Quickie!

I've got a morning meeting downtown this am so this will be a quickie! I like morning meetings, that way I get off earlier! But today after work I am working the gates at the Girls' District Soccer game! It's supposed to get down in the 30's tonite. I'll probably freeze my tail off!
Last night hubby made some delish Cheesy Bratwurst Beer Chowder! It was soooo goood.
The recipe was from Midwest Living. It was nice to come home and have dinner cooked.
Today he will be up at school when I get there. He is on the Advisory Council at school and they have a meeting. It's an eating meeting and dessert is cheesecake, his favorite!
Other than that, it's a boring day at my house. Looking forward to going to the Beach Crop with my sister this weekend. All weekend long, scrappin' and beachin', it doesn't get any better! I'll even get to see the Packers play, as they are the late game on Sunday!

:J

We Winnneded!

WOOOHOOOO! How bout them Packers yesterday? I did get to see most of the game. They won, in the snow even!!!!! St. Vince had to be smiling!
DS2 called right before the game, he couldn't believe DH let me have a party during the game. "That wouldn't happen at my house" he said. "This is NOT a day to have lots of women over" "I just can't believe you did that." "You call yourself a cheesehead?" I know, I know. But who knew? This was booked months ago.
My Stampin' party went well. I had 10 people. My friend, Lori, brought her three teenage girls and they had a blast. They all wanted to stay and play in my scraproom. I told them that one day they could all come play. They didn't get to finish the Valentine Candy project, because Savana, the oldest, had a banquet to go to. So we will get together and make those for girls to hand out. They were so fun tho! I kept telling them they had to give their "Love" valentine to their Dad, because they were just too young for "love" stuff with boys. Savana is a senior, Peyton a freshman and Delaney is in middle school.
I made PW's sheet cake and it was delish! I still have half of it left as it makes so much, and Patrick hasn't found it yet. We now leave notes on stuff so that Patrick will eat it. Otherwise he thinks its for dinner, or something special. So it will probably be eaten by this time tomorrow.
Hubby was a darling watching the first half of the game in the scrap room. He was even calm, not as vocal as he is here in the living room. I wish I could have been in Lambeau for this game, they played in the snow!!
I started my new meds this am and at first they knocked me for a loop. I could almost feel them going to work, fighting this yuck in my body. I paid more for meds Thursday night than I have ever paid. A new $100 deductable is out of the way now, my bill was almost twice that. All I have to say is this better work!!!!!!!
Today we went to Linen's and Things so I could buy coffee. They had it on sale but only had 4 different kinds. I will probably start ordering online.
After we got home from that I was going to scrap, but I didn't. I napped, couldn't keep my eyes open. Then I got up and worked on a very boring report for work. I didn't watch Comanche Moon as I still have half of Return from Lonesome Dove to watch. But Comanche Moon is tivo'd for the future! I did watch Brothers and Sisters, hmmm Sally Field and Danny Glover....interesting couple there. I like it.
Well I didn't intend for this to be a boring report but it was a boring weekend here...I needed boring tho!
:J

Ahhh! It's the Net, the Lovely Net

I think we took a lightning strike at work last night. Nice thunderboomers rolled through all night long, and it's inevitable that we would get struck by lightning. Our school sits on one of the higher points in town. We always get struck. Which is scary if you ask me.
Got to work this am, started to boot up the computer, (my biggest tool I use) and couldn't get on the internet, the email system, or my student system. Not at all. I called around school and everyone confirmed they were up and working. So I kept trying with no luck. So I called the tech and waited for him to fix it. Hours passed and I passed the time doing mundane work, work I put off when the computer is working. But I needed to work, so as they say, the Lord works in mysterious ways. I filed, a job I really put off till I HAVE to do it, and I counted numbers, and counted numbers. First this way then that, but when the boss walked in after lunch, I had his numbers he needed. Not the numbers he wanted to hear, but the ones he needed.
About a half hour before time to go home, they replaced my computer with a loaner. Thank goodness because I felt like I lost my right arm. Not to mention my sanity, because hey, I just must communicate! (especially since we were waiting to hear the spin they would put on yesterday's incident) Now Monday I can work on my scheduling for next semester.
I'm off to join hubby. He's gone to bed,and he is happier about this Stampin' party than he was. He figured out that the PRE GAME show starts at 2:30 and the actual game starts at 3:30. So I will only miss about a half an hour of the game. Which is good, because I don't want to miss too much opportunity to watch the Pack play. Maybe they will be on defense first and I won't miss too much of the important stuff. And anyone who knows me, knows who, I mean what that is! Scoring!!! teehee.
Enjoy your weekend, whatever it brings.
:J

I Knew It Would Come to This!

I've been back to work just 4 short days and I've neglected the blog! ACK! I had to go in to work earlier this morning than I usually do. So I had to choose. My RESOLVE to do something in the am, or blog. I RESOLVED to do something. So I did some picking up, some recycling and some rearranging.
Then it was off to work, where it has become a madhouse! So many reports due, so many reports that our computer won't run that would make it so easy. So many INTERRUPTIONS! I do love it tho.
I went to work early so I could leave to go to the Doc. Nothing serious, just this lingering crud in my sinuses. I am not miserable, just not right. (I know, what else is new?) He gave me some different meds, including predisone for the swelling that is going on. I hope this clears me up for good. I want my normalness back.
I am disappointed in a local leader in our community. Someone my older boys looked up to with much respect. A person in a position that he shouldn't do what he did. He was picked up on a DUI. Many people are so disappointed in him. He told the kids to do right and then he didn't. I haven't told the my boys yet, they probably haven't heard since they live out of town. But I know how disappointed they will be. I know if it were me in the same situation, he would want my job. So sad for everyone who believed in him.
I am excited about my Stampin' UP party! I have 10 people coming, about half that are scrapper/stampers now, and half are newbies. I haven't had a home party in years. I was too busy keeping up with teenagers. But I thought I would give this a try. I already have two outside orders. Anyone need anything? It should be fun. If you are bored Saturday, come on over!
I did mess up a bit on this tho. When I booked this party 3 months ago, it didn't occur to me that it would happen to be during football playoffs. OR even that the Packers would be playing in the playoffs. OR that the game they would play in would be at 2 o'clock on Saturday, the same time I am having my Stampin' Up party.
Hubby has given me a hard time about this. All in good nature of course. I am supposed to be the Packers fan! He is good naturedly taking the tv in the scraproom so we can have the Living room, dining room and kitchen. He is so sweet, too good to me, and I am sooo gonna owe him.
Okay tomorrow is the early morning, so I'd better head to the bed. ta ta!

:J

The Lost Boy is Home!

I swear I could be robbed and never know it. I guess I am just not observant, organized or whatever. That's how we lost the boy. My mom probably had a fit watching me from heaven when I lost the boy. But he's home now and he forgives me for losing him and I promised never to lose him again.
The lost boy is really a Uneeda Biscuit Boy. He's a chipboard figure that was used to advertise Uneeda Biscuits many years ago. I love old advertising. Someday I am going to just glue old ads all over the walls of my kitchen and be done with it. I love old ads that much. So UBB came from my mom, he's one of the last things I remember her giving me before she died. UBBY as he will furthermore be known, has hung in my kitchen since that day. He reminded my mom of my boys and knowing my love of advertising, she got him for me.
Well a few months ago, I was standing in the kitchen talking to DH & his offspring, when all the sudden it occured to me that UBBY wasn't in his place!

 

"What happened to the Biscuit boy?" I blurted, interrupting whatever important conversation everyone else was having. Everyone gave me that look, the one that's becoming a daily look, the look of "what the he-- has made you lose your everlovin' mind?"
"The biscuit boy is gone, he is not hanging on the wall like he usually is!" I exclaimed to their dazed faces.
"IDUNNO" was the answer from all of them. "IDUNNO" is the language spoken by the male species in this house.
"Who have you let in MY house to kidnap the Biscuit Boy?" I demanded. DS3 quietly began searching his cell for that looney bin number he has so discretly saved.
I was sure someone came in, bypassed all the video equipment, computers, heirloom antiques and other expensive items to take Biscuit boy. I mourned my loss of UBBY. It made me want to hold my 19 year olds hand in WM. Because, after all, if I could lose a 2 foot tall sign. I could surely lose him too.
Then I had the hutch discovery experience. Remember yesterday when I found the 3 Longerberger baskets I forgot I had? Well UBBY was there too. Right on top of the silver chest that those robbers also left behind when they took him. UBBY must have been in the hutch the whole time.

