Nearing the End..Part 1

Not the end of the world....but the end of 2009. I can hardly believe it. It's been a year of so many emotions for me, which is probably subconsiously one of the reasons I stopped blogging for a season. It has been hard for me to put into words some of the things I've been through this year. That and the fact I didn't figure any of you would really be too interested in hearing about it.

But one thing I have missed by not blogging the last 6 months is being able to go back and read a recap of my life....which is important to me. I think I was my own biggest bloggy fan. I loved going back and reading past post. Seeing what my life was like on paper...and reliving the good parts in my mind...and the bad.

So, my friends, I am going to take the next week or so and (for myself) try to remember the things that have taken place in our lives in the months passed, and the things that have made an impact on my life. This blog, in it's own way, has taken the place of a book journal for me. Shame on me, for letting it go. Read if you like, or just pass on by, it you'd rather, but at least I can feel like I've done what I set out to do when I joined the blog world.

I checked back to see where I had left off posting "informative" stories of my life, and it appears that the last thing of any essence that I talked about was our trip to the lake. According to my windows photo gallery, it seems the rest of the month of July held a 4th of July celebration with my church family, a visit with my friend, a week sponsoring Little Ann and other little chickadees at church camp, and a rocking chair redo.

Remember this? Believe it or not, I think we have accomplished everything on the list. It looks much better.

With August came our Vacation Bible School with the setting in Rome this year. We had a good time as always.

And, of course, the first day of school. The 6th grade for my Little Ann.

and Freshman year in college for my Big Dan.

It wasn't as bad as I thought because he chose a local University that allowed him to commute instead of moving off into a dormitory. Of course, his first day was much too hectic for him to stop and let me take pictures, so I had to do the next best thing. The first semester is now over, and I strongly suggest anyone that has a "soon to be" college student. Let them start the classes first before buying books. We spent $700 on these books and several of them, he never even used. 1st college lesson learned.

Til next time.......

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Hi guys. I guess it's true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder. I've missed you guys. True, I have been able to keep up with many of you via facebook, which is my favorite time consumer, but sometimes, it's not the same as blogging. I can't seem to fit all my thoughts, feelings and emotions into that tiny little status bar. Nor would the facebook world want to hear about it all. I may get booed offstage. However, I've been tossing the idea around of coming back and joining you. Maybe not as often as before, but maybe I'll chime in a little more often than I have since the summer. Maybe, I still have some readers out there somewhere? Anyone out there?

And maybe I should get myself re-establshed a little before I poll you on this, but time is running out and I am really confused about the right thing to do. Who of you are planning to vaccinate either yourselves or your children against H1N1? The school will be having a mass flu clinic on Dec 1st and 2nd, and I truly have some mixed emotions about the flu shot and especially the H1N1 vaccine. Are you going to do it? Please tell me why or why not. And what if your immune system were a little weakend by a 10 day run with the varicella virus? My Little Ann has been out of school since last Monday with the worst case of Chicken Pox I think I have ever seen. I thought it was never going to end.

Looking forward to seeing how many of you are still out there, and even more anxious to hear your comments on the vaccine! I've missed you!

A Quick Hello

Wow. Seems like I've been away forever. Hmmm..well, since July. I guess that is practically forever.

I still log in to my blog because I still like to read several of the blogs on my blogroll. I admit, I don't comment much....and I know that doesn't seem fair as when I was blogging frequently, I longed for comments. That was one thing that just made me smile on a cloudy day. A comment. I don't comment much though for a couple of different reasons. One..I am usually lying in my bed when I am reading and it's very difficult to type while lying down...and the other being that while not contributing to the blog world by posting, it's almost like I don't feel worthy of commenting. Like I have to visit in secret. I'm weird...I know.

I have missed you all though. Seems though things are very busy. School and my substituting is back in full swing. Lots of sickness and they are keeping my phone hot. Big Dan seems to be doing well in college. Right now though, I would be hard pressed to find blog topics that don't involve some whining....and we all know those are not what we are interested in. I just wanted to say hi.

