It has been a wonderful Christmas time this year. Something that we have tried to make a tradition is to go camping for a few days during our kids Christmas break. This year, we went on a three day camping trip to Ft. Clinch. Yeah, it was a great time. Campfires and lots of good company and laughter. I hope we get to keep this tradition up for a long, long time. Check out this beautiful view from the campground.

To all my friends, old and new, I pray that each of you have a Happy, safe, prosperous and Blessed New year! Thank you for being a friend to me.

From our house to yours.....

Oh, Christmas tree, Oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.

This is my lovely Christmas tree this year. I don't have a theme. We all have ornaments that we have collected over the years that are very special to us. So, it's a hodge podge of different tastes. Some are handmade, some are store bought, each one has a wonderful memory attached to it. Even the putting on of decorations is a tradition that we have become accustomed to over the years. I pick the ornament out of the holder, put a hook on it, then give it to one of the kids or DH and they place them on the tree.

Here is our family wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and an abundantly blessed New Year.

What are your traditions?

I tee-totally love this time of year......



But not for the usual reasons. Of course, the weather dropping colder is a good reason and the best reason of all, of course, if the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And I am truly loving those reasons as well. BUT, this time of year is special here because, we have been getting babies for the last two weeks and will continue to do so for next several weeks.

Yes, I'm in love, AGAIN. It's calving time here at the farm. This beautiforous little fellow is H-2. (that's what I named him). We were riding through the field yesterday and got to see him take his first steps after his mama finished her ministrations. I may have mentioned that I LOVE CALVES. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to witness this most basic of miracles.

Y'all I would so be the one doing this.......

I got this in my e-mail and have been laughing ever since because I would have been one of the folks who drove up on this guys' lawn. (See the story posted below). BTW, Merry SITSmas rocked.

This story goes with the pic above...

Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories, but two things made me take this down.
First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.
Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."

I bet that guy is a fun neighbor.

Okay, so I didn't miss SITsmas!!! YAY for me. You should really go visit this fantastic site. The SITS girls have it going on. Today, they are hosting their 2nd annual SITSmas fest. And they are giving away cool prizes each hour.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas to you all. And we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.

They say that the quickest way to find something that you have lost is to buy a new one.
Today, I am going to put this idiom to the test. Last week, I went to Office max and purchased a black ink cartridge and a red ink cartridge for the office where I work at. I was proud of myself for even remembering to do so. I have now been looking for these ink cartridges for four of the last five days. Guess what? Can't find them. Anywhere. And I cannot be reimbursed for their costliness without the receipts that were.....guess where....in the bag with the ink cartridges. I remember thinking about putting them in the car. That way, when I went to the office, they would be right there for me to take into the office. Here's the kicker, did I actually put them in the car and the kids threw them out thinking they were trash? Or did I just think about putting them in the car? I don't know!!!!
I HATE IT, HATE IT, HATE IT, when I do something like this. So this morning, I am off to Office Max to re-purchase ink cartridges. Guess why? My MIL needed to print something at the office last night and what should happen? They ran out of ink. So now it looks like I didn't even buy them in the first place. I DID buy them.
As a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with my credit card company and they have copies of the receipts where I did actually make these purchases. YAY!!!! I'm not insane, well, okay...watch it there.
Anyone ever do this? Help a sista out here and tell me your story.
Ya'll have a great weekend.

I did it. Finally, I can hardly believe it has taken me so long.
I finally got all the ladies from EE09 on my blog roll.
Don't judge, please. I have also been catching up on my blog reading and visiting. I'm just sayin. With the holiday behind me and the one in front of me, I'm trying to keep up with all you guys.
Is anyone finished with their Christmas shopping? Anyone not even started yet? I feel like I'm in "fail" mode right now. Yikes!!! Y'all have a great day.

Mama’s Holiday Wish List MemeTodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.
1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? Really, I don't think I have five, but here goes. a) books b) chocolate c) earrings d)books e) chocolate

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? A knitted scarf

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle? Something knitted

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child? A hippity hop
5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year? The better question is "What is NOT on their wish list".

6. What is your favorite holiday food? Voortman's Almonette Cookies
7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays? Ornaments

8. What is your favorite holiday movie? I like The Holiday

9. Favorite holiday song? Carol of the Bells

10. Favorite holiday pastime? Going out with my family looking at Christmas lights.

So just go to the above referenced site, and you too could enter to win.

Don't you just hate it when, you find something you really, really like and when you try to go back to it, you either can't remember it, or it's gone.
I prefer to think that it's gone, because no way would moi not be able to remember something.
Last week, I was tripping around bloggy world and came across a fairly simple craft idea of making a christmas door wreath out of christmas ornaments. Guess what, came back today and can't find it.
If any of you lovely people out there have any ideas where I can find these directions, please be so kind as to leave the information here. After all, I need all the help I can get.
Thanks. Y'all have a blessed week.

I'm still stuffed from yesterday. Hope all you folks had a great day filled with love and laughter and food. We certainly did. I don't have any pics to post because I forgot my camera in the car.
Tonight, we will be returning to my home town to attend the annual Christmas parade. It is actually going to be cold this year. I'm so excited to see even more of my family.

To all those people who were brave enough to go to Black Friday sales, I hope you got what you went after and that no one was trampled this year.

