Ramblings From the Foothills

Oh How Time Flies....

2012-01-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to me anymore how much time flies. Oh yes, when I was younger, "older" people kept saying it would fly by quicker and quicker. I did not realize how true this would be. Tonight I was looking for this Dangerous Chocolate Cake Recipe. It is from one of my earliest post when I started blogging in late 2008. Who would've thought?? I started reading over several entries and I was in awe of how much has happened in all this time. It has been over a month since my last post. At one time I was posting daily, I had days I posted certain things, and so forth. Now I'm lucky to post once a month?

Time flies...........Life happens.

I've made several friends here. It has been awkward at times to say, "my friend, well from blog land" but you know, some of these ladies have become dear friends. Who truly are as much my "life" known friends and more. I still try to read blogs, but life happens.

I've met new friends and lost old dear ones.

I've seen new life, and seen lives pass.

Old homes wash away, new homes created.

I keep thinking I will post more.

Or I'll start fresh with a whole new blog and ideas but this happened....

She came into our life unexpected. Now she is the brightest spot.

The situation is not the best, but we continue to believe God is in control.

So for now I will post when I can post

Read what is going on with everyone else.

but most of all,

Enjoying Life

because

Time Flies.......Life Happens before you know it.

No Title

2011-12-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

It seems almost impossible that I haven't blogged since Oct 24th, actually it seems longer.
Even harder to believe that Christmas is a week away.
Life has overtook anything I know of online.
It seems between work, work, more work, and everyday life there is no time.
A little gift of joy has entered our life, and is filling our weekends when we're not working.
So this Christmas instead of baking treats and making candy
I sit here taking a much needed rest not doing dirty dishes, or washing clothes but watching
my babies sleep. In seconds of seeing them I am overwhelmed with love & joy.

They love napping together.

I love seeing them snuggled.

We have been so blessed by having Chickie Monkey here with us on the weekends.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year with your family & friends.

Florida Trip Highlights

2011-10-24T20:11:00.000-04:00

So here are some pictures from my all girls trip to FL.

These first few pics were taken the first Saturday on arrival.

Shortly after dinner on the beach,

the sky grew dark, and the storm blew in from Mexico,

which decided to stay for the next 30hrs.

This is down the beach from Pier 60

We both found new addictions while there.

Kat's just happened to be this Cuban coffee from the

Havana Cigars & Coffee Lounge

This became my addiction.

Yes, this Gyro is actually as big as the lunch plate it is on.

This lovely Gyro came from Acropol Inn Restaurant

I won't mention that it's less than $6

I already want one **sigh**

This next picture and the pizza below are from the

Gondolier Pizza on the beach in Clearwater.

It was our late night spot.

Open until midnight.

One day we spent in Tarpon Springs, FL just outside of Dunedin.

How do you say that again Kat? Ok, never mind.

This is a picture from the Sponge Docks.

It is actually really cool down there. The whole Greek seaside village.

The atmosphere and people are wonderful.

You should definitely try the bakeries.

Oh they are to die for!!

Ok, so maybe not DIE, but they are pretty darn good.

Here are Kat & I at Crabby Bill's

We were able to watch to sun set during dinner.

Which was pretty good.

Justin was our waiter. He did a great job.

The last few hours of my trip,

spent on this sunny beach

soaking up the sun

the air

the water.

I can't wait to get back and get my toes in the sand!!

Hope you enjoyed the picture trip!

Where do I start?

2011-10-19T20:50:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's almost been 2 months since my last post.
Well sorta. We had our 1st Housewarming. It was just an opportunity for our Church, Family & Friends to come see where we are, and the progress we are making on the house.
I know you who have followed forever (whom I love and adore) know we've been working slowly.
So here are some of the pictures from what we've done. I FINALLY got our bedroom painted.
Sumatra is the color from Lowe's and we LOVE it. Yes, it made the room "smaller" looking but warm and cozy. That is to come later with the rest of the house pictures.
For now I will show you a peek at a couple of other projects I had been working on.

First is a rocking chair my Papaw bought for my Nannie years ago. He has been gone since I was 6 so, let's just go with this chair has seen it's day. I LOVE rocking chairs. They are my passion next to dishes. So a few years ago, she gave me this chair. It was eat up, literally by the flood water. I was almost hopeless, but I thought I would paint it and see what happened.

before pictures

this is how the water had eat up most of the wood.

These aren't the greatest pics. I took them with my IPhone.

I think the rocker turned out great!

If you notice in the first picture that there is a gold "flowery" looking print on the chair,

it actually bled through the black paint.

You can barely see it unless the light hits it just right, but it is gorgeous!

(Yes, I did all my paint projects in the master bath, don't ask me why I have no idea)

my WONDERFUL DH painting the kitchenette.

I have found all the colors I picked at Lowe's this season were Matte's.

Not my favorite, but they are pretty.

This is my pantry door.

Have I mentioned, I LOVE my Pantry.

Anyways, I got the bright idea to paint the squares inside & out with chalkboard paint.

This allows us to leave notes & messages as needed,

along with notes & grocery list on the inside.

LOVE IT!!

(disregard the overflowing trash)

So that is just a sneak peek of what's been going on here.

I will try to have DH take some more pictures of the house now that we are moving along with projects.

AND since I am feeling SO generous this evening here are some random pictures of late

My lil "Mini Me"

My brother swears she looks just like me, I say she looks just like him

but I'm pretty sure she acts just like me, LOL.

Don't ya just wanna pinch those cheeks???

This is me acting silly for Cousin Kat.

We were comparing silliness.

(see the goofy resemblance between "Mini Me" and myself?)

Here I am thrilled to be in FL!!

This is me at the housewarming with "Brandywine"

My partner is most all crimes since 6th grade.

Yeah, let's not get into years here.

This is my wonderful Aunt Mattie

She is doing lots of last minute things for the housewarming here.

I couldn't have made it without her & Kat.

And my Momma. I didn't find any pics of her from the gathering.

Btw, don't you just LOVE the red in the kitchen???

Oh and did I mention I just returned this past Saturday from a girls only vacation to FL?

I have lots of pictures of that trip as well.

Lots of blogging to come.

Stay tuned!!

I'm here, I know, I know....

2011-08-30T21:32:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. Of course it feels like it's been more like a year since we were on vacation. I'm ready to go back to Savannah. If I can just convince DH that we need to move there. Oh well until then I still have pictures.

A lot going on here with little DIY projects. I am really getting into that. Here are a couple before and after pictures.

before

after

These are all taken with my phone so they're not the greatest pictures but you see some of what is going on at my house. DH has the downstairs utility/bathroom destroyed. Great ideas for there, and hoping they will pan out.

Vacation

2011-07-26T22:22:00.001-04:00

We are currently on vacation.

We left first thing Saturday morning, headed for Charleston, SC.

We ended up staying in Spartanburg, SC the first night. This was suppose to be a lazy trip.

No schedule, no "have to be" anywhere. We just knew we wanted to hit several places.

Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah & St. Augustine.

We are day 4 and are in Savannah.

We went to Charleston, Isle of Palms, & Folly Beach (Sunday & Monday)

Monday night we stayed in Hilton Head, then spending the morning & early afternoon until it wouldn't stop raining. How much can you do at the beach with it raining?? I guess I could have let DH hold the umbrella over me while I shelled, huh?

So we drove on into Savannah this afternoon.

We stopped at Old Town Trolley where we got set up and will be doing the tour thing tomorrow. They let us do one for free this afternoon so we would know what we wanted to do tomorrow. They also recommended River Street Inn. They are running a special, whatever the temperature is, that's your room rate!!

It's 77 here today. How awesome is that?!?!?! The rooms generally start out around $159 a night.

It is one of the coolest places ever. It's also down in the historic/river district.

Here are some of the pictures from our trip so far.

Isle of Palms

This was from Old Towne Grill & Seafood in Historic Charleston.

The review on this Gyro said it was better than the Gyro's from Greek Restaurants in NYC.

I would have to agree. DH loved the Greek potatoes.

this was a picture hanging in our booth there.

It looked literally like a window with shutters that were open.

Picture inside. Each tables was different.

Loved it!

We would go back a dozen or more times.

This was my feet enjoying Hilton Head before the rain set in.

Nothing like a good dose of sand for exfoliation!

Pictures below are from our room at River St. Inn.

These are pictures I took from the balcony.

It's raining here too.

At least here we can walk/ride around and it's not so bad.

Here is DH during dinner at Tubby's Tank House.

Crab dip appetizer.

DH ate the whole thing!!

Oh yeah! We "rolled" away we were so full!

Can't wait until tomorrow and to see the town.

I loved seeing all the "squares" here.

For now I am going to prop my feet up where I can watch boats coming in and out and read my book I brought just in case I was able to read.

To The Ladies....

2011-07-09T11:42:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a miserable rainy down pour day. A 45min drive took an hour and 20mins. You couldn't see the car in front of you. I made this drive for a funeral for a very special lady.

This beautiful lady is Missy's Momma, Wanda. Missy and I basically met chewing on the back of a church pew which now seems like a 100 years ago. I can remember sitting in Wanda's kitchen more times than I can count before Miss and I would go out. Always smiling, always telling us not to get in trouble and having a twinkle in her eye knowing it was a lost cause. We had talks about school, boys, Miss, God, and love sitting there on those stools. I never remember Wanda not smiling. I remember her praying with me one night at church after my divorce. We both sat crying, yet she was still smiling. That was Wanda.

Missy reminded me so much of her Momma yesterday. Smiling even through her tears, on the hardest day.

She is going to be deeply missed.

After the funeral and grave side service a local church provided a meal. As sad and as miserable as the rain made things, it was great seeing some of the girls from school. There were four of us there. Everyone else was talking and sharing their condolences with Miss, so we took up the next table and talked. It had been several years since I had seen them. We talked of our husbands, kids and furry creatures. Of ex's and things we'd done years ago. We laughed until we cried. Laughed at things we've done. It's funny how much time goes by and things change, but friends never do.

Last night I came home telling DH bits and pieces. Of course he came long after these girls and I had lost contact. So he was privileged to hear stories new and old. It reminded me of that old K.T. Oslin song,

"80's Ladies". So we weren't really 80's ladies, more like 90's 2000, lol.

Today as I am waiting on my bestie for her birthday day out, I am so thankful to have good friends that are always there. I'm glad that if there is a need I can call or a funny story to tell.

Time and distance may separate us by location but friendships that last a lifetime.

I love ya girls!!

1 More Night

2011-07-03T21:55:00.000-04:00

We have finally come to the last and final night of this visit with my MNL. I cannot lie and say that I am not happy she will be departing this one horse town tomorrow night.
She really is a nice lady (I have to assume, other people like her, and she does have friends she's just never cared to share that "personality" with me) she just has an "air" to her let's say.
This visit has been focused around how "FAT" people are. Mostly DH, me, my family and DH's family.
According to her everyone has got fat and ugly. No she does not know what the word tact means. (And you thought I was bad Momma, shame!!)