 

But now he is back in his place, guarding the kitchen, the silver service, electronics and heirloom antiques. Because if the robbers come in, I know he will dutifully volunteer to be hostage.

:J

Treasures, Reflection & a Recipe

First day back was not as bad as I dreaded. Actually it was pretty good, not as good as a day home, but if you have to be at work, it was good.
My "resolution" to make my mornings more productive got off to a good start. Usually I get up, have coffee, read the paper, read email, message boards and blogs, get ready for work and go. Seriously, I usually have 3 to 4 hours I waste in the morning before I go to work at 10. Not any more. I am going to be more productive in my mornings. Whether it's cleaning house, preparing something for dinner, or even scrapping, I am not going to spend all morning sitting on the computer.
This morning I made a delicious soup for us to have for dinner. I'll post the recipe below. Think Vegtable Beef Soup meets Steak. Very good, very, very good. We were worried there wouldn't be any left for Patrick. It was that good. Best part, super easy. The hardest thing was cutting up the onions and celery. I got the recipe from this month's Midwest Living, it's going in our recipe box tho!
So for dinner we had soup and my friend Linda's secret cornbread recipe. When DH saw the cornbread he kinda turned his nose up at it. "I don't like cornbread" he said. That's okay, no hurt feelings. But just try it, you may be surprised. He was. He liked it. We did finish off the cornbread between the two of us. (I didn't say we were counting calories!) Afterwards I took a power nap.
I got up and started dishes, putzing. I putzed myself right into the bottom of the hutch. Don't ask me why, I guess because I was trying to figure out were to put some junk, rather than just throw it away. I sat on the floor and started digging in the hutch. I found all kinds of treasures I forgot I had. Three Longerberger baskets, how do you forget Longerberger baskets? I found a Calla Lily candle, a antique toy metal wheelbarrow, a cute Mardi Gras arrangement, and this

 

How did I not remember having that? OMY! TREASURE! I think it has to go in my scrap room. Somewhere, holding something! I don't even know where I got it, where it came from. Maybe MMOS knows. If it was in the family, she should remember. I just love it!
I also found these, I think they are just some gloves my mom collected over the years. They are different sizes. I am taking them to school with me tomorrow to show Becky. Becky is like me, she loves old treasures, especially when they involve old clothes or jewelry.

 

I also found a lost boy in there. He's back where he belongs now. I thought he was gone for good. But that's a story for another day. He's home and that's all that matters.
So I'm off to bed, to rise and shine early and see what I can get done in the morning. One thing will be to pick up my arthritis medicine. I've gone three days without it, and I am really hurting tonite. Hurting in places that didn't hurt before, like my left knuckle under my pointer finger. That never hurt before, it's heck getting older.
So here's the recipe, and if you ask Linda, she may give you her cornbread recipe, but I can't give it out, it's her secret.

Kansas City Steak Soup

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef (sirloin)
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 stalks of celery, sliced
2 14 oz cans of lower sodium beef broth, or 3 1/2 cups of beef stock
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained (I only had 14 oz can so that's all I used)
1 10 oz package frozen mixed vegetables
2 T. Steak Sauce
2 t. Worchestershire sauce
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 cup of flour

In a 4 qt dutch oven, brown beef, onion and celery over medium heat til meat is brown and vegtables tender. (I always sprinkle my ground meat with worchestershire sauce when I brown it, so you can do this too) Drain well, and return to dutch oven.
Stir in 1 can of the beef broth, undrained tomatoes, mixed vegetables, steak sauce, Worchestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together remaining can of beef broth and flour. Stir into the mixture in the Dutch Oven. Cook and stir until bubbly. Cook and stir a minute more.
Makes 6 main dish servings (10 cups)

Now I made this in the morning and put it in the fridge til evening. Next time I am going to try to make it in the crockpot. When you do make it, I hope you get to have it with Linda's cornbread. Just perfect.

:J

Grinding away!

Those of you that have been getting entirely too much information on my life will be thrilled to know that I am going back to work today. So my blogging will go back to a once a day thing. Not sure if that will be a morning thing or a night thing. But it will probably be once a day.
Yes it's back to work. In an effort to eat healthier and stay on top of things, I made soup already this morning for dinner tonite. It's called Kansas City Steak Soup, but basically it's just Beef Vegetable soup with A1 sauce & Worchestershire Sauce in it. I got the recipe out of Feburary's Midwest Living Magazine.
Midwest Living is not as popular as the sister, Southern Living, but Lord knows those Southern Girls are the hostess' with the mostest! True to the Southern Belle's dramatic nature, they blow a simple meal way out of proportion sometimes. Whereas we native Midwestern Girls are just glad to get thawed out enough to be able to move and cook.
Now before I get blasted from all my southern friends, remember there is a reason I stayed in the south, and it wasn't snow. I love the dramatic, over doing of southern hospitality. You walk away from a friend's home cooked meal feeling like you are the most important person in the world. That she fixed all that food just for you and not 70 of her favorite croppin' buddies! You feel the love.
Not that we Midwesterner's don't "love", we just aren't as demonstrative about it. It's more of a slap it on the table and eat so we can go back to getting warm! LOL!
Last night was my night for tears. During that Home Makeover show when they showed the youngest boy his Very Hungry Caterpillar room, I about cried! OMY! I want that room! It was just adorable. It's also filed in my "things I want to do for my grandkids" file. Since I will have to have a grandkids room for boys & GIRLS. That would be a great way to go. I love Eric Carle's books for kids.
Then the true explosion of tears came during Desperate Housewive's when Lynette and her neighbor scattered Ida's ashes on the ballfield. I was like half watching, half looking at my new stamp catalogs when all the sudden Ida's friend starts doing a "eulogy" and it was the poem that was on my dad's funeral cards. You know the one, "Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep...." I just burst. Not for poor Ida, I just calmly said to DH, "that's the poem from my dad's cards," and I burst. Instead of thinking I was a complete idiot, he just hugged me and held me, okay maybe he was thinking I was an idiot. Funny how things like that just hit you!
So it's back to the Saltmines. Since I didn't win the lottery and my rich uncle already died. Then it's home to watch LSU & Ohio. I'm picking the underdog, GO OHIO!

:J

They are Gone

I was supposed to blog earlier today and just didn't get it done. So here I am. Susie is gone, but not before we went out to breakfast with DH. She took the elves with her. Even tho I bought them for her...I was hoping she would forget them, they are kinda cute!

 

After that DH and I did the normal run to the commissary. I just have to have a little vent here. DH spent 22 years in the Navy, going all over the world to ensure that submarines and torpedos were not heading toward the US. He also did his part in Desert Storm making sure we are able to still enjoy our freedoms. He even did a few stints in the Orient, that he thoroughly enjoyed, but that was before we were married so we don't talk much about those days. So for his 22 years of service we continue to enjoy the benefits of our miltary facilities. We can use any of them, anywhere, around the world. But on this particular day we were in the USA, shopping on a US Navy Base, checking out our cartload of bounty. Most of the clerks and baggers are of the Oriental descent, which I have no problem with, my problem lies when they are in a US Military Facility, an English speaking Facility, yet they are all talking to each other in their various native tongues. Not greeting us, not talking with the customers, but talking around all of us, in their language. That offends me! If I were to travel to another country, especially to marry and live there the rest of my life, I would learn the language. Especially on the job! DH saw my jaw tighten, as he knows how I feel about this, but gave me that "don't you dare" look. Okay so I have vented. Getting off the soap box.
So in diggin', organizing and purging, I found these in their original box, pretty much mint condition. They are name card holders! I remember having these all my life. I don't remember using them much, I think my mom used them one year as incentive to be good. If we were good we got to have them on the table for dinner. I will have to remember to use them next year.

