Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Holiday Report

I am soooo excited!!! Hubby bought me a laptop for Christmas, I never, ever expected one! I've wanted one but figured it was an unnecessary item. I don't have a wireless connection set up yet....wish me luck! I received other nice gifts from family and friends, one special thing is always the photo calender my daughter makes for us. My mom & I look for that gift. I think I am over wanting to get gifts, I will never turn them down but I don't expect anything. To be honest I love giving gifts. What makes Christmas for me is watching the kids open gifts. I have 8 grandkids, ranging in ages from 9 down to 16 mos.....good ages for a bit, but the teen years are close by. Christmas Eve the kids & grandkids that live nearby attended church with me. After that we had our traditional evening with extended family at great-grandmas. Christmas day the kids & grandkids (ages 16 mos, 4 & 5) came over here to open gifts after we made breakfast. Everyone was gone by 2, and Kevin & enjoyed the quiet afternoon. The day after Christmas we got more snow. I did a little shopping (I had to use my "$10 off on anything over $10" coupon). Sunday we had an open house......a few friends and family members came over. Yesterday my bff & I went for lunch and hit the thrift shops, I picked up a case for my laptop, cordless phone with caller ID for upstairs, and some misc items. Last night we stopped at my sister in laws and had a nice visit with some of hubby's siblings. Tomorrow I have to work (my one day this week-next week my schedule is back to normal). We've been invited to a couple of family gatherings this weekend.....this is out of the realm of our normally quiet (very quiet) social life.

Monday, December 21, 2009

It's Slowly Getting Done


My little silver tree is in the downstairs bathroom.


My angel tree is up.



The mantle is done.





The nativity scenes are spread around the house........and that's as good as it's gonna get this year!!!
On tonight's agenda: wrap the remaining gifts and scrub the kitchen floor.
Tomorrow I will spend all day in central WI with my daughter to watch another Christmas program. This is the first year that I was able to attend all of the grandkids programs. Yay!!!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Helpful Hints II

***For easy snow removal (especially if it's a wet, heavy snow) spray silicone spray on your snow shovel or snow blower chute. The snow will just slide off.

***For really dry hands or feet apply Crisco (just plain, no flavor) to the affected body parts and cover with socks or gloves and go to bed, (it really does soak in quickly) you'll see a big improvement in the morning.

Friday, December 18, 2009

from the Home of the Walking Disaster

Yup, that's me.......I make a mess in whatever space I enter. I take that back, I cleaned the laundry room today. Ok, it doesn't really look that clean, but the pile of paper will be gone and the counter will be visible again after I wrap presents. I am FINALLY getting around to putting up a few decorations........no tree yet tho. Hubby needs to bring in our artificial one for me. Since I am pulling boxes out, piling them up, and moving things from one area into the next so I can decorate I create huge messes all over. I had the kitchen table all cleaned up 2 days ago....well now there is no where to eat again. :-( I have the rest of the afternoon, this evening, and most of tomorrow to accomplish something. Sunday I'm going to my son's to watch the grandkids Christmas program at church.

This morning I eked out some time to have 'coffee' with a friend. Kathy is so good for my ego. We only live about 15 miles apart but only see each other a few times a year. I have a special attachment for her b/c she took me to my first Christian retreat. :-) We stopped at the thrift store.......I got some bargains: a brand new GB Packer ornament for hubby, large glass jar for storing crafting stuff, small 3 drawer crafting 'box', anther brand new little gift for someone, brand new roll of wide red Offray ribbon, and new colored tissue paper all for $4.99. Woo Hoo! Then we went to the Honey Pot for coffee and we each found the gift we were looking for, then we were able to sit and play catch up. I showed off the washer pendants that I made and she was duly impressed. *wink* (she liked them, of course) (I'll post photos later) It was a nice morning.

Back to work for me..........gotta make this place look like Christmas in less than a week. My step daughter and her family are coming on Christmas Eve, both kids and the grandkids will be here Christmas day, and we're having everyone (who is willing to come over) here on the 27th.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Helpful hints

***Put an address label on your digital camera, that way if you misplace it and aren't sure of the brand (like me) or if there are others very similar it will have your name on it. (this tip from my bff)

***When you have to call a service tech and get someone from outside the country just ask to speak to a representative from the US. I tried it and it works!