Everyone have a great weekend. Blessings to you all.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone (a day early). I am posting a day early because tomorrow most of us will be chillaxin with our friends and family (i.e. - passed out from too much food).
I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday. And say, "Can't we all just get along?"
My long time friend is here with me now and will be going back home after dinner tomorrow. In another life we were roommates for years, then marriage and children separated us, but the friendship is still strong and we can pick up where we left off each time we see each other. I'm blessed to have her in my life.
My aunt and uncle and their grandbaby will be arriving this afternoon to spend the night and dine with us tomorrow. My cousin and her husband will arrive tonight to stay over and dine with us tomorrow. My mom and dad will be here tomorrow to dine with us and then spend the night.
All of my family mentioned here, will be joining my MIL at her home (she has graciously agreed to host us all). My BIL and SIL and their kids will be there along with my SIL's sister and her family. So there are going to be plenty of us around. I feel so sorry for that turkey (LOL).
Then on Friday, I will be returning to the city of my birth (WOOHOO) and attending the annual Christmas parade. I know it's just a parade, but it's a tradition. We always go to the Christmas parade together in my hometown.
Thanks for listening to me ramble. I sincerely appreciate you all. Send me some love. I'm sending you all love and blessings for this Thanksgiving.

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

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. My DH and my middle child have gone to the Swamp to watch the Gators. Apparently, it wasn't much of a game. But, the tickets were free. GO GATORS.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time playing BUNCO last night at MIL's house. And I have signed on for the next fourteen months to play. I can hardly wait till the next one. It is so much fun to laugh and eat with friends.

Tonight, we will be going to a friends' house to celebrate her daughter's birthday. Lots of food, fun, and fellowship there, I can hardly wait to get there.

Have a great weekend all.

Saying Goodbye is hard to do.....

My daddy called me today. That doesn't happen very often. Usually it only with news that I really don't want to hear. So, it threw me for a loop when I got two calls in the same day.

First time, he let me know that Uncle J.B. had passed at around 3:00 pm this afternoon. Uncle JB was an old timer. 87 years young. He knew a lot of stuff. And I am grateful that I had time in the past to sit with him and listen to what he had to say.
He is dancing with Jesus tonight, no more sickness for him, no more pain. And he got to be reunited with his lovely wife, my Aunt Punkin (who passed last year).

Then daddy called me again tonight. My Aunt Verma Lee has got to have some major surgery tomorrow. And my daddy asked me to come and sit with him at the hospital. Pretty much unheard of. So, I will spend my day with my daddy, waiting to hear the news on how his sister's surgery is going.
My father came from a family of 15 children. Now there are only 5 left.
Please keep my aunt in your prayers, her surgery is supposed to be at 9:30 am 11/19/09.
Please keep my entire family in your prayers, especially the children of my Uncle JB.
Thanks for being there, my bloggy friends.
Good night.

Estrogen Extravaganza 2009 is over...................

Actually, it was over Sunday evening at about 10:45 p.m. when I walked back into the front door of my house. But I have been trying to get caught up on the rest I missed. I am so tired, y'all. That staying up late business must be for younger people.

From the time we left out of here Thursday morning, till the time we got back Sunday night, I had a blast. I'm not saying there weren't some rough spots, cause leaky toilets tend to cause a rough patch, but all those unpleasant things were overcome to make Estrogen Extravaganza 2009 a huge success.

To Angie and Shannon, you guys ROCK IT!!! What a fantastic location and you both are great hostesses.

To all the ladies that were able to make it, I loved meeting each of you.
For those of you unfortunate enough not to make it this year, here was our roll call:

Angie - one of our two hostesses and a great gal
Shannon - the second of our hostesses and I envy her camera :-)
Lula - what can I add, she is the one and only Lula.
Denise - an incredibly strong and beautiful woman whose story just brought me to tears.
Brandy - you totally rock everything girl.
Melissa - Driver extraordinaire and great gal. Sorry about your grandmother's passing, but I learned so much from you this weekend.
Lizzy - you are so stinking hilarious. I love your girls. You kept me smiling.
Kat = Okay, seriously, you are one of the smartest people on the planet, why aren't you on Jeopardy or Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Your smile is beautiful. And I know that I will never look at foam the same way again.
Angela - what a beautiful woman. Your gracious attempt to teach me to knit was fun and hilarious all at the same time. You truly are a darlin.
Jane - I didn't really get a chance to know you this trip, but what I did learn, I respect and admire a lot. I love your accent, it soothed me and made me want to sit down and just let you talk.
Heather - I am so totally glad that I got to meet you. What a down to earth person you are. I love the fact that you shared the story of your father with me and took the time to explain a little about scrapbooking and card making. Also, thanks for talking me into going out with the girls to Gatlinburg. It totally rocked.
Cara - Your monkey bread if fabulous. I enjoyed talking with you and I'm totally loving that you drive well. That trip to Gatlinburg was da' bomb.

As you can, see our group was very diverse, but we all laughed and laughed and ate and ate and I think we wound up bringing home more food that we left with (if that is possible). Mexican night was a hit.
Thanks to all of you for making my life a little richer. Looking forward to EE10. (Oh, can we please change the name. My body doesn't need the extra boost, know what I mean?)

Kori - Your blog is private, so I won't post the address here. I'm sorry that you were unable to attend. I think all of us missed you. Thank you so much for the breakfast you surprised us with. How very gracious of you to do that even though you could not make it. I'm sure we all wish you the best of luck with your move and look forward to seeing you happy after all the tragedy that has befallen you in this past year.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Right now, as I am typing this, the time left on the counter for Estrogen Extravaganza (you see it, right there on the right). Yeah, well I have been waiting many, many moons to post this.

