A little catch of what's happening in my world, Part 1

I have missed so much with all my friends in the last few months and so much has happened here. Not sure where to start.
KB has really improved on her reading! We still have a ways to go, but we seem to be on the right path. We have been using Evan Moor. (www.evanmoor.com) With Dyslexia it is hard sometimes to find what works and what do not. Luckily, we seem to be on the right path. She is even sitting around writing songs. After she writes them, I go over all the spelling and grammar errors and let her rewrite it. Over the past week or two, she is having fewer errors.
KB has also decided to play softball instead of tennis. She wants to see which one fits her best. She has also joined the choir at the church we have been visiting since we left ours. Her joining the choir has been a very big power booster for her. The girls clubs she is in has also been great for her. I am letting her go to summer camp with the girls club and to a Jamboree with the choir this month.
As far as the church goes, I think we did the right thing. I never thought of myself of going to a BIG church, but it sure has been what is working for us. I did write a 15-page letter to my pastor and his wife and let all that garbage go. It still hurts like a divorce, but it is getting better over time. I still feel a little out of place at our new church, but it is working great for the kids and I have learned a lot in the last few months there. I have forgiven and let go the hurt from the other church, but I also still miss it. I do not see us going back, but maybe in due time we may visit.
In the next few days, I will be writing a little insight of each of the kids and how they are doing. Plus a little catch up on me.
Hugs to all!
You never know how much someone means to you till you are unable to be around them.

Law Of The Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car
jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi
driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other
car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his
head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just
smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I
asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my
taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They
run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and
full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and
sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their
garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the
streets. The bottom line is that successful people do not let
garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to
wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people
who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

See my new BABY!

I just love it. I hate that I had to be off line for a bit to get it, but sometimes it just happens that way. Not much has changed here. Still taking care of momma, so my computer time is still very limited. Plus with 3 kids it's hard to get on the computer. Mom is doing okay, but not as good as I would like. She has been having problems with her mental status. Her Dr done a bunch of routine test and found nothing, so she will send us to a specialist to find the underlined problem. I think she is getting dementia from prolong oxygen loss, but not sure how to deal with it. So, hopefully the specialist will help me in that area.
Enough of me. I can't wait till I have time to come and visit all of you. I have missed out on soooo much!
If I have time later on tonight I will come and visit.
Double hugs to all~

I'm back!!!!

Don't have much time to write at this time, but will be back here tomorrow to catch up on all you~~~
HUGS to ALL! I sure have missed yall bunches~~~
Love
Kitten

Just a little hello~

Just thought I would drop in a few lines to say hello! I have missed all of you very much! It does look like I'll have to wait till mid Feburary till I get a new computer. Ami, thank you for your letter. It really made me feel good to hear from everyone! Yes, a hand written letter is a lot like a Hug or Hand shake. I'll except it as a hug from you. I'm still going to rewrite you because I have something to tell you that will make you giggle, but just haven't had the time.
karisma, sweety I haven't forgot about you! Thank you bunches for my gifts. I love the scarf! I loved it all, but the scarf has come in handy!
Hugs to all!
Hope to see yall soon!

My computer died

SundY and I'm not sure how long it will be till I can get another one.. More than likely February. Ami, I got my package!!!! Thank you so very much. Sorry I can't put it up on the web, but my computer died! I will try to use my brother's computer from time to time, but more than likely it wont be much.
Hugs to all & Merry Christmas!!!!
PS. Ami, you are a doll! You just made 2 girls very happy!!!!

Just a few days till Christmas!

Oh My Gees! It's only 5 days till Christmas! I haven't even started any of my Christmas candy or cookies. I haven't even made any spice tea! Maybe later on today KB & I will go to momma's and start making some. Here are a few recipes for your Holiday Cheer!




CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
2 c. peanut butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 stick butter
3 c. Rice Krispies

Mix well. Make into small balls. Chill thoroughly.
In top of double boiler melt:

1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1/8 cake paraffin

Easy Chocolate Fudge
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.)Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 can (14 oz.) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

LINE 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil.

COMBINE morsels and sweetened condensed milk in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Warm over lowest possible heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in nuts and vanilla extract.

SPREAD evenly into prepared baking pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

Pretzel Turtles
INGREDIENTS
20 small mini pretzels
20 chocolate covered caramel candies
20 pecan halves

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Arrange the pretzels in a single layer on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Place one chocolate covered caramel candy on each pretzel.
Bake for 4 minutes. While the candy is warm, press a pecan half onto each candy covered pretzel. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Divinity Recipe
2 2/3 C. sugar
2/3 C. light corn syrup
1/2 C. water
2 egg whites
1 t. vanilla
2/3 C. coarsely chopped nut

Cook sugar, corn syrup and water (use 1 tablespoon less water on humid days) in 2-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, to 260° F. on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball that holds its shape but is pliable.