More pet peeves

Last night after I got off the phone with a guy from India I thought of more things that annoy me:
11. Customer service reps from out of the country that I can't understand and repeat everything I say. I have NO Patience with them.
12. When my hubby forgets to flush the toilet.
13. People who say they scrubbed the floor, when in reality they MOPPED the floor.

Really, I am not always crabby.........really, I'm not!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Personality plus!


This is my daughter's youngest girl. Look at that smile.........you can't tell me she doesn't have personality! She'll be 2 in May. I haven't seen her since Aug so I am anxious to see her and her siblings on Sunday. Did you notice she has grandma's strawberry blond hair???? She's the only grandchild (out of 5) that has red hair. She gets it from her mom's side and dad's.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

It's winter!


What a difference a day can make! One day it's 40 and the ground is bare and the next we are covered with snow. We had rain & snow mixture starting Tuesday night and part of the day on Wednesday. It was really a wet, heavy snow. Hubby was pushing the snow thrower. I am really blessed that I don't have to do any of the snow removal.Yesterday it was soooooooooo nice to be able to stay indoors all day. I worked on some cards and wrapped gifts. It was a nice quiet day, I appreciate that. Today I saw lots of trees with BIG branches broken off under the weight of the heavy snow. Last night it got cold...........6 degrees this morning when I left my house to watch the 5K concert. Thank goodness for remote car starters.......I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. The concert was fantastic, they didn't just do the simple songs you think of when you think 5 year old. Two of the songs had motions only, the kids did not sing. I could see they loved doing it too. I will have to send a thank you to the music teacher, he's wonderful. After the concert I brought my 4-1/2 year old grandson home while mom & dad are working. He's watching a Pokemon movie now. We had to stop at Hobby Lobby to get something for my bff and, of course, we had too look at the toy aisle. First he picked out Pez candy ($1.79), the he spotted a foam sword and shield ($4.99 ea) and I had to buy one for brother since he will be here tonight.........I was kicking myself for his purchase, but.......... At the check out he spotted a package of bouncy balls ($2.79). I said if he wanted the balls (he calls them Poke balls) he'd have to put the swords and shields back.............HE DID!!!! I am so thrilled.......he didn't even put up a fuss and want all of it, just chose what he wanted most. Sometimes life is GRAND!!! Oh, I almost forgot......he needs boots. I stopped at the thrift store on the way to the concert and found 3 pairs of boots in his size. Now you can't tell me that God did not put those boots there for us!!!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

My snowman pendant

Here he is.......isn't he cute? I am so lucky, I was the first one to pick up our fused glass items so I got to see everyone's. They were all GREAT!!! That was really a fun class. I want to go back in the spring to make more pendants.......probably something abstract and with earrings????

The Christmas countdown begins

I love Christmas, the decorations, the family time, the meaning of it, watching the kids big smiles when they open a gift. I use to go all out and decorate every room in my house (family room, living room, kitchen, bathroom, some outside lights) but not anymore. I love the decorating but not the putting away. This year we have no outside lights (hubby does not do a thing and I don't know when I'll have the time) and no decorating inside yet either. I am telling myself it is early yet............

Last night we decorated cookies with my 4 & 5 year old grandsons. I'd save a lot of money on colored sugar if I'd do it myself but it wouldn't be half as much fun.

This week's schedule is hectic too:
After Sunday school today I have to drop off candles from my candle party and pick up my fused glass pendant. WOOHOO J will be here all afternoon (he stayed overnight last night).
Monday morning I'm reading/helping in his classroom, then he'll come home with me for the afternoon.
Tuesday I'm working and making washer pendants at night. :-)
Wednesday morning is the 5K Christmas concert and J will come home with me for the afternoon. We are going to bake banana bread for his treat at school the next day.
Thursday I pick J up from school at 11 and he be here all afternoon again and I will have both boys at night.
Friday - nothing scheduled........but I have to finish shopping for my side of the family and then wrap gifts.
Saturday I have to make 3 pumpkin rolls to take along to my daughters for Christmas. EVERYONE at her house loves it.....inc. her 1 yer old daughter. We will probably have J overnight on Saturday. I'd like to take the boys to the Rahr West museum for a craft project, they enjoyed it the last time. That evening is the live (outdoor) nativity that I REALLY want to take J to see.
Sunday morning we'll leave about 10 for a (nearly) 2 hour drive. I sure hope the weather is good. That is usually the only time my mom gets together with us. She is 80 and not in the best of health.
Have a good week!!!!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Snowball cake


My daughter in law made this a couple of weeks ago and it is YUMMY!
Kraft foods has a video showing how to make this. Feel free to bring me a piece in order to show your gratitude to me for sharing this with you. LOL

1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1 pkg. (8 oz.)
PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 egg
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1 cup BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut
Make It!
HEAT oven to 350ºF.