It's Fall. I love Fall. Happy Fall Ya'll.
Scrapper Mom

To Blog or Not to Blog...That is the Question

I just visited my blog. Something I haven't done in quite some time. I noticed I had one post for the entire month of July. It seems I have lost that loving feeling. The one that lasted a year, but is having trouble finding it's way back.

I've become so overtaken with life, and seem to spend way more time on my facebook. And although I have felt overhwelmingly guilty for forsaking my blog friends, it's not been enough. I have considered shutting her down altogether several times, but then again, that seems so final. Not sure I wanna do that either. I'd miss you too much.

Maybe I'll just say goodbye for a season. Can I come back, if I should have a change of heart?

I can be a little indecisive at times.

My Week of Proud Moments

I know I haven't blogged in almost a full 7 days. Shame on me. I was told by a reader recently that he (yes, I have a few male readers) get's tired of going to my page to find the same post as I'm sure others of you do as well. Oops! Maybe since summer is right around the corner, I will have more time to dedicate to the blog world again.

I have big plans for this summer. I hope to get lots of scrapbooking done, watch a little more baseball (American Legion), go on a mission trip and a couple of family outings, and of course attempt to be a more faithful blogger.

For the rest of this week, (if I can figure out how to get some video on here), I plan to share a few of my recent proud moments with you. It has been a crazy, emotional few weeks and I've got lots of things to tell you about.

Proud Moment number 1 - is yea for me...I just noticed that I have been blogging almost a year and I am posting number 207. Wow.. who would have thought I would have so much to say. haha.. (no need to comment on that, Pete)

I will be back with more proud moments (and I promise that was the only one regarding me!)

Oh yeah!! How could I forget? How about those Bachelors last night on "The Bachelorette"? I'm excited to get to blog about some reality tv again!!

Deep Thoughts and a Tradgedy

I'm coming up on my 200th post. Wow. That's amazing that I have kept going this long. I keep thinking about what I could do that would be really cool and exciting, but I got nothing.

nada.

zilch.

My brain has been in this funky state for awhile. I keep trying to think of fun things to blog about, but in all honesty, I feel like you guys are getting tired of baseball and right now that seems to be all we are doing. We ended the season as Conference Champs, District Champs, Regional Champs and will be playing in the State Tournament this weekend. You know I'll have pictures coming soon!!

I guess I could talk about the fact that my baby birdie is getting ready to leave the nest. Yep..we are in our official last week of high school and it is sort of bittersweet. I am sad because I want him to be little again. I long to stop the clock. I don't want him to leave. Sometimes I feel like I won't survive when my children are gone. That they are my everything and without them I will just be bobbling along through the rest of my life without a purpose. Motherhood is a wonderful thing...yes it is..even if I have to shake the occassional desire to "run away from home".

The tears flowed last Friday as I sat at the school during a period with no students. I looked out the window at a sidewalk that Big Dan has walked a many a mile on. I visualized him coming into my room (my kids always do this when I sub), asking for money or lunch from the store because the cafeteria was serving something not so desirable. I could see him jumping on the backs of his friends, or yelling across the way at the principal making a spectacle of himself as he so often does. He's a friendly guy. A loud, silly, loving life teenager. And as hard as it may be, I know this chapter in his life....one of many...has to come to an end.

And that's not all a bad thing.

I think about how much of a burden off me it will be to not have that homework to fret over. Wondering if he really got it done because it never seemed to make it home. Or that paper, project or scrapbook that loomed over us until the night before it was due. It will be nice to not feel the need to check the locker for lost jackets and missing jeans each time I substitue. To not cringe each time my phone rings and the caller id tells me it is the high school or wonder what kind of show he put on this time whenever all the teacher wants to do is say hello. Nope, no more parent-teacher conferences that cause me an anxiety attack the entire week before and no more wondering what kind of bill I'm going to get during the summer for lost text books, or locks that somehow never made it through the year in one piece or even turned in at all.

oh, who am I kidding. I'm gonna miss it all. The good and the bad.

Time goes by so fast. I know in just a few short years, I will be processing these same thoughts with Little Ann. Cherish each moment with your children, because the days are gone before you know it.

