It's My Birthday!

Yup, I'm another year older............just what I wanted?????

A friend gave me this Royal Dalton birthday tea cup. Isn't it pretty? As I mentioned in an earlier post April and May are full of birthdays for me. 

Sorry I haven't posted or commented on anyone's blogs...it's been kinda hectic here. Friday I went on a field trip with 2 of my grand kids....was good to see them. I also received my Girl Scout cookies (and the Thin Mints are pretty tasty). That night I went to Heart O'Rama (vaudeville type skits put on my locals to raise money for the Heart Association. One of my friends performed.

Sunday I went to my daughters to the dance recital 2 of my granddaughters danced in. The younger one (nearly 4) is a very enthusiastic dancer and was not nervous one bit! They are beautiful girls and wonderful dancers. We had an early dinner and shortly afterward I came home. It's about 2 hours away. All the way home I felt sick so I grabbed an extra quilt and snuggled up in bed at 8PM when I got home.....

Until the phone woke me up..... My sister (who lives in the same city as our mom) had to take mom to ER. To make a long story short Sandy was running or on the phone most of the day regarding mom's care. She has been moved to a nursing home. She only needs 24 hour care for a couple of days but the insurance won't pay unless she is in for a whole month  ><_+&#%^@??? Does that make any sense?

My SIL was planning to take my out for breakfast but that fell through. Hubby did give me a card, gift card for gas (which will come in REALLY handy-lots of driving to see mom and The Sayner Stampede this weekend) and a very pretty silver necklace with a cross inside of a heart. I did get some phone calls and cards from friends....but.....

I'm worried and tired and as far as birthday go this is a 'meh'.

Thoughts on Thursday

.....So many thoughts, so many things to do....I almost don't know which way to go first. I guess it started with last week's birthday party for our 7 year old grandson. I wasn't in charge of it but I did bake cupcakes (his choice) and a cake. I made 'Pokepicks' for it. I printed several pages of Pokemon characters onto cardstock and cut or punched them out and glued 2 onto a toothpick and used them for picks on the cupcakes. Grandson J loved them so much that he stuck LOTS of them into the cake and it looked like a porcupine, but he was happy and that's what matters. He wanted to decorate his own cake and I let him.

I had a couple of games for the kids....the  boys won the caterpillar game.

You should have heard the kids scream when I asked if they wanted to play 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey', it was a hit!!!

Grandson J really, really, wanted a pinata. The kids always have a hard time breaking it....it finally broke and they scampered for the candy.

What a busy week............Monday I had surgery on my hand, then lunch with a friend, and the Red Hat banquet in the evening. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I am working. I got flowers and a gift card at work on Wednesday for Administrative assistants day, I'll take it!

Friday I am going to Green Bay with 2 of my grand kids and DIL for a field trip. We are going to the Wildlife Sanctuary Animal center (I have never been there) and the NEW zoo in Suamico. I haven't been there in years. I haven't seen those kids since right after Christmas and my DIL is a sweetie, I can't wait! That night I and bff are attending Heart O'Rama to watch a fellow Red Hatter perform. Local talent puts on many funny skits to raise money for the Heart Association.

Saturday I have stuff to do at church. Sunday I am teaching Sunday school and them am off to St. Point to watch my other 2 granddaughters dance recital. Before I go I have to buy/wrap birthday gifts for 2 of the kids whose birthdays were earlier this month. 

Things on my to do list for next week: find and price stamps for the used stamp sale at the Sayner Stampede (first weekend in May); pack for that weekend convention; help clean out my mom's tiny apartment (that will be a major undertaking); renew my drivers license that expires on Monday; make a salad for our Red Hat meeting on Tuesday: go to the dentist and 2 other Dr appointments.....

So I am doing a lot of thinking about how/when I am going to get all of this done.  BTW, the frog cookie at the top of this post was from one of my bosses, he bought them for his grand daughters and had a couple left. Isn't it adorable?????

