Dusty Thorn Farm

Grandpa Reed's Early Morning Phone Calls

2010-09-03T13:42:00.003-05:00

My grandpa used to call at the earliest hours of the morning -
usually between 6 and 7 AM!!

Can you believe the nerve!!

Actually it wasn't that bad except when I was a kid,

my dad and stepmom used to sleep late
and you talk about someone flipping out!

She would be so upset when they would get woke up.

I can understand that.
When I get to lie in bed with David and just appreciate the time

to do nothing but snuggle.

I totally get it.

But I was just thinking about how nice now it would be

to get those early morning calls again.

My grandpa died in 1998.

My kids didn't know him, even though Trevor was nearly 8,
they just didn't.

I didn't know him very well.
Grandpa was a farmer.
He lived through the
Great Depression.
His wife, my grandma, died when my dad was 8,
leaving 5 kids for him to care for.

He never really talked much.
Kept a lot locked up inside.

Never told his children or grandchildren that he loved them.

That really bothers me for my dad and his sisters.

Even though Grandpa showed them love,
I know they needed to hear it.

My dad now gets up around 4 in the morning.
He has for years.

I know that there have been some things happen
since Grandpa died

that Daddy could have used the advice

and reassurances of his dad.

Not that he would have sought it out,

but we all know it's comforting to know it's there if you need it.

I bet he'd give anything to get an "early" morning call,

with a loud "Morning!!" on the other end.

It's Been a While

2010-08-20T12:54:00.001-05:00

I don't know what's been wrong with me.
First I got all blase (I don't know how to do an accent mark, so pronounce it blah-zay),
just coming out of winter.
I didn't feel like posting at all.

Man, it was a cold, dark winter!

I thought I wasn't gonna make it!!

I don't wanna go back to that place!

I like it far better in the warm coziness of

spring and fall.

Yes- warm and cozy:)

No- dark and cold:(

Comprende-vous?

So my problem now......it's too stinking hot!!

Unless you've been in the South,

you have no idea about hot and humidity

together and the calamity they can cause.

You step outside and you're instantly hot and wet

at the same time.

I stay in the house.

Any going outside is very quick and has to be needful.

I feel like a hermit!

You would think that I would post constantly on my blog.
I haven't.
I'm a bad girl.

But you know what?

This morning was kind of chilly when I went out.

That means fall is right around the corner.

I love love love fall!!

I can't wait to rock in the hammock with my hubby,

wrapped in a quilt, listening to the fire crackle and pop.

We don't even have to talk.

Just hold hands and snuggle.

Those times are the best. Those moments.

Nothing else matters for just those few moments:)

Come on Fall!!

I'm Still Alive

2010-05-24T10:44:00.000-05:00

I am still alive and well. I have been doing a lot of other things. But I'm thinking of stuff to write and well, there's quite a bit to tell the truth.

But today is our 13th anniversary and I'm not going to write anymore for today, except for this:

I Love You David!!

Not Feeling It

2010-03-20T06:27:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've had a lot rambling about in my head and I can't pinpoint any one certain thing I want to write about.
I'm stressed, got too much going on, etc. and blahblahblah.......so I think I'm going to take a break.

I know with spring coming on, I'll be outside more and more, like always. It's just what I have to do.

Be back soon!

Wordless Wednesday -Warmer Times

2010-03-17T06:44:00.000-05:00

Sept. 2007

Aug. 2009

Columbus, Georgia

Burnin' Hot!!

Aug. 2009

He's freezing in Alaska now!

Say What You Need to Say (with Post Its) 3/16

2010-03-16T08:16:00.002-05:00

It's Post It Note Tuesday, in case you didn't notice.

Get yourself over to Supah and check it out.

If you can't laugh at yourself, you're missing out on the fun!

Have good times today:)

Making Small Changes

2010-03-14T18:06:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went over to my Facebook friends,

and I downsized the amount of friends that were on my page.

I took off probably 175 or so, and

really want to take off more!

But I don't want to appear too evil, you know:)

It wasn't that I had anything against any of them.

But truly, so many of them (not all) acted like they were still

in high school and it was really sad.

I just don't need that in my life.

I check in every couple of days but

I can live without it.

So I purged them from my Facebook.

It was great:)

I must not have been the only one feeling this way,

my SIL did it too and some of my other friends

said they keep their list to a minimum.

So then.....

I went over my blog with a fine-toothed comb.

First, I went through all the blogs I follow.

I deleted over half of them.

It wasn't that I had anything against them.

Most of them were nice blogs.

A few were just not all that and a bag of po-ta-to chips!

Some of them I just tired of.

So I purged again!

But I did it mostly because I was missing
the ones I really do enjoy.

The bloggy girls I have come to know and love!

My friends that live in my computer!

They were slipping through my reader and

going into the wild blue yonder of blogland,

never to be viewed by my eyes or

LOL'd at in a comment.

(On a side note, I love my reader - Love it!!

Thanks Helene for turning me onto it.)

I gotta say....it was refreshing!!

I felt free!!!

I did lose a couple of followers, and

I figured I would.

That's to be expected.

Another thing about this week was that I did not

participate in Friday Follow.
While I did find some really great blogs during the weeks

I did link up, it just wasn't worth it for me.

Just not what I'm about.

When someone posts a comment,

and it's obvious they didn't read a single thing in your post,

just "Following you, come follow my blog too!" or

"Great post! Come over to my blog!" or

the equivalent to that,

it's so frustrating.

You guys know what I'm talking about.

I cleaned up my blogroll

and took some of the links off my enjoy list.

I moved them to my reader and

made it just for recipe blogs now.

I'm thinking about taking the little follow box off, but

I have to let that mull around in my head for a bit.

I blog because I'm lousy at keeping a paper journal and

this is my way of keeping a journal.

It's for me, my husband, my kids, and

the rest of my family.

If you get a kick from reading it,

that makes me happy too.

All in all, I guess I what it boils down to is

this is my blog.

I can write about whatever I want.

I can put what I want on it

and

I can take it off.

I don't have ads.

(I don't like the commercial feel of it)

I don't do buttons.

(I'm too OCD and don't like the clutter)

I don't even do awards.

(Basically I don't like being told to do something)

Big flippin' deal!

If you do, it's your blog, go for it!!

Don't tell me what to do with my blog and

I won't tell you what to do with yours!

Except for get rid of word verification,

~~it's stupid~~ it doesn't make a difference (just do moderating),

everyone hates it and

you'll get more comments.

Also, link an email up for your blog already!!

The no-reply blogger thing is killing me!!

If you don't have a clue what I'm talking about just ask.

I know you've read other blog posts about it.

Please.

Pretty please with sugar on top!

And a cherry!

Go to yahoo or gmail,

get a free email and put it in your blog profile.

Do it now! I'll wait.

Did you do it?

Okay.

Now, other than that, I won't tell you what

to do with your blog ;)
Even then, it's done with love.

Thanks Google for the pics!!

Wordless Wednesday -On the Water & Off

2010-03-10T06:43:00.001-06:00

Oct 2002

Trevor

Matt

Nov 2003

Newborn Courtney and Cousin Sophie

(who could've used a bath!)

Say What You Need to Say (with Post Its)

2010-03-09T07:10:00.001-06:00

I have been reading everyone's post-its for a while now,

and the humor and wit really makes my day.

I have been holding back on the sarcasm,

for the most part.

But I'm gonna let it peek out just a bit today,

since it's building up pressure,

and then the lid's going back on.

It's a monster if I let it have free reign.

You can link up at Supah Mommy's and

let go of those little things that are getting to you too!

Check out the rest of her site while you're there,

she's pretty awesome!

Have a great Tuesday!!

Five Question Friday - 3/5

2010-03-05T08:27:00.002-06:00

I almost forgot about Five Question Friday!!

What kind of Friday would that be?!

Well, I can tell you...not a very good one.

Mama M. is the hostess with the mostest

and she's lots of fun so check her out:)

1. What's your guilty pleasure?

I would have to go with brownies, the corner pieces,

even better with a scoop of ice cream and

some hot fudge. Is your mouth watering? Mine is!

2. What is your favorite TV series?

Currently, it's the Big Bang Theory. That is a funny show!!

I'm not too impressed with many of the current shows

because they are too wrapped up in sex.

All the jokes revolve around sex and it's just ridiculous!

BBT is milder and the comedy is more kid-friendly.

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?

Lol, I can speak text. Does that count? No?

Well, I can understand a teensy-bit Russian, and

I know the alphabet and can read a tad.

I can speak, read and understand a tiny bit of Spanish and French.

Most of the time, I just do well to speak English.

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I plead the 5th.

My husband reads my blog and

I refuse to incriminate myself.

But it's a lot:)

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?

I wish I could say I was picky about my chocolates

but the fact is I'll eat any chocolate that is within reach.

Hide your candy when I visit!

You've been warned.

As for M&M's, I like the peanut ones a little more than the plain

so I can suck on them til the chocolate's gone

and then eat the peanuts.

Buh-bye for now!!

Friday Photo Flashback - Chubby Cheeks

2010-03-05T07:14:00.005-06:00

When someone says they have chubby cheeks,

you can check back here,

look at this picture and compare.

Use this picture for reference

to find out - "do they really?"

Because those were and still are some big cheeks.

This was back in 1973.

Check out the way I take control of that beast.

I drove around on that poor worm

until the wheels eventually came off.

That took some doing, because

toys were made better then (in my opinion).

This was also before I had any stinky brothers

and ruled the house by myself.