PREPARE cake batter, in 2-1/2-qt. ovenproof bowl, as directed on package; scrape side of bowl. Beat cream cheese, egg and granulated sugar until well blended; spoon into center of batter in bowl.

BAKE 1 hour 5 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in bowl 10 min. Loosen cake from bowl with knife; invert onto wire rack. Remove bowl. Cool cake completely.

MEANWHILE, beat dry pudding mix, powdered sugar and milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in COOL WHIP. Refrigerate until ready to use.

PLACE cake on plate; frost with pudding mixture. Cover with coconut. Keep refrigerated.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Fused glass class

Wowieeeeeeee! We had a fabulous time making fused glass pendants tonight. A local artist held the class in her studio, a beautiful studio!!! Next week when I get my pendant back I will post a photo.........so don't forget to come back. Amy has a lot of neat classes that I'd love to take, I have to pace myself tho.......it costs me $ to hold onto the creative shirttails of an artist. LOL Next week we are making pendant washers. Shelly makes beautiful pendants out of ordinary washers. I'll be posting photos of that too (I hope). If you want to see her work here is her blog. http://accentuate-n-ink.blogspot.com/

First snowfall

Today, Dec 3, I woke up to see a tiny bit of snow on the ground. No, I don't have a photo.....we've seen plenty of snow here and this is not photo worthy. The sidewalks are bare.....why can't the snow always fall like that??? I guess winter has to come eventually, we've had a very mild fall.
Busy week here: Monday I had a dr appt. then babysat all afternoon for my grandson. HE asks to go to the thrift store every time I have him. Monday he found a toy drum....he asked mom if he could take it home. "Absolutely not" was her reply...which is what I anticipated. That's ok. Tuesday I had to work and our Red Hat Christmas party was in the evening. We had a great time! Wednesday I worked again and babysat at night. Today I am off to the dermatologist, babysitting in the afternoon, putting together and mailing out St Nicks packages for some of my grand kids, and taking a fused glass pendant class in the evening. Friday I am working and doing NOTHING at night!! Saturday I need to stop at the phone company and see about getting a different cell phone, then help with babysitting at church, late in the afternoon 2 grandsons are coming over to decorate cookies, and J will spend the night. Sunday we'll attend church and Sunday school. Monday I help out at the 4K class and bring J home with me again.
Geez............I need a break. Thanks for reading and letting me vent. LOL

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Simple Rudolph card

This card started out from a scrap (the 2 snowflakes). It's simple and I like it. I think I'll make a few more.




Grrrrrrrrrrr >=(&?@

You've probably read the story of my new camera......well now it's causing me grief!!!! When I put my memory card into my card reader I can not preview or download the pictures from one (only 1 of the 2) of the Nikon files). What is going on??? It is so frustrating!!!!! I can view the pictures on my camera and in my photo printer, but can not download onto my computer.

A couple of cards

I can't take the credit for the design of these cards, they sure are cute tho????

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A little of this and a little of that

I haven't been posting because nothing has been happening here. This past weekend we had a family of cats outside, a mother and 5 kittens. They were pretty big already. I LOVED the calico one and wanted him. Hubby says they are wild and I can't feed them. Although I am not an animal lover like my mom and sister I still hate to see animals go hungry. Maybe they have moved on by now.
Saturday Deb and I took my 2 youngest grandsons to help celebrate my oldest granddaughters birthday. I missed the party because of our 'girls get away weekend'. The kids had a good time, we had a nice visit with Connie.
Sunday night we went to my step-sons for a turkey dinner. They made a really nice meal.
Prayers are needed for my sister who is a single mom living on disability and always has health and money problems. She is doing a great job with her son and helps with our mom when it is needed (she lives closeby).
It's pretty quiet where hubby works.........they need an order and are expecting to get one soon.......but won't start until February.....huh???? I don't understand either. The company has laid off the crew every other week. At least that way all the employees can keep the insurance. :-)
I know you are thinking "when is she going to post some cards? or craft projects?" I am wondering the same thing. First of all I need to clean off my stamping table and then I can get to work! Believe me, I WANT to do some stamping and scrapbooking!
Last, but not least: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Girls Getaway Weekend

