November 30, My Thankful list.

Here's my 1st 10:
#1 Jesus Christ dying on the cross for me.
#2 My mother
#3 My husband
#4 My children
#5 My Brothers
#6 My house
#7 My Pastor & Family
#8 My church
#9 All My friends here & in the cyber world.
#10 I have plenty of food to feed my children.
Here's my next 10:
#11 The stripes that Jesus took for me: By his stripes we are healed.
#12 My children are healthy
#13 I live in a Free country
#14 That I can home school my kids
#15 That God gives me the strength & courage to make it through each day
#16 My health
#17 For my (dog)Sammie, she is my protector and my joy
#18 Daniel's grandmother (Maw)
#19 My Uncle Buddy who is winning a battle of cancer
#20 My talent to cook
This year has been a real hard year financially, physically, mentally and my husband's health. I could whine, gripe and complain, but I choose not to. why? Because God has took really good care of us. Five years ago sorta the same thing happened. I was the one with major health problems and I lost my job. Dan also broke his leg. But the same as this year when we didn't know how we were going to pay a bill or needed something, it seem to come right when we needed it. That year for Christmas we had no idea how we going to get something for the kids. Someone put our name in Ashley kids and got our kids Christmas. I didn't know it till the week before Christmas. I was expecting a outfit a piece and a toy, which was fine for me. But, I was wrong. The kids got about 5 outfits, shoes, socks, underwear and several toys. They also brought us a big box of Groceries. I cried like a baby. Same as this year, I haven't told a sole, but facing almost the same. But unlike that year, I'm not worried. I haven't fretted and cried this year like I did that year. Because I know he has already took care of us before and he will again. Now, he may not do us this Christmas like he did before, but that will be okay also. My kids already know and they have said that if he don't like he did before they know he did it once before and they also know that God will bless us again. So, I have a lot more than the 30 that will be listed here and I do not want no one to feel sorry or sad. Because I serve a God that will take care of his own. Plus, to me the Spirit of Christmas is more than gifts. But I just feel someone out there needs a lift and/or a little gleem of HOPE!
#21- The teens I'm able to teach on Wednesday nights.
#22- for a good and safe vehicle
#23- for my sight
#24- For the air I breathe
#25- for the clothes we have
#26- for the happiness we have
#27- Daniel's mom
#28- Daniel's dad (he loves me as his own)
#29- Daniel's brothers
#30 - Last, but not least, I thank God for making me, me!

The Dead line is today.

My Novel is due today. I will not be turning it in. This month was just way to busy to get all my writing done. The good thing is that the National Novel Month thing got me motivated, so not a loss. I will finish it in time. I had realized that I had to go back and add here and there because things kept flooding my mind, then there were several days I didn't get to write.
Also this is the last day for National blogger month. Man! It's going to be a relieve not having to just come up with stuff, but write my post like I normally do. I usually do write everyday, but if I don't now I wont feel pressured. It will feel sorta weird in a way because I know others wont write as much and will probably get bored. LOL! But that will be okay, it will give me more time to write and sew.
During this Christmas Holiday we are planning of taking 2 weeks off from school except reading and maybe KB working on her work books. Because when she gets bored that's what she wants to do. I am planning on finishing the house or at least knocking another big dent in it. Plus, I'm planning on starting my ABC quilt. I guess we will see if it all works out.
Hope You Have A Happy!

Today!

I have been working on a post today, but it's taking longer than I thought. So, I'll post it later. Plus, I have had computer problems today. That sucks all in itself! On top of that I had to take KB to the Dr. She has red bumps on her throat but the step test came back negative. I need to watch her, hopefully she just has a virus.
My show(CSI) is coming on so, I guess I'll do a better post or the post I'm working on tomorrow. I have been trying to go check out every body's blog, but haven't quite made it. If I don't make it after my show I will tomorrow!
Toodles!

Hold On

This is a song I wrote several years ago when I was going through one of the toughest times in my life. Now when I seem to be going through a hard time I go back and sing this song. Today I thought I would share this. I hope it helps someone like it did me.

Hold on to what you have, because what you have is what you need. Hold on! Hold on! Oh--- Hold on!

Take a stand on your knees and pray for what you need.

Hold on to what you have, because what you have is what you need. Hold on! Hold on! Oh--- Hold on!

Have faith, believe in the things you can't see.

Hold on to what you have, because what you have is what you need. Hold on! Hold on! Oh--- Hold on!

Praise God for he is going to set you free.

Hold on to what you have, because what you have is what you need. Hold on! Hold on! Oh--- Hold on!

Pray for what you need...
Have faith and believe...
He's going to set you free...

Hold on to what you have, because what you have is what you need. Hold on! Hold on! Oh--- Hold on! Hold on!

The Beatles - Birthday 1968

Nothing big today, but it was nice. No major let downs that's a big plus. It don't bother me getting older, it does my brothers. Maybe because I'm so young in heart and mind LOL!

Menopause

Surgical menopause occurs when a premenopausal woman has her ovaries surgically removed in a procedure called a bilateral oophorectomy. This causes an abrupt menopause, with women often experiencing more severe menopausal symptoms than if they were to experience menopause naturally.

Physical symptoms of menopause include:
"Hot flashes" - sudden waves of mild or intense body heat
Night sweats - similar to hot flashes that occur at night and result in profuse sweating
Difficulty sleeping
Headaches Increasing variability of the menstrual cycle, including irregular and missed periods
Decreased bone density (occurring later in the menopausal transition), potentially leading to osteoporosis and fractures.
Emotional symptoms may include:
Mood changes
Anxiety
Forgetfulness or problems with focus and concentration
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(The ones in bold are the ones I'm having the most problem with!) So, if you haven't gone here yet, look what you have to look forward to.)
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Why don't they just tell you it is like going through Puberty, but more intense.
OMgees! I'm going through the change, big time and have 2 teens and one well on her way! I'm the one with the major hot flashes and I think my husband and I will fight over the heat all winter. I tell him to get a blanket and leave the heat off! On the other hand the Mood Changes are........... Horrible! & with 3 kids going through the change (in a different way) Boy! You can tell where this going. We are all clashing. I guess that's why my hubby stays gone hunting all the time. LOL!
I have always been real passive and happy go lucky. I'm still happy go lucky, but don't piss in my cheerios! LOL! I don't put up and can't handle people's stupidity and being ugly to me like I use to. Some times this scares me, but in a way I'm glad I can stand up for my self more with out the guilt! Don't let me run no one off. You know what I'm talking about. Not letting people run all over you where I use to take it and cry about it when it built up. Now, I just tell you like it is and then turn around and say to my self, was that me? LOL!
It's not as bad as you may think, but I sure will be glad when all this change is over.
Hope you have a happy!