Beat egg whites in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Continue beating while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites, beating constantly on medium speed. (For best results, use electric stand mixer, not a portable handheld mixer since beating time is about 10 minutes and mixture is thick.) Add vanilla. Beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. (Mixture may become too stiff for mixer.) Gently stir in nuts.

Drop mixture from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature at least 12 hours, turning candies over once, until candies feel firm. Store in airtight container.

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.

Candy Cane Cookies
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.
****************
Hope you enjoy some of my recipes. I can't find the spice tea recipe at this time, but I will try and share later.
Hope you all have a Wonderful Week end!


(Click links for a little country Christmas music)
Christmas In Dixie
Leroy The Redneck Reindeer

A quick run down of my week.

When momma got put in the hospital almost everyone in our family got sick with sotra the same mess. Dan & the kids; Sam, his wife, kids & grandkids; My Mike & David. Same thing happened last February, all them got the Flu, but me. I have been staying with mom since she got home till 8 AM -7or 9 PM because everybody was sick. We found out that her meds were part of the reason for her mind. Her antibiotic was reacting to one of her breathing meds making it stronger. I kept asking if it was this one med, but everybody told me I was wrong and I didn't know that the antibiotics could do that to it. Turns out that all my research was headed in the right direction. I carried her back to the DR Monday for her 2 week check up from the hospital. They wanted her finish her antibiotics and hope she didn't have another flare up, but this time of year is so hard.
I don't cry often and I don't mad easy. If I do get mad I'm usually over it after I have been a sleep. Friday I woke up with PMS or something! I was on an emotional roller coaster! Mostly crying a drop of a hat, but hit me just right and I would take your eyes out with even blinking. I have no idea, except maybe it was a sign I was getting sick. I haven't had major PMS in a long time. I'm trying my hardest to deal with my state of mind when momma called our EX pastor's wife and told her she wanted to clear the air before she past. To my surprise, I had been accused of a lot more. She even told mom she was welcome back and when momma told her she couldn't without me; she told momma that she was sorry she felt that way. Oh, this so much hurt and I cried! I did a good job of hiding it from mom. If her mind wasn't so cloudy or whatever she would have noticed. To make a long story short, it felt good to have a good cry and LET IT GO! Plus, I guess I was getting sick. Just when I thought it had passed me I was wrong. I woke Saturday feeling bad, but thought it was from crying. Sunday I couldn't stop sneezing, but we had a great BD for JB. I have a picture of his cake I made below, but camera died before I could get any more.
I had to go to the DR Monday because I had a fever. I hope I didn't re-infect momma in all this. My niece was really sweet she took care of momma today to let me rest. Maybe I'll have more time later this week to blog and visit! I am feeling better thank you!






"The secret of getting started is breaking
your complex, overwhelming tasks into
small manageable tasks, and then
starting on the first one."
- Mark Twain
Gosh! I need to listen to this one and apply it!

Happy 14th Birthday JB!!!!

"Happy Birthday Day" my JB! I may not like your kind of music, but that is okay. Momma is dedicating this song to you! I Love you!

Dear John,

You are the lowest form of the male species I know. I was not going to give you the pleasure of letting you know how big of a Jack Ass you are, but you finally pissed in my cheerios! You are a poor excuse for a human live form going around people's blogs and leaving your advertisement there. You’re even a bigger coward making your blog private for people can't come and ask you to leave them alone. You must be a lonely sick person going from blog to blog that has word verification. I'm not asking, I'm telling you to leave me and my friends alone!!!!!

A Lovely Award

Ami got this award the other day. She didn't name anyone out, but said that the one's that know she loves them could have the award. Well, I know Ami loves me. We have been dear friends for over 4 years and she has gave me 2 lovely buttons on my side bar. They are hand drawn I might add. I love her bunches also! Thanks girl!
I'm going to be like AMI and not name just one person. If you comment here or I comment on your blog and you haven't received this from anyone else, please feel free to take. I just can't think to leave out anyone and as soon as I start naming blogs I know I will, plus for the sake of time. I'm gone to check in on momma, but I will be back to visit all you later!
Take care and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Update on me & some more Christmas Cheer

Today is better. I didn't get much rest yesterday, but I did make a big dent in the house. That in itself makes me feel better and I really needed the break. I felt bad about not going to momma's yesterday, but Rocker Dude and Da Da was there. They couldn't give her a bath, but they were there for other things she needed. I'm going to call her Dr in the morning and see if they will explain things to me.
I'm still torn between putting KB back in school or not next year. Rocker Dude will go to ICC to get college credits as a high school student. It will be just KB here, but taking care of momma I’m not able to any extras with her. All we have done this year is the basics; no co op, field trips or anything else fun. She is missing out on hanging out with kids her age, even though she isn't complaining, it still bothers me. Who knows, next year maybe completely different and we can do more. KB sort of wants to back to school, but that is just because of friends. She doesn’t want to go back and get picked on again like she did her 1st 3 years. I know everything happens for a reason and things will work out, but I still can't help but to worry over it.