 

Yesterday was the Wings of Hope Crop here at the fairgrounds. It's a CM crop, but I go anyway. It was fun, not like Hilltop fun, but fun. They had a raffle and I bid on a few baskets. I won these two. I actually should have won three because I had the winning bid when bids closed, but a guy doubled my bid on one just after it closed. Seeing that it was all about raising money for local childhood cancer patients, I told the girl to let him have it, even tho they said it should be mine. It was a very cute Margarita party basket but oh well.
I did win these. One is a Boyd's Bear basket. I just thought it was cute and thought I would keep it for me.

 

The other is a Pomogranate Bath basket. I like the tub it's in, but It's going to my help tech downtown. She loves anything pomogranate to drink, so I am going to give it to her. Now she can bathe in it. I don't know what I would do without her, she is the only one who has more of an idea about what my job is all about than I do. If it weren't for her, I'd have been in the looney bin the second day I was on the job.

 

So I'VE taken down the tree. Now we are thinking about supper. Wish we had a Nick and Willy's... that was so good.

:J

Side note: Somehow this got lost in the process, so I am reposting it. I'll catch up on today's activities in the morning!I really have had a lot to blog about this week, that I haven’t even touched on. I feel like if I ramble on and on and on you may get bored or tell me to get a life. But heck it’s my blog so I can ramble right?

I am glad I decided on the spur of the moment to go to Tampa for NYE. I must have gypsy in my blood because I love a good trip. It was such a good trip too. I have to say I have had many friends in my lifetime. You tend to do that when you are military. But I have never had friends who are as much fun as those HT girls. Maybe because I am older and less reserved. I dunno, but I would go the high mile for any of them because of what they do for me.

We had so much fun at Linda’s. I just can’t say it enough. Like a giant slumber party, but without the middle school stuff that usually came with slumber parties I remember. That’s why I think it’s the age thing. They are so giving, inspirational, uplifting and welcoming. Genuine. Thanks one last time all of you, after that I can conquer anything for a few months.

The drive home was a long one. I said I wasn’t stopping at Hobby Lobby in Ocala, I did. But they were having a fantastic sale! So it was a good thing. I picked up a bunch of stuff and actually spent more money there than in Griffin’s. I probably would have spent more money in Griffin’s but a) I didn’t have it, and b) I kept thinking I would see the same stuff when I stopped in Tallahassee and could use that wonderful gift card my son gave me.

So I hit the road again, cranked up the tunes and went merrily racing down the I 75 racetrack. That road amazes me! They drive so fast and in such a hurry fast. So I go right along with them. So much so that I was 3 miles from the Georgia border when I realized I missed the I 10 turn. Well actually I thought I missed the turn long before that, but I kept going to be sure.

I got off at the last Florida exit (24 miles past where I was supposed to turn) to get gas. I ended up buying Florida oranges and tangerines. I figured we needed all the vitamin C at our house we could handle. The people selling were so friendly and joking. I enjoyed the stop and I think that is the reason I did miss my turn. I was meant to go there, to buy oranges. They were so good!

BTW, when I left Tampa I passed 5 FoxSports Semis heading south. I hope Howie, Terry, JB and Coach are going to do the pregame from there. When I told DS2 that I saw them he said did you see Terry? I told him yeah, Terry was driving one of the trucks and we waved to each other. Then I saw 3 semis for the Budwiser Clydesdales. Looks like Tampa is going to be the rocking town this weekend. Go Bucs! (this week, when they play my Brett, that will be a different story!)

So back on the right track to Tallahassee and I got there in time to shop at Scrapbook Market. They were just putting out the Valentine QK but I didn’t buy any. They were also painting the back room (it was nauseating smelling) and the owner was doing inventory. Inventory was low too. Probably for that reason. But I did put a dent in my gift card. When the girl at the register saw how much it was for, she said, “Someone sure loves you!” Yep he does!
Love him too!

But then I was famished. So I headed over to Olde Towne Café for dinner. That’s were DS2 & FDIL work. Well she teaches too, but you know that first year teachers don’t make squat in Florida! Anyway. I didn’t see him when the hostess seated me and I don’t like to say “put me in Kevin’s section” but I did ask her to tell him to come by when he had time. They were really slow, so he and Erica sat with me for awhile. They were telling me about the vacation they have planned for June. To JAPAN!!!! Erica’s sister lives there, so they will stay with her. Still! I’m not sure I am ready for one of my babies to leave the country without me! I hope they have fun. Then in July is another wedding of Kevin’s friends, and our Family reunion. They will make that too! They also plan to hit the Packer Trifecta next year as they play in Jax, New Orleans and Tampa! We could see them 3 times!

Kevin is turning into such a man. You know those man mannerisms that drive us women crazy! NO not him! He was my good child! Well he was good at making us believe he was the good child. But Erica is such a Doll and keeps him right in line! I love watching them together; I just wish that boy would put a ring on her finger!

I finally did make it home about 8 p.m. and it was cold!!!!! It never got above 44 degrees the whole trip home! But it was good to be home. Rick said he had heater problems and the house had just warmed up. So I was lucky I didn’t get there any earlier! But I started coughing 20 minutes after getting home, so apparently this is not over!

So I think I will end there but not before a word on kindness. Not just the kindness and generosity of Linda, Kip and the girls, but there were others this trip that really impressed me with things they didn’t have to do.
- There was the guy in Lowe’s at St. Pete when we went to get the visqueen for Fauna. We pulled into the parking lot and saw an employee gathering carts. Kip pulled up and I asked him how late they were open and he told me eight. So we parked, went in and that same man had gone through the Contractor entrance, through the whole store, and met us at the front door to tell us that it was 6 they closed at not 8. And he apologized for telling us the wrong time! WOW! He didn’t have to do that!
- There was the girl in the scrapbooking dept at Griffin’s, who, when I told her about the sale email I had gotten but couldn’t print because I was on the road, went into the back room and printed one for me so I could get 25% off. You had to have the email to get it! She didn’t have to do that!
- The people in the orange stand at the Georgia border. They were handing out samples, which were nummy! They were so jovial, happy, and kind. I would have bought the whole stand of oranges from them, they were so nice!

Okay, that’s rambling enough for this time. One more thing, if you are ever in St. Pete, get a Nick & Willy’s pizza! OMY! Now nothing will ever top my hometown pizza place, Manny’s, for my fav pizza, but Nick n Willy’s was heaven in a slice! Yummmm!
I know I will have cravings! Maybe Kip will bring one to WR……

 

Okay, off to take the put me to sleep cold medicine and hit the hay. More tomorrow!

Stay warm!
:J

Soup & Snow People

A cold morning made me wake up craving homemade soup, so yesterday I spent the morning making a potful. It was so yummy and to be truthful, I couldn't stay out of it all day long. But isn't that the way it is. You have to keep tasting and adding this or that. So I tasted, alot. Luckily there was enough left for dinner! I made biscuits too and it really hit the spot! I took a bowl over to my neighbor, Mickey too. Just to check on her in this weather too.

 

These are the Snow People that Susie brought me this trip! She said Hobby Lobby was 80% off their Christmas stuff. They still had bunches too she said.

 

Well I'm off to the showers and shopping. Have a great day!

:J

Okay, I'm doing better now!

The day has been rather productive so far. This morning I thought I would be doing good to get my feet on the floor for more than a few minutes. I felt yuck!
But I got up, cleaned up, got dressed and got moving.
First thing I headed to WM for Vegatable Soup fixin's. Yep, Everything but the kitchen sink went in there (cept celery, I forgot that!) But it has already cooked
2 1/2 hours and the taste tests have been delish! I'll post before and after pictures this evening!
I finally got ahold of my much older sis. Explained that we were all coughing again, that I didn't feel like going to Ft. Walton shopping, and if she wanted to wait til tomorrow night to come down that I would understand. I told her I would go to the crop on Saturday.
She said she understood, but that she would go ahead and come down and help me take down the Christmas stuff! We can watch the Lonesome Dove movies and scrap too!
So that made me feel better! Gotta love a sister!
In the meantime waiting for her, I've cleaned out my expired spices. Couldn't believe how many of those I had. I made some Belgian Waffle mix, laundry, and now I am cleaning the living room while I watch QVC.
I have so much to tell you and blog about, but don't want to sit still long right now. So hang in there with me. I promise pictures and blogging the rest of the story later this evening!