Since she's been here I have fixed the following menus:
Arrival: baked chicken, new potatoes w/parsley, green beans, fresh tomatoes, pone of cornbread, snicker-doodle cake (which for the record according to her was too dry)
Day 2: chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes, green beans, yeast rolls
Day 3: skillet cabbage and pone cornbread and brown sugar chewies
Day 4: Birthday supper at Momma's for Dad, fried fish, french fries, hushpuppies, macaroni salad, red velvet cake, cherry cheesecake.
Day 5: grilled rib-eye steak, mashed potatoes w/green onions, cheese and bacon.
Day 6: Pasquales, (where she asked if we were eating here) she had a stromboli
Day 7: biscuits, gravy, eggs, breakfast rice, tomatoes. For dinner we were at a cookout
Day 8: biscuits, eggs w/bacon, spinach, mushrooms & cheese, fresh strawberries.
supper consisted of a buffet at a local state park,
Please know the lady never eats less than two plates, she goes on and on and on about how she can eat and stay thin.
Did I mention she can't do ANYTHING for herself? She ~~won't~~ can't fix her own cup of hot tea that she HAS ~~to have~~ before bed, and as soon as she wakes up.

Tonight as we're sitting at the table, DH makes the mistake of telling his Mom that her hair fell into her corn.
Where she tells him her hair would not fall out and it's not hers.

Me: Way to go telling her "her" hair fell in her plate. You knew it wasn't going to be hers.
So far your mother hasn't liked anything I've fixed or one place we've taken her to eat.
DH: Yes she has, you don't know what you're talking about.
(the MNL then sits down with a piece of cake)
MNL: This is not good cake, this is not german chocolate cake, only Grandma makes german chocolate cake. This is nasty cake.
(I give DH the "I told you so" look, looked at the MNL smiled, and went back to eating my chicken)

She did thank me for taking her to the Lodge tonight to eat even though the meal was horrible. LOL.
God Love Her.
One more night, One more night, One more night.........I can DO IT!!!!

This Is Too Funny!!

2011-07-02T00:41:00.000-04:00

I heard about this on the radio the other morning. I just came across it. It CRACKED me UP!!!
I'm glad I'm not single. Enjoy!!

Time Flies......

2011-06-30T21:12:00.000-04:00

Time is flying by. It seems with work it consumes my day that I am so tired by the time I leave, I just want to sit in a chair and do nothing. This has seemed like the longest week ever. My mother in law arrived this past Sunday. We are both still breathing, so all is well.
DH woke me this morning shaking like crazy. He was chilling. I started getting ready. I looked up and his poor little face was swollen, he looked like a squirrel with his mouth full. The side of his neck was swollen as well. He is a very sick baby. I'm not use to him being sick. Fortunately his Momma's here to take care of him. How lucky am I?

Weekend before last we went to Indiana for Father's Day. I met Kat and Aunt Mattie at Huber's where we had a wonderful relaxing day.

Aunt Mattie

We had lunch at Huber'sWinery

then stopped at the Joe Huber's Family Restaurant and had appetizers before going home. I tried the fried green beans, yep, that's what I said, fried green beans.

I had a great visit and DH seemed to enjoy his visit as well. My Momma & Daddy Bear have been on vacation for a little over 2 weeks. They seemed to have a good time.

I also found out that I have a niece

No resemblance there, huh?

We had our annual golf outing last week at work. As most of you know that is an event that I help put on. It is very time consuming and stressful and I don't even play golf!! I've just about decided I need to learn before next years outing. Now to find someone to teach me! This sweetheart below has offered in the past, but he's leaving me in a few weeks for college on a golf scholarship.

The fella on the far right, in the blue is my neighbor. He wakes me on Sunday mornings before 7am leaving to go play the game. So there HAS to be something enjoyable about it.

And here is me, and one of our salesmen after a grueling 14hrs on the golf course.

We had a total of 130 people playing.

The Weekend

2011-06-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

Let me just say this week ended on a very bad note.
For instance we learned Thursday night that we are probably not going to have these two angels in our home permanently like we were hoping/praying/begging/pleading and anything else we could thing of to obtain that.

But since our cousin Kat over at Kat's Cake-Topia

knew they were suppose to be coming she had sent a good box containing these sinful gift "Knock You Naked Brownies" a recipe from over P.W.

which required me to add a little white stuff, like I needed the extra sugar but at this point, who cares, right?

So I cut me and DH a piece, no it isn't half even though it looks like it, tasted like it, took two days to eat the one piece!

Yeah, really no need to say anymore on that, huh? Other than it is to die for. She will make them again.

My loving wonderful parents left for a two week vacation and left me in charge of this lady

She looks harmless and all, but yet again she is sleeping :)

When they return I will then be receiving a delightful 3 WEEK visit from my Mother in Law.

Now who in their right mind would want their picture taken with that thing?!?!?!?! That is all I'm going to say.

Other than this is a picture from her "honeymoon" with Poppy, was she not beautiful??? I know where DH gets his good looks from

DH decided on his own that the misc room in the middle of the room that had this random whirlpool therapeutic tub in it, was going to come out yesterday. I was ecstatic he decided on his own to do it.

I know, hideous, huh? At least he still had a cute smile at the end of the day

So I fed him well with a plate of these healthy treats!

Tonight as it is around 9:30 we realize we have survived the weekend without these little angels......

And another week will begin.........

Do You Ever Think

2011-06-09T19:49:00.000-04:00

of the cost of our Freedom?

Yesterday while having lunch at Chik-fil-A with DH I noticed a military man sitting a few tables up. I couldn't help it, my eyes kept drifting back to him even while I was talking with DH. Fortunately his back was to me so he didn't think I was a stalker.

I wondered where he had been. If he had just come "home". If he had a family who had been impatiently waiting for his return but most of all, what he has been through. Over and over I see our military out. At airports, hotels, and restaurants. Those same questions seem to run through my mind over in over but most of all I ALWAYS question why I never see anyone walking up to them, Thanking them, Welcoming them home.

I watched him. He was sitting across from an older man who I would assume was his Dad. Same build, same features. Same military haircut.

I watched as he seemed uneasy. Watching people around him. I didn't know if it was habit from where he'd been or if he was afraid someone would come to him upset. (That I have seen)

As DH & I were getting refills of tea I handed mine to him and walked over to him.

I asked him if he had been serving. He answered yes with an unsure look. I shook his hand and thanked him for his service. He had a look. I'm not sure if it was shock or surprise. My heart broke thinking how sad it is people do not thank them enough. I reached over and hugged him tight and told him I was glad he was home. DH had come over by then and thanked him as well. When we walked out DH said, "Did you see him tear up?" I replied, "No because I couldn't see for my own tears." He touched me deep.

His willingness to give himself freely to ensure my Freedoms, which are many.

If you see our service men and women, please greet them.

Thank them.

(image from Google)

It takes only a second of your time for which they have given hours on end of theirs for you.

Today I am Thankful for ALL our men and women in service.

Especially Mr. Kidd who we met by chance in Chik-Fil-A.

It's a pretty boring post but...

2011-06-06T21:03:00.000-04:00

It has been a little over 2 months since I have actually blogged. I can't remember the last time my heart was actually in it. It seems I had run out of things to say. I guess between getting sick back in the winter and taking forever to recover from it, it took everything out of me, and there was little left for DH, let alone me.
For awhile I was able to read and continue to follow everyone else, but eventually I lost interest in that as well.
Thank goodness for Facebook, so that I could still keep up with a lot of you, and not actually have to read.
My attention span has been, NADA.

So here I am trying to figure out how to blog once again.
Yes, there has been some long boring drawn out days.
There are more days than not, that I don't remember.
There have been many things happening, good and well not so good.
Recipes galore. In case you didn't know, I cook, bake and become quite creative with food when bored/depressed.

So keep watching. I'll try to keep my post short for a while or it would be one heck of a long post!!!

2011-05-29T07:52:00.002-04:00

I haven't fell off the face of the earth yet......
Just an extremely busy last couple of months.
I will be back soon!!!

All I can say is

2011-03-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

GO CATS!!!!!

I am loving this March Madness. Kentucky ROCKED against those NUTS (Ohio State) on Friday.

Now I want to see them pull it out today with North Carolina. I know it's hard NC has always been my second favorite team but UK will always be #1.

Hello, yes I'm still here...........

2011-03-22T21:13:00.000-04:00

barely most days it seems. Still on the puny side. One minute it seems I have something to blog about, the next nothing. My train of thought is slim to none. I haven't even been able to focus enough to read anyone else's blog and I apologize. I try to read and comment and all of you all every chance I get. I've barely been on facebook and Lord knows that is the easiest place to keep up with anybody who's anybody, right?
It's definitely March Madness around here in my neck of the woods. If you're truly interested in that and all the home teams I'm into you can read Miss Kerry's post here.

Everyone who's anyone knows I am a die hard KY Fan (just like the other 99.99999% of Kentuckians). True Blue. There is nothing like KY basketball. A lot of people think they are basketball fans, but we set a whole other bar when it comes to that. Poor Billy G didn't realize that when he signed on. Do I think he's a good coach, yeah, do I think he's a good recruit, yeah, do I think he fit at KY, no way. You have to love the people as much as you love basketball.
We will see how our Cats do come Friday night against Ohio State.

We did go Sunday and buy paint for a couple of rooms. Hopefully I will have them done before I'm dead :)
We also looked at new counter tops so hopefully that will be in the works soon as well.

I'm wore out! Please check out my list of who I love to read. I have some new ones added. Maybe they can keep you occupied until I am back up to par!

Hello Saturday

2011-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad you're finally here. Even though you are an over cast Saturday morning. When I woke up at 5:30 it was a nice 62 degrees so I opened a couple of windows. Fixed a pot of coffee and then had some prayer time alone while the house was quiet.
Actually that is my favorite time to pray, early morning when it's just me.

I started putting things away that were just "laying around" since I don't know when. We have so many projects going in the house that there is always something somewhere it's not suppose to be or hasn't found a home. Thank goodness we have enough space for that now. Other than it drives me to distraction since I think everything needs a home, and not necessary in the middle of the room or stuck in a corner.
Speaking of projects, the new bathroom addition is almost complete. Now I have to get DH motivated enough to touch up the drywall so I can paint (I still haven't picked colors so how do ya pick paint?) I will have pictures as soon as I finish that.

Unfortunately I woke up yesterday feeling too bad to go to Ladies Retreat in Louisville. I have spent since before Christmas pretty much barely functional. All I do is basically sleep. I ache in all my bones, I have uncontrollable fevers and I can never get enough sleep. I sleep the hour and 15 mins to work, I sleep the trip home, I come in put my pajamas on sometimes fix DH something to eat and then I'm off to bed for a good 10 hour nap. Hence one of the reasons I haven't blogged as much. Unfortunately my white count is out of whack. Doc says it is 7.5 times worse than a normal persons. Just call Mrs Easy Does It, lol.

Today I have high hopes to get a Blueberry Crisp made.