Our annual Girls Getaway weekend was a success! :-) ......for the most part, that is. My sister in law couldn't come. :-( I am hoping we can do something similar after the holidays. We left late Friday morning. The COUNTRY INN & SUITES by the mall had a special girls getaway package. We each ended up paying a little over $40 for two, yes 2, nights. They had a great free breakfast buffet. Friday night we went to visit my youngest granddaughter. She's 15 months and a real cutie pie with big blue eyes. We ate at my daughters finance's bar/restaurant. I overate and was miserable that evening. We just crashed that night. Saturday we had a date at the spa.......massage, facial, pedicure, and manicure. It was the best massage I've ever had, a deep massage..........I didn't realize my muscles were so tight. I think it did more good than a visit to my chiropractor. Red Lobster beckoned us for dinner that evening and the hot tub got our attention later. We did a little shopping Saturday and Sunday, mostly for ourselves. Sunday we shopped (my bff & I got to stop at Archivers), ate, and got home about 7......I think. Now it's back to the real world.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I love this soup

My daughter got me hooked on this soup, we found it on the recipezaar.com site. I hope you like it too.

Olive Garden Style Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
"This is very close to the Olive Garden soup. There's another recipe on the web which was the basis of this recipe, however it has been changed it to use less cream. Still tastes good! I did end up using a little cornstarch to thicken. I guess you could sub heavy cream for the half and half to make it a little thicker without using cornstarch. The gnocchi is usually in the spaghetti section of the grocery store."
SERVES 8 -10
Ingredients
3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
1 stalk celery, diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 carrot, shredded
1/2 onion, diced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (I used frozen spinach, b/c that is all I had-LJ)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper
16 ounces potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) (I did not use cornstarch -LJ)
Directions
1. Saute the onion, celery, onion, garlic, carrot in oil over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add chicken, chicken stock, half and half, salt and pepper, thyme. Heat to boiling, then add gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
4. (Heat to boiling and add cornstarch dissolved in 1-2 Tbsp water at this point if you want a thicker soup.).
5. Ladle into bowls and serve!
Recipe #348802 35 min 10 min prep .

Monday, November 9, 2009

Click for causes

I think this is important so am adding it to my blog.
Click for Cans.
Click for Cans has a little different format this year, the playoffs. Our Pack is pitted against the Buffalo Bills, who also won their season 17-0. At the time I write this, the Bills are leading the Pack by almost 5,000 votes. You are probably aware that Campbell’s donates many thousands of cans of soup to the food pantry of the winner.http://www.chunky.com/ClickForCansLanding.aspx
Click for Mammograms.
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing but helps a sister in need. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/
Click for Animal Rescue.
The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 20 seconds) to go to the site and, click on the purple box 'fund food for animals' for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know. http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Happy Halloween to me

Yesterday I had some time to kill on my lunch hour and since Shopko is nearby I was wandering around in there. I ALWAYS check the clearance aisle (even though stores move them around constantly), the Halloween items were 90% off. I picked up a centerpiece and some napkins. I like to have the pretty napkins....no-one seems to notice, but I like 'em.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Trick or Treaters


Here are some of my favorite Trick or Treaters. The black spiderman (masked) boy is my nephew.