Fun Monday - Show me your projects

This weeks host for Fun Monday is Blue Momma@Life in the Fish Bowl & here is her assignment:
I want you to show me your......projects. More to the point, I want to see your unfinished projects. I have so many that I really need some reassurance that I'm not the only one. Home improvement projects are what I have in mind, but it you don't have any of those show me any kind of project - needlework, cooking, scrap booking, etc. You can even show me your spouse if they qualify as a work in process.
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My camera is still broke! I don't have my nieces at the moment since they came and picked it the day before Thanksgiving. But I do have some pictures of when I 1st started my project on my house. So, I can walk you through most of the steps.
We started remodeling this summer and because my mom got real sick, me baby sitting and other life's joy I'm still not done. Hopefully during Christmas break I will finish unless life throws me a curve ball.
We have repainted the kitchen, hallways, all 3 bed rooms and both bath rooms. We have put new or in the middle of putting new floors in the kitchen, hallways and both bathrooms. We also need to strip and redo the living room and all 3 bedrooms. They are the only rooms with the original hardwood floor and when we finish the rest of the house which should not take long we are going to do them last.
So here are a few pictures. (Gosh! I can't wait till I get my new camera!)
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These are before and after pictures of my kitchen floor. Even thou you can't see the unfinished part of the kitchen floor it's still there. I hope my hubby will take time during Christmas break to finish that part since I have no clue.

That is KB's floor. Not all the hard wood looks that bad they all still need to be done. The paint all in the floor because the kids have helped me is why we will do these floors last.

This is the boys room when we 1st started. I have put their room back in order, but we still haven't put their border up. Matter fact that is mostly what all the rooms need except the kitchen and hallways like.

The paint not completely cleaned up in places is what you don't see in the kitchen because I have either cleaned it, or covered it with paint or like this....


You also can't see the ceilings. Dan Dan tried to put the tear drop affect on them, but instead made them look bad. So, my brother told me that during Christmas he would help me with the ceilings and the wood floors.
We have come a long way since we 1st started, but I would still love to have the house finished before Christmas or at least before the new year.
Plus, the picture you saw with my new wood floor has an unfinished project of my quilt. I plan to finish also during Christmas and start my ABC quilt.
So!, there you have my unfinished projects for this year.
PS. I wished I had realized when we 1st started that I was going to make the dining area of my kitchen our class room. I'm thinking of taking the border in that area down and do something different, but haven't made up my mind.

Mom's Thanksgiving & Recipes

Yesterday went wonderful! One of my nieces brought cranberry sauce with cranberries in it and my brothers like the jelly kind. So, Aron and I went to the store to get the jellied kind. He made the comment that he didn't know there were different kinds of cranberry sauce. I don't know what come over me but I got goofy! (Which I needed) I got to slapping my hand on my chest saying... Dum Dum Dummmmmmmmmmm Dum ta Dum! He turned RED! Looked around because the store was crowed and said real loud, I don't know this lady she is lost and helping her find her way out of the store! I couldn't help my self, I didn't it again. LOL! Then he got to acting goofy with me. Aron also has been learning guitar and played for everybody at momma's. Which I was strutting around like a proud momma. My brothers couldn't believe how good is doing and he just started in September. Oh, the pecan pie with Karo (light corn syrup) was the best pie, but the brown sugar was still good.
Okay, some Holiday recipes:

Southern Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 T margarine- melted
2 eggs
2 T flour
1 tbs vanilla
1 cup Karo (light corn syrup or if your prefer dark corn syrup)
1 cup pecans
Pastry pie shell
Mix eggs well then add sugar, margarine, eggs, flour, vanilla and Karo. Blend very good and add pecans. pour in pie dish. Cook 30-35 mins @ 375 degrees.

Pecan Pie w/brown sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 T flour
2 T milk
2 eggs
1 tbs vanilla
1/2 margarine - melted
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and the other ingredients in another then blend well and pour in pie shell. (Instead of doing it this way I do it the same as the recipe above) Cook 375 degrees for 30-35 mins

Crock Pot Dressing
Ingredients:
You can use a whole chicken (mom prefers 3-4 chicken breast)
Large onion
6 eggs
1 cup milk or as needed
salt and pepper to taste
1 can chicken broth (I rather use my own, just keep adding water to broth to keep making more till you have all you need.)
4-5 celery chop
1 stick butter
7 cup corn meal
1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning.
1 can cream of chicken
4 pieces of loaf bread.

Put your chicken on to boil and when chicken is almost done add celery, onion and 3 eggs. When it comes to another good boil, turn off, put on lid and sit to the side.(Should let sit 20 minutes or longer to make sure eggs get done.) You can go ahead and take out chicken to cool if done)
While your chicken is cooking make up your corn bread with corn meal, butter, 3 eggs and milk. (My momma prefers using cast iron skillet, I do too for regular corn bread , but for dressing I use a cake pan because it is so much of it.)
When corn bread is done crumble up in big bowl and pour some broth over. Put a lid over it and let it sit for a bit to soak up. (This is when I would add water to what broth I have to make more) Then pour the rest of broth that is needed to make it. If you don't need all of broth spoon out onions and celery. Add cream of chicken and loaf bread. When you get the mixture to the right Constancy that you want add chicken cut up and chopped boiled eggs. Pour into large crock pot and cook 3 hours.
Hope you Enjoy!

Today's Rmambelings

I went to momma's yesterday and cleaned her house and did a lot of the prep work on what she will cook today. I came home and made some potato salad, a pecan pie, and sweet potatoes. I copied the wrong pecan pie recipe, I think momma did it on purpose because she likes brown sugar. She called me today and told me to go a head and cook the pecan pie with Karo. I guess we are going to see which way is better. I can tell you right now my family is gonna like the one with Karo, but they could prove me wrong. LOL! I bet both will taste good it just depends if you prefer Karo or brown sugar. It's no biggie, we was gonna need 2 pies anyways. I'll be leaving for mom's in about 45 minutes, so I thought while the other pie cooked I would sit down and do my blog. I had a little mix left after making the pie and didn't want to waste it. So, I made up biscuit dough and rolled it real thin. Put it in a muffin pan and filled the dough with the mix off the pecan pie, then closed the top off. I'll let yall know if this works or not either tonight when I get back or if its too late I'll let ya know when I post in the morning.
Either tonight or in the morning (more than likely in the morning) I'm going to post some of my holiday recipes. Don't have time right now. Momma and I found a new recipe for crock pot dressing. Even thou I don't care for dressing this taste good. Plus I like the idea of having your oven free. I know that Thanksgiving day is over but if you like you can try some of these recipes at Christmas.
I really hope yall have a Wonderful day!
Toodles!