And I've said this before, none of us have the assurance of tomorrow. Just yesterday a lady in our little community pulled right out in front of a log truck on our highway. It was awful. She passed away, and her grandson, who is a 2nd grader at our little school, is at Children's hospital in critical condition. It has been a sad day and my heart is breaking for this family. He is such an adorable little boy. I am asking for your prayers for him and his family. He and his older brother are near the ages of my nephew's. They are friends and play baseball together. It is hard for little children to understand why things like this happen sometimes.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Pretty Please??? Just To Make My Day...

Hey guys. It doesn't hardly seem like I've been blogging just shy of a year now. I love it and am so glad I started...for different reasons.

I know I have fallen into a pattern of not posting every day though, mainly because of baseball season and just life in general. I keep wondering if I will lose (am losing) readers, especially on days where I only get one or two comments.

So, give a girl a reason to smile....if you read faithfully, leave me a comment. Or if you just lurk, then PLEASE leave me a comment. To settle my curiousity. I would LOVE to know you are there and will continue to visit even when I become a slacker. No incentives or giveaways....just because you love me! (you do, don't you?)

Bad, Bad Blogger

Ok. So I'm sorry. I've been a bad blogger lately. My husband reminded me that it's been over a week. What's wrong with me? Could it be that my emotions have been running wild again and I didn't figure you wanted another whiny post? Could it be that my girl has been sick with a whole different ailment this time? Could it be that my church has been in revival all week and that both my days and nights have been cram packed with things to do, places to go and people to see? Or could it be that I just absolutely, for the life of me, can't think of one single thing to blog about?

But! I'll be back, I promise.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.

You Think I'm Obsessive?

I'm sorry. I know you guys are probably beginning to think by now I am truly obsessive compulsive. After days and hours spent working on this blog layout, I just can't get happy. I even purchased those tabs and header from the shabby shoppe and loved them, but without really knowing what I was doing, I couldn't use them without a white background which really bugged me.

I've got so much on my plate throughout the next month with 4 or more basball games per week, bible study, revival, a consignment sale in the big city, a spa party, Little Ann's birthday, a long overdue promised room makeover during Spring Break....and the list goes on. I guess I will just have to settle until I find some time to either learn how to compose my own or get someone to help me. Until then, just bear with me.

It is officially one hour until the big finale of The Bachelor!! We'll see how this pans out and I may be back later tonight for one last venting session. lol.

Still Not Pleased

Well, would you believe I actually paid for this header and tabs, and I'm still not pleased with the blog layout. I wish I knew how to do things in html so I could do whatever I wanted. At this point I am about to pull my stinking hair out. Has anyone ever downloaded things from the Shabby Shoppe? Let me know. I have some questions for you.

I have even considered shelling out some big bucks and hiring a blog makeover.. but unfortunately my husband and Dave Ramsey would be very disappointed in the frivolousness of it all. (But only my blog friends can understand how important it really is!)

I am disappointed that I only received 2 comments on my sports photography post. I was really hoping there was somebody smarter out there than me that could answer my question. Maybe I got you off track by changing everything up. If you didn't read it, check it out.

This has been a cold, dreary and extremely rainy Friday. Big Dan's ballgame got canceled because of the water everywhere. My baby girl (aka Little Ann) is sick. She is running fever and missed school today so don't know what this weekend will hold for me, but I hope you have a good one.

Pardon This Generic Template

As of now (Friday night), this blog is still under construction. (Yeah, seems I don't have anything better to do on this cold, rainy, Friday night).. So, go have your night on the town and I'll be here diligently working!
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Not sure what I want to do yet...

Facebook Randomness

I love Facebook. I really do. But sometimes, it gets kind of crazy with so many people "poking" you, sending you smiles, plants, and trying to get you to join this cause and that. And really, that's not a bad thing cause I like smiles and causes and all that stuff.