Red Hat Halloween party





Here are some of the girls from our Red Hat group at the Halloween party. I am the blond Calamity Jane. A fun time was had by all!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Another week begins

Good Monday Morning!
It was a busy weekend here. I picked up my (nearly) 9 year old granddaughter about noon on Friday. She lives about 1-3/4 hours away. Later that afternoon I picked up the 2 boys and took all the kids to the magic show at the library. I have some brave grandkids......2 of them volunteered and were chosen to assist the magician. Saturday T & decorated for the Halloween "party" at my house that afternoon. The boys came over and we played a couple of games then the kids got into their costumes (photos will be posted later) and we went to great-grandmas. Trick or Treating started at 4:30 and it was a chilly day so we layered .......the kids and me were not too cold. We were joined by Michele and Nathan, and Heather and Eastin. The boys tuckered out early so we came home to warm up, but then Eastin and Heather took my granddaughter (who was not ready to quit) and the boys out longer. I was hungry and didn't want to eat too much candy so I made an impromptu dinner for us and Michele. Everyone went home early, but I did have my 4 year old grandson and granddaughter spend the night. They play together really good so it's no trouble. By 9pm we were all in bed...............ahhhhhhhhhhh. Sunday morning we had a lazy start. We stayed home from church and just hung out. The kids got grandpa to take them to the park across the street but they decided it was boring so came back home. They played outside in the leaves and then decided to put on a magic show for me.......after they carved the pumpkins. And that means I carved pumpkins. I hadn't done it before Halloween b/c I didn't have time, but they made sure I did yesterday. So here were are sitting on the wet ground, in my front yard, carving pumpkins. The sun was out so it wasn't really too bad, I had fun with them. T dug the guts out with her bare hands.........ewwww. J wouldn't touch it, he doesn't like to get his hands dirty. Oh well. They had fun. When the kids are here I try to let them do what they want. They put on their magic show. Then we rushed around to pack up the car, stopped at Aunt Debbie's to get their Halloween treats, stopped at McDonald's for lunch and were off to T's house. Those 2 kids in the back seat were hilarious.......just listen to little kids conversations once, it'll keep you in stitches! We had to stay for a 'little while' at T's house so J could play with T and her brother. Fortunately we missed the Packer football traffic on the way home. J was asleep shortly after we left. On the way home I saw 2 deer, one a big buck (at least 6 points) crossed in front of me, the other one was running in the ditch facing me. Thank you God for keeping them away from my car. J slept all the way home. I finally got home after 7.......was I tired, until I went to bed, then I was wide awake! Now I need to get dressed and I am off to read in my grandson's 4K class. After school he's coming with me while his mom starts her new job. Wish her luck!
later, gator

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

the Dragon and his buddy, the Leopard


Two of my grandsons at the Halloween party at the library. Is it a leopard costume or a cougar?????

Winning streak

Will my winning streak continue??? I am usually not a very lucky person, I don't win things very often, but I've been on a roll. :-) About 2 weeks ago I went to the Women's Expo and won 2 of the drawings. One was a cute magnetic board and the other was from the dermatologist (a lot of sunscreen, some make up, and a free paraffin treatment). My girlfriend won a $75 sterling silver & turquoise necklace too, all from a free ticket. Last weekend at the Art & About I won a hand painted (& framed) water color of a lighthouse. Last night, at our Red Hat Halloween party, I won a prize too.
Gotta go................I need to enter some more drawings!!! LOL
I'll keep ya posted if I win any more.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Art & About

Saturday morning I read my girlfriends blog post titled "Dark & Dreary", it was early so I decided to call her later. In the meantime I had some crafty inspiration. I got out my Big Shot and embossed some ghosts I had left from last year and make one Halloween card for my grandson and I had a great idea for my granddaughter's card. Finally I called 'Mrs "Dark & Dreary"..........several phone calls later she picked me up for a day of bumming (we are darn good at it too!!!). I wasn't really too keen on the idea, as I was feeling creative, but I thought "it's more important to spend time with my bff and the cards and housework will still be here". The plan she had fell through so I pulled out my postcard about the art tour going on that day and we were off!. We visited 7 different artists......varying from water color, sculpture, jewelry, Raku, recycled, etc. It was awesome!!!! There was not time for lunch, not even McDonald's drive through, so we lunched on the treats some of the artists put out. These people are so talented, I loved the art and would love to create some myself...but when I do it I think it looks like a 3 year old made it. Maybe that is why I want to try making stone sculptures with my 4 & 5 year old grandsons. One of them does enjoy art also. In fact he opted to paint our pumpkins and not carve them. That works for me.
If there is a moral to the story it might be: Life is short, spending time with people is more important that spending time with things.
Have a great week!!!!!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

scrap card

I found the purple flower scrap and decided to make a card with it. I was lucky enough to find a button that matched perfectly. The colors are not quite right, I have to figure out my new camera (see previous posts) yet. Today I have to put together 3 Halloween cards to mail to grandkids that are out of town.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Just a Monday