For my recipe for this just click here for that post.
I also hope to fix Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pot Roast. Did I mention I did get to see Pioneer Woman in person?? Oh yes, she is lovely, and everything like she is on her blog. Aunt Mattie and I went to see her 2 weeks ago at a book signing. It was great!

I also purchased this gem for next to nothing while she was here that weekend.

Maybe, just maybe if I am lucky I will get to see this lovely lady pictured with me!

Now I have to catch up on emails and get dressed!
Have a great weekend!

Thankful Sunday

2011-02-27T08:07:00.000-05:00

Something we ALL need.

How Thankful I am to receive it.

My Two Most Amazing, Encouraging & Inspiring Ladies in My Life

Me with My Nannie & Momma

Normal time together

The Best Parents a Girl Could Dream Of

My Greatest Gift from God

Love You Baby

and these 2 guys

My Wonderful Brothers

Thank You Lord for the Greatest Blessings in Life

Here I Am

2011-02-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

I saw a post on Facebook earlier this week it said something like,

An old man once said....There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.
So love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.
Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

That is how I am feeling. This last year has been rough.
I'm sick of the drama that has surrounded me.
Sick of my reaction to it.
Unhappy with the unwanted stuff I have allowed into my life and my family.

I haven't posted in almost 2 weeks. I've been "resting" (mostly sleeping day and night with the exception of the half days I'm working right now and the drive) doctor's orders, literally. I'm on a trial run of 2 weeks, with the possibility of 4-6 total. I think the whole reason I am in this shape is because after so long negativity of "life" overwhelms your mind and takes over your body's well being.

One of the reasons why I went back to the original title of my blog, "Ramblings From The Foothills" because that is what I want it to be. Just me rambling about what I want. Fun stuff, funny stuff, recipes and daily life that is not negative! Not that it hasn't been, but "It Is What It Is" fit the whole "attitude" I had picked up.

Today I want to be washed clean. Start a fresh with a fresh slate.
That is one of the greatest things about being a child of God, His mercy and grace He continually pours out upon us even when we continue to be hard headed.

Slate is clean.
I am being refreshed.
Tomorrow is a new day and the first day of the rest of my life!

Grandma's Birthday

2011-02-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

So things here at the Farm, I mean house have been fun.

This is Buddy. He has taken up residence at Aunt Mattie's too.

I got to enjoy watching him on the deck before we went to Grandma's.

We then had these luscious little treats after a Baked Potato Bar & Salad.

Here is a picture of the Birthday Girl herself.

This is from last year.

Unfortunately no one staying at this house took pictures!!

All had a good time.

Hopefully I'll find more tomorrow!

I Love This Old House....

2011-02-11T21:59:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned I love this old house??

I'm so glad when I wake up in the mornings and start down the stairs I think,

"Man, I love this house" until I see the hideous wallpaper I haven't got down yet.

Anyways, here are some updated pictures of the new bathroom.

The contractor finally showed up today.

Before they started

After DH put down the flooring

Contractor did the rest of the damage.

I'm a little spastic over the mess that has taken over the house.

It's in every room!!!

I'm ready to finish this.

Hopefully they will be back Monday to work.

Leaving for Grandma Bertha's 89th Birthday in the am.

Have a Great Weekend!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T08:32:00.001-05:00

(google images)

Post It Tuesday

2011-02-08T20:22:00.000-05:00

Oh how I have missed Post It Tuesdays!!
I was thinking about how much I need to be blogging more the other day.
So I started looking back to see what I use to blog about.
Post It Tuesday was one of my favorites, so here it is again!

To see how this all started look here.

French Toast, My Southern Ways and other Misc Things

2011-02-05T18:46:00.000-05:00

I thought about this post while I was up half the night. I was thinking about it because I was hungry and wanting some of my stuffed french toast. For someone reason everyone seems to fall in love with it. I get calls from friends wanting to come see me so that I can fix them stuffed french toast.
So I thought since I have very little to post I will post about Stuffed French Toast.

First let me tell you how I came about this.
When we lived in Kansas City one of our favorite places to get away was Branson. We loved to stay at The Bradford House. Bob and Cristy became like a second family we were there so much. Just to get away, anniversaries, birthday, and when we miscarried. Standing in the kitchen while they prepared breakfast, I would watch as Bob whipped up this wonderful stuffed french toast. His version varies quite a bit from mine but I think they are equally as good. If you are ever in Branson, you cannot go wrong staying there. The place is beautiful inside and out. The view is breath taking and the Inn Keepers are exceptional. (I hope they are still there since we've not been unfortunately in 6yrs now).

Below you will find pictures and a "recipe".
Here is where my "southern ways" comes in. Rarely do I ever use a recipe. My food is usually based on something I've seen or had and I've recreated it. Or something I watched Nannie fix while growing up. She never used measurements for cooking. A dash of this, a sprinkle of that, butter "egg size", a "cup" that usually consisted of an old coffee cup she had used. So you see, for me to tell you exact measurements for this is impossible. So this morning I "attempted" to do that as I went a long.

First you will need all of this:

I'm guessing at measurements, please keep this in mind. It's French toast, so roll with it!! You can't go wrong, well you can, but give it a shot!!

(this is based on 2 people)

4 slices of Texas Toast (fresh or stale is fine)
or if you prefer you can slice your own french bread but do it thick
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 - 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk (or more)
cinnamon
1 tsp of vanilla
cream cheese
powdered sugar

Toppings:
fresh fruit
fried apples
peaches, blackberries, cherries fixed for cobblers
(if you don't know how you can always buy a can of pie filling and warm it in the microwave)
syrup
honey
cool whip

I like to mix my sugar and cinnamon together first, then add my eggs and milk. It's all about consistency. It should be somewhat thin but have a yellowish/reddish tint if it is more "white" from too much milk, add another egg and a dash more of sugar and cinnamon. Note, I always like to use a "smaller" "high sided" bowl to mix in so that it stands around my bread.

I use a lot of cinnamon, but I love the taste of it. You put in how much you think you would like.

Once I put it in the skillet I like to sprinkle a little extra on the toast.

Fry this until browned like grilled cheese.

While it is frying I slice my cream cheese.

I flatten the slices a little so it will get soft easier between the warm toast.

Usually I put 2 slices between the bread.

Sometimes I like it a little thicker, sometimes thinner all depending on my toppings I use.

When I have the second layer on top I then sprinkle it with powder sugar.

Top it with anything you like. My favorite is doing what I call a "tropical" stuffed french toast.

I use coconut, fresh pineapple and bananas on top.

today was just powdered sugar for me.

DH likes his with apple butter from the Apple Barn.

If you have never been to that little Tennessee treat in Pigeon Forge You MUST go.

Yes, I made mushroom, onion, and tomato omlettes this morning as well.

I'll save that recipe for another day maybe.

I topped it all off with a big cup and I do mean big cup of fresh ground coffee.

The next few weeks here are going to be pretty busy. Next weekend we will be going to Bloomington for DH's Grandma's 89th Birthday party. Where I will be able to eat cupcakes made by my delightful cousin Kat who has just started her own blog on cupcakes and such at Kat's Cake-Topia. Head over there and give her a BIG shout out and welcome. She is the creator of those awesome Coconut Lime Cupcakes you heard me going on about for days (if you are friends with me on Facebook).

DH will be gone Valentines week to Atlanta on a business trip. Then that Friday Aunt Mattie and I are going to Cinnci to see Ree Drummond. You know PIONEER WOMAN!!!!! I am so exited, can you tell?

I guess DH signed us up for the

Update on the bathroom project. Guys still haven't showed up. Suppose to come tomorrow, I'm not holding my breath. Although it has motivated DH. He has pulled out the drywall, and is currently as I type installing the new flooring. I'm glad. I'm already tired of seeing the bathroom sitting in my courting parlor, foyer and any where else it has landed while coming home from Lowe's lol. Now I just have to pick out a color. I thought all this would be fun but instead I have found it stressful because everything we wanted they had the faucet but not the tub set or vice versa. So we had to change that, then lights, etc. Oh well, it's just part of the whole experience I guess.

Momma just texted me and is bringing DH and I both back a warm piece of this

from here

Smokey Valley Truck Stop

If you missed my story on this place check it out here.

So I gotta run! I'll post more later............

2011-01-30T17:38:00.000-05:00

Every day I keep thinking I am going to blog, but between work, not sleeping from all DH's snoring this week, and just flat out being tired I have managed none. I find it another Sunday and I am just NOW posting for the week. It's ok, I'm living a pretty boring life at the moment so there isn't much to tell that would be funny or of interest to you.

I can honestly say that while looking out at work this week seeing this coming down

That the Kentucky Snow Princess has seen enough, and I am ready for it to go!! I mean either drop the mother load on us and quit this 4" here and 4" there. I want a big one so we can be done with Old Man Winter. So needless to say I have been happy to see the sun the last 3 days.

Yesterday I took my lovely Momma to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I had been craving some of their pancakes with cherries and whip cream. YUM. After that we went to Cato's, Two Sisters, and Rudy's something or another, lol. Anyways, I found this lovely comforter, shams, and bedskirt from JC Penney for $25. Brand new, still in the bag. Oh yeah, my Momma does good!!

(I know, doesn't it just set that beautiful wallpaper off???)

On our way home we stopped at another JC Penney outlet type store Granny Sales and I purchased these two lovely black leather chairs for a grand total of $43.

I know, they don't really match anything I have, or anything I plan to decorate with BUT, I LOVE them.

And they sit really really good, considering they look like they won't.

Today after Church the family was over for lunch.

Baked Spaghetti, tossed salad, french bread along with butter pecan cake and lemon cake.

What can I say, Momma and I got cake crazy.

I had enough left over to take to the couple next door.

Now as I am blogging, DH is lovingly putting up my newest light fixtures.

3 more to go that we have ready.

We also have a contractor coming in to start our new guest bath this week.

Here is the before picture.

Ok, now to get caught up on my blog reading!

Everyone have a great week!!

Weekend Ramblings

2011-01-24T19:53:00.001-05:00

Ok, nothing too exciting over the weekend but here is the recap.

Been fighting off this "sickness" I've been feeling all week.

Woke up during the early morning Friday, chest pain, stomach burning, vomiting, fever.

YAY!!

So I called in sick and took it easy.

It didn't go away, it only got worse the next two days.

So while at home Friday, I took these pictures with my phone from the upstairs windows.

yep, we got more snow.

This is from the side door at Aunt Mattie's were I spent the weekend being pampered

by her and cousin Kat.

Where Kat made me these AWESOME coconut and lime cupcakes.

There are no words for how awesome they were/are because I'm still eating on them :)

I am feeling somewhat better.

Now I'm just waiting on Friday.

8 Things about DH

2011-01-19T21:42:00.001-05:00

Last night as I was laying in bed, warm and snug as a bug in a rug I was thinking.
(I know, sometimes that is very dangerous.)
I was thinking about DH. He was still downstairs working on some stuff he had brought home.
I realized it's the little things he does that are sometimes the biggest.