Maw's yesterday

Gosh! I really hate it happened and probably knew it would way down, but I just love going to Maw's. Maybe I was just hoping nothing would happen, but it did. Aron and I got down Maw's and I went in and helped a little to finish up. Things were going well. As some of you may know My brother in law's wife from HELL! I knew she would be there and I really try to stay away from her, but I can't keep the kids from Maw. She kept giving me little digs, but I ignored them and since I heard her and my niece Samantha (Sam) (the one that I keep her kids all the time and drives me up the wall) say they were going to my brother in law's house after they eat I felt that the day would be fine. Boy!, was I ever wrong. Sam Mc Had been at my house while I was at the church doing plates and when I got home I decided to upload the kids school pictures I had got in the mail that day. When I did I found a picture of her in her bra and panties. Her Uncle Dan hit the roof! So, he told maw maw (his mom -the one that raised her and the one she lives with now-the one that raises her kids now)So, after all the men went back hunting Sam Mc came back to Maw's and maw maw got on to her. Well, I was in the van smoking, because it was too cold to stand out side, when she came up and jumped all down my throat and threatened to whoop me. I was on the phone wishing one of my brothers a Happy Thanksgiving since I don't see my family on that day. I called Dan Dan then he calls his mom. Mom goes down to David's house to take care of her. I thought everything might be okay, but had told my kids that if Sam Mc came back out there to start something we were going home. I should have fixed us a plate and hugged Maw and left right then, but the kids wanted to play. Not even 30 minutes later the lady from HELL and Sam Mc came back with the lady's from Hell lap top. Shoving it my face asking me which one of those pictures was on my computer. I told Sam not to get all up in my cheerios and got up and left! I left all my stuff there, but got my kids! I called Dan Dan and told him I was not baby sitting for Sam any more and she is NOT allowed back at MY HOUSE! The kids and I can't even go to Maw's and enjoy everybody, This happens every time. I hate to keep the kids from maws Christmas and maw maw Irene's Christmas, but Sam Mc and the lady from HELL will be there. I have done so much for Sam and she can be so mean! I have tried to forgive the Lady from HELL, but she makes it soooooooooooo hard! I'm still mad! Grap! I will be worried till Christmas! Why can't they just disappear, oh I mean leave me alone for them 2 days a year. If they was to do it anywhere else I could handle it, but not at Maw's. I'm not going to start nothing and get into it with them there. No Way! Maybe one week end we can down Maw's and visit before Christmas, but the Lady from HELL lives next door.
I can't seem to end this little rant and up set so I just need to stop! I need to go get a bath and go to my mom's. At least I know the Lady from HELL and Sam Mc wont be there!
Here's to better days!

Happy Thanksgiving

I know a few Fun Mondays ago I posted about our traditions, but I'm gonna do it again today, but maybe a little different and add what I left out.
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving I make up 1-2 big things of dressing and some desserts to take to the church that Wednesday morning for we can make up plates to take to the elderly. I also make a small pan for the house that night and cook for Dan Dan and the kids. We don't usually do a Turkey that night since I don't like turkey, but we do sometimes. This past Tuesday I made a deer roast to go with the dressing. Kb & Aron made a cake. I'm a BAD momma because I didn't think to take a picture of it. It was so pretty. They did all the decorating their self with out my help. This is just our little Thanksgiving for us. Then on Wednesday I got up and finished cooking the 2 big dressings I had made to give out. We have done this the past 4-5 years. I usually stay at the church to cook the veggies and make up plates. The kids and a few adults go out and hand out plates to the elderly. We usually are able to hand out 60-80, but this year we made it to 104! We were proud of our self. We are just a small church of 70 on roll , but only 25-30 attend regularly. Probably 8-9 families.
Here's a few pictures:




The first picture is of all the kids that helped by putting desserts in the boxes and/or delivering them. The little girl in pink prising is KB and the boy in brown is my Aron.
The second one a real bad picture of me at the front of the line putting dressing and turkey on the plates.(Oh, by the way my hair is wet. That's why it looks so thin and what ever)
The 3rd picture is the 2 ladies next in line putting the veggies on the plate. Right behind them you can catch a little peek of our pastor's wife.
The 4th picture is KB and a new boy at the church building a big tower in the class room that my kids and I painted.
I thought they had got more pictures but didn't. That concludes what we do the day before Thanksgiving.
Today and every Thanksgiving day we go to Daniel's grandmother's house. (Maw's) We don't live, but 20 minutes away. But!, we (the kids and I mostly)don't get to see her but a few times a year. The kids and I go close to dinner then stay till almost bed time. Today KB went hunting with her daddy, so she will come to Maw's at dinner then stay the rest of the day playing with her cousins she don't see much. Aron don't really hunt and Josh will hunt all day except to take time to come and eat. I don't know how much she can do it or what we will do after she is gone, but Maw is almost 80 years old if not already. (Sorry can't remember) She starts the day before and cooks all that day and most of Thanksgiving day. She don't want help!, but we all bring a little something. She cooks 2 turkeys, 2 hams and gosh don't ask me how many veggies. And pies and pies and more pies! LOL! She has enough food that Dan Dan and the rest of the guys that hunt the rest of the week can come in and eat dinner everyday. Now that's a lot of food!
Okay! Friday I will go to my momma's and clean her house and help her do most of her cooking for us to have Thanksgiving at her House Saturday. We have almost lost momma the last 2 Christmas' and she is trying to get sick again. She really isn't able to do all the work that's why I go, but I still can't make her sit down and she don't want to have it at nobody Else's house. But hopefully with momma not working now she has more time to rest instead of pushing her self. That way she wont get as bad.
So, there you have it! Hope you and yours have a Wonderful & Blessed day!

Foil Hats

Yes, that's what I said, Foil Hats! My friend Amy over at http://www.thefoilhat.com/insidethefoilhatblog.htm aked her friends to make a foil hat. Here is her post....http://www.thefoilhat.com/insidethefoilhatblog.htm?blogentryid=2461888 also a few days later here is what she said....Foil Hat Alert
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007
Here is something you should all know. Foil Hats are real, it says so. More reason than ever to help me with my foil hat building contest.
I feel bad that it has took me so long, but I woke up this morning with foil hats on the brain. So, instead of starting right on my novel before everybody gets up I made foil hats. My husband asked me if I was worried about an alien invasion. I laughed and said nope! I'm doing this for Amy. He shook his head and walked out the door for work. Well, when my nephews got here I couldn't get them to try on my hats so I woke up KB. Bless her heart! So, here are my fiol Hats!






Okay, on the flat looking one I took a bowl got its shape then pressed the foil on the inside then I pressed the outside to make the rim.
Okay the one I call the Peter Pan hat which looks more like the sails on a boat. I just followed the instructions on making a Peter Pan hat.
Now the cone one, here is the instructions I got online, but didn't work as well as I thought.





So!, there you have it folks! My foil hats! Try it! I really fun!

10 more things to be thankful for

When I 1st planned to do this I could not figure out how to do a sticky post so I changed my mind to do it every 10 days in November, Since it has 30 days.
Here's my 1st 10:
#1 Jesus Christ dying on the cross for me.
#2 My mother
#3 My husband
#4 My children
#5 My Brothers
#6 My house
#7 My Pastor & Family
#8 My church
#9 All My friends here & in the cyber world.
#10 I have plenty of food to feed my children.
Here's my next 10:
#11 The stripes that Jesus took for me: By his stripes we are healed.
#12 My children are healthy
#13 I live in a Free country
#14 That I can home school my kids
#15 That God gives me the strength & courage to make it through each day
#16 My health
#17 For my (dog)Sammie, she is my protector and my joy
#18 Daniel's grandmother (Maw)
#19 My Uncle Buddy who is winning a battle of cancer
#20 My talent to cook

Now on the 30th I will give my next 10!
Until next time!
Hope you have a happy!