March 1971

I was a one month old demon child.

Mom says I always had to be on my back

so I could watch what was going on.

I would be all good and quiet,

then she would try to take a shower

and all heck (to put it mildly) would break loose.

She'd never been around babies so she just thought

it was normal for me to scream bloody-murder.

Then Jason came along and threw off my game.

He didn't cry and was mind-numbingly boring,

ya know, for a baby and all:)

I'm surprised Mom decided to have more kids

after dealing with me! Seriously!

At least the next two were calm.

I still have that little green sweater, with a touch of smoke

damage but otherwise okay.

It was made by Jerri Tollet.

I have no idea who she was but Mom

thought her name should be remembered

on the back of the picture.

Alicia at More Than Words hosts the FPF each week

so be sure to go link up and post your pics.

I wish everyday was Friday Photo Flashback:)

Oh and you know what else happens on Friday?

Of course you do!!

It's time for Friday Follow!

I have found so many great blogs to read

and it's so easy to do.

Why would you not go over and link up?

Don't miss out:)

Have a great weekend, my homies!!

Toelio at Work

2010-03-02T11:31:00.001-06:00

There is an art to getting these socks on.

You know... the socks that have toes in them.

They can be tricky.

The toes have to be separated.

You have to find each individual toe pocket.

Frankly, I think they're too much work.

My Aunt Amy had some in the 70's and I thought she was so cool

when I saw her toe socks.

Not that I didn't already think she was awesome.

The socks just reaffirmed the coolness.

I wasn't toe sock cool.

But this girl is.

Toelio is just one the many weird names that runs

in our family, including extended family.

It is a registered trademarked name.

Do not attempt to use the Toelio name in any way.

Just kidding:)

Meal Plan Monday - 3/1 - 3/7

2010-02-28T22:18:00.001-06:00

I didn't put up a menu last week, because I just kind of winged it and we ate from the pantry and freezer. It actually turned out very well after all.
The menu from the week before was excellent! The only thing I didn't make was the enchiladas. I think we had leftovers that night instead.

Our menu this week is:

Monday - Cheeseburger Buns and Chips

Tuesday - Cheddar Corn Chowder

Wednesday - Mexican Beef & Rice and cornbread

Thursday - Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

Friday - Seafood Lasagna

Saturday - Roast Beef and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Peas

Sunday - BBQ Meatballs (recipe below), Corn on the Cob, and Garlic-Roasted New Potatoes

BBQ Meatballs

1 pound lean hamburger

1/2 cup milk

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together and shape into balls. Put into square baking dish.

Sauce

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

1/4 cup vinegar

1/4 cup water

3 Tbsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

Combine sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

(Recipe from E-mealz.com)

If you don't know already, Laura hosts a weekly meal plan where

hundreds of people link up with their meals. There are tons of recipes too.

Head over and check it out:)

What the Young Folk Do

2010-02-27T11:28:00.000-06:00

I come from a small town, so I trust me when

I say there was nothing to do there.

That's probably why,

when my parents took me and my brothers

to Chicago whenI was about 14,

I said - I loved the big city and I was going

to live there someday!!

Fast forward 10 years.

I did move to the city.....well Nashville's a good size.

Not too big but still big:)

Five malls just 10 minutes away,

Harris Teeter, Whole Foods,

and the thrift stores (I think I miss them the most).

There's always something to do.

And you have choices!!

Which brings me to another story.

A couple of years ago

our family was out on a road trip in the RV.

We stopped at a Walmart in a little town on a Friday night.

It was packed!!

And not packed with people shopping,

but packed with people socializing.

They weren't having cocktails, but they might as well have.

They were standing in the aisles,

at the ends of the aisles,

leaning on the endcaps, and sitting if they could.

Groups of people were having get togethers.

Kids were walking all over the store,

meeting up with other kids, but staying in the store.

In the words of Chazz, it was mind-bottling!!

This is what they did! How they went out on the weekend!

There was nothing else to do.

This is now my life.

Curses!! Foiled again!!

What the blankety-blank happened?

(Mom, keep your 2 cents)

I live in the country again.

A town where if you don't get it at Walmart,

you ain't gettin' it.

It takes a half hour to get there too.

Don't get me wrong, I like where I live.

I just don't adjust easily.

But I will. Eventually.

Anyway, this is a snippet of a conversation this morning.

Matt asked could he go to a friends house, and said they might

go into town tonight. I asked, "What are you gonna do?"

He said, "We'll probably go to the bowling alley and

hang out at Walmart."

This is what kids do in a small town.

Mind-Bottling!

I Call 'Em Like I See 'Em

2010-02-26T14:54:00.003-06:00

Besides, it makes life more interesting

and more fun.

The kids and I have been reading a book called

Lamb's Tales From Shakespeare.

If you haven't heard of it, and you homeschool,

then I highly recommend this book.

We usually read one story from the book a week.

Davy and Sophie love the stories, and

yes, I'm being for real.

It's updated but not dumbed down, but

sometimes I'll change the wording as I read

because it can be a little too complex at times.

But in any case, it's better than them learning Shakespeare

from Zack and Cody.

As we were finishing A Midsummer Night's Dream,

Sophie said, "Oh, I remember this on Suite Life!"

I guess it was good that she put two and two together,

but it still irked me a bit.

So this week, we read A Winter's Tale.

I had never read it before but

it was a really good story and they really got into it.

They especially liked when I said Prince Florizel.

Never having read this story before, I decided

to pronounce it as.....get ready.....

Fla-rizzle.

As in Flarizzle my nizzle. Or whatever.

They laughed and we had fun with it.

Only later, after retelling the story to my husband,

who had, as it turns out, read the story,

I found out the name is pronounced

Floor-i-zelle.

What a girly name!!

I like my gangsta name better.

On second thought,

maybe learning Shakespeare from the Disney Channel's

not such a bad idea after all.

Friday Photo Flashback - Silver Dollar City

2010-02-26T08:20:00.001-06:00

Today is Flashback Friday so go over to
More Than Words and link up.

Ages ago, before there was Dollywood,

there was Silver Dollar City.

Mom took me and my brothers, I guess it was in 1982.

I actually don't remember anything from this day

aside from Mom buying cotton candy for us.

How weird!!

Must have been good cotton candy:)

This was at the beginning stages of my

love for the color purple.

Not the movie, although I enjoyed that too.

But the color.

I only have on shorts that are purple,

not my whole outfit, so I can only

assume my love for any shade of purple

was not full-blown yet and

still in the like occasionally phase.

And my pose!!

It is beyond me why my mother didn't

get me into modeling.

I mean really!

I'm a natural!!

My brother Ben is on the left.

There was nothing wrong with him then or now.

He just made goofy faces when having

a picture taken of him.

I could show you more but I won't

out of my love and respect for him.

Yeah, right!!

No, actually I won't show them because

I can't find them right now.

But I found this of Jason and Ben from 2002.

Thank goodness those cheek-chillers and long socks are gone!

Comments Make Me Happy

2010-02-26T06:18:00.001-06:00

Yes, they do.
They make me happy.
How 'bout you?

Any blogger looooves comments and

to know people are interested in what they

write about. It's a fact.

And if you don't love comments -

there might be something wrong with you.

Just sayin'.

Lately there's been a lot of posts about how

to properly leave comments and

how to attract followers.

I have learned quite a bit from reading

these posts and figured out how to

fix some of my problems that I

wasn't even aware were problems

in the first place.

Helene wrote a post yesterday about how to improve

your blog and the way you leave and receive comments.

She has over 1000 followers now, so she may

be clued in on how to work it.

Check her out - she's fabulous!!

Most of us have our email set so when we get a comment

it comes to our email inbox. We can reply

directly back to you about your comment.

If you don't load in your email, your comment still

comes to the inbox but as a "no-reply" comment.

It sucks. We don't like it.

It makes us sad.

So really, go to your profile right now and click on

display email. You can open an email address

strictly for blogging purposes if you want to

keep your personal email address private.

Another thing....if you do the word verification thing,
take it off already!!
Having the owner approval/moderating is enough!
You do not need both.
I repeat, you do not need both!

Okay....moving on:)

There is a fun blog that Erin wrote about

and if you are addicted to comments than

you will like this. Be sure to check out Erin's site too.

She's loads of fun:)

Another girl that has an awesome blog is Shell

and she also had a short comment about posts

that I fully agree about.

~~I admit I am guilty of doing~~ I have never done

the exact thing she talks about.

But if I were to ever do such an

awful, dreadful, uncourteous thing,

it would have been before

I got my blogger etiquette learnin'.

Well, I still have kinks to work out

but I'm getting there.

If you want to fix your blog or have questions,

ask someone how to go about it.

Seriously.

There are serious bloggers out there that would

love to give you blog tips

Seriously.

You can get your learnin' too:)

Learnin's good!!

Oh and check out Friday Follow!!

I have found tons of great blogs by linking up to this.

Wordless Wednesday - Cute Babies

2010-02-24T07:05:00.005-06:00

My nephew Cade - 2005
David told me this reminded him of the E-trade baby -
"This is my surprised face! Wuhhh!"

There's a Fungus Among us

2010-02-23T07:23:00.003-06:00

I recently bought Matt a shirt that has a big mushroom

on the front with the words -

I'm a fun guy!!

That kind of silliness makes me smile:)

But it got me thinking about my trip into the woods last June,

and all the mushroomy goodness I found in there.

Going into the woods for us involves walking

about thirty feet from the house.

We're smack dab in it already.