1. He sets the alarm early so he can snuggle me before we have to get ready for work.

2. He lets me have free reign in the morning to get ready and stays out of my way.

3. He goes out and starts the car so that it's warm when I get in.

4. He holds my hand in the car to and from work.

5. He drops me off at the front door and tells me I look pretty, to have a good do and kisses me goodbye.

6. He goes up way before bed and starts the fireplace so it's nice and warm when I go up for bed.

7. He snuggles me in good when he comes to bed, and pets my head until I relax and am sound asleep.

8. We get to start all over again the next morning.

Did I mention how much I love this guy??

Date Night & Shopping All In One Week!

2011-01-15T19:44:00.001-05:00

This actually for the most part has been a great week.
With the exception of when I kept telling DH the den smelled funny. I thought it was something we'd saved from the flood maybe, I mean it was bad. Come to find out one of his "animal urines" had busted in his hunting stuff, henceforth the horrible smell. At least we figured it out and got it resolved quickly.

DH and I had an impromptu date Wednesday night. We had Chinese and went to see Country Strong.

It is the best movie I think I've seen since Walk the Line. If you're into country music you will like it.

I fell in love with this guy's singing, he did all his own in the movie. It is an old country sound

Here is one of my favorite songs he did.

Today I went shopping with a friend of mine in Lexington. She loves to scrapbook, so we hit a couple of scrapbook shops, Michaels, the mall and my favorite Hobby Lobby.

Here are a few things I picked up today.....

At Williams Sonoma a lady gave me a recipe for Pineapple Chicken using this

Which was on sale today for $1.99. So I thought what the heck, I'll try it.

I also bought these lovely items at Hobby Lobby for the house in the 66% off section

I also bought a mirror for my "courting parlor" for half price, 22oz Yankee Candle on sale for $12,

a new skirt on clearance for $15

2 UK T-Shirts for $6, and Gyros for lunch!!

Now I'm ready to climb up on the couch and snuggle in with DH for the night.

The House

2011-01-09T19:05:00.001-05:00

As all of you know it's been a long year for us. I didn't realize how much the flood could effect us. Nothing has been the same since. In August it was as if my world turned upside down. I have barely been functional until now it seems. Part of it I saw, some of it not.
So many of you have asked me about the new house. Wanting to know how it is coming. Asking to see pictures. We moved in the middle of Sept. We moved our stuff in. I told DH that we had just a little time left of fall so let's just get in, and we will buy some furniture, finish hunting season and this winter we will start on the house. It was livable just a little outdated.
We bought furniture we picked out ourself and loved yet it still didn't feel like home. It has felt like we've been living in someone else's home while they've been on vacation or something. For the first time yesterday morning I felt like I was "at home" my home. It was the biggest relief. I didn't know if it would ever feel that way. It is still a wreck. We have started doing some things, but we are realistic it will take time & money!!
So, here is pictures of the inside. Please excuses messes and hideous wallpaper! I took all these pictures with my phone so they're not the best.

Yesterday I de-cluttered the pantry. You couldn't get in it for dishes in the bottom.

All washed and put away. Now it's clean and organized!!

Dinning room.

Yes, this is actual wallpaper in the dining room. Anyone over 70 has loved it.

Imagine that. It also has matching curtains, no lie.

Standing at the front door. (Excuse the Christmas stuff needing to be put away on the table)

I was told this was called "the courting room" in "the day"

It has a coal fireplace.

The picture below is everyones favorite bedroom.

I think it's the windows. It has wonderful natural light.

I have started tearing wallpaper off the other side of the room.

This room with the hideous paper and teal green carpet is our guest room.

Carpet and paper to be removed soon!!

This is our bedroom. I have pulled the wallpaper off it. It is a horrible "hospital green" under it.

I can't seem to pick a color for this room, but I'm working on it.

gas fireplace DH has recently installed. It is wonderful, especially on cold mornings.

Master bathroom. Yes, that is a blood red, cast iron, claw foot tub.

my temporary closet DH says.

Yes, that is geraniums on that wallpaper. That is what is currently in the master bath.

One of my favorite things in the house.

All original doors and they all have the keys to them.

Upstairs foyer

9x12 "walk in closet" that will soon be our new guest bathroom!

The house is full of these old lights. They're beautiful.

But they need to go.

Laundry room with half bath.

See where I have been desperately attempting to get the paper off?

Laundry room light fixture, believe that? Yes it's all crystal.

Front door. It has a wrap around porch.

Kitchen pictures

We removed the 1970's appliances with my black & stainless steel ones.

DH has just put in the dishwasher.

Yay!! I am so glad to have it in.

The kitchenette here is my Momma's favorite room.

She has a dozen ideas for it. I think she wants it for a sitting area.

Right now it is a catch all, and our "put our light fixture/ceiling fans together area"

This room and my kitchen are going to be painted "cabin red"

This is the "den" as DH calls it. He lives here when he's not hunting.

He is the mess on the couch, he's sicky this weekend.

We are very lucky that the whole house with the exception of the kitchenette and the den have hardwood floors under them. Below is a picture from the master bedroom or bathroom where we pulled carpet already.

We haven't done anything but pull carpet and wash them and they look this good.

I don't want to sand them, I really like them as they are. They have character.

So there is the nickel tour.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Another Saturday.....

2011-01-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting in the recliner, looking at my Christmas tree (yes, obviously it's still up) thinking, I should take you down, but you are oh so pretty and I'm going to miss seeing you. I should be doing laundry, and cleaning house, since I am ashamed to admit I have not touched since Christmas pretty much. Hey, the road trip to Memphis last weekend took up some of my time, don't judge lol.

It was a long night, DH had a horrible flare up of gout and let's just say between his foot and the fever, I've seen more open eye than shut eye. We had prayer here, but I called Momma & Dad about 12:30 for some back up. His fever has been so high during the night I was afraid to sleep. He is on the couch resting comfortably and sleeping like a log. I know this because I set off the fire alarm (don't ask) and I could hear him snoring over it. It's a shame our fireplace is gas because he definitely could supply some logs this morning.

It smells wonderful in the house where I made buttermilk biscuits and homemade fried apples. (No, I didn't burn either of them to set the alarm off.) It's still snowing here. It snowed off and on all day yesterday but around 9 last night the roads started getting bad. It's beautiful outside now. I took some pictures. Still have no clue how to get them on my new laptop. I can blog, facebook, and add music to my IPhone that is my talents on it. Yeah, I should probably learn.

I'm thinking today is going to be another lazy Saturday. Maybe I'll breakdown and learn to load pictures on this? I will keep you posted. Maybe I can post some pictures later.

Memphis & New Years

2011-01-03T22:11:00.001-05:00

With the year we've had DH and I we decided to treat ourself to a weekend getaway in Memphis for New Years. We hadn't been since we went to see the adoption agency 2 years ago.

There is too much to tell on this weekend, so I will give you the highlights. If you follow me on facebook you will see we "ate" are way through Tennessee.

After work on Thursday we drove 3hrs and had supper with some great friends of ours in Bowling Green

They are such a great couple!! Love them to pieces!
(sorry Tammy I had to steal/borrow this pic :p )

Tammy & Danny

The next morning we were on way. We wanted to stop at Mason TN to have BBQ at our favorite place

Bozo's Hot Pit BBQ . This is where part of the movie "Walk the Line" was filmed. The part where Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were in the "diner" is the actually Bozo's. Hard Rock Cafe bought them out a year or more ago, but I am pleased to say has not taken over and changed things, the original is the same, same people working there.

DH's cousin and I are texting while we are eating, he says I HAVE to try Gus's Famous Chicken while we are in Memphis. I said ok, the original location is right up from Bozo's. So after we literally stuffed ourselves until we couldn't breathe, we went up the street and got fried chicken. By far the best you could ever stick in your mouth.

On to Memphis we went. We ended up eating the chicken for breakfast the next morning. It was as good cold as it was hot. After arriving in Memphis we checked in and rested up. New Years Eve we went down to Beale St to Mr. Handy's Blues Hall it was an experience since it is one of the oldest clubs left.

We also had Miss Polly's Chicken & Waffles the next morning. The guy outside was the best.

Later in the day after going to the Peabody to see the duck march we headed on out to Nashville. If you have never been to the Peabody, Grand Hotel of the South, you NEED to go while in Memphis.

The duck march it's self is worth the stop.

(Of course we had to go into Bass Pro for DH)

In Nashville we took it easy. We went down to Broadway to of course, EAT but it was closed, for the exception of all the honky tonks. At which point I told DH I was way too old to even be down there on a Saturday night. On the way back we looked for a couple of BBQ joints, everything was closed because it was New Years Day, except, which was less than half a mile from our hotel,

Neely's Memphis BBQ, you might have seen this lovely couple on the Food Network?

Whew, we had to roll back to our room after that one. I was never so glad to see home last night.

Of course my body did NOT like seeing the scales this morning.

Unbelievably I only gained 4lbs. So I wasn't too upset considering what ALL we ate.

It's a new year, I have plenty of time to lose that 4lbs.

Oh, I forgot to mention desserts.

We had lemon icebox pie at Bozo's

Pecan Pie at Gus's Famous Chicken

Peach Cobbler at Neely's

And

If you have never experienced Sheridan's (we became great fans while living in Kansas City)

you have to try their seasonal concretes. Lucky for me it was "Candy Cane Pot Hole"

If you're not hungry, you sure are missing a good opportunity!!

Hope everyone had a Safe & Happy New Year and may your New Year Be Prosperous!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

(google images)

Wordless is Wednesday is back.......need I say more, really?

Love this song.....

2010-12-27T23:59:00.000-05:00

2010-12-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

As I stood at this kitchen sink this morning washing up the punch bowl I watched the snow fall as softly as I felt the tears running down my cheek. I was thinking of a text I received from a dear friend this morning telling of how lonely her and her husband's Christmas had seemed with no children or grandkids in their home. I felt the loneliness for her. This year the house has felt so empty. I thought maybe it was just being in the new house and not quite feeling like it's "our home" instead of living in someone else's house. Yesterday my home was full of family and comfort food but there was no comfort. I felt like the lyrics from "Pretty Papper"

"In the distance of the ringing of laughter, and in the midst of the laughter he cries."

Last night after coming back from Christmas at Momma & Dad's I sat here snuggled on the couch with DH enjoying the lights of the Christmas tree finding myself wondering if we will ever hear the pitter patter of little feet in our house during Christmas. Someone peeking under the tree to see what is theirs. Asking when we are going to read the story about Baby Jesus. When they won't be able to sleep for the excitement of the next morning. Will there ever be that excitement and laughter in our home. In the midst of this I realized I have never felt more alone during Christmas. There was family, food and love, but and emptiness that is indescribable.
My precious cousin who also had multiple miscarriages and loss once told me, "Maria, just think your babies are complete perfection in Heaven with Jesus and will be waiting when you get there." I don't know how many times that kind word has kept me. Sometimes the human side of me is much more selfish and more days than not I want them here with me. Especially today when I should hear them laughing and playing. Begging to go out in the snow and play with Daddy & me while it's falling.
Today I will enjoy the day with Dave and the beauty of the day. I will be praying for all the other couples who are feeling the same grief as we are today and that their homes will be full of giggles and pitter patter soon.