Elvis Presley I'll Be Home For Christmas

oh holy night mariah carey

Elvis Presley-Silver Bells

Little Drummer Boy

Holiday Cheer

Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas

Jingle Bells

Pretty Paper Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson White Christmas

amy grant - winter wonderland

Joy To The World

Christmas Shoes (by: Newsong)

Mary Did You Know

I'm not going to lie, this week has been very hard. I really don't what's going on with mom's mind. She will act childish or funny then she will snap out of it. She realizes this is happening, but she can't control it and it bothers her. I feel like sitting down crying, but don't have the time. Maybe if I understood what was going on I could handle it better, but I don't know. That's my momma. I'm sorry to dump a load here, but I had to get some of it out.
Hope you enjoy your Christmas songs and hope they bring some Joy to you.

A little Holiday fun

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 80%

Your Christmas spirit is almost as big as Christmas itself. Christmas is definitely your thing. You celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm. You love every minute of the holidays. Your Christmas spirit is inspiring to everyone who runs into you during the holidays. You make everyone's day just a little bit brighter. And that's what the holidays are all about!

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree

Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents. From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

I won and another give a way!

Guess what? I won this over at Heather k's Blog and she is having another give a way! Aint she the sweetest! The name of her give a way is Give Away Day Hurray!
Don't be shy, go on over at Heather's and check it out!
Good Luck!!!!!! :)
HURRY because it ends on the 4th!

Mom is home & a night with KB!

Momma came home from the hospital yesterday. The Dr said she had the H-Flu. (H flu is among the most common cause of ear infections and sinus infections. These bacteria can cause many other types of infections including septic arthritis, pneumonia, meningitis, and conjunctivitis. Haemophilus influenzae (H flu) are common bacteria that cause a wide variety of infections) It's not the virus, but bacteria.
Momma is feeling much better. I had to sit at the hospital 6 hours yesterday waiting for her discharge, then took her home and got her settled. After getting her home I went and got her medicines. I rushed home to get supper started, and then I walked KB up town for she could see the parade. The boys didn't want to go, but I couldn't let her miss out just because they think they are too grown. LOL! (They just think!) We missed the first minutes, but really enjoyed the rest. Last year the boys walked her up there because I was sick and the year before it was so lame! I had said I wasn't going back, but I was glad I took her last night. It was really enjoyable and having that little time with her was great! KB is growing up so fast! I haven’t got to do a lot of things with her as I would like this year because of momma, but I guess it is in the little things that count.
KB & I are going to make a few home made Christmas gifts this year. Since my sewing machine is broke I guess I better get my creative juices flowing. LOL! We have one idea, but I bet she will want to do more.
Not sure how much computer time I will have this week since momma is home, but I promise to get around and visit as soon as I can.
Hope You have a Happy!
PS. I forgot to take our camera, so pictures of the parade. I sure wished I did though.

"For every failure, there's an alternative course
of action. You just have to find it. When you
come to a roadblock, take a detour."
- Mary Kay Ash

Holiday Meme

Ami tagged me for this meme. I pasted a blank copy of this at the end for it will be easy on you like Ami did for me and others she tagged. Isn't she just the sweetest!
I'm not going to tag anyone since Ami and I have so many of the same people on our Blog list, but if you would like to play just leave me a note for I can come and visit your meme.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper. You can always find
it on sale for hardly nothing at the
end of Christmas.

2. Real tree or Artificial?
Real! I love that smell!

3. When do you put up the tree?
We try to get it up by the 1st of
December and no later than the 2nd week.

4. When do you take the tree down?
New Years Day

5. Do you like eggnog? NO!!!!!!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Roller Skates! They were the best even
though I got a new pair every year!
That's what I wanted!

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Mmmmmm? Can't think of anyone.

8. Easiest person to buy for?
My kids! They are so easy to please.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Not any more, but when my mom passes
I will have 3. That sounds bad,
but that subject is hard on my mind
and I can't shake it since she has
almost died the last 4 winters.
Around Christmas till March.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Both! I have a few Internet friends
that I don't know their home address
so, I e mail them.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
A box of giant Cracker Jacks from my dad.
My older brothers got weights, Da Da got Hot Wheels
and my step sister got a fur coat. I don't know why!
I do know that my dad and I were able to make mends
before he passed.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Christmas Shoes

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I am usually done by know, but I really don't
want to talk about Christmas this year.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
No.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Fudge, peanut butter balls and divinity

16. What decorations are on your tree?
Mostly things the kids and I have made
or someone has gave us. I have a few
things I bought a few years ago on a
close out.