Cake in a Mug

Last night, at our annual Red Hat Society banquet for National Red Hat Society day, (which is today) we were talking about cooking/baking for one. One of the gals gave us a recipe for a single serving cake in a mug. Sometimes you just want a little dessert and you know if you make a whole pan of something you'll end up eating a LOT of it. I know I have a different recipe some place...........here's the one I got last night:

1 box cake mix, any flavor
1 box one step angel food cake mix
    mix together and store in airtight container
    take:
3 tablespoons  of above cake mixture
2 tablespoons of water
    mix in mug
microwave for 1 minute
ENJOY

Pajama Party, Here I Come

 

Hope I'm not late for the party, linking up to Terri's pajama party. I was busy trying on summer capris (see previous post) and almost forgot to come.... Now I'm ready....got my a snack.....glass of wine and some pretzels (gotta have the salty and sweet, well, the wine's not that sweet). I've got my long, red kimono that hubby brought from Thailand....I am sure they have them all over the place so it's nothing exceptional, but it's kinda festive for our party. No photo, hubby is asleep (he has to be at work at 5AM)

I do get to have  a (sorta) pajama party a couple of times a year. Every year I go to the Sayner Stampede with friends. Stampers are so nice and friendly, we share what what we bought at convention, the cards we made, and just have fun. Gotta have my girlfriends, they rock!

When I go on a retreat that's kinda like a pj party too.....The scrapbooking retreats are the best, you can stay in your jammies all day if you want.

I know I Eat Too Much

 ....and I am not going in to all of the reason here. As a kid I was skinny and a fussy eater, but the older I got the more willing I was to try new foods....and the more foods I tried, the more I liked. If I like it, I eat it, and eat a lot of it. That wasn't always a problem....but it is now. I do the grocery shopping and cooking, so I purchase and cook what I like. Eating too fast is another of my problems. Seems like I am always in a hurry....by the time my body registers the fact that I've had enough to eat I've stuffed my mouth with twice as much as I need. 
I am back up to my heaviest weight, not something to brag about......As I caught sight of myself in the mirror I said to myself: I should just do what Sue did (loose weight with Weight Watchers). I was talking to her at book club and asked her about it and she recommended a couple of websites:
Hungry Girl 
Skinny Taste

                                        Pork Chops with Dijon Herb Sauce from Skinny Taste.

I got an email from Hungry Girl today suggesting some good choices from the fast food drive through.
So I know I need to: get some sort of exercise, drink more water (does ice tea count?), eat smaller portions, stop eating in front of the computer (maybe I need to stop using my laptop on the kitchen table?), eat slower, find something to keep me busy and away from food. Wish me luck!!!

Who Said It Wasn't A Great Week?

It certainly wasn't me! It has been a great week for a number of reasons....in no particular order:
***I have new (tags on) jeans from Goodwill that are the right length and don't have such a low rise and fit good. I don't want 'mom' jeans but do like something that is not 6" below my belly button. Not Comfortable!
***I filled my car with gas and it didn't cost me a thing. First I had a .87/per gallon discount from grocery store points and a $50 gift card from my credit card points. I had enough points that I could have chosen a $25 credit to my account or $25 check OR.....a $50 gift card from various places. Why would anyone take the $25 credit????
*** Book club was fun, I didn't finish the book but attended anyway. I had a hankering for Nachos and was able to share an order with a friend. One of the gals got an inspiration to buy us a shot that was mentioned in the book. We read The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer. The liquor was either black or white and we each had a taste of both. I can't remember the name but it was kinda licorice tasting. I don't plan on buying a bottle, but it was fun.
***I'm enjoying a 5 day weekend. One of the reasons I won't retire next year.
***I had lunch at school with my grandsons for 'Book Munchers'. After lunch we went to the library where they read to me. The older one is a great reader, when he left he gave me a kiss. J didn't want to read at first but he did, I barely got a hug from him when he went to his classroom.
***The mailman brought me a post card to take to the Clinique counter at a local store to redeem for a free full size lipstick.
***My boss gave me free tickets to see BJ Thomas. I'm not that excited about him, but it's a live performance, it's free, and in a beautiful venue. So far no one wants to go with me............