Merry Christmas

I'm so glad to see you!!!

2010-12-18T07:50:00.002-05:00

I thought you would never arrive Mr. Christmas. I decorated my tree thinking you would show up. That didn't work so I decorated outside. I still didn't see you. I attempted to wrap some presents the other night. Still you were a no show. Oh THANK YOU Christmas mood for finally showing up at my house!! Even if you did start nudging me out of the bed at 5:30am this morning. Did you forget it's a Saturday?? Now after we finish our wonderful "Christmastime" coffee from Starbucks we will be on our way. I know you want to get crackin!!

I did make chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, no bakes, and a batch of peppermint bark Thursday night.
The chocolate fudge is oh so good!!! Thanks to this little lady right here who gave me the recipe. Thank you Miss Kerry. This year I have my normal list of things to make for Christmas, fudge, oreo truffles, sugar cookies, refrigerator cookies, m&m cookies, no bakes, potato candy, thin mint cookies, coconut balls, old fashion apple stack cake, red velvet cake just a few of the family favorites. Then I realized I have NONE of my recipes because I lost them all in the flood. Of course DH says, "Baby, you never use a recipe what is the big deal?" He's right, I rarely use a recipe but I do try to write down how I do it. With a Southerner cooking and baking are a little different. There are no real recipes it's a "dash" of this, a "handful" of this, lol. I know, I know.
So I'm winging it by "memory" which has really started to fail me here at the young age of 34.
Did I mention I'm going to try my hand at "Dishpan Cookies"? Yeah, I know, sounds ummmm.......interesting, yes? Well Miss Christy got my curiosity up with this one.

We have had about a total of 8 inches of snow this week. (I will have DH go out and get some pictures today to post) I love the snow. I know some people don't, but who wouldn't love a white Christmas? I can't remember the last time we had a BIG white fluffy Christmas here in Eastern Kentucky. I am looking forward to that. We are suppose to be getting another big hit sometime next week.
Christmas Eve dinner is going to be here at the new house this year. I am pretty excited about that other than I don't want to do the normal turkey and dressing, like we do at Thanksgiving. We usually add a ham but still.
DH is pushing for beef brisket. I am still thinking a nice prime rib. I still have a couple of days.
The only things I know for sure on the menu is, 7 layer salad, broccoli casserole, mashed potatoes, rolls and all the candies, cookies and desserts listed above.

Ms Fitzgerald is serenading me this morning. "Baby It's Cold Outside". My coffee cup is almost empty. I need to get busy wrapping and baking. What are your plans for Christmas? Any suggestions on Christmas Eve dinner?

Merry Christmas from My house to Yours!!
May God truly Bless You this Season and Always.

Close To The End

2010-12-05T19:38:00.000-05:00

of the weekend...... How did it get here so fast? I can tell you. We started physical inventory at work Thursday right after we closed for the day and just finished up yesterday afternoon. That makes for some long days. With less than 5hrs sleep a night, DH and I are wore out. I have slowly started working on my Christmas decorating here at the house last night. I decided to forget trying to do 2 trees this year and go with one and be done with it. I like my stuff up the day after Thanksgiving and well, I've been a little unhappy not getting my tree started until today. What is the greatest part of Christmas yet at the same time? FAMILY. Oh yes, my MIL will be here no later than the 22nd. It is like her not to tell us when she's coming until the night before she leaves. You can only guess how much I love that. Even after 9yrs I have still not adjusted.

We had snow all weekend. To me that is WONDERFUL. Is there anything more beautiful than snow? Especially in December. I am hoping that at least with the year we have had God can grant me the wish of a big white Christmas. I've been good this year, well for the most part, but we won't go into that, lol.
I did purchase me a "Christmas Shirt". It has a picture of Santa with his "Naughty List" and it says, "I'm On The Naughty List Again". I thought it was cute.

DH and I have had a rough week together. We normally do not fight. I know most people say this isn't true BUT how do you fight with someone who won't fight back?? Seriously. I'm a female and like to be heard when I have something to say, He on the other hand just quits talking, anyways......
We have been having somewhat heated debates about our dog Jesse. He's a border collie I brought home as a surprise (to a man who did not want a dog, certainly not kept in the house) right after we had been married 5 months. Now the thing is, we are always gone. We work long hours where we leave at 6:30 and never get home until 6:30 or later. Now, anyone who has a border collie knows they need more attention than someone who works hours like that, and is back in the bed by 10pm. I feel like we are punishing Jesse. DH refuses to give him up to a good home. He is getting older and more set in his ways (DH, although Jesse is as well). Who knows when or if we will come to an agreement. Do you have any suggestions?

It's time to start the Christmas candy making and baking here. I just started my list this morning. DH was nice enough to put in his thoughts on what he wants. I guess he decided not to be mad long enough for that, lol.
What do you like to make/bake for Christmas?
What are some of your holiday traditions?

2010-11-28T16:21:00.000-05:00

I'll have to be honest, I go back and fourth between hating and loving the holiday seasons (Thanksgiving & Christmas). When being with family is more like this It gets kind of iffy at times between the hussle and bussle. Some days I wake up feeling like Brad and Kate off of 4 Christmases.

(images provided from Google)

Who doesn't have family they wish they could pretend they didn't have at times? How many times I felt like my family was like this part of the movie, and when I really want is to feel like this part all of the movie during the whole Christmas Season.

(picture provided from Google)

I want to fly off to some tropical local. Then the next minute I can't get enough time in during the season. I love the decorating, baking and cooking. The opportunity to be with people you love and don't get to see very often.
I have tried to jump feet first into the spirit. I have already watched 4 Christmases,

The Christmas Card,

and Fred Claus for inspiration.

Ok, maybe 4 Christmases wasn't insprirational but it is quite funny.

This weekend will be inventory at work, starting Thursday night. They moved it from the day after Thanksgiving to the first weekend in Dec. The following weekend is our Church Christmas party. I haven't found anything to wear. I have a gray jacket I want to wear but nothing to go with it yet. I'll find something I am sure.
I know, very boring post. I am all out of fresh.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

2010-11-25T06:08:00.000-05:00

So I'm a little early

2010-11-15T19:39:00.001-05:00

I'm a little early for Christmas I know. I mean really, Thanksgiving isn't within a week yet.

Since losing everything you have to get what you can get as you go so having said that,

Christmas, YAY!!

This year the question has been how many trees can I have?

DH said how many? ONE.

I finally got him over that notion.

We agreed on 2. One in the front room to see from the road.

The second for the den & family get together.

For the front room I bought a flocked tree, which I want to do in red.

For the den I wanted a regular green tree that is decorated in primitive/country.

Decorations are so expensive!! Especially when starting from scratch!

I found these great little gems at a very cheap cheap price!

I got two of everything. Some more. I just loved them.

This is my tree topper. I forgot to turn her around, sorry!!

And this is for my front porch.
In case you don't know what that is, it's a tobacco basket.
These pictures really do not do them justice.
I will try to do more after I get everything up!
That is how I spent my weekend at Christmas open houses.
(btw, I bought all my ornaments at the dollar general store for a $1)

I am ashamed, honest!!!

2010-11-03T20:28:00.000-04:00

I am really. I mean here I am where I have access now to internet every day, and I never blog.
I didn't realize this old house was going to take so much of my time!!!
Not to mention I HATE WALLPAPER and the inventor of it.
I am trying my best to get it down, but it is wearing on my patiences. I'll be honest.
If anyone has any suggestions on quick ways of getting it down, (no I'm not willing to burn the house down, yet)
Please let me know!!!!

I did get to have a nice visit with Kat this weekend. Showed her a lil bit of Lexington, nothing like we had planned. We did go to Gigi's for cupcakes, yum. I did buy a few cool things for the house, and 5 new books to read at Half Priced Books. I know, when will I read them, right??

Ok, back to the hideous house of wallpaper!!!

Shopping Always Makes a Girl Feel Better

2010-10-16T14:45:00.000-04:00

Doesn't it? I'll be honest, I really don't enjoy shopping all that much. I'm one of those when I do, I pick it up, walk all the way around the store and put it back. Why is that exactly?? Since we've moved into the house I've had to do a lot of shopping. I told DH it's like getting married all over again, except the fun part is missing, lol.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean that exactly in a bad way, BUT when you and your dearest hubby have been in very tight quarters for 4 months, and you're not sure when you are going to find a home, well......... moving on, enough said.
So, I've had to buy everything from soap to furniture. I have really enjoyed buying furniture, it's all the little stuff I hate. Even shopping for clothes. My latest task has been finding bedding for our new bedroom suite that arrived Friday morning, yay!! It is beautiful!

The next task was finding bedding for it. Originally I wanted this black damask bedding, which so does not go with it. I have looked high and low for something to go with it, and "our house". You know everyone really has a style or look. I've just never figured out how to classify mine. Anyways, I bought this today......

Yes, I love it. It even looks great on the bed. I also bought pillows but not enough I found. They had those nice pillows for 60% off at JC Penney today. What a deal that was. I have our guest bedroom now to work on as far as bedding. I bought a bed, it actually looks somewhat similar to this one, but it's rounded at the top instead of straight. It's less than a week until Kathryn is here with me for my birthday. Oh yes, how lovely to be turning 34. I don't mind it really. I never thought I would live to see 35, if I have another year like this one, I'm guessing I won't. Anyways, she will be here on Friday. We are going to head over to The Glitz

for tea and then on over to Keeneland to check things out. Keeneland is a horse track here in Ky. Even though I am not a gambler, nor encourage anyone to be, you really should go for the experience and to see the grounds. It is breath taking.

We are really looking forward to that. Hopefully the weather will stay good. Although it has rained that weekend every year for as long as I can remember. I am loving this fall weather though. It is so dry here the leaves are barely changing other than brown. We need rain!!

Hello Saturday

2010-10-16T07:50:00.000-04:00

and how are you?? Have I mentioned how much I love you? How much I long for you the other 5 days before you? This morning you and I have enjoyed shopping online in my pajamas while drinking caramel drizzle coffee. You have listened to what I want to listen to on the radio and absolutely NO talk radio going on in this house today. DH was so good to us, not waking us and going deer hunting today. God love him.
So Saturday, it's me and you baby.
I'm going to abuse you and use you and cry when you are gone...........

Hope you enjoy your weekend!!

There Was A Guy

2010-10-12T21:38:00.000-04:00

I met him my freshman year of high school through a mutual friend.

He was attending college in our little Podunk town.

I remember the first time I met him. He had a smile like no one else. It was infectious.

He could light up a room with it, and make you smile when you wanted to cry or scream.

He quickly became a part of everyday life it seems.

Before I knew it 4yrs had passed. School was out, and life began.

He never left, no matter what.

We saw lots of friends come and go. Good dates, bad dates. Funny stories.

There wasn't one thing I would have ever held back from telling him.

We shared secrets, hopes and dreams.

He took me places. Come got me in the middle of the night from places I shouldn't have been.

He talked to me in the middle of the night after my ex-husband left.