Only 23 hours 48 minutes left until we go to Estrogen Extravaganza. Myself, and 14 other of my nearest, dearest blogging buddies (of whom, I have only personally met one) will be driving, flying, walking (not really) carpooling, etc to a predetermined location in a beautiful mountain town to spend a glorious weekend terrorizing said beautiful mountain town.

In the last few days, everyone has begun to get a little excited. Emails have been flying fast and furiously between all of us worried if we are gonna have enough of eats or toilet paper. Believe me, we will have enough. I am having to borrow a car topper just so we can get all our luggage and food there.
I can hardly wait to meet all you super ladies. And if it works out, maybe we could go even bigger next year, just sayin'.
See you girls on Thursday evening.

Okay, here is a little about me, Kat (Sunshine and Lemonade)



rain or snow? I prefer snow (until it actually does, then I'm a house bunny)
apples or oranges? I love apples, but I love oranges too. Decisions....
Crayons or colored pencils? I dig crayons the best
Favorite John Hughes' movie? Sixteen candles
scented or unscented? depends on the scent
What toppings do you put on your burger? mayo, must, ketchup, pickles and onions
gift bag or gift wrap? who cares as long as I get a gift
print or cursive? love beautiful cursive writing, however, I have been known to become entranced by some really nice print as well
corn chips or potato chips? Okay, I like both, but if I must choose I would go with the deliciousness that is a salty, fat laden chip any day.
Favorite soup? Tater and bacon.

How about you? Visit Kat and link back to her. Y'all have a good day and it's only three more days till we whisk away to all the fun that is going to be EE.

Uhm YAY or EEEWW.....you decide.
We're all friends here, right?


Have you ever…(?)
co-opted toilet paper from a public washroom as a temporary measure
planned a vacation around your period
avoided white pants for that one 'special' week of the month
done a supplies hand-off with a girlfriend while the dates weren't looking
cautiously tucked the telltale string into your bikini
accidentally pulled a mystery object from your purse in front of a curious male audience
scuttled to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden 'surge'
clogged your toilet with "flushable" feminine products
left a party with a jacket tied around your waist...?

I kid you not. I found this little gem while surfing around the net. It was on the mouthy-housewives website. It is http://www.divacup.com/ I'm not sure what my feelings are about this method. Anyone ever heard of this??? This looks like a little more "hands on" than I am comfortable with. I'm not a tampon gal and I'm not sure I could get used to a glob of silicone poked up my lady bits either. Not judgin', just sayin'.

Although, I could probably save a bundle on stained undergarments, huh?

What a day.....what a day......

Man, this has been the day from he....someplace bad. Here's my schedule today....

Got the kids off to school. Had an appointment with an endodontist to determine if I needed to have a root canal on my throbbing tooth. Good news is, NO, I don't need a root canal. They are just going to remove the filling and put in something called a sedative filling. Sedative? Anyone? Then I rushed home from there to pick up some paperwork that I was gonna need at my next order of business. I rushed to the elementary school and picked up the princess. No problemo. Rushed next door to the high school to get the two boys and off we go on a whirlwind trip down the interstate to the dermatologists office (our insurance covers once a year skin checks, it is a blessing). We get there and they call us all back at the same time. YIPPEE!!! My daughter checks out okay. My oldest boy gets a few samples of acne control medication (he is after all in that prime time of his life now). Middle child has four warts they freeze off. But otherwise they are all good to go. Now it's my turn.....I have two places that have to be cut out. YOW!!!! And six places on my neck that have to be frozen and one on my right boob that has to be frozen off and one on my right leg. I have never been so glad to give somebody my money and get the heck out of there. Then back on the interstate for another 45 minute trip to the orthaepedic doctor so my oldest son can have his check up on his broken hand. It is healing nicely and he got a new cast that didn't smell like rotten butt.

While we were waiting for his cast person to show up, I had to leave and rush middle child to Sylvan to tutoring. It is a couple miles from the ortho. Screeched up into the parking lot, booted him out and screeched back to the ortho just in time to finish watching my son get his new cast. I talked to my hunny by direct connect and he was gonna wait for the one in Sylvan so I could go home. Here's the great wife and mother part, as I was sitting in the drive thru of the local Lil Ceasars pizza. I see his truck at the 7-11 next door. We had a pizza picnic right there in the parking lot. He was so exhausted that I decided to let him come home with the other two and I waited for Sylvan to be over. Then, child two and I screeched our way home.

I am so blessed that we have the insurance to cover the cost of all this work that my family and I had done today. Blessed that we all have the health to screech here and there. Blessed to have friends to share a day with. Thanks, friends.

This whole world has lost it's mind, it's not just America.....

You see that? Over there, on the right hand side... It is a bronze statue of Bill Clinton. You heard me, Bill Clinton. The former president was honored as a hero by the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo.

Okay. When I read the headline, "Former President Clinton receives statue in his honor", (before I read the complete article) in my mind I was picturing him sitting back at his desk in the oval office with Monica Lewinsky's shoes poking out the other side.

Hey, don't be hatin', just sayin'. This world is a messed up place sometimes.

Have a great week everyone.......

The main event...........this weekend............

is not Halloween in my neck of the woods......it is actually the.....
























FLORIDA





VS




















GEORGIA
Football game in Jacksonville, Florida.