And the week isn't even over yet!!! Hope your week went just as well as mine is going.

Thoughts on Thursday

I am not ignorant! Sometimes I may be a bit 'blonde' and do dumb things though.......
The other day at work I took a call from a woman from out of state asking for the receiving department. I work for a small, family owned business that has 10 employees and 2 of us are part time office. We don't have a receiving department and I stated that we don't have anyone who specifically does that, one of the 2 owners takes care of it for the most part. She then asked for a name and I told her if she called back again I'd be sure to get the call to the correct person. Once again she asked for a name.....I refused..... Next she asks me why I have to be so ignorant and refuse to give her a name, so I hung up on her. I can usually tell whose call I need to put through and this woman was definitely phishing for more info, she clearly didn't know anything about us. One of my bosses has a name that could be either a man or woman. It's so funny (to me) when the person on the other end of the phones asks me when she will be back, they certainly don't know/haven't dealt with him. I never correct them, I just chuckle to myself. Since I am usually the first impression the caller gets of our company I try to be very pleasant on the phone but I do not give out more information than is necessary and what my bosses want. That's what's on my mind today! What would you have done?
I don't care for eggs Benedict, the yolks are runny......ewwww
When I attended the brown bag seminar over lunch at the library last week I was given a packet of seeds (peas) and a $10 gift certificate. That was a pleasant surprise :-)

Cards

Just a couple of Stampin' Up cards I made at the Stamp-a-long last week. The flower petals are curved outward/upward (not sure if you can tell from this scan). I think this would make an adorable kids birthday card and it's a great way to use up scraps. The caterpillar's head is on a spring (that we made from wire). The antennae are attached to wire and stand out from the card too. I am going to stamp 'Happy Birthday' on the top of the card.

OK, I know my worm's a little wonky. I'll do better next time.

ATCs for the Sayner Stampede

I finally did it! I made over 30 ATCs to trade at the annual Sayner Stampede rubber stamping/scrapbooking convention in May.

I've been attending this for over 7 years. I go with 2 friends and we make a weekend out of it. We leave on Friday and have our favorite buffet where we dine on seafood on the way up north. We may stop at one of the Goodwill stores but we HAVE to stop at the liquidators. We'll get home on Sunday afternoon.

I've made ATCs before, but never a quantity of them to trade. Every year I think 'I should make trades next year' but never do. This year one of my friends wanted to do it and I agreed to also. My mind was blank and I tried the only idea I had, but it left a lot to be desired. I don't know where the idea came from, but suddenly I had an idea that was so easy to implicate....VIOLA! Here it is. What you can't see is the 'fun' in the little white circle. It's hidden under the ribbon on this card. I tried to get it to show on most of the cards. Art should be fun!

Weekend Birthday Celebrations

April starts the birthday season at our house. We went to Pizza Ranch Sunday night for grandson J's birthday dinner. The waitresses rang the cowbell, brought him 'cactus bread' with a candle, a bowl of ice cream, tattoo and sticker, and a coupon for a free buffet. We all sang Happy Birthday. It was a really nice family celebration.

The same grandson had a birthday lunch with his Godparents at McDonald's. Aunt Debbie's birthday was a couple of days earlier so she had some gifts to open also.

The birthday boy and I.

Grandson J stayed overnight on saturday. I had to pick up something for dinner so we stopped at the grocery store.......Now I know why I shop alone. He picked out some chips, Trix swirlers yogurt, Ritz grippers snacks, strawberries, and this chocolate Easter bunny (on clearance).

Three of the bunnies in our 'bunny family' are not chocolate, can you spot the imposter?

A rare smile for the camera from our youngest grandson (who will be sporting glasses soon).