We learned no matter how small the drop of Dawn NEVER put it in a dishwasher.

When my Momma was sick with breast cancer, He held me every night while I cried myself to sleep.

We cooked together, and played together.

We shared inside stories and jokes.

He taught me to love myself and how to let others love me.

He encouraged me every day to do and be everything I wanted to be, never letting down.

He was the first person I called when we found out I was pregnant.

He was the first person I called when I lost her.

I called Him when they told me they thought I was in stage IV bladder cancer 2yrs ago.

He promised He would be there, no matter what.

On Labor Day, on the way home from Indiana, I received a call.

Jeff was gone.

I have lost my Dad, and an Uncle that was like a Dad, but it didn't prepare me for this.

DH had to pull over and let me out. It had to be a bad dream, a joke. It wasn't.

The next few days brought several emotions, but mostly anger.

At myself. For more reasons than I could list.

I sit in a funeral home listening to a man who knew nothing about Him talk, wishing he would just shut up.

I got more upset the longer I sat there. It's the first time I wanted to hurt a preacher.

I finally understood why people want to throw themselves or climb in a casket with someone.

I wanted to shake him and wake him up. Beg him to tell me it wasn't true.

I kissed him "hello" when I came in and "good-bye" going out, as to our ritual.

I went home, went to bed and started the next day as usual. As well as the next, and the next.

Then I woke up Sunday before last and that little routine was over.

I have barely stopped crying since.

I know its not good but I can't make myself take his numbers out of my phone.

Every time I see his name I want to call.

DH is concerned I will never get over this.

I told him grief has to come and it will go. I am starting to wondering myself today.

One of the last conversations we had was about time getting away and how we needed to make more time to spend together. I was telling him how much I missed him and I hope he never doubted how much I loved him. He told me not to worry He knew and that true love and friendships between people continues to grow stronger never diminishing with distance or time. I sat on the bed and cried wishing the distance away at that moment.

He is right. True love & friendships never diminish. They only grow stronger with time.

Thank You Jeff.

For all the yesterdays we had, and everything you taught me.

For the "secret" plan we had, we should have went through with.

For all the memories I have here with me forever in my heart & mind.

For the friendship and love that will never diminish with time.

I Love You, For Always,

Welcome Home.....

2010-09-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

House, check......new bed to sleep in, check..........living room furniture to sit on, check........Finally INTERNET!!!! Not to mention my own dishes! Yeah, I am a happy girl again!!!
We moved into the house a week ago today. Whew! Over 4 months without a home of your own, well it's just not good let me tell you. DH is still alive I am happy to say, although I think there is some scaring.
It's been amazing to go from about 250sq ft to 2400sq ft, lol.
I have really enjoyed shopping for new furniture. Oh my, DH says too much when I went a little crazy in one day. I still have to wait on part of it, but that's ok.
We're in a very small town. Everyone knows everyone. We have been lucky we have great neighbors, but they already know "our story" before they come to greet us.

This is our first night with internet, so now I have to start catching up on all the blogs I follow!!!
More info to come on the house.

Random Update

2010-08-20T18:08:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh.........for the first time in weeks I can finally sit and try to post.
What a long journey these last 3 months have been.
We are still without a house, but we are getting close. We have found one we both really like.
The orginal house from an earlier post, someone out bid us, but unfortunately for them, their loan fell thru.
At this time we've found something that is more us probably.
Just a 3 bedroom ranch, but it has a sun/florida room the full length of the back of the house.
We will see soon enough. The lady who owns it, is moving out, so we would be able to move in quickly.

Finally getting adjusted to the new job at work. I like it a lot better than where I was. Of course it has things that I miss from the old one, but I love the lady I work with and sometimes that is ALOT!!
I am sure when I get back in a routine you will be hearing more about Ms Linda.

Since the post in July I have started making a lot of changes within myself. Something just woke up in me I guess, and decided I didn't want to be that way anymore. Oh, I know I can't change everything, but attitude is so much of how we are. Mine had gone sour, and then some. I just decided it was time to be me.
I have to be honest and say that some do not like the changes. Although they are not drastic, it is hard on people when you no longer let them control you. Be it what you do, how you act, how you respond, or what you are. Everyday I get up with a smile, and there it is. Everyone else can get over it, lol.
Life is too short not to enjoy it. I am only 33 and it's time I start acting and looking it. Not 80. (No offense to anyone 80 or over, I'm just not there yet) You have two choices in life, hang on to things, or let them go. Sometimes you can't survive unless you let them go. I couldn't remember a time in my life I hadn't been an adult. My Momma will even tell you she's talked to me like one since I was 3.

Yesterday I went to see my new OB/GYN again. Mrs. Smith just hasn't wanted to leave since about June.
He did two ultrasounds yesterday and scheduled me for a little exploratory surgery and D & C today.
I guess we have finally found the cause of my miscarrying so much. I have two uteruses. One is smaller than the other of course, but it still causes my pregnancy to be short. Good to know after all this time, right?
My Momma is relieved. Me I am no longer sure. I wanted a baby for so long. Now I have to ask was it me who wanted it, or did I want it for Dave and Momma? I don't know anymore. I don't know if it's the roller coaster I've been on for so long that I decided to take a break from, or if I truly don't want any.
I do have 2 younger brothers, a dog, and a DH, do I need the extra?? lol.
Ok, so maybe that wasn't too funny, but honestly. It's something to think about for now.
Whatever God's plan is, is what I'll go with. For now, until everything is resolved, I'm going on the pill to help regulate, and see about reconstructive surgery.

Whew, that was a lot today!!
Now I am going to try and get caught up on all of you!!!

Maybe next week, I will get back into my normal weekly routine.

2010-08-14T09:03:00.000-04:00

I just realized my blogging is getting shorter, and the amount of time I am taking for it the same.
I can't find the time to breathe right now it seems let alone blog.
I could update, but there is too much to tell.
I can't catch up with everyone elses blogs, because the thingy is so full!!!
I will though, eventually.

Cry Baby

2010-07-24T16:03:00.000-04:00

It seems I can't find the time to keep this up at this point.
So many reasons.
Every day I feel like it's just more and more drama over taking me and my life.
The last few months has been such a trial in it's self.
The flood, losing everything.
Losing another baby just a few weeks before that.
Family issues that I can't even start to go into.
All has left me wondering what has happened to me?

This weekend we are at Mom's staying with Nan while she and Dad are gone on a much needed mini vacation. As I was fixing DH something to eat, I was at the fridge I looked up at all the pictures Momma has put up from over the years.
I look up and see this girl. Who is she??? She looks fimiliar, but do I know her??
As I felt the tears start flowing down my face I realized it was me, happy.
I stood there wondering what happened to that girl?
Why has life been so tragic? How did I end up here? How do I fix this?
I go around looking happy, acting happy to make everyone else happy.
What about me?? How do I make me happy again?
I know there are worse situations. People with harder way to go than me today.
Doesn't make me want to be happy anyless.
I know I must sound like a cry baby. Can't help it, it's how I felt lately.
Since I can't tell everyone I know, why not here to people I don't? LOL.

I wanna be the carefree spunky girl I use to be.

That is my cry for the day...............

Happy 4th of July to All!

2010-07-04T18:43:00.000-04:00

Busy weekend here.
We moved what was left of our stuff, (mainly my dishes) from Brandi's to the Church yesterday, while it felt like it was a 110 with humidity at the same level. Then later we drove to Greenup to a birthday party for Jamie. He is 4. It was a lot of fun. We were able to just relax and spend some good quality time with some friends and relax. I had almost forgotten what that is like.

Hope everyone is have a great long weekend!!

Random Update

2010-06-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

Not having internet is hard on a blogger.
Not only can you not blog, but it is impossible to keep up with everyone elses blogs.
I think I am caught up on about half now.
If you are not seeing comments from me that you regularly would, know I am still reading, I probably don't have as much time to leave comments trying to keep up, but soon, very soon!
(I hope).

Anywho.......we are still homeless, but have been looking at this house.

It is an early 1900's house.

It is the kind of house I have always wanted to turn into a Bed & Breakfast.

It has all the potential for it that is for sure.

The house its self is a sturdy house, but the lady who owned it before passed away over a year or more.

She was in and out of the nursing home for about 2-3yrs before that, so there is some things needed done.

She was "society" for this small podunk town it is in.

She was an entertainer, and what one would have called in her "day" an "old maid".

Never married. She had very "unique" style.

Anyways, about the house.

There is a formal living room in the from to the left with a fireplace that has a marble mantle.

A formal dining room, a large den with room off to the side with a jacuzzi tub in it.

A large foyer with open stairwell. A half bath with a laundry room. A smaller kitchen with huge pantry, an eating area. There are closest gallore!!!

Upstairs there are three bedrooms. It originally had 4 bedrooms. She had converted one into a large bathroom adjacent to the master bedroom, and the other half of it into a huge walk in closet.

The master bedroom also has a porch that was inclosed into a study. The rooms are big.

And BRIGHT at this point. The lady loved wallpaper. The master bath also has a large clawfoot slipper tub. It is fire engine red. The room has teal carpet. I had to question her thinking on that one.

Lots of potential. The price could be right. I guess we will see.

(it also has a dirt floor basement, which kind of freaks me out. also an attic which we didn't go into)

That is the update on the house hunting.

We are still wanting to go to Norway, but it looks like it will not be for a year or two.

The weather here in Kentucky is HOT, HOT, HOT. MUGGY, MUGGY, MUGGY!!!

I am ready for fall myself.

Work is going ok. Getting use to my new job. Trying to train the new girl for my old job at the same time.

This is making for long stressful days, but I will get through it I am sure.

I can't wait. I am ready to do just my "new" job!

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-12T16:38:00.000-04:00

I'm back!!!

Well kind of sort of in a way.

See, we have NO INTERNET!!! I know, is that not like one of the worst feelings? hahaha.

The only time I have access to the internet where I can actually have time to use it, is at Momma's.

So let me do a quick catch up and we'll go from there shall we????

We are still homeless from the flood. We are staying at our Church in a nice 5th wheel camper. Which is great, don't get me wrong, but home, well Home is Home, know what I mean??

Nannie and Josh are with Mom & Dad and since Keith is still at home, it made for very tight quarters.

We had home insurance, but not flood insurance (since we were above flood plain) so our insurance would not cover anything!!! I mean not the first thing. So basically we were able to salvage a few clothes, and my dishes. It's kind of like when you are just starting out married. Except the stress is much different, and well, it's not such a "happy" time.

We have already received some funds from FEMA would should help some but basically covers only your inside stuff such as washer, dryer, fridge, stove, etc.

So now we are in the house looking again.

Now that in it's self brings me back to our trip to Norway to be with the Speers.

Who are missionaries from our Church organization.

For several years we have had a huge burden for missions. God has dealt with us for a long time about it. So we finally went (to Norway) to see. I have to honestly say when I stepped off the plane, I felt like I was home for the first time ever. It was an amazing and odd feeling at the same time. How can you grow up somewhere called "home" and suddenly it not feel like home?