:Jayne

My Mama Said

"That the road to hell is paved with good intentions" If Mama is right and she usually was, I am in big trouble.
First, I had good intention of getting a good dent in the closet cleaning, house cleaning thing. Well that hasn't happened.
Second, I started to write a fantastic version of the indescribable trip to Tampa for NYE, and quit.
Third, I intended to go back to work Monday with clean closets, clean house and healthy.
Well, that's not happening. I walked into my home to greet my husband and youngest son and within 20 minutes I was coughing, hacking and miserable. This is NOT RIGHT! I think it's the house. I'm repacking the car in the morning! This is just unbelievable! But this time the congestion is in my chest not my head.
As my principal loves to say in frustration, "it never ends,..... it never ends!"
Thanks for a great time Linda, Kip, Michele, Alice and Kathy. I'll properly blog when I feel more enthusiastic. It never ends.........

:J

Yet Another Sleepless Night

I've been relegated to the sofa to sleep and it's 1:48 a.m. on the last day of 07. Hubby is coughing every two minutes, I don't know what to do for him, so I've left so that at least one of us can sleep.

If you want to read my profound answers to the blog tag from Teri/Kip/Sophia, you will have to scroll down. I posted that a few hours ago, when I thought I would be asleep right now.

But I'm wide awake. Worrying about him, worrying about traveling tomorrow, and just sitting here thinking, wow, 2008. In less than 23 hours we begin another new year. 2008. Do you know what that means? It means in May, I will have been out of Savanna High School for 30 years! I never thought I would be this old! I don't feel this old! I don't want to be this old! OMG where has the time gone? Am I really this old?

PW was brave enough the other day to post a link to site that showed her graduation portrait taken at Olan Mills. Am I that brave? Maybe we should all post a cheesy High School picture in honor of her bravery. Who knows? If we really are 6 degrees of seperation from everyone else, certainly someone who reads this, would eventually know someone who knows me, who doesn't know I know someone reading this. If you get the drift. What a project! Who wants to go first? No one?

30 years from graduation. Wow! I look at guys that are my age, like ones I work with, one who I am older than, even, and they are all like grey headed or bald and stuff. It's almost intriguing enough to maybe go to that 30 year reunion. LOL! I don't think I have changed tremendously, okay maybe gained a hundred pounds, but I mean I don't look as old as they do, do I? Hmmm.....

I wasn't even 18 when I graduated. So that does put me on the young side of my class. Most of my classmates could legally drink in the states within 30 miles of us. I had to pray they didn't check ID's. Just kidding. I never did that! Pray that is..LOL! I remember the first time I legally went in a bar, just after my 18th birthday. The guy at the door checked my ID which I proudly handed over. He looked at it, then handed it back and said, "you are barely old enough." I remember being so offended! I said, rather bravely I might add, "if I were much, much older, would you have said "God YOU ARE OLD!?" So anyway that was not even 30 years ago. See how some things look better in perspective?

So the first 30 have been pretty good for me and pretty good to me. I only see a few grey hairs in the mirror, and I've earned every one thank you very much. My skin isn't too wrinkly. And if I start exercising now, I'm sure I could lose 100 pounds by May. So IF I did go to that reunion, at least someone would recognize me. But they wouldn't know me. I'm not that quiet, shy, reserved girl I was back then.

So here's the deal. I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours. Cheesy as they are, you have to love them!



Yes I bought into the cheesy, double personality pics that were oh so popular then! LOL! Now if you can find someone who will post here, other than my sister or my family members, who knew me then, I'll come up with a special present for you! All in the good purpose of research of the 6th degree of seperation thing. I know one person who owns a bar in South Florida who would know me from then. If any of my South Florida friends want to explore Palm Harbor bars to find her!

And if you can get me in to see Brett Favre within 6 degrees, well oh my! that's almost worth one of them special $25 WalMart Gift cards! LMAO! Because I think I can do that without reader's help! Cause I know someone, who knows someone pretty high up in the Packer's organization who could probably make that happen and they aren't even related to me either! I could probably do it with 3 phone calls...anyway back to us and not this fantasy dream of mine. But if you can....go ahead...I want to save my connection for when I really need it..Like when I retire and want to work in the souvenier shop at Lambeau Field!

...I've shown you mine, now show me yours!

Happy 2008, I know the next 30 will be even better!

:J

Blog Tag!

What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Got a passport, went on a cruise, and visited the Bahamas!

Did you keep your NY resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I kept some, will renew a few, and try to be good.

Did anyone close to you give birth? I work at a school, so someone is always having a baby. But no one close.

Did anyone close to you die? One of my best friend's lost their unborn baby granddaughter. It was very sad.

What countries did you visit? The Bahamas

What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Tickets to take my family to Lambeau Field to see the Packers play in the NFC Championship. NO? Okay, tickets for my family (and me of course) to see the Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts for the Super Bowl this year. NO? OKay, I think I will work on getting a new car this year. But that's really gonna cut into my scrappin' money!

What was your biggest achievement of the year? I kept peace and harmony in the family and stayed in the will another year. oh besides that? I started Scrapbooking as a show category in the local fair.

What was your biggest failure? I still don't have that degree or taken algebra.

Did you suffer illness or injury? I continue to battle with sinus and ear trouble. Other than that I am as my doctor says, "Wonderful"

What was the best thing you bought? A cruise vacation and a week at the beach house with the in laws

Whose behavior merited celebration? My oldest son. He is finally growing up! And my husband, he spoils me rotten! oh and how can I forget Brett's....he stuck to it, came back and proved hard work & dedication gets you results.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Michael Vick's behavior (dishonesty), and Major League Baseballer's steriod use. I don't care what they say. When you sign the dotted line to get that big paycheck playing a child's game, it makes you a role model. BE ONE!

Where did most of your money go? Travel, car repair, my kids.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Brett Favre's comeback! oh no not that? okay...my son and his fiancee moving back closer to home.

Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer? Always wiser, richer in non monetary sense and I'm working on the nicer part every day!

What do you wish you’d done more of? Housework! LOL!

What was your favorite TV program? Grey’s, Brother's & Sister's, Boston Legal, Fox NFL Sunday pregame, and Packer's football

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Nah, I gave up hating, if you hate you have to care and admit you have feelings about what you hate. I just choose to not have feelings about things I dislike enough to think about hating.

What was the best book you read this year? Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. Awesome Read!

What did you want and get? A new principal who understands our program, supports me and my need for correct data.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I became chronologically 47. Mentally I'm still out to lunch on how old I am. I don't remember what I did on my birthday. Since it was during football season, I was probably at a game. No I take that back. I set up the booth for the fair!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being closer to all my family!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007? I'm dressy when I need to be, casual when I want to be, and adapting to smaller clothes!

What political issue stirred you the most? Since Congress chose to get involved they made this a political issue...Baseball's use of steroids. BE A ROLE MODEL!

Who did you miss? My parents

Who was the best new person (people) you met? My new principal! and Barb, Gerri Anne & Lisa, Dawn & Roz, Amy & Robin, and Jill!

Tell a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. That all it is is a trip around the sun, out of our control, so you just have to trust. No sense worrying about all the small shit, it's gonna happen...or not. Live life the best you can and hang on, it's quite a ride, so find the best in all of it!

Let's see, I tag Susie, Roz and Cindy!

Hitting the road tomorrow, I'll post when I can, if not, see ya Wednesday!
:J

I'm in LOVE!

With this!

 

Because it makes these! YUM-MO!

 

Thanks much older sister!