Now, a fellow blogger asked the question is there any event in our area that we would like to have tickets to. And my response is listed below:




Hey Kat,The big event in our area this weekend is the FL/GA game in Jacksonville. I would love to watch it, but there would have to be several things happening before I would actually go.


1. Hell would have to freeze over. Because there is no way that I am going to sit in a stadium with thousands of rabid Gator and Dawg fans. Just not gonna happen. Especially since the forcast temperature is gonna feel like 100 on the field. Nope, cannot be glistening, just can't.

2. Well, number one pretty much covered it.


Oh, and 3. I can see it better on TV when they have instant playback and those nifty lines they draw all over the place to help me keep track of what down it is and all that jazz.

GO GATORS!!!!

Okay, y'all, I was over at SITS doing the Sunday thang and I found some wonderful contests to enter. However, one in particular stood out (especially since an entry requires me to blog about it, but I would've blogged anyway).

Go here, Room Remix, and enter for your chance to win a beautiful canvas print for your home. Below is some examples of the stuff from Willow Rosa Studios.

Even if I don't win, I got some super ideas for Christmas presents and they are all just beautiful. Remember, they don't have to have a quote on them or you can add your own quote. Check this giveaway out and let me know what you liked the best.

As y'all can undoubtedly see, I'm partial to hand fans, but some of these come in the prints as well.

Hope to be hearing from you soon.

I finished it. Two days, flat. I have been eagerly awaiting this novel since I finished The Hunger Games last year.

I really got into this book, every time I thought I knew where it was headed, it threw me in a different direction and I loved it. I mean LUHVED it. Right up till the last page, and that kind of ticked me off.

I guess that's why it was called book two of the series. Gotta keep em coming back for more.

Anyone wanna share their Catching Fire experience?

F ------------G !!!!!!

That's right. A curse word. Now, before all you ladies swoon and pass out. I have just found a new curse word that starts with "F" and ends with "G".

I am, by no means, a literary scholar. Although, I do love to read books. That is neither here nor there.

This new word I'm talking about is F U N D R A I S I N G.!!!!! You got it. Fundraising has become the bane of my existence right now. The football team is fundraising, the cheerleaders are fundraising, the school is fundraising,the PTO is fundraising, the Science Club is fundraising, the FFA is fundraising, the repave the driveway club, oh wait, scratch that last one. LOL.

It seems like everywhere I go and anyway I turn someone has their hand out wanting some money for a fundraising event. YIKES!!!! Don't you people know it's close to Christmas?

I don't have a problem giving five dollars here and five dollars there, but have you seen some of the things they are using to raise funds with. The cheapest thing I can order (and not look like a cheapskate) is fifteen dollars. Then with fifteen dollars here and twenty dollars there, I'm broke. Busted. I ain't got no more moola.

AND I got to save up for the Girl Scout Cookies. I got to have me some thin mints and samoas.

Any one else find themselves being dollared broke by various fund raisers?

B U N C O.........

Y'all remember the other day when I was beggin for help to learn how to play Bunco? Well, turns out, I really didn't need help after all.

My S-I-L invited a bunch of us to her house last night to play Bunco. How could we possibly have known the fun that awaited us in those five little letters.

First, she had her house decorated UP for Halloween. It was da bomb. And then she had all kinds of spooky, delicious treats cooked up for us. The one that impressed upon me the most (i.e. - gave me nightmares) were the "finger" cookies. I could hardly look at them at first, they gave me the willies so bad. They looked like fingers with blood under the nails. Yes, they did. Check out this picture I took:

Is that not just the coolest thing. Now (after I've eaten a few dozen of them) I can look at them and not freak out.

Thanks for the great time, Stephanie, I am so looking forward to the next round. It was fun, and it was nice to get away from the kids and men for a while.

H.E.L.P. I NEED HELP, HELP

Alright, here's my dilemma. I am invited to my SIL's house tomorrow night to play Bunco. Okay, bunco... I have never played this game and I really don't want to look bad when I get there, so help a sister out, leave some advice.
Thanks......

Know what this is?
This is what I found in the drain board from last night's supper dishes.
Apparently, in my son's world (the one without the broken hand), in his world, this is
what passes for a clean pan. YUCK!!!
Gotta love 'em.
Have a good night.

Can you guess where I spent some time today? That's right. The Ortho's office.
Number One son broke his hand early Sunday morning. Nice. I hadn't been to this particular branch of their practice before and let me tell you, honey, it was grand.
My son was spending the night at his grandmother's (they have a very nice clubhouse she practically built for them this summer). He was running around outside after it was dark, tripped in a hole and fell and caught the edge ofhis hand against the clubhouse. Viola!!!! Six weeks in an extremely funky looking cast.
When the receptionist asked us if he had ever used their services before, he said, "No, but my brother has been here three times, so far". Yikes. I bout fell over laughing.
Do I have boys that are kin to their daddy or what?
I hope everyone is having a great week.

Time for random driblets.....





I'm calling them driblets cause they aren't even worthy to be called dribbles.....

Could we PLEASE just leave the moon alone? I realize that all the NUTS AND SCIENTISTS ATYPE personalities at NASA feel like we need to bomb our own moon (hello, what happens if your calculations are off and ten years from now the moon fragments into billions of pieces), but is there not one person in that group who might have said, JUST SAY NO!!