Fun Monday Picture

Click on the piture to be able to see better.

Here is my Fun Monday picture to go with My story below. This isn't the age or picture I was looking for but it will work. Here I was 6. The picture got damaged in our move here 8 years ago. But the picture I was looking for was when I was 9 when I told my brothers they were getting on my "LEFT" nerve. My step mom brought me the picture after my dad passed almost 2 years ago. I think my kids have done something with it. I hope not because I don't have a lot of pictures when we were at my daddy's. It'll pop up one day when I'm not looking.

Fun Monday " A trip down memory lane"

This week our host is Karisma @ http://karismaskids.blogspot.com/
Here's her assignment:
"I want you to take a trip down memory lane, and keep right on going, right back to your childhood. And I want to hear "THAT STORY". You remember the one? Yes, you do! The one your parents, siblings, extended family or friends, would never let you forget, live down or get over!"
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I have a few, but one that sticks out the most. My brothers were getting on my nerves and had me very flustered. I yelled at them, "You better stop it! You are getting on my LEFT nerve!"
To this day when I say, you are getting on my nerves or that's getting on my nerves, my family will ask; The left one? or The right One?
It wasn't funny then, but it is now. So there you go, my little trip down memory lane.
Some time Monday I'll try to get picture, but was unable today.

Kid's of today

I have read a few people's blogs lately where they have been talking about how the kid's of today are.
One was talking about how they don't remember their parents playing with them, but had satisfaction out of it. Plus how guilty they feel when they don't play with their own.
Another wrote how parents feed their kids fast type foods at supper while the parent eats separate. Also how kids don't use their imagination like we did as kids.
This is so sad but true. I know parents from the home school part and the non home school part that do this. Seems like this life as we live today is so fast that people don't have time for each other or their selves. I myself do not want to go back to the "Good Ole Days", but we do need balance.
The funny things is that my mom and I were talking about this the other day also. I have a few nieces that think they have to have the best cell phone, best clothes, the best this and the best that. But they aren't happy. I told my mom that she was just spoiled! Momma said that mine were too, but in a different way. My kids are spoiled to the attention they get. It's more important to them than material things. Don't get me wrong my kids have games, t.v., computer and such things. I limit it most of the time. When we get up we eat breakfast, take baths and brush our teeth. After that we do school, eat lunch then pitch in and do chores. Sometimes in the afternoon I go outside and play with them but not always. I sit down with each child and give them one on one with school work. Each night one of the kids help me with supper which contains 1 meat, 2-3 veggies, a bread and sometimes a dessert. (More on the meals in a min.) I show pride with each child on their level or interest. I do fall short at times because of life it self can be hard, but for the most part my kids are my world. They can go outside and use their imagination because when they were younger I took time even thou I worked then to show them how to use it or they may choose to play the games. I don't think I do everything perfect and I know I could do better in some parts of my life, but I do know I have gave my kids things that some of my niece and nephews have never got. I'm not trying to knock their parents, but sometimes a child just wants your undivided attention instead of gifts all the time.
Back to our meals.
I also was at a family gathering and someone said that they wished that their kids ate a lot of veggies like mine. Well, if you raise them to eat veggies that will eat it. I know some people that refuse to let their kids have sweets at all. I also know some that only feed their kids what their kids wants. We had a ladies gathering here from the church last Sunday and someone asked me why did I fix such a big meal. They also said I didn't have to spend that kind of money to get attention. I stopped them real fast! With what I fixed and everybody brought was about $20 and their was 13 people here. So, if you divide it up We fed everybody for a little over a $1. If we had drank tea and kool aid it would have been less than that. You really don't have to slave in the kitchen all day to have a decent meal. I plan all of our meals by the week. For supper it takes about an hour to do our whole meal. that's prep and cooking time. One child each night helps make the meal. I can't really explain our steps because it is according to the meal. Most of the time I put 2-3 veggies on fix the bread or the child fixes the bread up while I put the veggies on. Most of the time if we have a dessert the child fixes it while put the meat on. While ever thing is cooking we sit down and watch some TV while it finishes, unless we fry that night then I have to spend more time in the kitchen.
Yes, we fix most of our desserts. It really don't take but a minute to mix up a cake, cookie dough or rice crispy treats. And when you add up our meals we save money.
I guess what I'm tying to say is that we need to drop a few things now and then to give our kids some attention, but also teach them that momma and daddy need their time also. It all about balance! You can go to one extreme or the other, but what are we really teaching our kids and our they and we happy?!?
Just a little more food for thought!

writing my novel

I have felt for a few years I need to write a book, but keep putting it off. Till the other day I get a reminder about the National Novel Writing Month. It was the boost I needed. Only problem is that I had done signed up for the National Blogger Month. I also home school.So, if I don't come to your blog like I normally do, please don't get offended. Don't worry I will return! But, this book is real important to me, for reasons I can't say at this time. I do however try to come as much as I can and check out your blog especially if you visit mine, but if I miss you please don't get offended I'm just a little over booked in a good way for once.
Take care! & Hope you have a wonderful day.

Christmas Cookies (Recipes)

7 Layer Cookies
Makes 1 batch

From the kitchen of Jenifer Bush

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup shredded coconut
6 oz butterscotch chips
6 oz chocolate chips
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 cup walnuts


Melt 1 stick butter in a jelly roll pan. Spread in pan (in layers) - 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 6 oz of butterscotch chips and 6 oz. of chocolate chips. Drizzle one can of sweet condensed milk on top. Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts on top. Bake at 350 degress for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool - then cut into squares.

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Brownie Cookies

From the kitchen of Samantha Cooper

1 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup shortening


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13x9x2 inch pan. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt onto a sheet of waxed paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar with mixer for 1 minute. Add eggs and continuing mixing until well blended, about 2 minutes. Scrape sides if necessary. Turn to low speed on mixer and gradually add flour mixture. When ingredients are moistened add vanilla extract. Turn mixer on a medium speed and keep mixing for 1 more minute. Scrape sides if necessary. Turn off mixer. Stir in nuts (optional). Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan or wire rack.


**********************
Candy Cane Cookies

From the kitchen of Michelle Day



1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely crushed candy cane mixed with 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring


Mix all ingredients. Split dough into equal portions. Color one portion of the dough red. Refrigerate the dough long enough to be able to easily work with it. Break off one piece (approx. one teaspoon of each color) and roll by hand into four to five inch tubes. Twist the two pieces together and bend forming a candy cane. Sprinkle the top with the candy cane/sugar mixture. Be careful when removing from the cookie sheet, they will break easily. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes.