Lately, there has been this "random things about me" meme (I guess you call it) floating around on facebook and believe it or not, I actually thought of 25...I mean 27 random things about me. I even surprised myself. I started and the thoughts just kept coming. haha. So, since I have several of you blog friends that are not my facebook friends, I thought I would include you in the fun. And feel free to do this yourself even if you're not on facebook, because really, you might just find out your not as boring as you think you are.

RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME!!!

1. I was saved and baptized when I was 8 years old.

2. I have always had a fear of changing lanes and heavy traffic. I drove in the big city by myself for the first time this past year and it was so liberating.

3. I have small feet. (The smallest thing on my body probably, lol.)

4. One of my very first jobs was checking groceries at Piggly Wiggly and it was a blast.

5. I became a stay at home mom when my daughter was 3 mos old and never regretted it once.

6. My husband and I married after only knowing each other a mere 6 months.

7. My hair is naturally red. I have only colored it once in my life and it turned maroon!! Not good. I have had highlights 3 times (and I kinda like them). It is full of wave and annoying cowlicks in which I disguised with a perm most of my teenage life. Luckily short, sassy, wild styles are what's in now!

8. When I get to choose what we eat when dining out, I usually choose Mexican.

9. I've been to Disney World 3 times in my life. Once at age 14 with my mom, dad and brother. Once with my Senior classmates, and once with my immediate family and sis/bro in law when Katie turned 7. She celebrated with Cinderella. I could go back a hundred times.

10. I can't stand to hear someone take the Lord's name in vain.

11. I sleep with an electric blanket year round, and would be happy if my thermostat was on 80 all the time.

12. I have driving issues. I once got a speeding ticket in Stephens, AR going 85 in a school zone. I got another ticket for rolling through a stop sign earlier that same year (college days). When I was in high school, I ran in the ditch during heavy fog, and once backed into the telephone service man's truck sitting in my driveway. I have run out of gas, and knocked my passenger side mirror off my car on someone's mailbox. I can't think of anything I've done lately, except cut people off (and the current scratch from getting too close to my own mailbox). I think my son has taken after me. BEWARE!

13. I have never been too far from home, but I went on a mission trip this year to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and got to see Mt. Rushmore before returning home.

14. I lie down with my daughter every night at bedtime and wish she still twisted my hair.

15. I have always had a big behind and have been off and on yo-yo diets since my first pregnancy.

16. I am chronically late and no matter what I do, I can't change it.

17. I really like to scrapbook and have all kinds of gadgets, but can never seem to find the time to drag it all out anymore.

18. I don't have very much patience and I yell alot.

19. I once lit a cigarette at the wrong end and that was a sure sign I wasn't destined to be a smoker.

20. I hate things that require much thought and often get my friends to figure things out for me. (ie. owners manuals, directions, homework...)

21. I read the entire bible over a 3 year period.

22. When I substitute, the kids at school think I have OCD because I have an obsession with sweeping the floor and keeping the desks in line.

23. I frequently leave my flat iron on and my husband is afraid I am going to burn the house down.

24. I have a terrible memory and often rely on friends and family to jog my memory and tell me stories.

25. I was 10 days overdue with the birth of my first child and put in the hospital on bed rest due to preeclampsia.

(WOW!!! This wasn't so hard...I even thought of 3 more!!)

26. I used to own my own business. It was a children's resale shop and I did great business.

27. My teeth were straight until I lost my retainer about a month after I had it.

27. I have fussed at my son the last 18 years of his life for his grades, his attitude, his room, his inability to keep up with things, and his driving....but the truth is....he's just like me!

I want to know more about you too, so let me know if you do this!

I Wanna Play

Ok. I will admit, this has been a rather hectic week for me. I've worked alot at our High School, and trying to fit in some of my New Year's Resolutions in my spare time has been challenging. I must say, it's left a little to be desired in the blogging department this week...(except on TV night, of course. lol)

I've been doing some surfing as time allows and I've seen the 25 fact meme going around on facebook. The truth is, I'm not all that exciting. I often refer to myself as simple and thinking of 25 interesting things to say about me has seemed rather intimidating. However, I noticed a couple of blogs that actually had QUESTIONS that I could just answer, so I decided to play along afterall.