On Sunday we are hosting a birthday party for grandson J. ......or I will be hosting the party. Hubby has to work all weekend. He has such a weird schedule at work. Thank goodness we don't have any young kids or much of a life because his schedule changes constantly. Therefore my plans for the week have changed to baking birthday cupcakes, planning a few games, putting up some birthday decorations, and praying for sunshine (so the kids can be outside) and patience.

the Friday 56/The Tender Bar

It's time for Freda's Friday 56.
p.56 "He could barely speak. 'I've got to stand up and say bad things about my father!' he said. 'He'll never want to see me again! And I'll never see my father again.'"

No No Hair Removal System

I am hoping some of my readers are familiar with that system and can give me some insight. I'm listening to HSN on TV right now and the NO NO is going to be on soon. Naturally they said it's the" best thing since sliced bread." The HSN reviews aren't all that great, but I am wondering what you might have to say too. I'm not really interested in purchasing it but I think my SIL would buy it if she thought it would do the trick. Has anyone tried it? What did you think of it? Thanks for any opinions!!!

Thoughts on Thursday

I was just thinking that I like it when hubby gets home from work at 5:30PM, it makes my afternoon much longer and I get more done at home. We eat dinner later and the evening is shorter but we don't do much in the evenings anyway (now).

Saturday I was doing some much needed cleaning for Easter. The windows on the patio doors had a residue left from the snowflake window clings I used this winter. They weren't the thin ones you see all over, but some thicker ones. It was taking a lot of elbow grease to remove it....so.....I pulled out my 'magic eraser' (I use the cheap ones from Walgreen 'NICE' brand) and it did the trick. Easy, peasy! No streaks, no lint.....and I dried with a cloth. They also work great on tea stains in coffee mugs (I drink a lot of tea). I hadn't used these for a long time and was reminded of them again when my SIL had some at her house when she moved in (and I was the designated cleaner/putter awayer). Be careful where you use them, just in case they affect the finish.

This is going to be a colorful spring and summer. I ran into Younkers's to get some Estee Lauder make up after work on Tuesday and wow! all I saw were signs "A POP OF COLOR" all over. Bright blues and greens, red jeans, and cute, colorful shoes. I think I'm gonna love it, although I won't be buying any red jeans ....but I can dream, can't I?

Yesterday I attended a 'brown bag seminar' at the library over the noon hour. You bring your lunch and listen to the speaker. They provided complimentary coffee and cookies. YUM! The topic, container gardening, was discussed by a local greenhouse owner. I missed the last couple of minutes because I had to get back to work. One the way out I was given a packet of seeds. when I got home I checked to see what the other packet of seeds was (on the back), it was a gift certificate! Woo Hoo, a head start for my garden. The brown bag seminars are held once a month, I think I'll check the schedule and if it is remotely interesting I want to attend again. Check out your local library/city and see what free or inexpensive offerings are available to you!

Easter Photos

MAXX bag and ??? Shoes - Help me!!!

***I'm not quite as skinny as this 'model' is.***

Last week I had some time to kill after work and before my Red Hat meeting so a friend and I went to Goodwill. I think we were in and out in 3/4 hour or less. I have never thrifted so quickly...but I did have time to find this MAXX black leather purse. It's the perfect size, has a large zipper pocket on each side, several inside pockets, and feet on the bottom. It was $7.99 (minus the senior discount) and I did find one for sale on Ebay. I know it wasn't an earth shattering find, but it was a good deal, I like it, and it's in great condition. It's probably a good thing that we weren't able to stay longer!!!

I need help identifying these shoes, I could not find any brand name on them at all. The sizing is European and they have a 'Double Face' removable insole/foot bed. (I didn't know about that until after I got them home and was trying to determine a brand name.) They're leather, like new, and quite comfortable on my wide foot.

They can be worn with the 'massaging' insole out or with the more traditional insole touching your foot.

Does any one have any idea of who makes these shoes that I paid $3.99 for at Goodwill on senior day?

