, I have to go the school and pick up five little chillens and bring them home in the pukemobile.

Life is short, laugh it up.