Here Goes.............


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No, but my mother originally wanted to name me Lorraine. (don't know why). I had an uncle that loved the name Terri so he helped make the final decision. (don't know why there either.)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Last night actually. That's really not a big deal, though. I like to cry. It's therapy.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No. I do almost 100% of my scrapbook journaling on computer because my handwriting just bugs me.

4. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I don't really like lunch meat, but I do love holiday ham.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes...a son (18) and a daughter (10)

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes. I think so. I am pretty outgoing, talkative and consider myself fun to be around. I'm also loyal.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Ummmm. Maybe just a little. In all reality though, I HATE sarcasm...and I am married to the most sarcastic person around. (Sorry, honey. I have to be honest here.)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Nope. I had them out over Christmas break my freshman year in college. I was 18 and I swear it was worse than childbirth!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Absolutely not. I am so far from the daredevil.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I love cereal and I could eat it for dinner every night if I didn't have a family and wasn't on a diet. I think my favorite 3 would have to be Cookie Crisps, Frosted Mini Wheats and Capn' Crunch (and I don't even like peanut butter much).

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No, but I don't normally wear shoes with laces.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Oreo

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Usually their haircut or I compare butt/thigh size to my own. (vain, I know, lol.)

15. RED OR PINK?
Probably pink, since I'm a redhead.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My nose and cellulite.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My son since he went from home alot to never.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Of course.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Dark denim jeans and I just removed my black heeled boots after a long day at school.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Disney channel.com on the other computer.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Turquoise. I don't have any idea. What a weird question.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
I love the cinnamon smells or warm apple pie scents.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My husband like 5 minutes ago.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I copied it from Rae and yes, I absolutely love that chick!!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Don't watch sports on TV, but love, love, love watching my kids play basketball, baseball and softball.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Red, of course. Actually it is technically called "Strawberry Blond" lol.

28. EYE COLOR
Green.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope, I need them and tried them, but am allergic to all solutions.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Mexican

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Chick Flicks with happy endings all the way.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Indiana Jones. (Believe me, it wasn't by choice. Hubby had it on while he was riding the bike and I hopped on the treadmill. It wasn't that bad.)

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Grey.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
I don't like either of these. I am more a Spring/Fall kind.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Love hugs, but like kisses too!

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Don't know. Feel free!

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
No clue.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Breaking Free by Beth Moore (believe it or not)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Sponge Bob.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The News.

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
Rain on a Sunday afternoon.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Rolling Stones if I don't have to look at them.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
South Dakota

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I play the piano and organ and I like to sing.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Jefferson County, Arkansas

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's!

48. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
The Prison. (No, we weren't IN there. We WORKED there. haha!!)

Feel free to join the fun even if you have to be a copy cat like me!!

My Top Five...

Here in no particular order are my top 5 reasons for not blogging faithfully. And really, they're great reasons, so that means it's all good, right?





And yes, I am reading a book. I know, it's a miracle. But sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

I'm sorry to my faithful readers. Maybe my brain will eventually re-join the rest of my body. At least I didn't do like this girl and tell you that "my dog ate my computer". Although I do have plenty of dogs. (which need a good home by the way.....)

Because I don't ever remember anything...

I love how everyone on my blog roll is reminiscing over the past events of their 2008. I've enjoyed reading the ones I've read so far and plan on catching up with the rest of them soon. I especially loved how this blogger even linked back into her favorite and most memorable blog entries. If I had any kind of imagination, I would've thought of that first.

Although this past year has been filled with it's ups and it's downs for sure, I can't pinpoint the most memorable things as some of you have done. You can read some of my profound thoughts here. I'm sure I've said before, I have a terrible memory and that is one of the greatest reasons I am so glad I started blogging. I have always been a journaler..(is that a word, really?) I have enjoyed keeping the day's events and my thoughts on paper, and love going back and reading what I wrote. I am so thankful I have done this even if there was I time I didn't do it faithfully. If it weren't for my past journals and now my blog, I absolutely wouldn't remember anything.