This reminds me of coral.

The texture of it was trippy.

Yes, trippy.

But not the trippy you get from mushrooms.

Trippy as in wiggety-wack.
Yeah, man.

The elusive Cow Tongue Mushroom (my name for it)...
very rare and slimy.

Looks like the Smurfs will be back soon, doesn't it?

Some didn't really look like mushrooms.

I'm a toucher. I have to feel things.

These were so silky smooth almost like

my velvet Elvis picture.

Black wort-y ones probably shouldn't be touched.

Neither should the brown wort-y ones, just so you know.

There's even ones that look like brown coral.
Trippy.

Oh, and I met a turtle out for a stroll.

Mr. Turtle wasn't sociable at all.

He may or may not have tried to bite me.

More than once.

It amazes me what I find in the woods.

Or anywhere for that matter.

The beauty is just so in your face.

This was just a little mushroom that was trying to

grow out of the knothole.

It didn't ask to be in the knothole.

But it grew anyway.

All of these I found because I got out of the house

and looked.

The fact that "Marley and Me" was on inside

and

the fact that I am a big crybaby

had nothing to do with me going into

the woods to take pictures of mushrooms.

Just so we're clear.

The Winner of My First Giveaway

2010-02-21T07:12:00.001-06:00

The confetti has exploded and the winner is...

Bookover1212 said...Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday to you!!

Happy Birthday to my new blogger friend! Happy Birthday to you!

Thank you for the birthday song!!

Email your address to me and I'll get your

package in the mail.

A big high-5 to everyone that entered!
And thank you for all the birthday wishes you've sent all week:)

Just Because I Care

2010-02-18T19:24:00.004-06:00

And because you are awesome!

And because you are reading this!

And, and, and.....

because Sunday is my birthday

I want to have a giveaway!

And this is what I'm giving...

Two candles...(it says so right on them),

Two kitchen towels and one flour sack towel,

a metal wall sign with a cow and French writing on it,

some blank cards with cherries on the front,

and some rosy post-it notes!

I'm nothing if not random.

To enter, just leave a comment. That's all:)

One comment per person, please.

No entries after 9:00 p.m. Central Time Saturday.

Winner will be selected randomly and
announced Sunday morning.

How to Please Your Husband

2010-02-17T21:28:00.002-06:00

After reading a post by the Crayon Wrangler,
I thought I would contribute and

do what I could for the betterment of marriages everywhere.

Don't let it be said, I never tried.

You're very welcome:)

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Cousins

2010-02-17T07:28:00.001-06:00

Jerrica, Erika, Davy, Sophie, and Courtney

June 2007

July 2007

August 2007

It's Incredible!

2010-02-16T07:58:00.001-06:00

~~Most of the time~~ Sometimes I forget to cut Davy's hair.

It gets long. I get lazy.

That old song and dance.

He doesn't mind so much....

until his brothers start calling him Felicity.

Then he's ~~begging~~ ready for a haircut.

But up to that point, he runs around like a mad man,

running as fast as he can,

making crazy faces.

And hollering, "Did you get it? Watch Mom!!"

So I snap no fewer than 127 pictures, as he

runs back and forth, trying to get that one special shot.

Freaky, right!?

Meal Plan Monday - 2/15 - 2/21

2010-02-14T14:06:00.004-06:00

Everything on the menu went according to plan last week and tasted delicious.

This week we are having:

Monday - Oven Fried Chicken, French Fries, and Broccoli (*update - I think I'll do my chicken without the rub....just not feeling it today)

Tuesday - Hearty Hash Brown Dinner Casserole

Wednesday - Spicy Fatboy Sausage Pasta

Thursday - Chicken and Dumplings from Deep South Dish - I haven't found the perfect dumplings yet, so I'm hoping this is it:)

Friday - Tex-Mex Salisbury Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans - I got this recipe from Southern Living magazine back in 2005. I've made it several times, and it's so good!

Saturday - White Chicken Enchiladas, and Chips and Salsa
I love this salsa!!

Sunday - I'm not sure yet. It's my birthday:)

Thank you if I found any of the recipe links through your blog.

Every week, Laura has about 500 other bloggers
joining in with their weekly menus.

Go check it out!!

Love

2010-02-14T09:00:00.003-06:00

I love....(or, in some cases, just really really like)

a wood fire.

snuggling.

David.

my daughter.

my boys.

old quilts.

pottery bowls.

rocking chairs.

handwritten letters.

my Mom.

getting packages in the mail.

my dinner table.

my church.

horses.

old photos.

The Beatles.

stormy nights.

Sonic ice (thanks Smarty Pants:).

concerts on the grass.

Monty Python.

walking in the woods.

my garden.

relaxing in the hammock.

The Andy Griffith Show.

the call of Whip-poor-wills.

David's goatee.

the Irises Mom gave me.

reading.

the clean smell of babies.

babies:) .

finding awesome new blogs.

the smell of fresh cut grass.

antiques.

playing RockBand.

roosters crowing.

The Waltons.

hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

yellow and orange together.

going to the Rocking Horse with Mom.

drive-in movie theaters.

fresh sheets from off the line.

old people.

80's music.

watercolors.

my Dad.

our hot tub.

looking at the stars.

rocks.

going to lunch with David.

owls.

used book stores.

new book stores.

going barefoot in the grass.

my other Dad.

Della the pug.

bologna and crackers.

candles.

French braids on little girls.

my brothers.

the sound of big wind chimes.

tennis shoes.

my old friends.

cooking.

my new friends.

cornbread and milk.

cast-iron skillets.

wooden spoons.

old family friends of my Mom.

drinking Coke from a glass bottle.

weeping willows.

cinnamon rolls.

doing doughnuts on the 4-wheeler.

the leaves in Fall.

Paula Deen's hair color (and usually the style).

stone-ground mustard.

baking.

The Big Bang Theory show on tv.

hot chocolate.

Gatlinburg in the Fall.

covered porches.

fried clams from Maine.

going on trips in the RV.

strawberry-flavored lip gloss.

my once-a-year new bra from Victoria Secrets.

The Beverly Hillbillies.

staying home.

roasting marshmallows.

the smell of Pine-Sol.

peanut butter and grape jelly mixed together.

riding motorcycles.

chili with lots of crackers.

a pair of worn-in blue jeans.

Looney-Tunes.

dark chocolate.

Updated Often

List appears in no particular order.

Randomness - It's what I'm all about.
Yes, I'm a copycat and took this idea from PW and Smarty Pants.

You're so sweet!!

2010-02-14T07:46:00.000-06:00

I want to say Thank You for all of Matt's birthday wishes. He read them all and I think he was a little embarrassed:)

But I also want to say to you all....

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I hope it's wonderful!

And then there were two!

2010-02-13T08:30:00.003-06:00

Matt turns 18 today. He is my second child to do so.
It's depressing but at the same time it's not.

It's an odd feeling. One that's hard to explain.

Matthew Ryan aka Chipmunk Cheeks

Matt was my only child that army-crawled

instead of getting up on his knees.

Matt's 1st Birthday

Oh man, he was shoving that cake in!

He is the mechanic of the family....

always taking things apart and working on them.

He is the one you can count on to get dirty.

Matt is the one that you always have to check his

pockets before you wash his clothes.

Matt is tenderhearted and it hurts his feelings

if you have to raise your voice.

Even though it usually doesn't stop him from

doing whatever caused you to in the first place!

That's big 'ol Romeo in his arms:)

He can make all sorts of weird faces
and can do lots of voice impersonations.

Matt is the only one of my kids that has those dimples
that the girls find sooo cute.

If he doesn't want to do something,
you can bet it ain't happening.
For example, having his picture taken.

This boy has been hard for me to figure out.
(I'm still working on it)

He's quick to lend a hand and
enjoys helping people (most of the time).

He's the one that is always ready to go to the yard sales.
Matt is a great yard sale partner.

It amazes me that Matt still, at 18, plays with Davy and Sophie.

He loves his sister probably the most.....
which is funny because he cried when
he found out we were having a girl.
Once he came to accept the fact,
Matt screamed, "Fine!! but no pink!!".

While Matt is by no means perfect, very stubborn, and
sometimes makes me want to stab myself in the face 23 times,
he's still a lot of fun .

Matt, you're a good boy and I'm glad you're our son.

Happy Birthday!!

Friday Follow Funtime: Birthday Boy

2010-02-12T07:28:00.001-06:00

It's time for Friday Follow hosted by One2Try, Midday Escapes, and Hearts Make Families.

I have found so many great blogs to read, and have gotten
some awesome followers in return.

Head on over and check it out.

This week we have a birthday.
Matt will be 18 tomorrow.

He's a cutie:)
More on this tomorrow.

It Starts with a Step

2010-02-11T08:37:00.003-06:00

Sometimes before a person attempts to do a thing,

he may think it can not be done.

There's just no way!

Those around him might also say it's impossible.

Only after the thing has been done

will everyone be saying how easy it was.

From a distance, a mountain may look too far away, too difficult, or unclimbable altogether.

But with one step, you are closer and
that mountain is a little less high.

It all starts with the first step.

This week, one of the poems we read in homeschool was-

It Couldn't Be Done

by: Edgar A. Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,

But he with a chuckle replied

That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one

Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin

On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;

At least no one ever has done it";

But he took off his coat and he took off his hat

And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or quiddit,

He started to sing as he tackled the thing

That couldn't be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,

There are thousands to prophesy failure;

There are thousands to point out to you one by one,

The dangers what wait to assail you.