***************

Last night, was the big community pep rally for our high school homecoming this weekend. It is a big to-d0 hereabouts. Lots of music, skits performed by the high school grades, contests, prizes, cheerleading, dancing teams, presentation of Homecoming Court, a bonfire and most importantly, FIREWORKS. Well, I had to miss the skit portion because the boy had baseball practice. Okay, by the time practice was over, so were the skits. No problemo, right. I took the boy to the stadium and dropped him off to go find his dad and siblings. I, on the other hand, headed home to use the handy dandy heating pad. Having a flare in my right hip, again. I attribute this to the amount of walking I have been doing this week. So, I can be in pain and healthy, or fat and no pain? Wow, is that really a question? Guess, I'll just have to be in pain, because I went back out this morning and walked it again.

******************************

I hate being broke. Not, I only have a few dollars to payday, but I mean BROKE.

******************************

Everyone please pray. I would like all of you to pray for a very special friend of mine. I cannot go into specifics or name names, but God knows who she is and what she needs. Please pray that she will open her eyes and her ears and listen to Him, not the people around her or the evil one as he preys on her weakened condition.

Thanks ladies (and gents) I hope that you all have a blessed weekend with lots of love and joy (and if joy for you is spelled C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E) even better.

Today, It's official....
I finally received it in the mail today.....

the certificate for World's Worst Mom. I've been in competition for this bad boy for some time, but last night, I won it hands down.

I actually prayed for my boys' ball game to get rained out. I know, I know, I'm horrible.
I am so tired of being somewhere every afternoon of the week, that I cracked. I broke down and prayed for rain to fall from the sky so I could JUST.GO.HOME. and stay there a while.

Y'all I know, are shocked beyond imagining, but don't hate me because I'm better at being a bad mom than you. Got any stories you wanna share?

PLAY BALL!!!!

Hey y'all. The time has finally arrived. Fall ball is here. My middle son has decided he wants to play. I'm great with that. I'm glad he's getting some exercise three days a week. I'm happy to sit and watch him and his team mates have a great time.
But seriously, what's up with some of these parents? Hello!!!! It's a game. No one is going to be taken out and executed if they don't play like the pros on TV.
YIKES!!!
And what's up with some of these kids? I saw a kid get put out at 3rd base today and fall down and have a tantrum. Crying and carrying on. Even into the fielding portion of the inning. I heard his coach (maybe his dad) yelling at him to stop it. Wow. I guess I'm just too laid back about it. Apparently there are plenty of parents who are quite serious. This one guys kept saying over and over "It's all about the win", "It's all about the win". Seriously? Is that the only reason he lets his kid participate?
New experience for me. I'm like its okay to win and it's okay to lose, but do it in a manner that shows you have respect for yourself and others.
Whatevah, right?
Oh, by the way. I love that my little one's coach plays everyone. No matter how good they are or how bad they are. It's a great way to learn.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Hey everybody, I'm bustin' up in here to let you all know that.............
there are only 84 shopping days left til Christmas!!!!!

Kind of just wanted someone to share the panic with me. Love y'all.

Can I just say.....................YUM!!!

Okay, I am not lusting after this man. But can I just say, I really, really like him in everything I have seen him in. Preface this with the fact that I haven't seen him in everything he has ever done, but no one likes everything any actor has done, just sayin'.

I love Royal Pains on television. I know, I know. But I do.

I just watched his performance in the movie titled "In Her Shoes". And I love him. He is so adorable. Guy next door. Long suffering, hottie. And he does a really good job acting too.

Oh, BTW, everyone send some love out to Kori today. Melissa from My Version of Sanity is going to join her this afternoon to help clear out her dear daddy's house. Kori girl, love and hugs and prayers for you.

And, did I hear something about an Estrogen Extravaganza? Can't wait to get more details. Exciting. Counting my pennies and the days.

One of God's beautiful places......

Okay, my family loves to camp out. We love to go to different State parks and find out what they have to offer. And we have been to some really great ones, and we have been to some not so great ones.

This past weekend we went to a place near Dunellon Florida called "Rainbow Springs". I highly recommend this trip. You can camp. The campground facilities are nice and clean. You can go swimming at the head springs for free (if you are a camper). You can tube down the river, for a fee. Or you can go to the river near the campground and tube for free. Or you can kayak or canoe, or swim in the pool at the campground. This area is so beautiful. I highly recommend it. I am trying to upload a picture of the swimming area at the head springs. We all enjoyed it, except the fact that it was all over our heads, there was no where to stand up at except the steps. But still, a beautiful place.

What are some of your favorite places?

Y'all have got to listen to this song.....

Okay, it's not a law or anything like that, but you really will like it, I promise.
First of all, it's being sung by Brad Paisley (who is this generations George Strait) just sayin'. And Sara Evans.

Oh my, I got all teary eyed listening to the love and devotion. Wow.

It's the first song on my playlist, so turn it up and be blessed.

Is that retching that I hear.....

Guess what lovely spector has shown up atour house...Yeah, the flu.
Abby and Carl have both missed school and now my Chris has it.
Yippee, only a matter of time before that train stops here and picks me up.
Can't wait.....how about y'all?
Hope every one has a blessed week.

Just wanted to say, We remember 9/11/01. May God bless the families of those who lost their loved ones that day.
May God bless the United States military personnel on foreign ground and domestic. God bless them for their sacrifices and God bless their families for their sacrifices so we can sleep safely tonight.
For our fire, rescue, and law enforcement personnel, thank you for all you do. May God bless you all.

Everyone, take just a moment, to remember the sacrifices that our veteran's and our military personnel and their families make so that we may live in freedom and enjoy the many freedoms that we do.

Out of the mouth of babes.......