I just want to take this time to wish everyone a wonderful and very happy New Year. May we continue to grow in our bloggy friendships and say and do lots more things I probably won't remember, but will love at the time!!

Nothing but my Reality Check

I've been in a slight "blogging funk"...if you will...the last couple of days. I think my body and brain are both just exhausted, and I just can't think of anything to say.

It has been rather busy over the holiday break. I just realized tonight while walking down the aisles of the grocery store that the break was almost over. Time passes so quickly. Although Big Dan hasn't been home much (except when it was time to rack up..lol), I have so enjoyed spending this time with Little Ann. We have done lots of shopping, visiting friends, and we've watched lots of movies together.

It currently looks like a tornado hit my bedroom. Last night we blew up an air mattress so Little Ann could sleep in my floor. Her daddy was home and she wanted to sleep near me. Pete wanted to know how long that was going to last, and I assured him only during what was left of Christmas break. I just laughed to myself when I saw him stumble over 3 American Girl dolls in a make shift bed right beside her and about 10 stuffed animals in my floor. It definitely didn't leave much room for walking. As frustrating as her messes are sometimes, I know one day I will look around and wish for something to clean up.

Speaking of Little Ann.....although this has nothing to do with anything, she just came in here and told me she wishes I would have named her "Alice". Don't know what that's all about.

I had a little reality check tonight. One of my best scrapbooking friends' daughter had a baby today , but not only that... Pete's mamaw had back surgery. I love babies. I guess maybe I could've had 6 or 7 and been happy, but I guess God knew what would be best for me. When I was pregnant with Little Ann, I often questioned myself. I wondered how I could possibly love my new daughter with as much love as I had for my son. Did I actually have enough to go around? Oh, I did. It's still hard to understand how a mother can have so much love in her heart...and it just never goes away, no matter how many "I hate you's" she hears.

After visiting with my friend and swaddling that precious newborn baby girl, we moved up to the next floor to visit Pete's mamaw. She will be 88 in March and is in the hospital for back surgery because she fell off a ladder. A ladder people. Why would you climb a ladder if you were 88? But nothing much gets this woman down. It's unbelievable how good she still looks and acts at her age. As I looked at her petite 95 pound body lying there, I wondered just how many more years of life she actually had in her. And just as my friend's new baby was entering into this world....I know it won't be very many more years before she will be leaving...because that's what we do. We are born into this world, and then we leave it.

So many things are swimming around in my head right now. I mean what if I am drawing closer to my time of leaving. Really, none of us have the assurance of tomorrow.

James 4:14 - Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.

So what is my life? How will I spend my 2009? What will remain the same? What will I change? What will I do for God who brought me in to this world and can just as easily take me out? I know that despite conflicts in my marriage, unloving words spouted off to my children, bad decisions I continue to make, whatever it may be dragging me down... that ultimately my happiness lies within myself. I know that my life will be just exactly what I make it.

Christmas Reflections

This will probably be my last post until after Christmas. I've been contemplating this post for a while now, thinking of just exactly what I wanted to say and what pictures I wanted to include. I'm not sure if it will come together just like I have it pictured or not, but I'm gonna try. Have I ever mentioned that I absolutely love blogging? There is just something so liberating about it. Whether I have readers or even commenters, I blog as much for myself, I think, as I do for you. It makes me dig deep inside my soul to bring out who I am. It forces me to remember things I have tucked away, and things that I have so much trouble remembering as I approach the age of 40. It brings me to old albums to search for just the right picture for the post I am preparing....and I could go on and on. And I have met so many wonderful people in the process. Thank you for continuing to be a faithful follower. I can only hope I will develop more friendships in the future as I continue my blogging endeavor.

Today, for myself, I want to reflect back on some of my most memorable Christmases. Starting with what I am assuming to be 1973 or 74 or something like that. Bear with me on these old photos. I've had to scan them while inside the album and there is some discoloring. (Did I mention being close to 40??)

I don't remember much about this Christmas, but I do love looking at how pretty my mother dressed me. And I got so tickled at how far her Christmas tree decorating has come over the past years.