But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,

Just take off your coat and go to it;

Just start to sing as you tackle the thing

That "cannot be done", and you'll do it.

Pictures from Flickr.com

Wordless Wednesday: Kids and Romeo

2010-02-10T11:18:00.000-06:00

I've fallen and I...well, you know the rest

2010-02-09T08:45:00.003-06:00

Seriously, I think winter is out to get me!
He knows I've been talking smack
about him behind his back.
I'm scared!

Well, not this scared. But still.

It all started late yesterday.
The white stuff was falling to the ground.

Oh, yes, it was all quite magical.

That's what winter wants you to believe!
I knew we were helpless to its slippery treachery,
so we stayed inside the house.
Where we were safe.

All went well until around 10pm when I decided
to go soak in the hot tub.
I donned my husband's long robe and
slipped into my flip-flops and
stepped outside onto the deck.
Looking so much like the woman below it was uncanny.

~Yeah, right!~

Most days, I come closer to looking like this...

or on a really really bad day maybe this...

minus the man parts of course.
Sooo...
yeah, you're welcome for that:)

I took about 5 steps and got to thinking about whether
or not I really wanted to be outside.

There was a mixture of snow/rain/ice coming down,
and I thought maybe I'd fore-go the hot tub.

That's when the snow, in all its dubiousness,
intervened and decided for me.

~~The snow grabbed my ankles~~ My foot slipped from the top step
and down I went!
Sliding on my rear, all the way
to the cold, snowy/slushy bottom of the steps!
And there I was, spread out like dinner on the ground!

It was not the least bit graceful at all.
Not even a little.
Zero, zip, zilch!

In my surprise of going down the steps against my will,
I threw out my arms in a last ditch effort to catch myself.
I now have a bruised wrist, two fingernails torn off to the quick,
and a bruised tush.

And you snickered about me falling.
Don't you feel bad for snickering now?

No?
I probably wouldn't either.
It would have made a heck of a video.

Yeah, yeah, I know you probably still think
the snow is still so wonderful...

and beautiful...

and romantic.

But...winter has his eye on you.
No trash talking about winter!
He'll find you!
Don't say I didn't warn ya!!

P.S. It only looks like these people are having fun.

All pics courtesy of Google.

So did you watch....

2010-02-08T12:19:00.004-06:00

1) Who were you rooting for?

2) What was your favorite thing about the game?

3) What was your favorite commercial?

4) What was your favorite food you ate during the game?

5) Are you glad football season is over?

1) I didn't have a solid favorite. I like the Colts because of Peyton, but I like the Saints too. I think it was what the city of New Orleans needed especially.

2) All the great commercials! or it might have been the food! It's too close to call!

3)I love the E-Trade commercials with the baby. The surprised face at the losing lottery ticket!! I love it!

"Milka What?" This cracked me up!!

4) Our favorite was probably the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos Thingies!! Everyone ate them up - FAST!

5) I don't really care either way. David doesn't have to watch every game like some guys do, if he did I'm sure I would be very over it by now.

I'm curious how you spent your day. I'm nosy like that:)

Meal Plan Monday - 2/8 - 2/14

2010-02-07T19:42:00.002-06:00

Last week's menu and recipes were fantastic!!
Here's my recap:
The Blueberry Pizza ended up being Strawberry Pizza instead. It could have went without the jam altogether....it was soooo sweet! But the edges without the jam were very good.

The Cranberry Pork Tenderloin was delicious but I think I should have let the sauce cook down just a little bit more.

I didn't get around to the Orange Honey Lemon Chicken because ~~I forgot to take it out of the freezer~~ we ate leftovers.

The best meal of the week had to be the Hunter's Rabbit.

We will definitely have this again. Excellent!!

For the Super Bowl menu, we took off the Hot Wings and the Pigs in a Blanket, and decided to have Salsa and Chips and Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Thingies:) Yeah, we're gluttons.. Oh, and we're going to have the Root Beer Floats for tomorrow night since the ice cream was not solidly frozen (gross).

This week we plan on having:

Monday - Hot Dogs and Chips.....~~because not only are we gluttonous, we're also lazy~~
For Family Night, we're doing root beer floats.

Tuesday - Hamburger Helper....I'm telling myself it's because we need to eat stuff from the pantry.

Wednesday - 15 Bean Soup - You can prepare these the same way as the Pintos.

If you haven't had 15 Bean Soup, let me just tell you....it's goooood!

Thursday - Pan-Seared Kielbasa, Corn Pudding, and Green Beans

Friday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Peas

Saturday - Chicken Tenders (Matt's Birthday - this is what he wants:) I don't know yet what else we'll have.

Sunday - Easy Slow Cooker Burritos

Let me just state for the record, while I did not intend for the week to be an homage to Pioneer Woman, I can see where you could possibly make that mistake. It also does not infer that I have a girl crush on Ree Drummond. If you say otherwise, I will be forced to call you a cotton-headed-ninny-muggins. I do not want to stoop to that level but my hands are tied.

Have a great week and check out Organizing Junkie for more awesome menus and recipes!

Easy Slow Cooker Burritos

2010-02-07T13:39:00.001-06:00

I've made these several times over the past few years and everyone really enjoys them.

(I'll post pics later)

What you need is:

a 1.5 to 2 pound roast
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 packet of pot roast seasoning mix
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 - 4 oz. can chopped green chiles, drained
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 medium onion, diced

1 package of flour tortillas
shredded cheese of whatever you like
sour cream

In your crockpot, combine the roast, tomatoes, seasoning packet, beans, chiles, chili powder, and onion.

Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the meat pulls apart easily.

Take the roast out of the crockpot and when it is cool enough to handle, then pull apart the meat.
Add the meat back into the crockpot and stir.

To serve, put the meat mixture into a tortilla and garnish with whatever you like on top. It will be juicy so use a slotted spoon to dish out:)

Serve with corn chips and enjoy!

Easy Slow Cooker Burritos Printable

Corn Pudding (or Corn Souffle)

2010-02-07T12:45:00.001-06:00

I guess it depends where you are from or how fancy you want to be. But whatever you call it, it's good stuff.

This is the recipe I use to make corn pudding....it's easy and delicious!

(I'll post pics later)

1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs, beaten
1 pkg sweet corn muffin mix
1/2 cup milk
1 stick of butter, cut into small pieces

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and then pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until set.

Let cool before serving - it is like burning hot magma!

Corn Pudding Printable

Bloggy Blog Designz Giveaway

2010-02-06T06:19:00.000-06:00

Bloggy Blog Designz is doing it all over again! They are giving away blog designs and all kinds of goodies. Plus ALL entrants will receive 15% off their purchase! Be sure to check out their website (www.BloggyBlogDesignz.com) for more information, or to enter yourself. The giveaway will close on Feb 14 at midnight.

Five Question Friday - 2/5

2010-02-05T12:29:00.010-06:00

Mama M has Five Question Friday going on so don't miss out....head on over!

This week's questions are:

1. What are you most afraid of?

That would have to be snakes.

Yeah, definitely snakes.

And if this picture didn't gross you out,

then there may be something wrong with you.

Just sayin'.

2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

Neither.

But I used to be a curling iron queen!

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?

Phone to the ear.......that way my fat face can

"accidentally" press the buttons

and "accidentally" hang up.

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set?

What the....!?

You mean they make matching sets!!

5. Do you believe in the paranormal?

I believe there are things we do not see or understand.

I believe that little children and babies are able to see

and talk to the angels around them.

I believe there is an evil force that we must contend
with every stinkin' day.

A quote popped into my head on this last question.

Not a serious quote but a movie quote.

It cracks me up every time.

"I'm just like any modern woman trying to have it all....

loving husband, a family.....

it's just, I wish I had more time to seek out

the dark forces and join their hellish crusade."

~said Morticia to Gomez on Addams Family Values

Have Fun Today!!

Flashback Friday - 5th Grade

2010-02-05T11:23:00.004-06:00

This is my 5th Grade class, way back when. It wasn't a real good year for me. My parents had divorced and Mrs. Zimmerman was not the nicest teacher a person could have. I could go so far to say this was probably the worst school year of my life.....and I had some really bad years!!

I am in the second row, 1st on the left.
Don't be hatin' on my pink velvety shirt.

I was actually one of the better dressed girls in the class,
which is saying a lot for me.

There were twice as many boys in the class than girls and

that did not help with my boy craziness.

But I did have Shirley in there with me.

See her in the back row with the striped shirt.

So cute! And see Avery next to her looking at her ~~boobies~~ chest!

I went to school with most of these people from
2nd grade through high school.

I had a crush on one of the boys when we were in junior high
for a couple of years.

~~Crush is certainly the correct terminology here,~~

~~for~~ ~~he crushed my little tender heart like a grape~~.

It was not reciprocated.

Ahhhhh, adolescence!!

But all is wonderful now..... I'm so glad to be grown up!

Go on over to Christopher and Tia's place

to link up and post your Flashback Photo too.

Friday Follow - Girl's Night

2010-02-05T07:55:00.003-06:00

Last week was my first time doing Friday Follow and it was a lot of fun. If you haven't checked it out yet go over to One 2 Try or Midday Escapes to see how it works and join in. I found tons of great blogs and got lots of new readers myself.

It occurred to me the other day I had not finished putting up

the last Girls Night Out pictures,

so better late than never.

These girls mean a lot to me and

are some of my most favorite people in the world.

You can't help but laugh and giggle when they're around!

Laughter really is great medicine. Just seeing this picture,

I can hear them laughing that night.