*********************
Fruit Cake Cookies
Makes 6 dozen

From the kitchen of Dora Grimm



1 pound margarine
1 pound brown sugar
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon milk
5 cups sifted flour
1 can flaked coconut
1 teaspoon soda
1 pound white raisins
1 pound nut meats
1 pound candied cherries
1 pound candied pineapple, diced


Measure 4 cups flour and mix with soda. Combine fruit, coconut and nuts and dredge with 1 cup sifted flour. Cream butter. Add sugar and cream together. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in flour. Stir fruit, coconut and nut mixture in cookie batter. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Michael W. Smith: Here I Am To Worship

I really Love this song and enjoy doing a drama to it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

My brothers, momma & I

Click on piture to get a better view.











This picture was took Easter 2006. We haven't changed much. I was looking at this picture the other day thinking how much we have changed since we were little except our closeness. The little skinny one next to me is my baby brother David (Da da) (sounds like day day) He will always be my baby and he will tell you so. LOL! The one behind me in the sorta green shirt is my Sam. He's the one I call my rock. People have said we could pass for twins. The cocky one behind momma is Mike. All I can say is he's my Mike! Dada has never been no bigger than nothing and he is as sweet as they come. I'm not just saying that because he's my brother, he really is one of a kind.He is a mixture of Sam & my personality and Mikes. I almost lost him 5-6 years ago because of some stupid heifer. She got pregnant with his baby then got all stoopid! She got on drugs, aborted his baby and hurt him real bad. Not only that, she kept calling him after she lost her job. She called him one night and asked him to bring him some cigarettes and a movie. Well, him being so soft hearted he did. Little did he know she had set him up. While he was sitting there watching a movie 10 guys walked in and beat him almost to death. She did have a little heart she picked him up and put him a car and pushed him out at the E.R. His face is almost all steel plates. But all that is behind us now and I still have my little bro. Sam is the oldest of momma's. Believe it or not him and me have never fought. I can't say that for any of my other brothers. I guess it's because we are so much a like. We both are most of the time happy go lucky and are the loudest of momma's 4. Now, we have disagreed, but never fought. I almost lost him a few years back also. He had a aneurysm. For almost a month he didn't know he was in this world. I stayed the whole month with him and boy!, what a trip! We hunted I don't know how many deer on his bed, looking for rabbits in the hall at 2 A.M. and so much other stuff that are funny now. I'm just thankful that he is completely back to his old self. The Dr. said that most die and he should have because of the amount of blood and all or they don't hardly become back to their self. Now, my brother Mike. He is the quite on and the most backward, but I love him just as much as the others. He's the one that when I'm going through a hard time he will drop by and will not admit that he is checking on me, but will give me little things that wouldn't mean much to anybody, but me. One year he came by and gave me a website wrote down on a sheet a paper. You would of thought he spent a lot of money on me. When Mike and I were young we fought like cats and dogs. Now we just walk off and let each other cool down. Now, my mom. When I was younger we had our battles, but now she is my best friend. I didn't say we didn't get on each other's nerves, but now we respect the other. I have almost lost my mom 3 times in the past 2 years and she always get really bad in December. I guess that's why I'm looking into my life with my brothers and mom. I'm just so thankful for them.
Now, I can't leave out my daddy's oldest living child, Rory. He is not pictured with us and it's not because my momma didn't invite him, but he was on the road. I almost lost him this year. I had to go to NC where he was in the hospital. Luckly we only stayed a week. He's doing some better, but if he don't get his Cholesterol down they may take his CDLs.
So, there you go. A little look into my life. We may not always have much, but at least we can say we have each other.

A Christmas craft.

We were talking here while back about traditions that we do. I had forgot about the Christmas ornaments we make every year. They are fun and smell really good. The plus side is if a small child does get it their mouth it wont hurt them. It may taste bad, but is not harmful.
Ingredients:
1- cup apple sauce
1- 4.5 oz jar ground cinnamon

Mix really well. If it is too soupy and not like a dough form add more cinnamon. Roll up into a ball then flatten. Get a roller and flatten out to about a half inch thick. Use any cookie cutter you like and cut them out. Lay them on a non stick cookie sheet. Cook @ 350 degrees about 20 -30 minutes. Before you cook them take a toothpick and make a hole just big enough to put a string through. When you get them out of oven check all the holes, but be careful not to crack them. Let them set over night, then hang them on a tree or share them with friends and family.
The ones that break or crack to bad I will sit around the house to give the house a fresh Christmas smell.
ENJOY!

My little poem

Lucy Lou didn't know what to do.
She lost her shoe.
She didn't have a clue.
What was she going to do.
Aw! There it is with Old Blue.

Mother May I Fun Monday

MOTHER MAY I
Now before we begin, here are the directions from "Mother Anni"--
You're to take 30 GIANT steps away from your computer. [my suggestion is to do this when you're in the house/apartment by yourself!! I did my homework already, to test my idea before suggesting it, and hubby was ready to commit me!! No really. Besides, we have the nearest loony bin on our speed dial!!]
- 30 GIANT STEPS - IN ANY direction. You may have to make a few turns and pivots so you won't run into any walls or such...don't want any injuries today! WARNING: Avoid any obstacles in the way- if there's a door...open it & continue, if there is a wall...pivot AROUND it. You may end up outdoors! Or perhaps if a small apartment....down the hallway....who knows?!! :::thinking::: "Oh gawd, if there's a pool at the end of your thirty steps, I sure as H E double L hope you can swim!!!!"
After the 30 giant steps, Stop!
TAKE A PHOTO AND/OR NOTE WHAT YOU'RE SEEING!!
Then, take 15 baby steps back.
After the 15 baby steps, Stop!
TAKE A PHOTO AND/OR NOTE WHAT YOU'RE SEEING
LOOK in any direction -to your right, left, up [more than likely, not down ---that'd be your feet!!]. What you see is what we get!!
Stop!
It's all about your first glance after the giant/baby steps!!! [You will have two photos/stories for us- the 30 giant steps then, the 15 baby steps going back]
Don't forget---ask "Mother may I"!!
Okay...go. Have some fun.
Oh, and to answer your "Mother may I?" Yes, YOU MAY!!
Wouldn't ya know my niece came and got the camera Friday, but thanks to my lovely computer I have old pitures of what I saw.
When I first got up I actually walked a complete circle.(Our house has a lot of room, just no storage. It was built in the 1400's and 8 years ago we stripped it down and rebuilt it from frame up.) When you leave my kitchen you walk in the hall, keep going straight your in the living room, then turn left your back in the kitchen. When I left the kitchen I didn't want to turn right because I would have been in the front bath or the boys room, which is a mess. Our bedroom and Kb's are right off the living room. So here it goes.....

That is our living room just befor you go into my bedroom. This pitcure was taken last year. So, the computer is not there any more. We have move the computer into the dinning area of the kitchen and made that part our class room. Which took me to my baby steps. It took me back to where I came.