I think we had our Indian summer today. It was sunny and the thermometer in my car said 59 in TR this afternoon when I drove home. This morning I spent some time in 4K reading to my grandson's class. I was almost late.... I am not sure what I was thinking b/c I took a wrong turn and headed toward where they attended vacation Bible School. I really did enjoy it and am going to do it once a month. The kids seemed to enjoy it also. After class was over and my grandson said I could go home (he was nearly in tears when I said good-bye before school was over) I HAD to stop at the thrift store. Halloween things were 1/2 price so I picked up just a couple of things. I will do a little more decorating this year because I am having a small Halloween party on the 31 for a couple of my grandkids before we go Trick or Treating. I also got a REALLY COOL pop up book to read to the kids, "The Wide Mouthed Frog". It's in excellent condition and I think it will be fun to read. When I got home I washed the windows on my car, there was such a film that it looked like I was driving in fog (well, almost that bad). I put my scarecrow out too. And finally I had to do the dreaded grocery shopping....not my favorite job, how about you? Hubby is golfing, it could be the last time this year........or they could be golfing in November, ya never know about our weather. It wasn't a bad Monday at all.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Pumpkin



Layered 'Boo' Pumpkin card.
I used plastic canvas on the side. I got some free at a garage sale and this is the best idea I had for it.

Happy Pumpkin Day


The colors here look so drab, the card is not like that at all. Hopefully I can get a new photo soon. Nothing fancy here. Some layers, as usual.

BOO!


One of the Halloween cards I made, lots of layering......what I do best (?).

Monday, October 12, 2009

Good News, Bad News

Good News: Saturday I took my 2 grandsons to the 'pumpkin festival' at Festival Foods. It was chilly but it was a very nice FREE event. There were 2 bounce houses, (one an obstacle course and just a jumping one for younger kids), free apple cider and hot chocolate, free rides in their BIG shopping cart, a brat & a soda for $1, and lots of pumpkins for sale. The boys had a great time and it didn't cost me much!!!
Bad News: While riding in the big shopping cart my digital camera fell out of my pocket.
Good News: Someone found it and turned it in.
Bad News: The camera is broken.
Good News: The memory card is fine.
Bad News: I have to buy a new camera.
Good News: I found one on clearance that meets all of my criteria.
Bad News: When I got home I found that the sales clerk put the wrong camera in the box.
Good News: I can get the right camera tomorrow on my lunch hour.
More Good News: The battery from my old camera is the same one as my new camera, so now I have a back up battery. Great!!!!

I am so thankful that there were honest people at that great family event who turned my camera in to the courtesty counter. Thank You!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Cards





I've been itching to make this 3 layer card ever since I saw one like it last night. It was suppose to be a Halloween card, but it's not very 'Halloweeny'. I'll make a few changes with the next ones I make.









Cards


I was able to work on some cards tonight and I came across this fall card that I made last year. It's simple but I like it. The leaves are puzzle pieces.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Grandkids


Ok, I know I post too much about my grandkids.....but I LOVE 'em!!! These are my son's children. ....adorable, huh?

Monday, October 5, 2009

Pet Peeves

My top 10 pet peeves (in no particluar order)
* people who ask "Can you borrow me some (whatever it is)." I lend, you borrow.
* people who can't park in the parking lot on the diagonal, they just pull up even to the car on the side of them........you are suppose to pull up to the line.
* people who expect you to return their call when they don't leave a message. Just b/c I see your number on my caller ID doesn't mean I will call you back, in fact I will not.
* husbands who use the last of the toilet paper and don't put a new roll on.
* husbands who squeeze the toothpaste at the front and the whole back of the tube is full but you can't get anything out because there's nothing by the end.
* people who drive with their parking lights on.........they are PARKING lights.
* people who hang up on me when I answer the phone at work in my most pleasant voice (I try to be pleasant)
* husbands who eat the snacks you bought for the grand kids
* the 'newfangled' car remotes that you have to charge so you can get into your car w/o setting off the alarm. (this is a love/hate relationship)
* parents who don't put caps on their babies & toddlers