:J

Enjoying Life

I have to say, I do miss being a SAHW & M. If I didn't need so much scrappin' & travel money, I would consider giving up the job. People told me that when I went to work, that once I started I wouldn't stop. They were right, not that I don't want to, I can't, I've become accustomed to living in this style.
I like doing housework, when I have time. I like laundry, cooking, cleaning, when I have time and not trying to fit it in two days of a weekend. Who wants to come home at 6:30 at night to cook a full meal. "Not I," said this red hen. Doing the wife thing, the mom thing does satisfy me. Staying home and letting the outside world pass me by appeals to my pollyanna attitude.
But then there's that gypsy side of me. The side that likes travel and adventure, seeing the world, living life to the fullest. That voice speaks loudly most days. It wants out of the house, away from laundry and dishes. Not to shop, or hang at the mall, not to lunch in a cute bistro across town. That voice wants to see the country side, admire the little towns across America that made the USA what it is today. So that's usually the voice I listen to most. I get out of bed every day, ignore the dog hair that's made a dog in every corner of my house, and I go to work. There I make money that I sock away so that every three months I can go somewhere, anywhere, but here. Anywhere I haven't been before, I wanna go.
Today I'm thinking I really want to do this,
Yes you see that right, shovel snow off the bleachers at Lambeau Field. Hey they give you a shovel and pay you $8 an hour. I've done worse for less! Some day I AM going to do this. Just so I can say I did.
Til then, I think I need to go clean a bathroom or something.

:J

Although I am feeling lazy today, I've gotten my goal for today accomplished! So does this mean I can goof off the rest of the day? I doubt that!
I purged the bathroom closet. Ahhhhh! Now I don't have to worry that my family will die from taking expired cough syrup. But I do have to hope no one gets sick before I can get to WM and replace the Pepto, Thera-flu, Rolaids, and basic sickie supplies I threw out.
I found out that purging has it's benefits. Yesterday, purging my closet, hope chest and dresser, I found a blue sock that matches my other blue sock. I know big whoop, but you just don't understand! These are my favorite wear with jeans socks! Now I have them both together again!
Today will purging the bathroom closet, I found not one, but TWO! bottles of my favorite shower gel! I seriously thought I was out! I also found a deodorant for hubby, who said he was out. We had already bought some new at Sam's the other day, but now he has one more.
I really didn't find any good drugs while purging. I guess I had thrown that bottle of codiene away last time. Darn!
I have my chicken cooking on the stove for Chicken & Dumplings, tonite's supper. It is hot & muggy right now, but a front is moving through and it's supposed to be cold & wet this evening. It's noon so I guess I should get dressed and clean the bathroom now that it's purged. Hopefully the Mailman will bring my KNK kit or my Hilltop order so I will have something to play with this weekend. If not, I guess I will have to scrounge through some stuff.....who wants to scrap with old stuff anyway??? LOL!

:J

Let's Get This Started!

Now that the big holiday is over, I have plans for my next 13 days off. Some housework things that need to be done. Some fun things. And of course lots of scrappy stuff!
Two things I will get accomplished are, cleaning of the hall closet. The hall closet is huge, huge. It has lots of storage shelves, and junk has been stored there for years. So long that I don't remember alot of what is there. So I've decided I am unattached to it. Yes, I'm pitching. I want to be able to walk in that closet, look on the shelves, and find what I need. I'm going to pack up a box or two for Rick's nieces', who still cross stitch and they will get all that stuff. I'm going to pack up a box of craft supplies for my sister to take for her volunteer group. I'll do a couple of boxes for the Thrift store and the rest is saying bye-bye! So if you want some good craft stuff, (sorry, no scrap supplies) stand outside my front door and catch it as it flies out!
My other project is my bedroom and it's closet. I've decided if I haven't worn it in the past 6 months, it's going. Yes that means that last maternity sweatshirt that is oh so comfy that I wear it maybe once a year. It's going. All of it. No more saving, I never reuse it anyway. That cool hula girl purse I bought the first time I went to the keys, going. The palm tree purse I bought for my second trip to the Keys, going. The lime green sandals I bought for a trip to the Keys, gone. And all the other "I might need these again some day" they are history. I always buy new stuff anyway. So I'm not saving any longer.
I am blessed with too much stuff. It's gotta go, once and for all, it's got to go!
I'm off to get dressed, crank up the tunes, and get pitching. Anyone want to help?

:J

So This is Christmas!

We had a great day, after traveling to my sister Susie's yesterday. Dan & Felicia came up this morning. It did my heart good having all the boys together.
Susie made delicious biscuits and gravy for breakfast. It's one of our favorites, so she always fixes it for us. We didn't get up til almost 8, by the time we ate and D & F got there it was like 10 before we opened presents. Late for us for sure!
Everyone liked their stockings, Patrick got Brain Age2 for his DS, Kevin got a Sports Trivia Almanac, Dan got a points card for his XBox and Felicia made out in scrappin supplies in her stocking!
Christmas was awesome to say the least! The boys loved their cameras, Patrick his clothes and all three complained about the girlfriends getting the most presents (scrappin' supplies) LOL!
I got my Keurig coffeemaker from Rick, Kevin got me a $100 gift card from my, favorite LSS in Tallahassee (a reason to go visit him) Patrick pampered me with Bath & Body Works stuff, and Dan & Felicia gave me a $100 bill! WOOHOOO! Susie got me a Belgian Waffle maker, one of the flipper ones. I've really been wanting one of those!
Susie & Truman were shocked when they saw their firepit from us. I had given Susie a few gnomes, I think she thought that was all she was getting. But when we were all done unwrapping gifts, Rick & Patrick went to the car to get the pit. They carried it up to the door and Susie's jaw dropped. She hugged me and hugged me. And the whole time I thought she would be disappointed because I didn't get her scrappin' stuff.
Naptime was in order after all that excitement and since it was raining that's what most of us did. After about an hour we were all ready for something to do so we went out to the garage. The boys hadn't seen their new garage/building/barn. While out there we got to going through boxes. Now to say Daniel gets enthusiastic about something is an understatement. He was going through all these old boxes of junk going "WOW!" "Look at this!!! OMG! Do You know what we can EBAY this for?" So he had a whole nother Christmas going through her junk boxes. He ended up with a vintage Rubik's Cube still in it's box and a Rock tumbler, to name a few things. What a way to spend a rainy Christmas day!
All that snooping made us cold and hungry, so in we went for Confetti Chili, sandwich platters, pie and this cool twinkie dessert Susie made. We were sitting around watching Rachel Ray and all the sudden most of us were asleep.
It was a good Christmas, a very good Christmas. My children were all there, happy as clams, I didn't have to cook, didn't have to clean, didn't have to do a thing. (I did offer) I got some neat gifts, made everyone happy, and it was a day where just enough was a blessing. I think that's my theme this coming year, being happy with Just Enough, no extravagances, no overindulgences, just enough.
A Merry Christmas it really was, even if there was no snow.
:J

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has the happiest of days, with just enough family, food, fun and presents!

:J

I am ready for Christmas. Well it's here, ready or not. Tomorrow we leave to spend a few days at my sister's for Christmas. No I didn't make fudge, cookies, peanut brittle or any other sweets. I did make two cheese balls. 1/2 of one is left. Things just didn't get done.
But presents are wrapped. Cards are sent, and I've come to the conclusion that this year that will just be enough. Next year will be better. I won't have a a brand new category to be in charge of at the fair in October, a family reunion in November, followed by Thanksgiving, followed by the flu, followed by Christmas. Next year the reunion is in July. I'll have lots of help for the fair, Next year I am not getting this flu! The only thing I will allow to get in the way is if our HS football team makes the play offs and goes all the way to state. Then we will play until mid December. But I will take that if it happens! But I will not miss Tim Holtz if he comes to Ruban Rouge, and I will not miss Creepover with the Hilltop girls. I am setting priorities! Oh and there is that certification process we have to go thru at school in October. But all will be okay with that too!
So all the pressies are wrapped. I have to go tomorrow and get Rick's pressie, and Erica's pressies. NO Biggies tho! I napped this afternoon, for quite awhile, missed half the Packers game because I was sleeping. But I talked to my brother, he said it was just too damn cold there. 50 mile an hour winds, sleet & snow. His doors on his house and his car were frozen shut! I know after the Packer game, Brett said it was the coldest he has ever been. I can beleive that, Chicago is the coldest place on earth on a windy day. That wind just goes right through your soul!
So a few more pictures of the ornaments to thrill you! The first one is of my blue metal bell. It has been on my tree forever, even when I was a kid. I always hang it low so that when the kids were little I would know when they were in the tree, or when the animals are near the tree.