That's my new location of my computer and my new one.
Isn't funny that my steps took me to both locations of my computer. LOL!
Thank You so much Hootin Annie for hosting this week. It was really fun!

Enjoy Your Freedom & God Bless Our Troops

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxhole s were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill. I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'

When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands,
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

I would personally like to thank all of my fellow veterans and all the active members who will someday be veterans! God bless you all.

Live and let live

When we live and let live, we don't need to criticize, judge, or condemn others. We have no need to control them or try and make them conform to our way of thinking. We let others live their own lives and we live ours.

This simple slogan helps center us on our own dual recovery and on living our own life in the best way we know how. Live and let live is one of the keys to peace in our lives. When we practice tolerance in our lives we are liberated to work on our own issues. When we use this slogan we end many of the conflicts in our lives and gain the ability to stop new ones before they build into big ones.

How to be Thankful

Do you take many things in your life for granted? By looking at the world a little differently, you just might realize how much you have to be thankful for. Here's how to stop and smell the roses.

Steps
Pay attention to the people around you. You will find that everybody has something to worry or complain about, not just you. It's easy to focus on those who seem to have it all, but you never know what's going on inside. They might look happy, but they might be miserable as well. Don't look at others and think "I should have it like they do." Look at those who aren't as fortunate as you are and take note of blessed you are. Count your blessings. If it helps, consider volunteering or start a relationship with someone who is not as fortunate and find small or gradual ways to help them.
Practice acceptance. Stop dwelling on how things should be, what could've been, and what you don't have. Recognize what you do have--whether you like it or not, it's yours to keep or to change. Accepting your lot in life is not about resigning yourself to unhappiness. It's about not wasting time wishing for what you don't have.
Become a problem solver. Use your lemons to make lemonade. Get in the habit of asking yourself how you can turn the negative into a positive. The most successful people in life, and those who have the most to be grateful for, are also those who've endured tremendous trials and managed to persevere and turn it all around.
Learn to see hardship as a chance to develop character. Imagine yourself looking back ten years from now and recounting your difficult circumstances, and being proud of how you handled it and worked through it.
Develop a gratitude journal. It's pretty simple. At the end of every day, write down five things that have made you happy or appreciative that day; not necessarily big things, even small ones count.
For example: 1) nice weather, 2) being thanked by a customer at work, 3) my pet, 4) having people who love me, 5) a funny joke or a song you like.
Take joy in the small things. Blow bubbles. Walk the dog. Get lost in the park. Goof off or watch a funny movie and have a good laugh. Life's treasures are the small pleasures; give thanks for each small gift you receive!



Tips
Avoid negative people whose social interaction consists of comparing their lives and competing for who has it worse.
Volunteering to help those in need will help put things in perspective.



Warnings
Variation is a part of life; seasons, day and night, hilltops and valleys, light and darkness.
No matter how positive and thankful you are, remember that life will always have its ups and downs. You're going to have to take the good with the bad.

On November 10th....

I have 10 things to be Thankful for.
#1 Jesus Christ dying on the cross for me.
#2 My mother
#3 My husband
#4 My children
#5 My Brothers
#6 My house
#7 My Pastor & Family
#8 My church
#9 All My friends here & in the cyber world.
#10 I have plenty of food to feed my children.

This being the month of Thanksgiving I will be listing things to be thankful for every so many days.

Rating my Blogs (2)

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:

death (6x) murder (1x)
><

This is from my kate's kate's place which is where I put my own personal Bible study and I got a PG Rating. These come right from the Bible.



Here's my rating from Kitten's Home School:

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:
kill (1x)

?

Regular Mom & Dawn @ Day by day Home schooling done this own their blog and made some good points, so I decided to do both of my blogs. That's awful! To get into some kind of Home School Award that has people that think they are Holier than thou and my blog that is straight from the Bible got a worse Rating. I don't need or want their award or to be a part of that kind of group, it just don't make since.
I know that some will have a field day with post and try to tear it to shreds.
Just remember this is my blog and I can say what I want to. And If I don't like what you say here I can delete your post from here.
So, Please no BASHING!

Autumn Poem

Funny quotes

Always forgive your enemies - Nothing annoys them so much.

If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

I used to have an open mind but my brains kept falling out.

I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.

Do you have trouble making up your mind? Well, yes or no?

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

Many people quit looking for work when they find a job.

When I'm not in my right mind, my left mind gets pretty crowded.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

You know the speed of light, so what's the speed of dark?

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need more.(Friend or Money !)

Death is hereditary.

There are three sides to any argument: your side, my side and the right side.

An consultant is someone who takes a subject you understand and makes it sound confusing.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Cheer up, the worst is yet to come.

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Everyone makes mistakes. The trick is to make mistakes when nobody is looking.

They say hard work never hurts anybody, but why take the chance.

Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

I like work. It fascinates me. I sit and look at it for hours.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Where there's a will, there are five hundred relatives.

Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.

Go check out tea mouse's blog

Tea Mouse was nice enough to have a contest here while back and Dawn @ http://coloursofdawn.wordpress.com/ won a whole year of dish cloths. I thought it would be really nice if we did something for her. Go here: http://teatimeramblings.blogspot.com/2007/11/annes-november-contest.html (You'll have to copy and paste) follow the link and vote for her. She does beautiful work and I think it would be really nice for us do her a favor in return of her kindness. So, what are your waiting for? Go! And don't drool all over your key board when you get there and see her work!
Thank ya! & Hope you have a happy!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Dawn won!

Here is my UGLY towels!






I'm so glad Dawn won the contest at http://teatimeramblings.blogspot.com/. TeaMouse at Tea Time Ramblings is having a runner up. I didn't pull for my self at 1st, I pulled for Dawn. But now that TeaMouse is having a runner up, I'm asking you to go vote for me if you will.
Thanks!
I need a nap! Can't come up with nothing exciting. Maybe later.

Sleep Study

Well, as most of ya can tell I came home early from my sleep study. Yes, that means I have sleep apnea and will have to go back December 6th to get my machine fixed for me and do the day time study for my narcolepsy. Now I just got use to this machine. He said that my over all stop breathing was not that bad. He said that it was only during REM sleep when I was at my worse. He said I would stop breathing up 40 times in an hour. He said he could tell by my REM sleep that I have narcolepsy, which I didn't understand, but would have to get my sleep apnea under control before he can treat the narcolepsy. I know that there people who have worse sleep apnea than me, but the Dr. was concerned over my REM sleep. He said I dreamed a lot! I guess I have something else to study for I can understand.
I can't help that I'm way. Every time something pops up that I don't understand I dig and dig till I do.

Tuesday

I probably wont be on tomorrow, but will try and come do a post to keep my end of the bargain. I was suppose to have a sleep study Thursday and have to stay till 5 pm the next day, but they called and asked me to come tonight. I have narcolepsy and they feel that I have 2 more sleep problems adding up that's why I'm having a flare up with my problems.