This now feels like home.

I cried almost the whole 24hr trip home.

I cried all day the next day.

Needless to say my Momma is not thrilled.

She is happy knowing God is calling us for a great work.

She is not happy knowing her only daughter wants to move 4,344 miles across an ocean to do it.

Now it is waiting on God to open up all the doors.

We have to find jobs before we can get a visa, which will only be good for 6months.

Then you have to continually reapply.

So in the mean time, do we buy a house?

Move closer to work, or continue to drive an hour?

So many questions, so few answers it seems.

I prayed for direction and confirmation about going/staying in Norway.

God graciously gave us both.

He just forgot to let us in on the details.

Until then, we will just wait upon the Lord.

When is the last time

2010-05-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

You had a snowball fight on May 31st????

This was our playground today in Norway.

4 days left until we leave to come home.

I cannot believe it is almost over.

Update

2010-05-22T06:23:00.000-04:00

We are currently in Norway on our trip to visit the missionary couple in Norway the Speers.
We are currently staying at our church until we can find a new home.
Waiting on FEMA.
I will tell more of our journey when we get back.
Please keep us in your prayers.

Flood

2010-05-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pics of our home the day after the flood. As you can see we have tremendous damage.
Our clothes, dishes, and guns is what was salvagable. We had anywhere from 4 1/2 to 5 feet of water in the house. Nannie is in the same boat as us, pardon the pun, I am running on little sleep at this point.
We are safe at Mom's, living on top of one another. Unfortunately we were "above" the flood plain and didn't not have flood insurance.
God is good and will provide, until then it's a day by day thing.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are starting to feel the effects of the mold and mildew that has set in quickly while we try to remove stuff. Along with a couple hours a sleep a night.
I will blog as I can but for now you know where I am

NIAW

2010-05-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

NIAW- National Infertility Awareness Week April 24th-May1st.

Below you will find a link to a post that is of high importance of how to help deal with anyone who has issues with infertility.

Please see this post.

Thanks Megan!

Happy Anniversary DH

2010-04-28T22:22:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY!

I LOVE YOU!

THANK YOU FOR THE GREATEST 9YRS

Week of Flashback

2010-04-26T18:34:00.002-04:00

I didn't have much chance to blog about the past week or so.
I just got home from a dr's appt where I was so unimpressed.
Use to it annoyed me how people stereotyped people from Ky.
Today sitting in the dr's office waiting room I know why they do.
A young boy, with his Mom, & his dog.

He managed to consume 4 pkgs of reese cups, a bag of gum drops
and a bag of gummy bears in less than 10mins while his Mom slept.
Then his dog perched itself on "mother's" foot and relieved it's self.
Seriously, when did it become ok to bring your dogs to the dr's office??

So we celebrated Nan's 80th Birthday.
She received 97 cards from family and friends.

We had a wonderful lemon & strawberry cake with lemon curd filling

and strawberry butter cream icing. All made from scratch by yours truly

Yes, it was delicious!!

DH also was able to get a turkey the first day of season this year.

I am so thankful so that I don't have to hear it :)

Although he says he could still get another one.

I have also applied for a new position at work.

I'm kind of unsure about it, but I guess we will see what happens this week.

We are down til 24 day until we leave out for our missions trip to Norway

to be with Bro & Sis Speer. We can't wait to see all this

I also received some updated pictures of our God Children I guess you could say.

These are their pictures with their cousins, and their Mom & Dad from Easter.

I just can't believe how big they're getting!!

Time does fly.

Sunday Morning Thoughts

2010-04-25T09:02:00.000-04:00

I love Sunday mornings. To be up in the house alone and it quiet.

I can pray as I go. Sing, and just talk one on one with the Lord.

The last few weeks I've been able to continue to pray, but talking to Him has been so much harder.

With everything going on with DH & I and the rest of our family it just seems I've not been able to find the words.

This song below is has been continuously in my heart and on my lips.

Because even through it all, even in the darkest valley, God is still so good to me and I can't complain.

Thank You Bro Don Johnson for writing & singing "I Can't Complain"

“Music is what feelings sound like.”
God is so Good to Me, I just Can't Complain.
I Love You Lord

Am I Still Here?

2010-04-24T06:37:00.001-04:00

I am almost back up to speed and ready to blog full force again.
With the exception of just being too busy with work, Church, and our trip in less than 26 days.
Yes I have them numbered, duh!!
Let's see, 1st time of out the country. 2nd being in Norway with Missionaries who live there, and will help us make major decisions affecting the rest of our lives. 3rd because I'm learning another position at work to cover for a gal at work that is pregnant, and have put in for another job at the same time there. Yeah, and I'm suppose to remember it all. My brain is on overload.
On a brighter note, I am able to pick up a new radio station at work. It is God's Country 107.1. It's a mixture of Christian music and non-negative country music. No drinking, losing your dog, your wife, blah, blah, blah stuff. Anyways, they have been playing this song below. I love it!! I thought I would share it and the next time you have that little nagging voice in your head to call someone, do it!

Matt Kennon is the artist, "The Call" is the song.

“Music is what feelings sound like.”

Have a great weekend!

Friday Fun

2010-04-23T01:00:00.001-04:00

What can I say? Sometimes this is just how I feel.

Even here at HOME!!

Have a great weekend!!

Compassion & Love

2010-04-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

This video below is about 2 local men. It is a little long but well worth watching.
Lord give me compassion and love for ones I do not know that hurt and need love.

Here I Am

2010-04-14T16:43:00.000-04:00

It has been 19 days.

Today is the first day I have seen some sunlight.

The fog is slowly taking it's time lifting.

I guess I realized I have to pull myself together and keep going.

God has, and will sustain me.

This time has been much more difficult.

I haven't felt the normal guilt of "I didn't do enough" or "I should have done ...."

The grief has been tremendous for me & DH both.

I will NOT be discouraged. I will NOT scream "Why ME?"

I will NOT be mad. (Because people say stupid inappropriate things)

I will NOT be bitter because this precious baby made #8.

GOD is still in CONTROL!!!

36 Days until our big trip on the bird

We are really excited to be with Bro & Sis Speer.

Before we go our days are jammed packed.

Nan's 80th Birthday is Tuesday the 20th.

Our 9th Wedding Anniversary on the 28th of April

The UPC Ladies Retreat Weekend.

Where I get to hear someone who can encourage me

like this lady did many times in her life.

Thank You Sis Nona for your Life of Service to the Lord.

Mother's Day.

My most dreaded Holiday of the year.

Imagine why.

(Seriously, I have to ask. Just because all my babies reside in Heaven with Jesus

that doesn't make me any less a Momma does it?

Then don't treat me like it or go feeling all sorry for me)

Sorry, it's a peeve of mine.

Then there is the 4 day

here at Brock McVey Co.

Thursday thru Sat 7am to 7pm.

I think we are on overload!!

Then the next Thursday, LIFT OFF!!

Ok, so now I'm kinda sorta back to my blogging.

Hope I didn't bore you to death.

What has been going on in the blog world?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-13T22:25:00.000-04:00

36 days and counting

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-04-12T22:42:00.001-04:00

My Everything

2010-04-08T13:38:00.000-04:00

This morning I woke up and saw you laying there, in a deep peaceful sleep

I thought to myself that, that is exactly how you make me feel.

I can lay snuggled next to you, while you pet my head, and my anxiety fades.

We've had a lot of anxiety the last 13 days.

Days I didn't want to get up.

You are there, wiping my tears as you cried with me.

With God we have made it through.

Binding Us Together, making Us Stronger, Together.

I looked at my celly ringing this morning.

There was your picture from our trip to Dauphin Island last year.

I longed for Us a day like that again.

There will be more walks along the beach and days of sunshine I know.

Thank You for being my Everything.

God truly knew who I needed when He gave me You.

My Best Friend

My Partner in all Life's Turns

My Love more Precious than Gold

My Sunshine on Rainy Days

My Shelter during the Storm

I Love You,

Always.....

2010-04-05T12:47:00.000-04:00

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

My New Favorite.........

2010-04-02T20:29:00.000-04:00

Meet my new FAVORITE dr here

Promises

2010-03-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

It’s a beautiful spring day and full of promise.
Just as everyday is, some just seem more than others with the sunshine.
The Lord gives us many promises.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3);

All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matthew 21:22);

If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14).

These are a few of my favorites.
I have clung to these close this week.
Some days it’s hard to put complete trust in Him.
Now I am holding onto

(Isaiah 41:10) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will up hold you with My righteous right hand.

Friday afternoon I had another miscarriage.
It seems I’ve been so worried about everyone else, I didn’t take care of myself.
I didn’t realize it.
Right now I want to blog, but not about this.
It’s all that is on my mind and in my heart.
So I need a break from the Rambling.
It might be 2 days, 2wks, or 2 months.
I just don’t know.

Today is better, but not great.
Yesterday I was mad at the world and most things in it.
Life is still full of promises for me as long as there is breath in my body.
Today, tomorrow and the days to come, I cling to His promises to me.

I want my blog to be encouraging and fun!
Not sad and gloomy, my feeling sorry for myself.
Right now I can’t deliver that.

I plan to continue to follow you all and get my strength from your funnies!
Thank you for sharing your lives daily with me!!
You’re Great!!!

I Haven't Been Kidnapped.

2010-03-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

Please Pray!!

2010-03-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

Please continue to Pray for my friends.
Kerry is still in the hospital, and things are not coming along as they had hoped.
To stay updated and to encourage her, please go here.

Thank You!

I Agree With Maxine

2010-03-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

I love Maxine!

Let me get this straight......the fools in Washington passed a health care plan written by a committee
whose chairman says he doesn't understand it,
passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it,
to be signed by a president that also is exempt from it
And hasn't read it
And who is addicted to smokes,
with funding administered by a treasury chief
who didn't pay his taxes,
all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese,
and financed by a country that's broke.

What could possibly go wrong?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T06:51:00.000-04:00

Hello Spring!

Norman Rockwell Painting

Easter Lillies & Love

2010-03-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

Once there was a boy who loved a girl.

The boy had tried for years to show her his love.

He lavished her with diamonds & gold.

She would smile, and softly tell him "no"

He didn't realize that it was the simple things of life

that showed the greatest depths of love

she was trying to show him.

One spring day while out for a drive on the ridge & through the creek

they came upon a hillside full of Easter Lillies (aka daffodils)

He remembered her saying she loved Easter Lillies & Iris.

He threw the truck in park, jumped out like his britches were on fire.

She couldn't figure out what he was doing until he popped in the passenger window.

He started filling her lap, and the truck cab with Easter Lillies.

As he saw her laughing, and light up like a Christmas tree,

he realized for the first time what she meant about love being the simplicity of things,

instead of money or material objects.

Many moons have passed over since that day,

but every time I see an Easter Lillie

( I guess I refer to them as that because they are always in full bloom here at Easter)

I think of that beautiful Spring day on the ridge

The love I felt, and the joy from seeing the understanding in his eyes

of how easy it is to love and show it.

I can't help but smile in the same way when I see them anywhere.