Upon learning that her little cousin is hurling chunks sick, my little darling girl wanted me to relay a message to her.

Tell her I hope she feels better soon and not to forget to keep her little garbage can right next to her, cause you never know.

LOL. Dr. in the making.

The Birthday Swap arrived......

Shawn held a birthday swap. I signed up for it several weeks ago.....remember

this?

My package has arrived and let me tell ya, I don't know if my swap gal was physic or what, but she could not have sent me anything that tickled me more than what she did.

Somehow, she knew that I have sensitive skin and sent me some Sensaria Freshening Mist and Sensaria Sole Survivor for rough and cracked feet. My heels are so cracked this is just the ticket for them. Also included is a lovely All about You magnet that can be placed on several different things I'd Rather Be doing.....i got a big kick out of that. But my two favorite pieces in the swap by far are the beautiful coffee mug from the Public market Center in Seattle and the wall hanging about faith. I absolutely adore these gifts.

Kristen from all that Hoopla, you ROCK!!!! girl. Thank you so much for these wonderful gifts.

God bless you and your family. Your husband and his unit are in my prayers.

Invisible Illness Week is coming up soon.....

I, personally had no idea this even existed. I was surfing around the blogosphere and stumbled across this "meme". And although I do have an invisble illness, I am not going to go for all thirty questions. To see this woman's "meme" go to http://www.toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com/

I guess I feel for her because having an invisible illness does make people ask and say things that aren't always the most tactful or loving.

I suffer with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and yes, I am on a medicine regimen that has severely limited the damage my joints suffer from this disease. That's what can be seen. This disease is affecting my heart and other organs. It's the nature of the beast. Some people look at me and see a lazy person, I am not, nor have I ever been lazy. I get so frustrated at not being able to do the things I once was able to or maybe not be able to do them as well. It makes me want to scream sometimes. It frustates me that I cannot stand for long periods of time without excruciating pain. I can do a lot of tasks, but I must be sitting down to do them. I used to be able to do so many things, so many, many things. And I get discouraged because I can't really do a lot of them anymore. Well, that's not really correct, I can do some of them, but the cost is high in pain, and I have come to be leary of that pain and try to avoid causing it at most costs.

The fatigue that comes with this disease is horrendous. And you don't really have any warning when it's going to strike. Last week, I was going to start a walking regimen with my MIL and SIL. I could barely make it 1/4 mile. Yes, some of this is because I am out of shape, but some of it is the pain that I live with in my lower back and in my knees. It is frustrating not to be able to walk like I used to could. And I praise God that the flares are not as frequent as they used to be, but it still takes a couple of days to get over them.

People judge so easily, but I wonder how they would feel after living a day in our shoes?

Thanks for listening. Please go visit this other blog and let her explain her illness to you. She needs our prayers.

YUMMY ALERT YUMMY ALERT

Okay, when it comes to trying "new" foods, I made a vow this past year to try the "new" food before I said YUCK.

I have really found a lot of really good things to eat that normally I would have just passed up. For example, I have really learned to love Broccoli Salad. It is one of the most fantastic dishes and if I had not agreed to "try" the new foods, I would have missed this completely.

Now, today, in this past hour, I have discovered a wonderful new food. It is not necessarily the best for you, but it is so savory and delicious and warm and tasty. It is the apple empanada from Taco Bell. Who knew?

Oh apple empanada, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Y'all have a great weekend.

A great man passed away this morning..........


No, I am not talking about Ted Kennedy. I don't consider him to be great. Didn't care for him while he was alive, so I don't see any need to be hypocritical and pretend that I do now. (Don't get me started on him, that's a whole nother post).

I am speaking of Richard McCulley. This man has had CF his entire life and since I joined the blogging world a little over a year ago, has been battling stage 4 colon cancer. Richard lost his courageous battle with this hideous, hateful disease this morning.

He leaves behind his wife and two wonderful boys. His wife Kori has the most amazing faith. And it is with a heavy heart that I write this post. I am so glad that I got to know him through her blog.

Kori, love you girl. Praying for you. I can see Richard's wonderful smile as he is walking with Jesus around heaven now. No more pain, no more cancer. Only peace and love. God bless both you and the boys in this time of sorrow.

It's the most wonderful time of the year..............

Pardon me for taking this saying back from that office supply store, we were sayin it long before they ever thought to use in their commercials....but I digress.....

Only one more day, and the kiddos are back in school. For all of those who are wondering, we have decided not to home school this year for several reasons. Thanks to all of you for your support and advice.

I am still going to be very active in my children's schools, no exactly the same, but the best I can do this year.

Hope all of our little ones have a great start to a fantastically blessed school year.

Translation help, please........

I need help, in the most important way. I need someone to translate for me.

Here is the phrase that I would like tranlated from English into any language any of you speak.

Go clean your room.

That's right. Just four little words. But apparently, my son, is not comprehending the English.

He came in here, after I have told him twenty times to clean his room and asked me this question. "Mom, does my room have to be clean, clean, or just clean enough that I can walk in it?"

HELLO..........are you kidding me?
So, if anyone can translate that, I would sincerely appreciate it.
Thanks.

You know what Madea said at the end of Family Reunion......

Lady, why the H _ _ _ did you bring that crying baby up here in the theatre, you know people trying to watc a movie, you just rude. Take that baby outside so people can watch their movie.

As a participant of Ticks Me off Tuesday, this is my rant.