Take care!

Blake Shelton - Some Beach

Aint life like this song some times. You wanna cuss, but you think of some where else so pretty to keep you from cussing or breaking someone's neck. HA!~ Here you go Heather K. It will be okay!

Easy recipes

This week I'm gonna post some easy recipes that don't take long. So, if any one would like to share, please do. ( It's for a friend)
Cowboy Casserole:
4-5 potatoes cut up in cubes and boil (Some like to peel their potatoes, but I like mine on) Salt and pepper to taste while cooking.
While taters are cooking brown and scramble 1 lb of hamburger meat(season to taste while cooking). Drain grease and set aside till taters are done. When taters are done drain water off and put in a big casserole dish. Then put hamburger meat on top of potatoes. Open 3 cans of pork & beans and add with 1 can dice tomatoes, then put on top of hamburger meat.
Put in oven @ 400 degree for 20 mins.
Enjoy!
Ps. Sometimes we just eat that as a meal because you have beans, potatoes and meat. Maybe with roll, corn bread or your bread of choice. Sometimes I cook corn on the side. (MY Kids Love corn.)

An add on to Fun Monday

I was so caught up in helping get Deborah some recipes That I forgot to add some traditions. When Dan Dan I got married we made some traditions of our own to start with the kids.
Thanksgiving & Christmas
About 2 weeks before Thanksgiving we start making all different kinds of candy & cookies.
We mail them to friends or give them to people.
We dip pretzels in chocolate
We put peanut butter on Ritz crackers and dip in choc
We make Chocolate oatmeal cookies
Recipe:
1 cup sugar
1 tbs CO CO
1 stick butter
1/cup milk
Mix and boil 1 minute
remove from heat
Add 1/2 cup peanut butter &
3 cups oat meal
Mix well and drop on wax paper. Use a tbs to drop the cookies.
There are a bunch other candies and cookies we make but can't think of them right now or find the recipes.

Christmas
#1 We go and cut down a fresh tree. The whole family is involved on that.
#2 We put small and big candy canes on the tree. From the day we put it up, which is usually the weekend after Thanksgiving, we eat the small ones and on Christmas day we get our big ones.
As I think of more I may add later.

Holiday Fun Monday

Our host this week is Deborah at http://blog.humblehousewife.com/
Here is her assignment:
With the holidays coming up I thought it would be fun to get an insight into holiday traditions in peoples homes. I want you to share a tradition, event, recipe or quirk that you or your family does or aspires to do during the holidays, whether those holidays be Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, or whatever you celebrate! Given that this is a food blog I am especially interested in recipes, but anything will do! Pictures are a plus! Bonus points for Thanksgiving, as I need all the help I can get with that one - as this year my American mother-in-law, brother's girlfriend and her mother are coming!!!
I guess here we do Traditional Southern Thanksgiving and Christmas. We go to my mom's the Sunday before both Holiday or on the 27th Day of November. They reason we do it like this that we can be with both family's with out rushing. Also, the reason we do it on the 27th if we can't the Sunday before is my birthday.
When we go to my mom's house I fix chicken and dressing because I hate turkey. (You know a Turkey is not going to eat another Turkey. LOL!)
Here is what I take to momma's and some of the recipes from my momma's:
Tatar Salad
Biol 6-7 peeled and cubed potatoes
Just before your potatoes are done put 3-4 eggs boil.
When eggs are done (About 20-30 minutes) sit the eggs in cold water.
Drain the water off the potatoes then add
1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup mustard, 2-3 tablespoons of pickles, 1 small chopped onion
Mix really well with a spoon, then chop up eggs and salt and pepper to taste.
(You also may want to add or take away on mustard, mayo, and pickles. I'm just guessing because I don't measure by cups, just by taste and look.)
(Some like it warm and some like it cooled over night)
Chicken & Dressing
I cook a cake pan 11 x 13 full of corn bread the day before.( How I make corn bread): In cake pan I melt 2 tbl spoons of butter and 2 tbl of oil, put in oven 400 degrees till hot and melted. In a big mixing bowl I put corn meal and add milk till a little soupy. When butter and oil are melted mix in with corn meal and milk, then pour in pan till brown.)
Boil 4 leg quarters (make sure you keep plenty water in the chicken for broth) Salt and pepper your leg quarters while boiling. Just before chicken is done put 4 eggs in to boil, about 20 - 30 minutes. when chicken and eggs are done set aside to cool.
In a big mixing bowl put in about 1/2 of the corn bread and some broth. Also add 3-4 chopped celery, 1 chopped onion, 1 can of cream of chicken, a little season all, a little poultry season and keep adding more broth and corn bread. Make it a little soupy. when you got it seasoned to taste add your chicken ( De boned, de skinned and cut into small pieces) also chop your eggs and add to dressing. Put in oven and cook till brown and set. Over at 400 degrees about an hour.
I go to momma's and help her cook mashed potatoes, peas, beans, rolls and deviled eggs. We also have ham & turkey, because I don't like turkey.
Our deserts:
On Thanksgiving momma cooks a chocolate cake with homemade chocolate icing for my birthday.
Icing:
add 3 cups powder sugar, 2/3 cocoa, 1 stick melted butter, 1/2 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix well with mixer.
Peanut Butter Yummies
1 box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 stick butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup (8oz) semi sweet chocolate chips
Mix cake, butter, egg and peanut butter in bowl. Pour 2/3 of mixture into 9X13 baking pan. Melt chocolate chips (you can microwave then, use a boiler or what ever is best for you)When melted pour over cake mixture, then put the rest of cake mixture on top. (if you like you can pour 1/2 then of melted chips, then cake mixture then the rest of the melted chips) Put in pre heated oven of 350 degrees and cook 20-30 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Easy Chocolate Lover's Cheese pie
Ingredients:
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (12 oz package) Hershey's mini chips-semi-sweet chocolate, divided
1 extra- serving- size packaged graham cracker crumb crust (9 oz)
2 tablespoons whipping cream
prep time: 15 minutes
bake time: 40 minutes
(1) Heat oven to 450 degrees
(2) Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with mixer until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir in 1 2/3 cups small chocolate chips; pour into crust.
(3) Bake 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 250 degrees; continue baking 30 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven to wire rack. Cool completely. Cover; refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
(4) Place remaining 1/3 cup chips and whipping cream in small bowl. Microwave at High for 20 - 30 seconds or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Cool slightly; spread over top of cheese pie. Refrigerate 15 minutes or until topping set.
We also make sweet potato pie and pecan pie. Can't find my recipes at this time. I'll try and add them this week.

One big tradition that is on my husband's side is all the men go hunting together on Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are talking 15 - 20 guys!

Not one but two Awards

I'm just about lost for words. Okay you can stop laughing now, but I am about lost for words. Let me see who should go 1st. mmmmmmmmmmm, I guess the one who sent it 1st.

My 1st award.