It brings a smile to my face.

I've known these girls since we were little bitty.

Barbie was in my kindergarten class and

Donna goes back to 1st grade with me.

Barbie is the girl on the left, and when I was married

the first go-around, she rented the house across

the street from me. Once the babies were asleep at night,

I'd go over and visit with her (leaving the ex at home).

She is so happy and bubbly and made my life

more bearable when it was very bleak across the street.

Terri and Shirley, my lifetime BFF's.

Many a night we spent the night at each others house.

Many a night we were scolded and

threatened with the flyswatter and

told to quit giggling and go to sleep.

Many a night we drove our parents bonkers.

Our parents should probably be Sainted.

Seriously.

Leslie and Barbie

One word: Trouble

You can see it right? I leave my camera on the table

for 5 minutes and these two go crazy with it!

Not that I care.....I told all the girls to take pictures with it.

Who knows when we'll get to see each other again!

Terri is the only one grounded from the camera.

She has to be supervised.

She likes to see what all the pretty buttons do.

See what I mean.

That's me by the way.

We have got to get together soon 'cuz

we need some giggling with old friends to

get out of the Winter-time Blues.

Dawn, don't miss out on the fun!

Maybe you can drive the

7 long hours to come to the next one:)

Thankful Thursday - Near and Dear

2010-02-04T12:35:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful for David tolerating all the picture taking I have to do. (yes, have to) He was a professional photographer, still could be if he decided to be, and he compliments my pictures - truly compliments, not just to be nice. Plus, he lets me take pictures of him being goofy - like he has a choice:)

I'm also thankful for his sense of humor and that he makes me laugh.

I'm thankful that Sophie loves animals and
is comfortable with them,

that when one is hurt or sick,
she's feels great compassion towards them.

I love her smile (especially when she thinks no one is watching),

I'm so thankful she has a love of books,

and a natural tactfulness.

I learn so much from you both.

Be the Best of Whatever You Are

2010-02-03T09:46:00.003-06:00

By: Douglas Malloch

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill

Be a scrub in the valley - but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway some happier make;

If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass -

But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,

There's something for all of us here.

There's big work to do and there's lesser to do,

And the task we must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail,

If you can't be the sun be a star;

It isn't by size that you win or you fail -

Be the best of whatever you are!

This was the poem we went over in homeschool yesterday. Sometimes you find just what you need when you are meant to find it. You just have to be paying attention.

Wordless Wednesday - Oldest Son

2010-02-03T07:26:00.002-06:00

Rockin' the House!!

2010-02-02T12:02:00.001-06:00

Two things happened yesterday.

One of them was downright awesome. Like totally, Dude!!

The other not-so-awesome, but in fact, very painful.
Warning: Boo-boo pics below (not gory)

David and I have been discussing getting a certain something at

Wal-mart for a couple of weeks.

Kinda forgot about it and then remembered it again.

But then it happened.

The stars aligned.

It was destined to happen

and it would be mine,

ALL MINE!!!

Muahahahahaha!!

Well, not all mine,

but a little bit mine.

AC/DC for RockBand!!

This pack came with the game, a dvd, and a T-shirt.

For 29.96 you could get only the game,
which doesn't make sense, does it?

While this may not mean much to you,

to me it means we can rock out - even more!!

We got RockBand 2 for Christmas

and love it!

The week after that we got

the Beatles pack.

Love it more!!
And we got a Guitar hero package too.
You can add other band members to it also.
It's not my favorite but it's still good.

We play almost everyday.

David, Matt, and Davy are usually on guitar or bass.

Sophie likes to sing but she is really liking the guitar now too.

I am on drums but have been playing on guitar a little.

We have 4 full-time hook-ups and 5 when

we play the Beatles, that way everyone can play.

We can rock out til the wee hours of like 10 or 11pm at least!!

So yes, we are dorks, but gnarly dork!!

The other thing....

I think I broke my pinkie toe!!

The kids and I were playing tag, wrestling,
and generally trying to irritate each other.
I went running into the boys room and
I must have threw my foot out wide or something weird,
because my little toe hit the bottom of the door frame.
Needless to say I was done after that.
It hurt.

Yesterday

I left the toes out - really, who wants to look at toes!
You can see a little bruising starting to show up.

Are you still here?
Just checking.

Today

Still hurts.

You know, it amazes me how when your toe is not hurt
you don't run it into things.
The edge of the coffee table doesn't mysteriously appear
in front of the toe.
You don't run the chair leg into the toe

The soap doesn't magically jump out of your hands,

do a double back-flip,

only to land perfectly on the toe.

But as soon as you hurt your toe,
everything in the house conspires to keep you and
the toe in total mind-numbing pain!!

I'm just glad I didn't hurt my right foot.
That would've affected my drum skills.
Gotta be thankful for that:)

I hope I didn't gross you out too badly.
Thanks for sticking around.

Our Super Bowl Menu - 2010

2010-01-31T10:35:00.005-06:00

Most people like the Super Bowl for one reason or another.

For some, it's all about the football, go figure.

But for a lot of us, it's all about the commercials and the food.

Our family is 50/50.

We have certain foods that have become

traditional Super Bowl festivity food,

and so when I asked the family for input about the menu,

this is the feedback they gave me.

Clam Dip

This is soooo good.

I don't make it often.

My hips couldn't take it.

Root Beer Floats

I thought this would be fun to do.

Pigs in a Blanket

Always a kid pleaser.

Lots of mustard please!

Hot Wings

Of course, David will make these and

they will be the best in all the land.

Pizza Rolls

Another kid and husband pleaser.

I don't get it. You scald your mouth with

the first one and can't taste anything after that.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Matt asks for this every year.

You'll really enjoy it too.

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

I haven't made these before but they looked

so good I put 'em on the menu.

I hope you have a Wonderful Super Bowl Sunday
with your family and friends,

eat plenty of yummy food,

and laugh until your belly hurts (in a good way).

Have Fun!!

Menu Plan Monday - 2/1 - 2/7

2010-01-31T10:34:00.003-06:00

We followed the meal plan pretty close this week except for the fact that we had leftovers more than one night, which was fine by us.

The beans that we had Monday, we also had on Tuesday, so the salmon patties were not made this week.

The French Dip sandwiches were delish and there were two left for lunch on Thursday.

We had the spaghetti on Thursday and then made baked spaghetti on Friday. I had just the right amount of noodles and sauce left from the night before. There was enough of the baked spaghetti for lunch on Sat. Three meals ain't too shabby huh? I'll make a short post soon on how we make our sauce.

Then the BBQ we had last night, which was soooo good, will be finished off tonight.

We had a great week, got a lot of snow (too much!), got to lay around for the weekend and do nothing.
And because of the snow, we'll probably do more of the same this week.

So what I'm making this week is:

Monday - Brats, Baked Beans, and Chips
Since it's family night, we'll have Blueberry Pizza for dessert.

Tuesday - David's making Chili !! Yea!!

Wednesday - Chili again!!

Thursday - PW's Cranberry Pork Tenderloin , Mashed Potatoes, and Peas
I might also make this Chocolate Cake, since it's so awesomely good and we have people coming over.

Friday - Orange Honey Lemon Chicken (crockpot - recipe below - so easy!!), Rice and Broccoli

Saturday - Hunter's Rabbit (that we moved from last week), Roasted New Potatoes, and Green Beans

Super Bowl Sunday - has a menu on its own that I will post separately

Orange Honey Lemon Chicken (crockpot) Printable

1 whole chicken
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
1 lemon - cut in half

Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick. Rinse the chicken and place the lemon inside it, then put the chicken in the pot.
Mix together the orange juice and honey and pour over the chicken.
Cook on low for 6 -8 hours.

How easy is that:)

For other great recipes check out Laura's site.

Blueberry Pizza

2010-01-31T08:55:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow night is Family Night and we usually end with a treat of some sort. This week we're making.....

(I used strawberry on this one)

Blueberry Pizza

For the crust:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup flour (the recipe I have does not specify - I'm using all-purpose)

For the filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups whipped topping
8 ounces blueberry jam (you could make it strawberry, peach or whatever you like)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Mix crust ingredients and pat into a well-greased round pizza pan. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool.

Beat powdered sugar and cream cheese, then fold in whipped topping and spread over the crust.

Top with jam and chill for a bit. Enjoy!!

I haven't made this before and will post pictures after I do.

This recipe is taken from All that Jam.

Blueberry Pizza Printable Recipe

We'll Be Stranded for Weeks

2010-01-29T18:01:00.004-06:00

Not that I know that for sure,

but the last time we just had about 1/2 inch

and I was stuck at the house for a week.

So I'm not holding out any hope that I'll be

leaving the house anytime soon.

The snow started this morning at 9am

By 12:30 this is what we had on the ground.

As you can see, the grass isn't covered completely.

Don't let that fool you .

Here in the South that much snow

can shut down a town.

For real.

Around 2, Jinx decided she'd had enough of the snow and

made for the door to come inside.

She could've stay inside too if not for cohorting with Baby Kitty

to chew up a package of hamburger buns.

At 4pm, the ground was completely covered.

The weatherman is saying the snow will turn to ice

for a while then back to snow by tomorrow morning.

Oh goodie!! I can't wait for that!!

Poor, poor Romeo:(

He must be so cold and miserable.

NOT!!

He has been waiting for this kind of weather since he was born.

Well, maybe not since then exactly,

but soon thereafter.

He's been out doing cartwheels and somersaults.