Last night, my family went to the movies. This is a pretty rare thing for the five of us to be able to go at once. We went to see Ice Age 3. No spoilers, I promise.

We all got our popcorn and settled in to enjoy this entertainment. I was excited from all the previews I had seen, I was betting this was going to be a good movie.

There was a group of teenagers in front of us and yes, I admit it, I generationally profiled. I just knew the girls and boys were gonna be all giggly and carrying on and Ithought to myself, "Great, just great. A bunch of hormonally wild teenagers". But surprisingly, they behaved very well. Or, the fact that the baby behind us cried the entire freaking movie could have distracted me from their behavior.

I mean, come on, as soon as the movie began, this child, started whining about popcorn. The mother told her no to sit down. Okay, if I heard sit down once, that woman said it 800 times during the movie. And every time she told the kid to sit down, she would smack her on the leg. And of course, the kid would start crying.

Constant whining for popcorn and wanting to sit in Grandma's lap and crying and hollering NO and mom saying sit down NOW.

I turned around several times to look at these people, hoping they would get a clue. And I didn't feel like getting shot (cause you just don't ever know about people these days).

It just amazes me, the level of total disregard for anyone else besides themselves. When my two year old went to the movies, Oh that's right, I didn't take my two old to the movies because they would have cried and made someone else not enjoy the movie. And if my two year did scream NO at me, we certainly wouldn't have just sat there and popped them on the leg. That only made her cry harder.

I wanted to throw my popcorn bucket at her and scream GIVE THE FREAKING KID SOME POPCORN ALREADY!!!

Have you ever been that rude? Didn't you get up and take your crying child to the lobby for a moment until they calmed down?

I simply cannot wrap my mind around the logic this woman was using. I know mommy's want to watch movies too, but come on. There's no way she could have been watching the movie with all the sit downs and smacking going on back there.

Wade in, give me your take.....and have a great day.

I am a weiner.................

Hey everybody, last week I won a contest over at John Deere Mom.

I won this beauty.................

I love it. Thanks John Deere Mom. Love your kids' pics. Hope you are settling nicely into the new school year.

Hello everyone out there in radio and TV land.......

Well, as we begin the countdown to the last days of summer for my kids, (yeah, can ou believe they don't start back here until the 24th? What's up with that?) I was just wondering if anyone else feels that sense of absolute relief that I no longer have to come up with ways to get rid of....I mean, ways to pawn my kids off.... no, no, what I mean to say is find ways to keep my lovelies entertained for every waking hour of everyday?
I'm so ready for school to be back in session. I love my little ones (and my not so little ones) but it's time for them to be learning and busting some books and all that schooly stuff.
Oh sure, the first couple of days will be lonely, but WOO-HOO after that. I can find the time to have my hair did and get me a pedi. Phone not ringing while I'm sitting in the chair at the beauty parlor.......
So, what are your plans to do for yourself when your kids go back to class?

Its a birthday swap. No, not my birthday, Shawn's birthday.

I don't really know Shawn. But I do like her blog and I'm all about

a swap. So check out this sweet little swap going on. Hope you can

join us.

www.seriouslyshawn.com

A Hero Returned Home today.................

Today started out as any other day. Get my son up and get him to his tutoring on time. Today, I had to take my 7 year old with me to my dental appointment. She was good as gold. I had two cavities drilled and filled. Routine stuff, nothing special.

When I got finished at the dentist, I had an email waiting for me from my husband.

"Call me as soon as you finish in the dentist's office". Uh oh. This can't be good, I thought.

So I called him. He asked me if I had anything pressing to do and I responded that I didn't. He was calling me to ask me to join him on a roadside in Gainesville to pay honor and last respects to a soldier from Gainesville who was coming home today.

I sped over to the place (about 30 miles away). This is certainly one place that I wanted to be.

I didn't know this soldier. Didn't even know his name. But he didn't know me either, yet he served his country and paid the ultimate price for me. For all of us. Whether you agree with the war or not, don't you agree that to take a few minutes to honor a fallen hero is something we should all try to do?

I cannot be at every one. Logistically, financially, it is impossible. But I do pray for every person in our military, both foreign soil and domestic soil. I got a good picture of the hearse and some of the escort. As the family passed by, I found myself sobbing for them. May God bless them and comfort them in this time of their profound loss.

God bless America and God bless our soldiers. We thank you and we love you all.

Hello, hope everyone is well. i sriously underestimated my addiction to major league baseball.

This is the sunset at our Campsite at Fort Desoto.

This is my husband trying to help my daughter set up her sun shade on the edge of the bay.

View from campsite at Fort Desoto.

My boys on the monorail at Disney.

Super cool golf cart at Fort Wilderness.

our first view of Disney.

REALITY Bites.....................

So they say. We are home from a wonderful six day vacation. Three days at Fort Wilderness and three days at the beautiful, under rated Fort Desoto State park.

Wow, I never knew you could cram so much into such a small period of time. We spent minimal time at the camper at Fort Wilderness. There is so much stuff to do, you don't have time to relax. We bought the after 2pm water park passes and did Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and then Typhoon Lagaoon again. What a great time. In addition, we saw the settlement at Fort Wilderness, swam in the pool, slid slides and used the wonderfully delicious hot tub. Man, what great times. I hope my children were paying attention.

Then on to Fort DeSoto. What a gorgeous place. Peaceful, beautiful, did I mention beautiful. I could live there (if not for the fact that I had to use someone else's shower all the time). I am including some pics of our little vacay. I hope you enjoy them.