1st I would like to thank Heather k. from http://minimemoirsofmine.blogspot.com/ for awarding this to me. I'm not sure of how "Wonder"full I am, but it does make me feel good. To me she is the Wonder Woman.
As I'm siting her thinking back about watching Wonder Women on TV, I can remember thinking how cool it would have those cuff lings she wore. To reflect off all the bad people had done to me. Now looking back and looking at my life now I do have them cuff lings. It's from Ephesians 6:16 "the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." I always thought my mom had the stare of truth instead of a lasso, because all she would have to do is give me that look and I would break. I still do till this day. I have that same stare with my oldest, but the other 2 try momma and that's when I do have to put a lasso on the and squeeze the truth out at times. As far as her jet, that would be nice to have! That way I wouldn't get a speeding ticket seeing that I'm always in a hurry. My kids say that all I need is my flying licence because I already fly. But if I had an invisible jet I couldn't get caught and I would be in the sky so, I would not have to worry about the slow pokes and wrecks.
Like I said I don't know how "wonder"full I am, but I can say that I have more confidence in myself now than I had 6 months ago. I have come a long way, so I guess you can say I'm a Wonder Woman in the making. To my kids I am their Super Hero! I do home work without flinching, clean house in a single bond, cook their supper almost every night and still have time to help others. I would like to know what kind of hairspray Wonder Woman used thou.
Now it's my time to pass this award to women that I think are Wonder Women.
1st I would pick Dawn @ http://coloursofdawn.wordpress.com/ This lady inspires me. She stays so busy yet so organized. I have come to know her really well over the last few months and sometimes when I read her blog all I can say is "WOW"
2nd I would pick hsing3kinder ( ) @ http://of-five.blogspot.com/ I love her art. She is a very inspiring person. I was fortunate enough to have her as my secret pal through TDJ. ( I home schooling board that I'm proud to be a part of) I'm not just picking her because she spoiled me, but because I think she is a wonderful person and I have really enjoyed getting to know her.
#3 I would like to pick Amy @ http://www.thefoilhat.com/insidethefoilhatblog.htm I also met this wonderful lady at TDJ. She has always been a wonderful person. I love reading her blog and having all boys. When I get down at time trying to home school and I jump over at her blog and she make me feel so much better.
There a few others out there that I think are wonderful themselves. Some of them already have this award, but you can't forget that I have a 2nd award.
Okay! To my 2nd award.

I would like to thank Dawn @ http://coloursofdawn.wordpress.com/ She said some nice things about me. Here is her quote: Katie from Kitten’s Homeschool: I started visiting back and forth with Katie late in the summer. She had a totally different upbringing than I, and her life is so different as well. We have grown to know each other through blogging, comments and emails. Katie is positive and posts often and is encouraging in her comments back.
It has really nice to get to know her also. As I said above, she is a inspiring person.
The designer of this award gave it out to 10 people with this in mind: “I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement.”

Here is my 10.
1- Heather K. http://minimemoirsofmine.blogspot.com/ Not because she gave me award, but she does make me smile. I have to say that we are there for each other when needing a lift.
2- Holly from http://hollysjoy.blogspot.com/ It has been so nice to meet this fine lady. She is always saying nice things about my bog and I have to say I like reading her blog and her ventures of her little boy and their home schooling. When you look at her picture, you can see the joy she has in her life.
3- Lisa @ http://becauseimthemamathatswhy.blogspot.com/ She is a real funny lady and she told me to "Shut Up" LOL! That's a joke between me and her. I like going to her blog and always enjoy her insight when she visits me.
4- Gailv @ http://hsalacarte.blogspot.com/ She always has something sweet to say. And a plus, she likes to sew also. I enjoy reading her blog and hearing what she has to say at TDJ.
5- fourmother @ http://fourmother.blogspot.com/ I like hearing her advice and she always seems to have it together.
6- Katherine @ http://ourreportcard.blogspot.com/ This lady is very bright and is not afraid to tell it as she sees it. I met her in person and I wished it was under different circumstances, but she was there for me in my time of need. She also is one of the people that has helped me over these last few months to overcome a few things.
7- Regular mom @ http://regularmom.wordpress.com/ Not only do I love her giant frog head, but I love reading her blog. She is a very uplifting person.
8- Not Jenny @ http://prairieknitwit.blogspot.com/She is always so full of joy and nice things to say. She had her baby not to long ago at home. The not to long after pictures she looked really good and still had a smile on her face. Gosh! I wished I had looked that good after having a baby!
9- Wendy @ http://zenwitchmommy.blogspot.com/ She is a mom new to the home schooling world. Sometimes she may not seem she so confident, but I think she does a wonderful job. She is a lady that respects the person and not what their beliefs are. To me that says a lot about the person. See, we both have completely different beliefs, but we respect that in each other. She doesn't judge you of your belief, but of what kind of person you act like.
10- but not least. Dawn @ http://daybydayhsing.blogspot.com/ She also another home schooling mom that I enjoy looking into their day of their adventure of home schooling. She has a very positive out look and always tell it like it is.
There are more wonderful people out there that I would like to give this award to,but could only choose 10. Hopefully I will see this award up on your blog soon from some of these wonderful ladies.

Check out my Guestbook!

I will keep this at the top of my blog for about a month or so to give everyone that will, time to sign my guest book. To read my other post go below this one.
Thank You!

A stroll in the woods.

Gosh! It was so beautiful this morning.
My middle child went bow hunting with his daddy yesterday afternoon. He shot a doe and it got dark before they could find it. This morning my hubby asked me if I wanted to ride with them to see we could find it. I don't like going hunting with my husband because he stays so long, but today I knew we wasn't going to stay more an hour or two, because him and Josh were leaving for squirrel camp around 11 AM. So, I went to get out of the house and I just love taking a walk in the woods. It was cool and crisp out there this morning, just idea for a walk. After walking around checking out the beauty of the woods, uh! I mean looking for the deer, the arrow or both. I sat down on a log and just rested and enjoyed the peace.
I wished sometimes we had been able to find some land out in the country for we would have some woods to venture off in. I haven't done that in a long time. I really enjoyed my little walk and really needed it to. Gosh! What Peace and beauty!
Needless to say we didn't find any sign of the deer or the bow.

Our fun night!

Last night was a lot of fun. We went to the church as usual and had games, food, hay ride and fun. The good thing is my kids were big enough I wasn't completely bound down with kids. However my "niece" was there and she tried to put her kids off on me while see went and had fun with the games and hay ride. My hubby walked up to her and told her that I wasn't going to be bound down with her kids, that she spread her legs and had them so, deal with it. I was really shocked, but relieved. I got to go on my 1st hay ride ever. Gosh! I had a blast! Me and my big mouth sang all kind of songs and got everybody stirred up. Just the relieve of not being bound down with someone else's kids was wonderful!
I was not able to make KB a cheer leader outfit, which was almost a bummer, but luckily I was able to find someone that had one. That in it self made a good night!
Hope you all had a fun & safe night.