He could be in the Dog Olympics.

If there was a Dog Olympics.

Look at that smile!!

It's worth being stranded for a ~~month~~ few days

just to see him so happy.

Five Question Friday - 1/29

2010-01-29T11:55:00.003-06:00

It's snowing and I'm stuck in the house so I get to check out the web. I just love all the blogs I am coming across and getting to read.
I happened to find Five Question Friday at My Little Life on a great blog that I follow and I just had to check it out.

Anyways, here goes!!

1. Would you ever vacation alone?

There are days when I would love, love, love to take off on a vacation by myself.

But I know, without a doubt, I would be miserable!! Besides there's not much in life that I want to experience without my husband. I have been on vaca without the kids though:)

2. Do you go the speed limit?

Most of the time I do go the speed limit. On the interstate, well, that's a whole other story that we won't go into at this time.

3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs?

The biggest reason I started blogging was because my oldest son was at basic training and I thought it would be a great way for him to see what was going on at home.

Then the reason became my husband. David checks my blog everyday to see what I've done or said. He keeps me going on it and gives me forty lashes with a wet noodle if I start slacking:)

4. Where do you shop for yourself?

Just where ever I happen to end up. I might find something at the Gap, Old Navy, Wal-mart, the thrift store or a yard sale. I just never know. I'm not a real big shopper for myself.

5. What was the song that you danced your first dance with your spouse to at your wedding...or...what song would you like your first dance to be to?

For the First Time by Rod Stewart

I haven't heard or thought about that song for a while, so thank you for this question.*sniff, sniff*

We love Rod and played several of his songs at our wedding. We got to see him when he was at Starwood in Nashville. Good times:)

Friday Photo Flashback - Mamie and Me

2010-01-29T09:08:00.002-06:00

Alicia is hosting Friday Photo Flashback so check her out

and show off those good 'ol pictures of days gone by.

May 1973

This is my Aunt Mamie, my grandpa's sister, and me.

She was a wild one for sure. Mom told me she operated a

bootlegging business out of the back of her diner.

I am wearing my mom's shoes, someone's hat and

carrying Mamie's purse. I was almost 2 1/2 years old.

Mamie was so much fun and a blast to be around.

One of those great ladies that I got to have in my life.

Friday Follow Funtime

2010-01-29T08:11:00.001-06:00

Here it is everyone! The third week of Friday Follow. This idea is a fun way to find out about new blogs, find new friends, and grow in followers. Come join the party. We have had a great turnout so far and are finding some wonderful blogs to share.

Welcome to the Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.

Here's how YOU can join the celebration:

--Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 2 slots. This week Hearts Make Families will not be participating due to technical issues. She will be back next week.

--Follow as many blogs as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

The Blog Hop is the same at each of our three hosts blogs so you do not have to add your blog at each site. Just one - but you can follow each blog. Follow a few or follow them all.

The list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Please be patient with following or getting followers. With the tremendous response there are a lot to visit. The Mcklinky will stay here so you can visit blogs at your own pace.

Talkin' About Thursdays

2010-01-28T09:26:00.004-06:00

Genny over at MyCup2Yours has a cute thing going called Talkin' About Thursdays. I am going to try to participate. I say try because this week the theme is "5 Things About Yourself".

When I come up with things about me, it's always on the fly. It pops into my head and I make a post about it. But I have been making an effort to jot notes down on a pad when they pop in for a visit. 'Cuz once they leave, they hardly ever return.

I remember reading in Sherlock Holmes once that he only kept the necessary knowledge in his brain, that he wouldn't bother to remember the inconsequential things. So it makes me feel better, if I liken myself to Holmes, rather than think I am just losing my ever-loving mind.

1) I never liked my name when I was growing up. It seemed too short and didn't have enough syllables. There's 4 in my whole name. I've always thought it would be cool to have a name like Lolita Davidovich's. It just rolls off the tongue and sounds beautiful and mysterious.
Now that I'm older, I'm okay with it. I like how it sounds coming from my husband. That's basically the only time I ever hear my name.

My family (Mom and my brothers) call me Lisa-Baum or just Baum. I'm not entirely sure why and it's been that way for so long I don't even care. Oh but when my brothers are being aggravating they drag it out like - "Leeeeessaa-Baaaaaauuuuum!" in a high-pitched voice. They're so weird.

2) I'm a crier. Over the past few years, I have become soooo weepy. It's pathetic. I can cry over a commercial. Some of those ad-execs really know what buttons to push.
I tear up watching other people cry. People that don't make it on "American Idol" that cry make me cry. People crying over their weight on "Biggest Loser" make me cry.
If I'm watching a movie with "cry" potential, I leave the room. When I watched "Marley and Me ", I went outside when I felt the sad part coming up. AND I still cried outside!! I'm very emotional.
It's bad I tell ya.

3) I have always been introverted. I have been very very shy as far as my memories go back. It has kept me from doing a lot of things I would love to do otherwise. When I look through my high school yearbook at all the clubs and teams, I think to myself - I would have loved being on that team (ie. - ski, tennis, choir, etc.)!! Why wasn't I? And then I think - Oh yeah!! Duh!

I don't warm up to people easily and it takes me a while to come around but once I do, you're in for life. The anxiety of meeting new people is overwhelming and makes me want to hurl. Jana wrote about the Blissdom Conference the other day, and while part of me realllllly would like to go, the other part is drawing up into the fetal position at the mere thought of it. Yes, I have issues. We've been over it before.

4) I love to read!! I want a room in my house that I can call "the Library". Shelves of books, books, books!! I keep anywhere from 4 to 6 books going at any point in time. I can pick up and start where I left off and not have to go back to figure out what's going on.

5) My first job was being a "salad bar girl" at Shoney's Restaurant. I was 16. I worked there with my friend Lisa K. and we were an awesome team:) We could work a salad bar I tell ya. I worked there for two years and then worked for my mom for a while.
When I was 21, I went back to Shoney's and applied for the salad bar again. Remember, I don't change easily or often.
The Dining Room manager asked my mom if she thought I'd wait tables (I come from a town where everyone knows everyone else) because they didn't need anyone on salad bar but did need a server. Mom told me and after I had a panic attack, decided I would try it for one day.
Yep, just one day. I just knew I would hate it and it wouldn't be for me.

I waited tables for 4 years. Loved it! Made good money and it helped go a long way in bringing me out of my shell.

I hope I didn't bore you to tears. Oh, wait, that would be my thing.

Wishful Wednesday......

2010-01-27T10:19:00.004-06:00

'I wish' .... I could spend three

minutes in ____'s shoes!

Paula Deen

(or Ree Drummond)

I have always liked Paula. Her laugh is sooo infectious, I just love to hear

her. And her hair, the silver in it is just beautiful.

I'm glad she doesn't color it.

I have been ~~begging~~ gently trying to persuade my mom

to try the hairstyle in the picture above.

Mom could totally pull this off. (hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

I like that Paula knows who she is, she's comfortable in who she is.

She started her own business and now has an empire, so to speak.

She has two sons that absolutely adore her.

To me, Paula would make the perfect Grandma.

And as far as Ree (PW) goes, I think it goes without saying,

but I'll say it anyways....

she's pretty dang awwwwwe-suuuuum!!

I wouldn't mind being either of them....

for just three minutes:)

For more Wishful Wednesday fun,

go over to The Seattle Smith's.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

Winter with Sprinkles

2010-01-26T08:48:00.005-06:00

Let's get this straight. First and foremost, I am not a winter person.

But.....

there are some really wonderful things that happen in the winter.

I will admit to that.

I feel better now. Cleansed. Whole.

I can move on.

Some of those great and wonderful things consist of

snuggling with the hubba-hubba. Ggrrrrr, baby!

Warm fires. I'm a fire junkie.

I am the fire master in my house.

Hibernation, which is both good and bad.

Big 'ol bulky clothes that hide all that extra hibernation add-on.

Putting together puzzles and playing boardgames.

Skiing, building snowmen, snowball fights, igloos and forts,

none of these are things I enjoy, because it's too cold.

But if I could do them in warmer weather

I would definitely participate:)

But some of the best things come from nature and

the beautiful images we get to see if we look for them.

Open your eyes and you will see, my child.

This is a Hibiscus seed pod.

It makes large pretty pink flowers.

Isn't that the coolest puffball looking thingy?

Can you guess what it is?

I love how the ice crystals stuck onto everything they touched.

Mom gave me this iron sunflower years ago.

It is rusted to perfection.

In case you're stumped on this one,

it's the top of my metal patio table.

I have no idea what the tree is these berries grow on,

but I do know I can't eat them.

Even though I really really want to.

So delicate and beautiful.

Almost like they were placed there one at a time.

Just for our enjoyment.

I want to eat these too.

Not this.

The leaf is like a platter for the berry.

So delicate.

This was so cool to find.

Literally.

We have a spring up the road from us

and I was lucky enough to pass it while

all the blades of grass were frozen.

I hope you like these pictures,

because I froze my tushy off to get 'em.

But really, how could I resist?

Menu Plan Monday - 1/25 - 1/31

2010-01-24T12:26:00.006-06:00

For a review of last week's menu, the Easy Crockpot Chicken was delicious and I was able to get pictures of it in the crockpot but as I pulled it out of the pot, the chicken fell right off the bone. I used tongs to pull all the meat out of the gravy and let it cool off, then finished pulling the meat of the bone and put it back in the gravy.
It was plenty, even enough to have eat lunch from it for 2 days.

The Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli was very good and everyone said to definitely make it again soon.

As for the Taco Soup, I didn't care for it the first night, but everyone else did. But I had it for lunch the next day and thought it was great. I think it might be one of those things that's better the next day. David didn't have any until yesterday and loved it.

The Cincinnati Chili was so good....there wasn't any left over. The kids ate it up, till it was gone. I only used one pound of ground beef and that was enough.

Of course the Sloppy Joe's were a hit. I've made this recipe 3 times now and everyone loves it. David likes it because it's not sweet like Manwich sauce.

The Cuban Ox-tail Stew was excellent!! It could have cooked for another hour though, it wasn't falling off the bone like it should have been, but it was so good. When I was browning the ox-tails, there was so much fat on them, I thought I would not be able to eat them. Actually they were fine when they were done and the fat wasn't an issue.

We didn't have the Lasagna Roll-ups this week. I didn't marinate the Ox-tails so they got pushed back a night and we ate on leftovers instead which was nice and easy.

This week we are having:

Monday - Pinto Beans, Turnip Greens, and Cornbread

Tuesday - Salmon Patties, Broccoli, and Macaroni & Cheese - I haven't tried the mac and cheese yet, but I hear good things.

Wednesday - French Dip Sandwiches (crockpot) and Tater Tots

Thursday - Spaghetti and Garlic Bread

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - ~~Rabbit, Mashed Potatoes, and Peas~~ We are going to have the rabbit next week now and BBQ instead because companys a comin'.

Sunday - Bratwurst, Chips and Baked Beans - I have a new baked bean recipe that I'll post if any good.

A tip for those of you that don't like turnip greens or have kids that don't - I didn't eat turnip greens until I was about 27 years old. I didn't like the bitterness. David decided to sweeten them and see if that helped. Boy, did it!

Open a big can of turnip greens (we use Luck's or Bush's), put into a small pot and add a teaspoon or 2 of sugar to them. I can hear you gasping.....oh, the horror, the sacrilege. Canned turnip greens!? Sugar!?
I have heard it all before. Save it.

It helped me like turnip greens and that's my point. Now I don't use any sugar in them at all. My kids have always eaten them. We all like them and live in harmony.

I also like fresh turnip greens, although I prefer collards.

I haven't developed a taste for putting vinegar on them though. Don't push me too hard too fast.

Enjoy your week and be sure to check out Organizing Junkie for more meal plans and recipes.

French Dip Sandwiches - Crockpot

2010-01-24T10:40:00.003-06:00

This recipe is crazy simple. But delicious!

You'll thank me for it.

Your family will thank you for it.

It's a win/win recipe!

What you need is:

a 2 pound bottom round roast

(The weight of my roast differs each time - it makes no difference)

1 packet of onion soup mix

1 can beef broth

1 loaf of unsliced bread

(I have used French, Italian, sourdough.
Use whatever your store carries)

sliced Swiss cheese

That's it! Screams "Easy!!", right?

Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.

I do this to help with the cleaning process.

Combine the beef broth and the onion soup mix in a crockpot.

Add the roast and
cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

When ready, remove roast from the juices
and shred the meat.

Slice the bread longways horizontally.
Slice again top to bottom into individual sandwiches.

On each sandwich, put a layer of beef,
then a slice of cheese.

Put the top piece of bread on and
wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil.
Put them onto a sheetpan for easier handling.

Heat the sandwiches for 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve with bowls of warm au jus from the crockpot for dipping.

French Dip Printable Recipe

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit

2010-01-24T08:49:00.006-06:00

I am making beans this week and thought I'd share how we make our beans. Not everyone knows how to make really really good beans, the kind you just want to eat until they're all gone and it took us a long time to perfect them.

Well, to us they are perfect.

We usually start with about three pounds of beans. You can do less if your family is not that into them. We will eat them for lunch for the next couple of days.

When you open the bag, pour the beans onto a sheetpan or a plate. You need to sort through the beans. If you didn't already know this, now you do. It's an important step. Trust me. You are looking for rocks, dirt balls and yucky looking beans. I told you this was important. Sort and toss out all the offenders. You'll feel so special, like a superhero.....or something.

Next put the beans into a big bowl and cover with water. Big bowl, lots of water, okay? These beans are gonna swell overnight and the last thing you want to find in the morning is your beans soaked up all the water and have been sitting there dry. Okay, maybe not the last thing, but still....not good.

Some people will but baking soda in with them as they soak to help with the gas. Let's just be frank here. Or I'll be Frank and you can be whoever you want. Beans make you poot. Duh! Everyone knows it and everyone blows it. No big deal....but if it worries you, then make the beans on the weekend so you can be at home when it happens.

I have soaked them with and without baking soda. I haven't found there to be any discernible difference.
Do whatever you want with them.

This next step is a biggie. Don't mess it up. Don't I tell you or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!

Or maybe not. But it will make your beans better,

and your family will love you for it.

If you can find smoked pork neckbones, that is want you want. We used to find them at one store in town, but it's hit or miss whether they'll have them. We usually smoke our own, and when I say we,

I mean David.

If you can't find neckbones, use ham hock or hog-jowl. These are real things. If you live in the South, you are no doubt familiar with them, but maybe not so much if you live anywhere else.

But your butcher will know, if you ask.

We use about 4 or 5 big bones or 2 hocks.

Or if you have a hambone you can use that.

I don't use jowl unless I can't find anything else,

which is almost never.

Put the meat bones into a large heavy Dutch oven and

cover with a lot of water.

You will use the water to cook the beans in so fill 'er up.

Bring the water and meat-bones to a boil. Let it slow boil or simmer for a couple of hours.

Then use a pair of tongs to remove them from the water.

Do NOT pour out the water. Save it!!

I repeat, keep the water in the pot.

Let the bones cool on a plate until you can handle them

without burning your little fingers off.

Then pull the meat. It won't look like much at the start

but keep working at it.

There will be plenty of meat hidden in the bones.

Now you want to dump the beans into a colander to drain and rinse them off.

Then carefully put them into the water left over from boiling the meat bones.

The water has all the flavor and is going to make the beans fantastic.

Remember, trust me on this.

Look at those beautiful pinto beans just soaking up the water, so happy and relaxed.

After the beans cook for an hour or so, put the meat in.

Continue to cook on a medium-low boil. Don't boil too high or they'll stick and burn.

Don't boil too low or the beans won't get done.

They have to boil in order to plump up and be soft.

No one likes to bite into an al dente spoonful of beans

Yuck!

Oh, and don't stir too often. It will turn the beans into mush.

You don't want that.

But do keep an eye on the water. Some people like their beans with more water. Some like less.

It's about whatever you like.

Just don't let them lose too much water.

They will not cook, they will stick to the bottom

and will be dry.

Not good.

Opposite of good.

Bad.

Once the beans are done, put a lid on them

and either turn them way down on low or off.

My husband's granny taught me how to make cornbread and I

will share that with you soon.

I thought I made good cornbread until she showed me the error

of my ways.

Make these beans soon! Can't you hear them calling you?

Enjoy!!

I Miss Summer!

2010-01-21T07:56:00.003-06:00

I guess most of us feel the same way.
About this time of year, I start yearning
for late spring and early summer.
Like the end of May and beginning of June.
I love that time of year.

Perfect weather. Bees humming.

Flowers in bloom. Leaves on trees.
Birds singing.

Maybe not these birds but other birds singing.

Playing in the creek. Sun shining.

Green grass.

I love the smell of grass after it's mowed.

The way it looks in the morning when the sun comes up

and hits the wet dew.
The way grass feels under my bare feet.

I can't wait for summer. I'm not a winter kind of person.

I think I have S.A.D. , ya know, where the season affects your mood.

Pretty sure I'm coming down with a bad case of F.A.T. and O.L.D. too.

Hurry up summer and get here!!

Laundry Room- before & after

2010-01-19T14:35:00.003-06:00

My laundry room has a door that leads

outside onto the back porch.

We use this door to go in and out with most of the time.

The washer and dryer end up with all sorts of things on them.

It's the catch-all station.

Hats, mittens, gloves, paper towels, sunscreen, phones, keys.

You name it, it usually gets set down in here.

And as much as I hate it, this room also doubles as the mudroom.

With this house being much smaller than the one we moved from,

the mud and dirt HAS to be stopped at the door.

There was more room at the other house, so the dirt was more spread out.

Not that it was dirty, but it just wasn't so "in your face".

Make sense?

Here, if there is dirt brought in, you see it.

You can't help but see it.

It's right there "in your face"!

So now I get to be all uptight and holler about taking off shoes.

It's great fun!

Not really.

So this is my laundry room after about a month, with Christmas break,

with snow days, with 5 people living here.

It was driving me nuts!

I had to fix the problem.

So everything got pulled down, wiped off, and put away.

The rug was washed, the floor was mopped, the washer and dryer got wiped down.

I bought this 3-drawer contraption to hold shoes and boots.

Then put gloves and hats into baskets on top.

Such a simple thing, but so nice to have this area nice and neat.

Is it weird to get so much pleasure from this?

Probably.

Do I care?

Maybe a little.

Does that stop me?

What do you think?

100 Things About Me: #7) Jelly and #8) Color

2010-01-18T07:10:00.002-06:00

These two things are just short and sweet.

#7) I eat scrambled eggs with grape and I eat sausage biscuits with strawberry jelly.
To eat either without the jelly just isn't the same, especially the sausage. Yummy:)

#8) My favorite color is yellow. It is bright and cheerful!