Sunday, October 4, 2009

great contest


Birthday Blog Candy!!!
This post will remain on the top until October 30. For all newer posts, please scroll down. Woo hoo! Today is my birthday and I am celebrating with you, my followers!!! I have awesome blog candy for you!! I so appreciate you all, my blogging friends!!! God has also blessed me with good health, a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters, wonderful parents, and a bunch of awesome friends (including You). Blogging has become such a part of my life as has my dt's that I wanted to celebrate with You!! I am not only giving blog candy out to one but two of my followers!!! I have so enjoyed your visits, comments, and your inspiring blogs! This is my way of saying THANKS!Thank you Kelley, Our Daily Bread Designs owner, for her donation of the Happy Birthday stampset and Nicole, owner of Inky Impressions, for donating Lili's Birthday Cake!! Thanks girls!! I so love these stamps and appreciate your generosity.Blog Candy 1Worth over $300Items in Blog Candy:STAMPSOur Daily Bread Designs- Happy Birthday 7 piece setInky Impressions Spunky Skooter LiliInky Impressions Shy Little LiliElizabeth Bell for SCACD- Young AlexaPUNCHESFleur De Lis by EK SuccessMoracco Lace by EK SuccessPAPER (6x6 pads)BG Porcelain printsBG WisteriaBG June BugSpellbinders and Ecstasy TemplatesLabels 4 diesRibbon Tag TrioEcstasy Butterfly TemplatePrimasBrown Prima Floral EmbellishmentsPrima Nursery Tales Collection GreenPrima Nursery Tales Collection Off WhiteFlower Softpale greenlight pinkdark pinkShimmerzmintpink PoinsettiaIced LavenderAngel WingsRibbonred, yellow, green, taupe, and aqua satin ribbon from Classic TraditionsSticklesdiamond, cotton candy, and soft blueRecollections Brads and PearlsFleur De Lis BradsGreen Assortment bradsBlue Assortment bradsRed Assortment BradsWhite adhesive pearls (small medium)Pastel Multicolored Adhesive PearlsBlue/ Green Adhesive pearlsBrown/white adhesive pearlsLarge white adhesive pearlsMemory Keepers Eyelets and SnapsBow EasyCharmsButterflyMeadow Grove CharmsMartha Stewart 18 pack Gemstone GlitterMartha Stewart Glue padMemory Keeper Glitter Bronze FlourishesBlog Candy 2- Worth over $50Blog Candy 2 contains:-Inky Impressions Lili's Birthday cake (generously donated by Nicole. Thanks Nicole!)-Priscillastyles "thinking inside the box" envelope template (purchased from Priscilla Midnight Madness Host)-Best Occasions Flourishes-Icon Gems-Butterfly CharmsEK Success Birthday Candle Punch
What do you have to to enter to win:1. Become a Follower if you are not already.2.Leave a link to this post and photo of this candy on your blog.3.Leave a comment here on this post before 9 p.m. EST on October 30.My Daughters will be pulling a number out of a hat! Each person is assigned a number as comments are posted. I tried having each person putting a number down but it did not work when two people were commenting at the same time. Thanks for your efforts though!!Anyone can enter!!!Remember blog candy ends on October 30 at 9 p.m. EST. Good Luck! The winners will be announced on November 1!
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Saturday, October 3, 2009

Adopt a family for Christmas

No, it is not too early to be thinking about Christmas. If you are a crafter just look in the stores....you need to start those craft projects early so you can finish. If you're on a budget or just watching your cash flow you need to plan ahead and watch for sales. Christmas is about giving and not receiving. God gave his Son so we could have eternal life, the ultimate gift!!! Yes, I enjoy the presents but it fills me with such emotion when I see some one's face light up when they open a gift. I LOVE buying and giving to others.....maybe I just love shopping. LOL Check out this site, it is a place where single parents can post for a holiday adoption. My sister is one of them, she has been a single mom for a long time. She is also disabled and cares for our mom. Please help someone if you can. THANKS!!!!!
http://www.singlerose.com/angels/list.html.

Red Hat fall gala


Sept 30 four of our group of Red Hatters attended the fall gala. There were 395 women attending. It was a nice fall day and we had a great time. One of our own, in fact Her Royal Pain (aka Deb), won one of the raffles. Way to go!!