I close my eyes and I am back there again.

In that truck with Easter Lillies everywhere,

placed all through my house, on my desk, and on my car that Spring.

What a Day!!

2010-03-20T17:31:00.001-04:00

I was up early this morning and running.

Into to town to purchase the BEST donuts in 7 counties.

Along with a cup of java from the Fuzzy Duck in town.

The sun rising, the air still with just a little nip in it. Ahhhh...Don't you love spring?

(this is the three of us this time last yr)

Then it was to pick up Nan & Momma then off to Church for prayer meeting this morning.

This is really the first one that has been opened to all the women.

I like to go pray at Church, there is just something about being in the house of God while praying.

So when I planned for Saturday, I thought why not ask all the ladies to join me?

We had 6 total.

We had a great time in the Lord.

A few of us stayed and did some "spring cleaning" afterwards.

To me, that is one of the greatest rewards,

having the privilege to clean the house of God.

I know, it's not something most people would find exciting or even want to do.

Maybe I am just weird?

Now I am absolutely wore out, and have to figure out dinner.

We also have one of the teen boys with us this weekend.

He has kept DH busy today.

Please pray for my friends Shannon & Kerry.

She is currently in the hospital from trouble with her pregnancy.

Please stop by The New Normal and give her some encouragement!

They are waiting on Lil' Josey to join them.

(yes, Kerry I had to steal this pic from fb, sorry, lol)

Ok, I'm wore out!
Off to hit the shower, and find something for dinner!

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-17T22:36:00.000-04:00

This week I am Thankful for some many things as always, but this week especially for this couple

Bro & Sis Keaton

They are such a very special couple.

Well into their 80's.

Have been married for more years that I can count.

Have served God and loved Him with all their might.

We met them when we started to Church where we are now.

We fell in love with them instantly.

I have told DH many times that if our marriage could be like any other I would pick theirs.

They have encouaged us, corrected us, built our faith and inspired us.

All with a loving touch.

Now they do not live as close, and Bro Keaton is very sick with cancer.

Sis Keaton still tends to him and loves him.

We are not able to see them weekly like before.

I still think of them daily.

I love and adore this couple.

Thank You Bro & Sis Keaton for making our lives even brighter!

I am so Thankful God brought you into my life!

I Love You Both!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-17T13:29:00.003-04:00

Who Has Inspired You Lately?

2010-03-15T20:47:00.000-04:00

This morning while listening to K-Love on the radio they were asking "who has inspired you this weekend?"
Which got me to thinking, who has inspired me lately??
I have thought about this all day.
It's not like it's hard to find someone who's inspired me but to narrow it down.
This last week I have to say my Mailman Roy at work has.

It doesn't matter the weather, or the situation he's in. He always comes in smiling, asking everyone else how their day is. Most importantly glorifying God for the day, and all that is in it.
I was thinking what a great example he is daily to people.
Friday he happen to come in while two men were standing at my desk. They just kept looking from each other to me while he was there. He always acts like he's known you for years, even if it's been 1 minute.
Thank you Mailman Roy for encouraging me to be a better person!!

So now I ask you, Who has Inspired YOU lately?

Featured Friday

2010-03-12T13:09:00.022-05:00

So I decided to try something a little different for Friday's for a while.

Let me introduce you to "Featured Friday".

I plan to feature stuff that has caught my eye, or like.

So for today, here we go, and let me know what you think.

The first item here is new dishes called "Butterfly Melody" by Lenox.

I love it! It's so pretty and "Springy"

I have also became crazy about these old blue mason jars.

There are so many things you can do with them, as well as decorate.

I Heart the CTS.

I am dying to have one.

DH says no.

Well not until I am better paid.

I don't know what it is with the CTS, but I have had my eye on them the last 3yrs.

I can see me speeding down the road in one of these.

"Diamond Color" though for me!

I found this as well.

Is it not beautiful??

I have a collection of cake stands I have been working on for a few yrs.

I hope to add this one to it.

I found it on the blog below it.

http://cocomale.com/blog/2009/04/cake-stands/

So that is it for my first "Featured Friday"

What do ya think?

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

Today I am Thankful for

That falls around me.
That gives the spring flowers reason to grow

That means warmer weather is still to come.
and we will have a bounty of this before long

What are you Thankful for Today?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T08:06:00.002-05:00

Tasty Tuesday

2010-03-09T13:18:00.001-05:00

It's a "Tasty Tuesday" here at Rambling at the Foothills.
I didn't have time to blog.
It comes with a funny little story at the end too.

Banana Pancakes with Peanut Butter Syrup
(Christmas Morning Tradition at our House)

1 Angel/Heart Cookie Cutter for shape

2 c. biscuit mix (or self rising flour)

1 c. buttermilk

1 c. mashed banana

2 large eggs

½ tsp cinnamon

3 tablespoons butter

¾ c. maple syrup

¼ c. peanut butter

Mix together first 5 ingredients. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on griddle
Mix peanut butter and syrup until smooth

*** I wanted Jr & I have to have a “family tradition” at our house Christmas morning. I thought this would be perfect. After being married 4 yrs, he finally broke down and told me he didn’t like peanut butter!! Now we have it with just syrup, and I fix myself some of the peanut butter syrup****

So Much Sunday

2010-03-07T18:01:00.006-05:00

There is so much to tell this Sunday so this might be a long blog.

I haven't had the opportunity to really sit and blog all week.

It has been on the "fly" from other locations.

First off as much as I have enjoyed this scene from my desk

I am so ready to have some more of this sunshine & 58 degree stuff.

This week I was able to go to Rupp Arena to see my "Cat's" stuff

(locker room entrance)

(My Boss Brenda, My office supply guy Rod, & Me )

It was an awesome time, we were able to shoot some hoops on the floor.

We had lunch with Kyle Macy and received autographed basketballs.

This weekend we headed back to Indiana to see Poppy & Betty.

I stayed with Aunt Mattie & Kathryn.

We had a great time. We had a girls day Saturday.

Staring with a wonderful breakfast by Mattie.

She made pumpkin pancakes with homemade syrup. YUM

Kat & I made up some homemade exfoliate for hands & feet.

Went to do a little shopping.

We also went by this decandent place Angel B's

and I had this little piece of heaven.

I ate it when I got home while trying to catch up on my bloggy friends.

BTW, Mattie & Kat this little piece of almost flourless cake,

Ohhhh Mmmmmyyyyyyyyy!!!

Thanks Mattie for the extra cupcakes. DH said they were yummy.

Kat & I discussed, plotted & planned a little more on the family cookbook

~~she is really creating and I am just an innocent by standard~~

we are working on together.

Saturday night Kat, Chris, DH & I went to a Thai place in Bloomington.

My first time eating at a Thai restaurant. It was yummy!!

Now we are home, trying to recoupe.

I am almost caught up on my blog reading.

We're off and running for another week.

Another fun week in the making.

Fun Friday

2010-03-05T12:45:00.000-05:00

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-04T12:27:00.000-05:00

The Word Of God

Salvation

Forgiveness, Not Only that I have received, but learned to give.

Love from God that never fails us, even when we fail Him.

What are you Thankful for Today?

Tasty Tuesday

2010-03-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

Now who doesn't like these little Zingers??

To me they are to die for. Just a little piece of heaven.

Unfortunately I can't stand the thought of the whole "Twinkie" studies.

So I thought, I need to figure out how to make my own version.

I am all about simple and quick.

As some of you know, I came up with a new recipe for this tasty lil' treat.

It didn't turn out the prettiest in the world, but the taste was YUM!!!

I made mine for Sunday Dinner, so I went with round.

You can use whatever you like. Next time I'm doing square.

So as I promised, here is my recipe for it.

Maria's Raspberry Zinger

1 box of white cake mix, your choice of brand.

Fix as directed but omit the water, and use milk in place.

grease & flour 2 8" pans

(using the milk takes them a little longer to bake, usually 10-15mins.

you will have to watch it and see.)

1 large box of raspberry jello

mix pkg w/2 cups water bring to boil

while your waiting on your jello to boil,

(do NOT add more water to this like the box says, just the two cups in the pan)

gently poke a few holes on the top of your cakes with a fork

pour the jello mixture slowly over cakes.

(cakes can be still warm)

let cakes cool, then put in the fridge to chill for 2hrs.

I like coconut, so I used about a 1/3 of a bag of coconut

mix it in with a large tub of cool whip

I would use how much coconut you like, more or less :)

spread cool whip mixture on first cake layer, then place second layer on top

coating the whole cake.

This was my end result

Not the prettiest cake I've ever created but one of the best tasting!!

You know what they say, "Practice Makes Perfect!"

I've Been Tagged & Other Random Things

2010-02-27T14:17:00.000-05:00

First let's talk about being "Tagged"

I have been tagged by the wonderful "Ms. Bride To Be Marie" over at Wishful Thinking

She is just so gracious and I heart her.

SO here is the rules of engagement:

Open your first photo folder.

Scroll to the 10th Photo.

Post the photo and the story behind it,

TAG 5 or more people!

So here is my picture to use

It is one of my favorite peeps (DH of course, can we say "hubba hubba babyyy")

This is from the last trip to Jamesport Mo.

It is an Amish Community.

We were at the quilt/wood shop we love!

It is an AWESOME place to go.

If you are in Kansas City, you should make the 1 1/2hr trip there.

My 5 to Tag:

1. Tammy @ Queen Sized Funny Bone

2. Tammy @ Time Flies

3. Becky @ In The Trenches

4. Miss Taylor @ The Adventures of Taylor Tot

5. Sarah @ An Army Wife's Life

Ok, moving on to stuff here, let's see what to update first.

I know I have been slacking in the actual "blog" dept.

I can't help it. As I was telling Kathryn earlier

I have been trying to work on the "top secret special blog" I am hopefully going to open up soon & will need everyones help to get it out there for us for lots of people to see,

plus Nan's suprise ~~book~~ for her 80th birthday next month, getting ready for our journey to Norway.

Not including, or excluding all the stress from work because it is our, "kick-off", "yard sale", "golf outing", "customer appreciation" time of the year.

Along with trying to do our taxes ourself this yr, keep house, do Bible studies for church and stay sane!!!

Oh and did I mention how SO OVER THE SNOW I AM???

Yes, please, let's move on to Spring please.

Last night we actually had a "Date Night" and went to Smokey Valley Truck Stop.

I know, I know, it probably doesn't sound like much of a date, but when you can get one of these

The Smokey Valley Burger is to die for and as you see they do homemade fries as well.

You just can't beat their coconut pie here.

Speaking of pie/desserts,

the "Raspberry Zinger Cake" I came up with was

YUM!!!

I will try to post pics DH took along with the recipe I came up with for it.

It's not the "prettiest" cake ever, but who cares when it takes like heaven, right?

We took Nan out to see the snow this morning, then for breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

We had a great time with her. She told us of snow days long ago, and people who are long gone.

Ok, that's enough for now.

My confession for this week, I ate wayyy too much this morning at Cracker Barrel.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T06:31:00.001-05:00

picture by DH