Beautiful things.......

Beautiful things are all around us, each day. However, when someone puts their time and love into a project it just makes it even more special.

We are blessed to have someone with an incredible talent in this family. My MIL is an incredible wood worksperson (trying to be politically correct).

A few of the things she has lovingly made us over the years include a solid cherry full size bed frame. No pic of that. A beautiful table for my living room. A set of bunk beds for my boys. Recently, she made me a cover for my mail box post and it is so gorgeous. Pics to follow. And she made my daughter a one of kind doll house. It is so awesome. It has wallpaper and wood floors and lights and furniture and it really is an incredible piece of craftsmanship. Check out these photos.

If you're reading Granny Judy, thanks for the beautiful, hand crafted furniture. We love it all and we love you too.
Everyone have a safe and blessed weekend.

Forty-four years ago today........

In a small, really small town in NE Fla, 44 years ago this morning, my mother was having the time of her life (yeah, right). Today is my birthday. And I'm having a ball. DH got me a blackberry for my birthday. Now, I won't say that I'm an idiot, but I'm not sure I have the vocabulary to operate this particular piece of technology. He wants me to Ping something. Uh, not allowed to do that in public, am I?
Anyway, I'm trying to get my Ping on, so you all keep your fingers crossed.

I had visitors............







My neice, my SIL, and my neice's little girl came for an overnight visit yesterday. I haven't seen the little girl in about two months. Talk about growing, my stars.



Look...

She is such a sports model. And then, she opened her mouth and spoke. I almost freaked out. (She wasn't talking last time I saw her). Clear as a bell, too. I cannot begin to tell you what joy this little one brought to my heart.

Aunt Shelley (me) took her out on a ride to see the cows. A big hit, by the way. And she helped me drive the kubota. And we saw tractors and hay barns, and all sorts of grasshoppers, oh my.

What a lovely girl, and what a lovely visit.

Hello.....is this thing on......

Just kidding. It has been a roller coaster around here for the past several weeks. And I just realized that I haven't posted since Saturday. Oh well, what's a mother to do?

I know this sounds crazy, but my children's social schedule is keeping me hopping. It's summer for goodness sake. Aren't I supposed to be sleeping late EVERY day. Not the best four out of seven?

Anyway, I hope you all had a great 4th. Back to my taxi schedule now.

Happy 4th of July.....America.....

I hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled 4th of July and all the activities that go with it. My DH is working today, so my family decided to wait until tomorrow night for the cookout. Isn't that sweet of us? We want him with us to celebrate....my SIL and BIL are talking about going to a small town near us to watch a parade and fireworks. Since I don't like to be hot or to sweat, I have opted to stay at home and watch the Firecracker 400 on television. And I can see some awesome fireworks on the telly also. I realize it is not the same.....no bug bites, not sweating through my clothes, feeling icky because I'm so hot, but I guess it's a sacrifice I'll have to make. They did offer to take my kids with them.....are they angels or what????? A few hours to myself? I can dig that, I can totally dig that.

Let's not forget this day to remember those who are serving in our military branches. All of them. Let's remember that our freedom wasn't free.

Let's remember that only two people have offered to die for our freedom. One was Jesus and the other is the American soldier.

Enjoy your 4th celebrations..

Am I really a dinosaur.....or how old I really am......

In this techno-savvy world, I have to admit that using new devices and services is not always the easiest thing for me. I have to have my children school me in the use of the DVD player and such. Really, I just don't have the time or the spare brain cells to take this stuff on by myself. Once, I learn a new machine or skill or application, I can ride like the wind with it. That being said.......

I am learning to text on my cell phone. It is a strange and foreign concept to me. And one that I think is redundant. Why take all that time to text, when you can simply dial and talk about it? That's the question. In case you hadn't figured it out, I'm a talker, a communicator. Someone who apparently loves to hear their own voice, cause I have to say, this texting thing is not coming easy to me.

In fact, it goes against the grain of everything all my typing and office management and VOE instructors ever taught me. Fingers on the home row keys, girls. ASDF JKL:. Use correct form and do not look at your keys. All those many years of training and work ethic......down the tubes. All the years that it took me to be able to type 85 words per minute......not important. Gone. Now, I'm hunting and pecking with my THUMBS. Can you believe that? I can hardly stand it. Every time I text I have a montage of old typing and business education teachers mumbling in my ears. It's really a sad thing to see. Me typing with my thumbs talking to old women who really aren't there anymore. I should be on TV I think.

So, with that all important information conveyed to you. I bid you adieu and hope you have a great rest of the week.

Dear Inconsiderate Driver............

Good morning. I just want to start this off in as positive a manner as I possibly can.

After all, I do have my bracelet to think about (see Madea Goes to Jail).

I don't know why you have so many vehicles and I don't know how you can be in so many places at one time.

Why is it necessary for you to wait until I get about 100 yards from your road and THEN you decide to pull out in front of me doing at least 20 mph under the speed limit? I then have to slam on the brakes in order not to cream the corn out of you.

Why is it necessary for you to text message while you drive? YEAH, you are busted!!!

And where in the name of Zeus' b---hole (see The Rock) did you get your drivers' license from?

Come on. I know I'm road raging, but all I can do is laugh right now because you ran yourself off the road while texting. Didn't anyone ever tell you it is so, so dangerous to be doing that?

Please, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease. Stop pulling out in front of me. Don't you know that I have more important things to do than you? That's right! And thank you so much for your kind consideration.