 

Then theres one of my chimney sweeps. I bet you didn't know I collected them did you? Actually my much older sister started me on them. I think I have twelve chimney sweep ornaments now. I also have a chimney sweep nutcracker, a music box and a figurine. I pick one up whenever I see one.

 

Another one of the oldie ornaments. I think I picked this one up at a yard sale. I remember having ones like it when I was a kid, my brother probably still has them. I wonder if he would give them up? I doubt it! But I should ask!

 

Another of the chimney sweeps. I think I got him at Epcot in the Germany section. It was the first time we took the boys to Disney. Yes, the time we left Patrick at home and didn't take him. He never lets us forget that.

 

Tomorrow I will have to post all the angels from the tree. My PreK Principal gave us angels every year for Christmas. She said it was because we were angels working with the little kids. I'll have to post a few of them, tomorrow.
I'm feeling better today, actually have some energy. Hopefully I will the next few days too! Maybe I am finally getting over this. I'm not coughing, I'm not stuffy, I just need some energy! Maybe I'm getting it now.
I do feel so bad for all those people stranded because of the winter storms. So glad we didn't go home now! We would have flown, and probably be stranded somewhere! I hope everyone makes it to their destinations safely!
:J

Caught In The Act!

We had a semi busy day yesterday. Shopping, cleaning up, and laziness all in one day!
My husband loves to wait till the last moment to shop, and I'm starting to really like it too!
We hit the Navy Exchange in the morning to get some clothes for the boys. The NEX carries all those important brands at greatly discounted prices. Plus they were having a buy one get one half price sale! We racked up and then celebrated by buying a huge container of Harry & David's Moose Munch. Rick kind of turned up is eyebrow at the price ($15) but I assured him it was worth it. After we got home, and tried it, he agreed!
The lines at the NEX were long, but he was a dear and let me sit, while we waited to check out. It was so hot in the store. Next we were off to Sam's. With Kevin home today for the Packer/Bear game we have to have wings! and veggies, and chex mix, and munchies. YUM! I lost Rick in Sam's, again standing in line to check out, I went to sit down, looked up and he was gone! I thought he walked out, thinking I had gone outside to sit, so out I go, no Rick, I walk to the car, no Rick, I walk back in and there he is looking around, shaking his head with his PO'd look. They had taken him back to another counter to check him out. But all is well now!
This morning, off to WM, to get Kevin's undies, and Patrick's Santa present. It's the last year for Santa presents at our house. Once you turn 21 Santa doesn't come. Patrick will be 21 in June! :(
Yesterday while at the NEX we ran into the secretary from the old PreK. She was training me to be her replacement when she retired the year when we found out they were closing our school. To say the least she got me where I am today. She couldn't believe Patrick was 20. She remembers when he started PreK! Then at Sam's, we ran into our Prinicipal from PreK. God blessed me yesterday to see them both. I miss them so!
"We" decided to wrap presents while we waited for Kevin to drive home from Tallahassee last night. I wrapped, hubby supervised. I am getting to old to sit on the floor to wrap. But it's just not the same if I don't sit on the floor. So I suffer!
I called Kevin about 11 to see where he was. He said about 45 minutes away. Cool! I figured that would give me enough time to wrap the rest of his presents. So here I am in the middle of the living room floor with his presents all around me, wrapping away and in he walks! It had only been 5 minutes! I start tossing stuff under paper, behind the sofa, etc. And Rick is just laughing! I guess he meant 4 to 5 minutes! What a tease he is! I just hope he didn't see his pressies!
I guess this "flu" is having the same affect on all of us. When we went to Denny's this am, our favorite waitress, Beverly, was not her usual cheery self. She apologized for being so punk, but said she just doesn't have the energy she usually has, that she had this "flu" too, and couldn't get her energy level back up.
Well, I'm off to watch the game, munch and wrap a few presents. Have a happy day!

:J

TGIWF

Thank God it was Friday!
After yesterday being so good, today I was back to feeling punk again. Quite a bit of pressure in my ears, and since today was my last day of antibiotics, I went back to the Dr. after school. My left ear, the one that was infected, looks better, but isn't clear. Also my right ear is now infected. Round two of antibiotics. Oh lordy!

When I got home I was cheered up greatly by my Secret Santa. I have to say, I thought it was one of two people, and it was. Gerri Anne was an awesome SS!!!! Today was final gift and it was awesome! She started off with red kitchen towels with snowflakes on them, that will match perfectly in my kitchen! Then the goodies! A cute, cute penquin frame, Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked ornaments, a Jingle book with matching papers, all kinds of holiday Jolee's, adorable snowman scissors, jingle bells, holiday tapes and some super cool chipboard letters from Daisy D's, and another set of chipboard letters and decorations from Imaginisce. So many things to play with! Gerri Anne you did awesome, and you are the best, and THANK YOU! You just don't know what that did to cheer my soul up!

Kevin will be home tomorrow for a week. It will be good to have him home. I know Patrick is looking foward to him coming in too. I probably won't see lots of him, he likes to visit all his friends when they are all home too. They are a close knit group of guys and girls who have kept in touch since HS.

I'm off to bed, just feeling punk tonite. Need to rest, at least I'm not dizzy.

:J

I Made It Through the Day!

And didn't do to bad either! I was getting sleepy about 4 p.m., but I managed to hang on til 6 when I got home. Then I took a 20 minute nap!
I was glad I went to school today, lots of food and goodies, with probably more of the same tomorrow (Friday).
I had a really delish Key Lime Dip that I will have to get the recipe for. It was served with graham crackers. YUMMMY! Otherwise it was alot of the same party food. I got a $50 gift card from the Athletic Director! I was shocked. My friend Linda gave me a J. It is metal rod with pearls wrapped around it. Too cool! I'll try to get a picture posted of it this weekend. My student assistant got me a Beer Bread beginnings in a Beer Bottle. All I have to do is add Beer! We left that on my desk all day and it drew lots of comments.
Hopefully we will get off really early tomorrow, we heard a rumor that since it's a half day we get to leave at 12:45! I hope so as I have lots to do to catch up. My work, work, is caught up, it's my home stuff that is so behind!
Have a great day!
:J

Yep, I'm Feeling Better!

Nothing like a good sale to make a girl feel much better. I'm talking about LINDA'S sale! She already has awesome prices on her stuff, but now it's 20% off and as always, FREE SHIPPING! Dakota, my everloving, protective puppy, needs the computer so he can order Mama's Christmas present! Head over to Linda's for those last minute gifts every scrapper needs.
I'm off to work in a bit, trying to figure out if I can hit Starbuck's first. We have a couple in town, but not on my way to work. I have become addicted to their Peppermint Mocha's. OMG! Almost as good as the Dark Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Schnapps that I love. And I swore I wouldn't become a Starbuck's ho.
I have to run to WM before work, so I'd better get hoppin'.
Have a wondermous day!

:J

An Update That is Looking Up

I can't tell you what it is, but I feel somewhat better. My ear is plugged but maybe not as bad. I don't feel quite so much like I am in a bubble. I am going to go to work tomorrow.
As for the other, the presents, the cards, the cookies & candy. Well, I'll do what I can, and what I can't, I won't. It is what it is.
I will have two weeks off to recoup, regroup and bake. I don't think they will notice if the cookies are baked between Christmas and New Years. and all the gifts I usually make for my friend's, the cheeseballs, fudge, and peanut brittle, well if that's the only reason they are my friends, I guess if they don't get them this year, they weren't really friends in the first place.
Some days you just can't do it all, finally I realize that.

:J

I Give Up

I am over this, so over this. I tried to work half a day, nope, no way. My head is now spinning and I just don't care anymore. I think the magic has left my Christmas. I just don't care. I want to feel better. Someone else take charge. I'll just sit here in my congested head, spinning. Wake me when it's gone.