When I was in middle school, called Jr. High then, my favorite color was purple. Any shade!

In 7th grade, I think 90% of my clothes were lavender, purple, plum, etc.

Purple Levi's, lavender Member's Only jacket, purple socks, shirts, oh, and dark purple Reeboks (i think that's what they were). Can you imagine the coolness coming off me?

At the time I didn't realize I was such a dork. I guess it was a good thing at least I wasn't overweight.

Plum and big does not go well together in middle school.

For the record, I do not own any yellow clothes. Just wanted to put that out there.

What's a weird thing you eat and/or what's your favorite color?

Menu Plan Monday - 1/18 - 1/24

2010-01-17T11:33:00.001-06:00

I actually got my menu planned on Saturday so if that's a sign of how the week will go then it's gonna be a good week (I hope:) Three of the recipes below are crockpot recipes.

This is what we'll be having:

Monday - Easy Peasy Crockpot Chicken, Green Beans, and Lipton Noodles

Tuesday - Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli

Wednesday - Crockpot Taco Soup

Thursday - Cincinnati Chili (crockpot)

Friday - Sloppy Joe's (doubles easily) and Tater Tots

Saturday - Cuban Oxtail Stew - could also be made in crockpot

Sunday - Lasagna Alfredo Roll-ups

If you check out Organizing Junkie, you'll find about 500 other weekly menu planners and some really great blogs.

Have a wonderful week!!

Crockpot - Cincinnati Chili

2010-01-17T10:09:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite places to eat in Nashville is a

place called Norman Couser's, or just Couser's.

It's right across from the zoo in the Woodbine/ Elysian Fields area.

Check it out if you live around Nashville.

I like the homey kinds of food they serve. It's my kind of comfort food.

One time that I was in Couser's, I ordered chili.

Because of a mistake, I was brought a big bowl of something

I'd never seen the likes of.

My chili had spaghetti noodles under it. Now, I almost sent it back,

but decided I would at least taste this weirdness.

I'm glad I did! It was really good.

I spotted this recipe in the Nov. issue of All You and

knew I would have to make it.

I couldn't find it on their website. It may be there, but I

hate when sites make you play hide and seek with a recipe.

The pic is my pic of their pic from the mag, like it?

I haven't tried this one so how 'bout we try it together. Agreed?

So here's what you need:

2 pounds of ground beef

salt

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

2 onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 Tbsp chili powder

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder (seeing this a lot lately)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I may use 2)

Garnish: cheddar cheese and chopped green onions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, season with some salt, and drain the fat off.

Add the meat to the crockpot along with 2 cups of water and

everything else except the beans.

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours.

Add the beans and cook 1 hour longer.

Stir in an additional 1/2 cup of water if too dry.

Don't forget to cook your noodles.

Put the noodles into a bowl, ladle some chili over them

and top with cheese and green onions.

Cincinnati Chili Printable Recipe

Crockpot Taco Soup

2010-01-17T09:34:00.004-06:00

I have seen sooo many recipes for Taco Soup lately. I have to have some and have it I will!

This recipe has been in my stack of "to make" for way too long. Time to come out of the darkness and into the light.
Or out of the cabinet and into the crockpot. Yeah, that's it!

You'll need:

2 pounds of ground beef
2 cups dices onions
2 cans pinto beans
1 can light kidney beans
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes, mild
1 can dices green chiles
1 can black olives, drained and sliced
1 (1.25 oz.) pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 (1oz.) pkg. ranch salad dressing mix

corn chips

Toppers:
sour cream
black olives
grated cheese
chopped green onions
sliced jalapenos

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet and drain off the fat. Put the beef and onions into the crockpot.

Add everything from the beans to the ranch dressing mix. Stir it up.

Cook on low for 6 -8 hours.

To serve, place a few corn chips into each bowl and ladle soup over them. (I put mine on top)

Top with your choice of garnish.

Enjoy:)

Taco Soup Printable Recipe

Easy Peasy Crockpot Chicken

2010-01-17T09:28:00.003-06:00

This is so easy!! And that's why I'm gonna make it:)

Oh, and the fact that I always have the ingredients on hand.

All you need is:

1 whole chicken (you can use pieces if that's what you have)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup water

Put the chicken in the crockpot (I always spray the pot with nonstick first) and pour everything else over it. Cook on low all day or on high for 4-5 hours.

I may add a can of sliced mushrooms to this too.

This fell apart when it was done so I didn't get any pics worth posting. I'll try again next time.

Easy Peasy Crockpot Chicken Printable Recipe

Pants on the Ground

2010-01-16T17:06:00.004-06:00

If you watch American Idol, then you already know.

If you don't, then you missed out on Pants on the Ground . You have got to check this man out. He's 62 years old and moves like he's lots younger. Pretty cool!!
(sorry I couldn't get the video to load on this site)

Another thing you might have missed was - Pa-pa-pa-gow! Pa-pa-pa-gow!!

On "Accidentally On Purpose" , Abby says she likes to be deceptive.

Her example of this is she pretends to be foreign when tourists attempt to ask her for directions. Shouting, "Pa-pa-pa-gow! Pa-pa-pa-gow!!

We have been saying this all week, along with "pants on the ground, pants on the ground....."

You can find this show on CBS.com or maybe on hulu.com as well.

I am not an expert at getting videos loaded onto the blog yet, but I'm working at it:)

Delicious Black 'N Blue Pie

2010-01-16T07:15:00.007-06:00

I made this pie last night. We were going to have company over but the plans got changed.

I was going to wait but everyone (namely David) had the taste for blueberry pie in their mouth so I went ahead and made this pie because it was the right thing to do.

Let me just say for the record.....

when it comes to pies with top crusts,

mine are not the prettiest by far.

I will not be entering any beauty pie contests.

I've made my peace with that fact.

As long as the crust looks vaguely familiar as a pie,

I'm okay with that.

Anyway....it was very very good:) My husband told me so.

David is not a big sweet eater. He's not into sugary things.

It's a disorder.

There is no medicine for it. It's just the cross I bear.

But....I couldn't get this into a bowl fast enough!

He might as well of been shouting, "Where's my Hossenfeffer!!?"

Hence, I did not get the shot of the gorgeous pie

(even if mine wasn't gorgeous, I'm calling it that -

be nice to the pie)

with a huge ball of vanilla ice cream placed

ever so gently to the side.

So you'll just have to imagine ice cream.

It's not that hard really. Is it?

Katie- Neverending was very nice to share the recipe.

Thanks Katie!!

Have a great Saturday!!

Eat more pie!

Good Times with Uncle Ben

2010-01-15T12:09:00.005-06:00

In December, Ben had a couple of vacation days still left for the year so he took off work,

and decided to come down for a visit.

Since we moved from Nashville, the amount of visits we get from family has decreased significantly. We knew it would, so no shock there.

Even when we were in Nashville, the visits had gotten few and far between.

But I digress.

Anyway, we were happy to have him because he's so much fun and the kids reeeallly love him.

Ben arrived late in the evening so there wasn't much to do but the next day,

he talked Davy and Sophie into battling on the trampoline.

Let me say for the record, he didn't have to push the issue.

They battle everyday that's nice enough to be outside.

It's how they roll. Straight up G!!

Oh, and one other thing, until I loaded up these pictures I had not noticed the

extraordinary fashion sense my daughter was exhibiting.

She's such a trend-setter.

I predict everyone will be wearing their socks mismatched in the future.

He had bested her during round 1 and took her down.

Sophie's pride was hurt and she vowed revenge.

The picture I decided not to load because it was too primal,

I will describe for you instead.

If you were to be your maddest, if you just couldn't take anymore,

if your big brother was pushing all your buttons,

and if you felt you must defend your honor or die trying,

that is what the picture of Sophie was all about.

She was mad as heck and not going to take it anymore!

She let out a roar!

I said Uh-oh!

Ben said Easy Sophie!

Davy said Oh no!

Then the slaughter ensued!

She picked up a jacket and started whipping it in a frenzy. The heavy zipper flying and whizzing through the air at warp speed. Davy shielded his face and tried to take cover.

Check out his face. He knew he was in trouble!

She took him down like a sweet muffin and then....

...jumped on top to persue an eye-gouge technique she had learned from UFC.

She then vanquished him, and claimed victory as hers!

After all was said and done, Ben looked upon her with pride as a fighter with mad skills.

She took his praise and wore it proudly as a badge of honor.

*In full disclosure, the above story may have been embellished, just a tiny bit:)*

One of the reasons Uncle Ben is so revered and loved.....BB gun hunts.

They all got their BB guns and headed into the woods on the search for big game.

Not really. No creature, real or imagined, was hurt, mamed, caught, or killed during this hunt.

They rode horses and played some more.

All in all, the day ended on a high note.

Well, maybe not exactly a high note, but it was a very good day:)

Come back soon, Uncle Ben!!

Fun with Play-Doh

2010-01-14T10:58:00.000-06:00

The kids have been making play-doh people or creatures. Yeah, I'd go with creatures.

Clearly this poor fellow is in a lot of pain. Must be the tail....

it'll throw your back out everytime. No wonder he needs accupuncture.

This is one bad dancing mamma-jamma! Her talents include the Electric Slide, the Worm,

and wearing her heart right on her chest (and maybe her intestines too...).

She don't care what nobody thinks!!

(yes, the grammer is all wrong....I don't care what nobody thinks...yes, I do)

I don't have a flattened left arm and I'm not green, but I am definitely one of these today.

PMS is a witch!!