Golf ball display unit


Hubby finally finished the display unit he built for all of the logo golf balls he collects. I think it looks pretty nice. It fits perfectly behind our curved sectional and the 'table' is a perfect place to put his glasses (that he ALWAYS looses). In fact last week he went to buy new reading glasses because he could not find his. He needed new glasses anyway. He CAN do things IF HE WANTS to.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Retreat and other news




Isn't this BEAUTIFUL? This is the Christian camp my girlfriend and I went to earlier this month for retreat. We had perfect weather. Some of the activities I participated in were: Bible study, wagon ride around the 200+ acre camp, pontoon paddle boat, decoupaging a box, and eating plenty of great, home cooked food.

Another friend invited me to a retreat this weekend, but I don't think I can go. :-( I'd really love to, I just feel too apathetic lately and need rejuvenation. I promised 2 of my grandsons that I'd take them to Sunday School this Sunday so I need to stay here.

Last Saturday I took one of the boys to see my oldest granddaughter play soccer. We had lunch at their house (home made lasagna -yummy). The 3 kids had a good time playing together (she has a younger brother). On the way home we stopped for a few minutes at great-grandma's house. Hopefully we'll make it there for the birthday party in November....but ya never know about our winter weather.

I and a friend joined a First Place 4 Health Bible study......so far, not so good. I LOVE my chocolate (hence blog title). I know I really have to work on it........I am going to try to eat fruit for dessert. I've done it before and can do it again! (I keep telling myself). I have to do my study yet. I joined for the Bible study, I wasn't really aware that the weight loss class was a part of it.









Thursday, September 24, 2009

Smile!

Now how can I be sad when I see this smile???? This is my youngest granddaughter. Today is mine???? ...that is after I do some house work.


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Was it monday or tuesday?

Tuesdays are always my Mondays, because I don't work on Monday. Yesterday was hectic and stressful but I came through with flying colors (or maybe just made it through) because of good friends and adorable grandchildren. I went to the school open house with my 4 & 5 yr old grandsons. It was really nice to see how much they enjoy school and see them in their new environment. Hope they keep that inquisitive love of learning. I also had a nice visit with our newest granddaughter, and last, but not least -Thanks BFF! :-)

On a lighter note we did get some much needed rain yesterday, it rained nearly all afternoon.

Tonight should be all mine.................

Monday, September 21, 2009

Who dunnit, rain, and other such trivia.


Do you see all these holes in our backyard? The orange spot (about the middle, right side) is a cherry tomato. Friday morning I went outside to water my flowers and just happened to notice a bunch of small holes dug into the yard ............who dunnit????? My hubby thinks it was a skunk looking for food. I have never seen that before so I don't know.
Last night we finally got some much needed rain...that's the first time we've had rain all month. It's wasn't a lot, but it will help.
Today it's back to the 'real world' after a long weekend retreat up north. The sun shone all weekend and it was a fabulous retreat (more about that in a later post). We got home after six last night. I have unpacking to finish and laundry to do, back to work tomorrow.

Monday, September 14, 2009

a late summer

For the past several weeks we've had sunny warm weather. I love it! We do need rain though. Our summer was cool. My tomatoes are doing very well, in fact I need to pick them today and do something with them. I LOVE eating a fresh tomato whenever I want to. Saturday my friend and I took our little red convertible for a ride (to some garage sales). Our hubbies were golfing so we each had the day to ourselves. The weatherman predicts more warm and sunny days ahead. I am looking forward to attending a retreat this weekend. wooo hooo

at the beach

The boys had fun burying grandpas feet as dad watches.





summer snapshots


One of my grandsons with my mom.

summer snapshots


One of my granddaughters and I enjoyed ice cream at a local museum.

summer snapshots


Three of my grandkids licking the bowl after we made cupcakes.

Yes, Chocolate is one of my many addictions.....

Yesterday I was cleaning out a drawer and found a mini Dove bar and mini Milky Way bar........I stuffed them in my mouth right away. The dark chocolate Dove bar was the best.
I am a penpaller from way back when, so I thought maybe a blog would be a fun way for me to connect with old and new friends. Some of my other "addcitons" include: rubber stamping, scrapbooking, reading, being outside in the sunshine (winters are tooooo long here), flea markets/thrift shops/garage sales, photography, my grandkids..........and whatever else strikes my fancy.