J

Quickie from the Sickie

I kept thinking if I can just make it to Friday. Not happening. I woke up about 1:30 a.m. with a throbbing ear ache. Goggled "throbbing earache" and found that I could take sudafed, and use a warm compress on my ear. So I found the sudafed, and the second warm compress did the trick, and I was back asleep til the alarm went off at 6. But, I give in. I have an 11 o'clock appt with my favorite Dr. Good thing I didn't wait, they will be closed starting Friday until after the New Year. So I'm off to the Doc's in a bit.
So much for those Tim Holtz Christmas Stamps I have been coveting, and Dakota was going to get me for Christmas. We'll probably spend Dakota's Christmas Shopping money on meds. I guess that's a good thing.
btw, the Vick's thing on the bottom of my feet worked. I wasn't even inclined to cough all night. hmmmmm, wonder if that brought on the earache?
later,

:J

Posting Early, I'm Sleeping In!

Since I already know I will probably not make it out of bed in the am, I'm posting now. We bowled our butts off tonite at the Christmas party. Already every inch of me hurts.
I would think walking two miles every day would have me in shape, but I guess I'm not. I hurt. My neck and back hurt, I'll take an extra Celebrex before I go to bed.
But it was worth it, we had a blast! I broke a hundred all three games and hubby, the show off who hasn't bowled in 20 years, bowled 7 strikes in a row. He ended up with a 249 game!
Let's see I threw the ball backwards once, it slipped out of my hand. I fell on my face once. I only threw two gutter balls. Otherwise I did pretty good bowling.
It was so much fun having everyone's spouses there, and the kids too! We've never done that before. Greedy Santa went well, we played it that if you got a strike, you got to pick a gift. Then if you got another strike, you could switch or if someone got a strike they could take your present. It was fun!
The Big P didn't make it home from Vegas in time for the party like he had planned. (that's what he gets for not taking us to the conference with him) He got stranded in Dallas because of the weather. But his Wife and kids made it there. I had never met her before, she is sooo sweet! His kids are great too, they are middle schoolers.
Everyone said they had a great time, and it was fun to mingle and not just sit and eat like we usually do when we have stuff at school.
But I'm beat, heading to bed, and when I get up, I'll post more Christmas decorating pics.

:J

The Easy Button

Today is Christmas present shopping day at our house. I'm heading to WalMart in a few to pick up some things we need for the house, and after that WE (hubby & I) are going to hit the stores. We are armed with a list (Patrick's) and we'll come home with his shopping done.
I used the easy button with the other two, and since they don't read my blog, I can tell you. I used the Best Buy online shopping, pick up at the store easy button. I spent some time last night researching cameras. Cheap, easy to use, thin, cameras. Kevin requested one he could fit in his pocket. Dan doesn't know he's getting one so I found this and it should please them. Already paid for them, and memory cards, just have to whiz by BB, and pick them up. Then just a few other goodies for them and they are done. I was tempted to buy one for me too, just to stick in my purse, but it's too near Christmas and that's just not right!
I also spent some time working on my Christmas cards and love how they are turning out. I need to finish them up this weekend.
On top of all this my sinus' are killing me. I can breathe through my nose just fine, but the sinus pressure is killer. UGH! My throat is a little sore, but I keep moving on today. I can rest tomorrow while I watch football, wrap presents, and do cards.
Tonite is our work Christmas party. I'm in charge as the Big P is just returning from Vegas, (he'll show up halfway through it) and the AP didn't even RSVP! So we don't know if he is coming or not. The party is on the Navy base and you have to be on the list to get in, so I hope he doesn't regret not getting back to me. Big P even said he reminded him to RSVP! That's a whole nother story tho! We'll have fun as all the fun people are coming!
I'm off to WM before the crowds hit. Happy Saturday!

:J

More about ME!

1. What one person has most inspired you in your career? My former principal, she told me I was wasting my talents in PreK

2. If money were not an issue, where would you live? If money were not an issue I'd have a house on the beach, a house in my hometown, a house across the street from Lambeau field, a house near the Hilltop Girls and a house in the mountains.

3. What is the best advice you ever received? You can spend your money on your kid's sports and activity fees, or you can spend it on bail money for them. It's your choice.

4. What is your favorite time of the day? When my husband walks in the door.

5. What is the best invention since sliced bread? My car

6. Not including family or friends, the top three things you’re thankful for? Good genes, the ability to see the beauty in nature around me, and being able to see positive in everything.

7. If you had that mobile phone service, who would be in your top five (Which five people do you talk to on the phone the most)? my hubby, Daniel, Kevin, Patrick, my much older sister

8 What things need to happen for you to have a good day? to wake up in the morning, a kiss & hug from my hubby, and sunshine on my face.

9. What is your favorite every day outfit? Jeans & a Shirt

10. When you are alone in the car, what do you do? Sing at the top of my lungs!

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Ford Explorer

12. What one person, whom you have never met, do you wish you could have lunch with? Any of my grandparents. (okay, I met two of them, but I don't remember it)

13. What is the one part of your body that you like the most? My head, it has my two favorite features, my brain and my hair.

14. What song, playing on the radio currently, is your favorite to hear? Don't Blink by Kenny Chesney, & So Small by Carrie Underwood

15. What is the one piece of advice that you wish you could give someone? Work hard! It doesn't come free and it doesn't come easy.

16. What are you looking forward to right now? my husband walking in the door

17. What are the TV shows you watch every week, and hate to miss? Packer's football, Friday Night Lights, Grey's Anatomy and Brother's & Sisters

18. What is the dinner that your family eats once a week? Pizza

19. If you just won $100,000, what would you use the money for? Pay off bills, college education and moving.

20. Name one random fact about you that you think most people do not know.
I played the flute in school.

So there ya go, more than you want to know. I tag Susie,(who hasn't posted my last tag) Wendy, and Cindy.

More Ornaments

I love to pick up Shiny Brite ornaments when I can find them at yard sales. I have a few from my childhood, but alot of them I have picked up since. They are the only colored balls allowed on my tree. Occasionally I can find a few shaped Shiny Brites, like this red bell. The garland hanging next to it is very, very old, given to me by my mother. It is silver mercury glass beads with white bells edged in silver glass glitter. The garland is very fragile and every year I lose a few beads, but that doesn't stop me from hanging it on the tree.

 

Another Shiny Brite from my collection. I love the blue and the winter scene on it. I remember having several of these on my tree as a child. While this one came from a yard sale, it duplicates the one I had on my tree. The blue bead garland is from the same era, and very fragile. Again I hang them on my tree, why have them if you aren't going to use them??

 

Santa is Rick's and this year he hides in the boughs of the tree. Out of sight, but keeping a watchful eye for all the good little boys and girls to add to his list. Santa has traveled with Rick all over the world in his Navy days. Keeping a watchful eye on him. Not sure how many years Rick didn't make it to Santa's good boy list tho!

 

This miniture nutcracker really works and is one of many Christmas ornaments my sister sent us when they were stationed in Germany. She loved to go to the Christmas Market and buy us ornaments. I loved getting them! They are among my most treasured Christmas things.

 

Just a few more ornaments from our tree. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

:J

Thursday Thinkings

I awakened to the sound of my cell phone ringing. It was my friend, Linda, "want some shrimp?" Linda has to be at work much earlier than I and forgets I like to sleep in, especially after a sleepless night and wierd dreams. So here I am, dazed, and confused after being woke up from a deep dream.
It was strange. I was somewhere in south Florida with Patrick and my best friend from growing up, Paula. We were supposed to be at some kind of convention thing, but had a day off and decided to rent a car to take Patrick to the Keys. But when we got to the Keys, it was like the French Quarter in New Orleans. We go in to a store and there is a fortune teller, but when we sit at the table she tells our fortune by cooking, and by the foods we pick, how we chop them, and asks us to pick things out of the pot. Like she said, "Which onion piece looks good to you?" And all these people kept coming in the door and everyone was walking past our table. And then we saw a ghost pass by. I think it was about that time that the phone rang. Oh except while we were driving to Key West, something was biting my shoulder, but I never could get what it was, like a moth or something. And the fortune teller knew that.
I guess from now on I shouldn't eat peanut butter sandwiches at 4 am. On to other things.....
I think I need to do my Christmas shopping. I only have a few presents bought. I can finish Rick's family in one fell swoop. They are getting Blue Angel Christmas ornaments. This year Goodwill has a special commerative ornament featuring the Blues. I think it is perfect as the family so enjoyed the Blues while they were here. So I just have to go get them.
Then all I have to do is the boys. Which should be easy also. It's just getting out there and doing it!
But for now I need to get out there and earn some money to buy these gifts. so I better run.
Maybe I will feel like shopping after tomorrow when our weather turns cooler again!!!!