17. Favorite Christmas song?
Pretty Paper Willie Nelson
I have a few more, but that one
sticks out the most.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?
All of our family lives here in Pontotoc.
We go to Dan's mom's house and my mom's house
on Christmas Eve. We get up early here and let
the kids open here, then we go to Maws for the day.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid,
Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

20. Angel on top of tree or star?
We have used both.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
It is too commercialized! No jobs.

23 What theme or color are you using when you decorate?
I really don't have theme or color. I like having the
smell of Orange and cinnamon all around the house.
The real stuff not the fake smells.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Ham, Lima beans, Potato salad, sweet potato casserole,
and fruit salad. The rest of my family think they need
turkey and dressing. I know there are a few more things
we fix but I can't think of them at this time.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I want my mom to be able to enjoy her kids,
grand kids and great grand kids. I also want my kids
to have a great Christmas.

*****************************************
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

2. Real tree or Artificial?

3. When do you put up the tree?

4. When do you take the tree down?

5. Do you like eggnog?

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

7. Hardest person to buy for?

8. Easiest person to buy for?

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

16. What decorations are on your tree?

17. Favorite Christmas song?

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

20. Angel on top of tree or star?

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

23 What theme or color are you using when you decorate?

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

A little review on my Thanksgiving.

This year was a lot less stressful than usual, which was wonderful! (To make things clear, we call Dan's mother “mom” and my mother “momma.”) Here is the run down…
We go to Dan’s grandmother’s (maw) on Thanksgiving Day every year and to my mom’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It has always worked out this way because my mom was a nurse and she had to work the Holidays. After my mom got sick and no longer able to work we decided to keep it on the same days for it would be easier on everyone. The past few years I had got to the point where I hated going to maws and started showing up later and later. It wasn’t because of maw, mom, or anybody else in Dan’s family it was because his oldest brother’s wife. If you recall last year she made my life miserable and started a bunch of mess! This lady had been a THORN in my side for a little over 10 years! I was a little late this year showing up for maw’s Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t because of her. I didn’t even think about her. I was worried about my momma. I had been trying to get her to go into the hospital all week, but she was afraid she would miss my birthday. So, the day of my birthday when I got there she decided that since she got to see me she would allow my little brother take her. I helped her get a bath and packed her clothes. She insisted I go to maws and enjoy myself, so I went. Everything thing was unusually quite and peaceful at maws, but I didn’t realize what it was till after everyone left except KB, mom & myself. Maw, mom, KB & I were cleaning up the kitchen and mom turned around to maw and said, “Aren’t you glad Miss Witch isn’t here!” I then realized that the thorn wasn’t there. It was the most pleasing visit in years! That was a birthday present in itself!
My brothers and I decided to have Thanksgiving at mom’s house if she got to come home or not because that’s all she wanted; was for her kids to be together. I cleaned momma’s house Friday and my little brother, 2 of my nieces; KB and I pitch in and got everything ready. My oldest niece had to have emergency surgery Wednesday to have her gall bladder taken out so, she wasn’t able to do much. Everything went smoother than normal which scared me a bit, but at the end no big surprises. All that could, helped Da Da and me clean up when it was over. It still wasn’t the same without momma, but I’m glad to know we can still have a chance of having gatherings when she passes. I’m not hoping for that anytime soon. To me some families fall apart when the parents die.
To me this was the best Thanksgiving in a long time and a very relaxed one also. Hopefully momma can come home Monday and we will plan another dinner that she will be at. Now I know all of us kids can put it together and all she has to do is sit back and enjoy her family.
So, to sum it all up; I had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and I hope you had the same.

A little Fun

Rod Stewart- You're in my Heart (I have song this to my children their whole life)

Pholph's Scrabble Generator My Scrabble© Score is: 31. What is your score? Get it here.

Your Personality Profile

You are nurturing, kind, and lucky. Like mother nature, you want to help everyone. You are good at keeping secrets and tend to be secretive. A seeker of harmony, you are a natural peacemaker. You are good natured and people enjoy your company. You put people at ease and make them feel at home with you.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

You Are Romanticism

You are likely to see the world as it should be, not as it is. You prefer to celebrate the great things people do... not the horrors they're capable of. For you, there is nothing more inspiring than a great hero. You believe that great art reflects the artist's imagination and true ideals.

What Art Movement Are You?

Inspirational Quotes

"Always make a total effort,
even when the odds are against you."
- Arnold Palmer

"Enthusiasm spells the difference between
mediocrity and accomplishment."
- Norman Vincent Peale

"Most folks are about as happy as
they make up their minds to be."
- Abraham Lincoln

Hope you have a wonderful week end!
I'll post of our Thanksgiving Monday if able!