Easter Greetings

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Mathew 28:6

I watched an interesting program on the history channel last night about the shroud of Turin. I've probably seen it before but it is still fascinating.

I love these cute Easter chicks make from a Stampin' Up die, it's the tail from a bird. I didn't make many Easter cards this year so don't have many to share.

Have a blessed day, no matter what you do!

Thoughts on Thursday

It's not FaIr!!!!!!! How many times have you tried to explain to your children or grand kids that "No, life isn't fair"? No, it's not fair, not at all........maybe you are someone who desperately wants to have a baby and just can't get pregnant, while the young women who has 5 kids already, who are out of control is expecting again; or maybe you're a 'good Christian' person who is sweet as pie and a job is unattainable for you while the nasty, conniving b* next door just smiles and she has any job she wants; possibly you researched new cars and saved up and finally bought the car you've wanted for years, but it's a lemon.....no matter what your situation is life can be unfair. Deal with it! Sometimes ya gotta take the time to mourn, get angry, or think things through; but then you need to realize life goes on and YOU have to make the best of it.
It's been a rather bad week for me (that's partly why I haven't posted much) and that is what I am going to do -deal with it.
And today I have a 'coffee' date with a good friend; we talk, eat & drink, and laugh. It's going to be a good day!!! Hope you are having a great day too!

More Thoughts on Thursday

This is a postscript to this morning's post............
I met my friend at the thrift store where she proceeded to purchase a huge stack of unmounted rubber stamps for use at a small Christian school where she works on art with the students. She had permission to stamp the images so she could tell if they were something she could use. She and the guys who runs the place were talking as she showed him the stamped images and he gave her the stamps and a bunch or Rice Krispie Treats for the school. The thrift store we were at is a ministry, hence the gifted rubber stamps.
I have to back up a bit....I arrived at the thrift store first and dropped a donation. Jim asked if I wanted a receipt, I did not, so he offered a prayer, I said 'Yes'. Jim, I, and a woman who was going in for foot surgery, held hands and he prayed.
Afterward Kathy and I talked and had a delicious bowl of homemade soup. We talked and she told me I needed to pray hard and be specific.
Next I picked up my 2 grandsons and we hung out at my house. My sister in law and her son came over so the boys could play. Most of the time they got along good, MOST of the time. They boys colored eggs and they all turned out the same color......I think the pinky purple color was just really dominate so everything that went into that cup came out pinky purple. At one point grandson J pulled out his children's devotional book (that I keep front and center on the coffee table) and said "Let's do today's devotion." We haven't read a devotion from that book in over a month. Today's devotion is Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Coincidence? Just last night I was thinking that if a person relies only on mere mortals (whether yourself or some other person) that person will always be let down. I don't believe it was just chance that 3 times I was given a distinct message.....God knows me and how hard headed I can be so He had to tell me 3 times. Nope, it's not the first time He has spoken to me like this.....I am so thankful He doesn't give up on me!
Tomorrow I have to stay home and be a housewife....the boys picked up some of their toys, but not everything. I don't care, it was worth it to spend the afternoon with them.

Flopsy and Mopsy Are Here to Save the Day

Feeling a little down in the dumps today so I decided to put these two Easter bunnies on my table to cheer me up....make it feel a little more like spring, like Easter.....although I have a feeling the dark chocolate kisses will do a much better job at it. Hubby plays those stupid games at the bowling alley and every now and then he brings home stuffed animals. I don't/never did like stuffed animals so we pawn them off on the grand kids......ha ha ha!
I am really happy that I have my ATCs (artist trading cards) designed for the Sayner Stampede in May. It's a rubber stamping convention that I attend every year with friends. I have never made the ATCs, but always wanted to do so. One of my freinds wanted to do it and I agreed, I know I'll be happy about it because I'll get to trade with the others who made ATCs.
Happy Easter week to you! If you're on break, enjoy....if not .....enjoy anyway.