:J

Hump Day!

It's hump day and I couldn't be happier! We are supposed to get cooler weather this weekend, and it can't get here soon enough for me! 77 degrees is not Christmas weather!
Last night it was nice tho as we sat on the deck of the Oar House for dinner. It was a girls' night out, Linda, Barbie, Debbie and I drank margaritas, ate fish and tried to solve the problems of the world. We left full, happy and world problems still unsolved. Oh well two out of three isn't bad!
The Oar House was founded by "Jezebel" who during WWII had a little restaurant with benefits. Jezebel fell in love with a sailor on his way to war. While he was gone she cleaned up the restaurant, served food and pined for him. But he never returned. One day while walking the docks in sadness, Jezebel came upon a fish who told her to drink his magic concoction, jump from the bridge and he would take her to her sailor who now lived in the sea as a fish. So Jezelbel did this and lived happily ever after with her true love, the sailor, swimming in the sea. BTW, Jezelbel did not become a mermaid, just the opposite, she is a fish with legs!
No we didn't make that up after the evening of margaritas, it's true story!
I'm off to work today and nothing fun planned afterwards. I did enjoy last night it was so nice to just sit on the deck, watch the barges go by and chat with the girls. Life is good.
:J

Morning Ya'll. It's official, I am sick, sick, sick. Okay maybe not that sick, but I have it. But I'm not going to let it stop me, not like it did last night. I got home from work and crashed. I was down and out for two hours, not like me at all.
For supper I had a peanut butter sandwich and a huge bowl of ice cream. I only had the peanut butter sandwich because I was trying to balance the sugar I was about to put in my body.
But I'm not going to let it get me way down. I'm off this am before work to the huge sale they are having at the LSS. Then after work it's girl's night out.
When I told DH a bunch of us girls were going out to eat after work tonite, he said,"Oh, you Barbie & Linda?" He knows us too well. We try to do this once a month, but the school year has just gotten away from us. I can't believe it's almost Christmas!
Speaking of, I need to shop like a madwoman. I have no gifts under the tree. But that's another day, I need lots of energy for that.
So I'm off, send in lemon, honey, whiskey (okay not while I'm at work) and tea. I have too much to do in the next two weeks!

:J

The Tree is Up!

Decorating is finished. Well mostly. I don't really stop until the kids walk in the door for Christmas. There's always something to work on.
So here's the tree. We have it on a revolving stand because I have so many ornaments, it's the only way to see all of them. It's a little wierd for me to walk in someone's house and there tree is standing still. Our revolving stand is the best money we have every spent. I like how it makes the lights look like they are twinkling. So here it is. All in it's glory.

 

One winter, many winters ago, almost 30 (GASP!) I made a set of Nativity ornaments. These will actually be Daniel's someday. They have been on every tree of his. Well they have been on all the boys trees, but his first. This is the three wise men. I always hang them on the tree close together, so they won't get lost in the desert.

 

I made Raggedy Ann the same year. She is my favorite. I have Raggedy Andy too. But I don't hang them together, We don't want a whole tree full of Raggedy's do we??

 

Another perspective. The dog's view. He grabbed the camera from me after an hour and took a picture or two. I think he didn't like that the tree was getting more attention than he was. And no he doesn't chase the tree, nor does the cat. Although the cat likes to nap under it. I'll have to get a picture of him doing that.

 

So I know you will get bored with the pictures of the decorating. But just endulge me. I like taking pictures of my ornaments, and I'm going to make an album this year. So I'm sharing with you!

:J

I love My Guys!

She says with her best sarcasm. Yep, their coughing, sniffling, and stuffy nose has been passed on to me. I love them.
For two weeks I have told them, cover your mouth, blow your nose, wash your hands, don't touch anything and take something for that. It fell mostly on deaf ears. Patrick did keep asking what to take, but only because it has cut deeply into his night life.
Even then, he didn't drink plenty of fluids, etc etc etc. So here I sit, two weeks before Christmas, with a stuffy head, sore throat and head ache. Not the way you want to feel when you have cookies to bake, cheeseballs to create, and a house that needs decorating. I still have about 15 cards to finish, presents to buy and wrap and food shopping to do.
Thanks guys, Merry Christmas. Of course maybe this means now they will recover and take over all these tasks. Fat chance, like maybe when the fat man comes down my chimney it will happen. Ho Ho HO!

:J

ps. I promise tree picts today, I promise!

I'm Decorating!

Like the last 40 questions didn't tell you enough, here are more mundane facts about me. More than you want to be bored with, but I'm busy decorating, creating the perfect Christmas world for my perfect little family.
I'll be back later to show you all I've done, but for now, I need to get hoppin' on Christmas. Let me know you have been here, I want to read your answers too!

1. WHO WERE YOU NAMED AFTER? Well I know for sure my middle name is from Peyton Place (Alison). but really I don't know why they gave me my first name. Except it means "Gracious Gift from God" which we all know I am.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last night watching "Friday Night Lights"

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Hard Salami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT? No, Never!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes but not because I want them.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I dunno, I think it would be fun, but I just don't think I could.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Remember Quake & Quest? I loved those. But now it's Raisin Bran

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I try not to wear shoes that tie.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Mentally yes

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Marshmallow

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Depends on the person. I see the whole person, or the one thing that stands out about them. I can't say the first thing I notice is eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

15. RED OR PINK? Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? My belly fat & my double chin

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I miss not knowing my grandparents, but if I have to pick a person I know, it would be my parents.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes, I'm nosy that way

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue jeans and barefoot.

20. WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Two bowls of Raisin Bran

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The hum of the Refrigerator

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Today, I would be green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Babies, puppies, spring rain and lilac's

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Boss

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yep

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Green Bay Packer Football, followed by Football, Baseball, Basketball, anything but Nascar

27. HAIR COLOR? Virgin Brown

28. EYE COLOR? Green

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope, I can't

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Chicken & Dumplings, after that, anything I don't have to cook.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Some Harry Pothead movie with Rick, I mean Harry Potter

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Grey West Florida High Tshirt

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Spring

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Hmmmmmm, to hard to pick one. Whoopie Pies, Vanilla Ice cream and Hershey's syrup, my niece Jennifer's pumpkin roll, my mom's apple dumplings, Rick's mom's butter horns, studel.....................

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Susie

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Jason

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Not reading right now, doing crosswords

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My one at work is Green Bay Packers Shareholder

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Tivo'd Friday Night Lights

42. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOUND? My Family laughing and talking, playing at the beach, Rain on the roof.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Led Zepplin

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Colorado or the Bahamas

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Not really, I'm a jack of all trades, master of none

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Iowa

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Well Susie's so she has a reason to blog. My brother Jason's because he is so sarcastically humorous, and everyone else's because I'm just plain Nosy!

So there you have it, again. There may be a quiz. Someday.

TGIF!

It's a sad life when you live for the weekends. I don't really, but I love my weekends.
We put an official finish on the Christmas tree. Rick placed the tin foil star in it's place last night before we went to bed. That means the tree is done. The only other ornaments that can go on it are new ones we are given and then Baby Jesus on Christmas.
Yes, our tradition is to keep Baby Jesus hidden until Christmas Day. Then he goes in all the mangers and on the tree. A friend once asked if that was kinda wrong as he should be there all season. He is the reason for the season afterall. But I think he is always in our hearts and his birthday is Christmas, so that's when he makes his appearance. Putting him in his manger is the last thing we do before going to bed on Christmas eve. I'll have to post pictures of the tree tomorrow.
I have a busy weekend planned, tonite is more decorating, tomorrow, more decorating, and tomorrow night I'm going to a crop to make some more cards. Sunday is football and finishing decorating!
On top of all this, both guys have been sick and I think it's starting to hit me. I have a headache, scratchy throat, etc. I'm drinking my water, and oj, washing my hands like crazy, and avoiding them. But it's inevitable, I'll get it too.
I'm off to work, where I finally can see the top of my desk. I'll decorate there on Monday.
Have a wonderful day!

:J