This next photo must have come sometime after 1975. I'm assuming I was around 6 and my brother 2. Little Ann thinks Santa looks corny. I agree he does need somewhat of a makeover.

I love looking at our nappy heads every Christmas morning. And did anybody else have one of those Fisher Price hospitals? Remember the dinging elevator? You can't see here, but I was missing a few front teeth in some of the other photos from this morning. I must've been singing "All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth".

Let's fast forward a few years. Eventually, I did grow up. I graduated high school and moved into my own apartment in my college town. This is where I had my first taste of independence in so many ways. I remember how all I really wanted to be was a mother. I was always so afraid the rapture would occur before I had that opportunity. Little did I know what being a mother would behold for me, but I knew it would be special. I loved to play house...even in college and dreamed of what kind of wife I would make when that time came. I remember being so excited to go buy my own tree....(even though it was the cheapest one Walmart had at the time) and the limbs highly resembled the toilet brush I had in my bathroom. I was so proud of my table setting. Pretty good for 18 years old, huh?

Fast forward another couple of years when motherhood became a reality (a little earlier than expected), but I love this picture.

And I love this boy and wouldn't have had it any other way.

And this precious boy is now 18 years old himself, but I don't think he's too much into setting tables for the holidays.

My husband came into the picture when Big Dan was almost 3. He moved himself right out of his bachelor pad with a stereo and a big electric skillet into a home Big Dan and I already occupied. We didn't have much money then...(haha and still don't), but we lived on love. This is our first Christmas together along with Big Dan, my brother and his girlfriend (which is now his wife).

We'll move forward another 5 years to December 1998 which was Little Ann's first Christmas. Where Big Dan was an October baby and only 2 months old for his first, she was 9 months old and very, very busy. We had sold our little house in preparation for a bigger one where Little Ann could have her own room. We were renting a itty bitty one bedroom house while we built with a living room so tiny, I only had room for 1/2 a tree. Yes, 1/2 a tree. The front half in front of the window. It worked pretty well until Little Ann decided to pull it over. She has always been a little mischevious. Pete had to tie it to the wall with fishing line to keep her under control. That was a small house, and we were cooped up in it together for over 12 months, but we had some great times there.

In October of 1999, we were able to move into our new home where we've spent many more Christmases together and made lots of memories.

I love looking back at what the kids received and the smiles on their faces...nappy heads and all.

And although time has continued to pass me by, the memories will continue to linger and new ones will be made. Here is to a wonderful holiday season. May the Lord richly bless you in the new year. Please remember that He truly is the reason for this wonderful season.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Is it Friday Yet?

So, I stayed up way too late last night waiting on a combination of things....Little Ann to empty the dishwasher so I could load it, the nice clothes to finish drying so I could get them out immediately, and Big Dan at a concert that lasted much too long for a school night. Anyway...I said all that to say...I was a little tired and cranky for my art students today and it didn't take long before my head was throbbing making it all together worse.

I can already tell this is going to be one of those weeks. I think Christmas is in the air at the High School..well, the thought of Christmas break anyway. Getting anybody to do anything but clown was next to impossible. I took my camera to try to help Big Dan get a few (required for English) Senior scrapbook pictures. See what I have to put up with?

Yes, these are Seniors, and yes, Big Dan is eating a sandwich....in Art class. What's mom gonna do..give him d-hall?

And I wish I could say they were just goofin' for pictures, but unfortunately this is really how they act on a daily basis. Maybe it's just because I'm "Big Dan's mom" and I'm just cool like that. Whatever it is...it stresses me. We'll hope my principal doesn't read my blog.

Tonight was our Girl Scout meeting and Christmas party. Look what the girls did...

Isn't this just adorable? I guess making a gingerbread house is one thing I don't think I have ever done before.

Like I said, I can feel another crazy week coming on. I am MAKING myself stay home tomorrow and get this house in order. I would absolutely DIE right now if I had company. I just want to be able to enjoy my Christmas decor without having to look at all this other clutter. You can't even get through for all the Christmas presents, boxes, wrapping paper, and paraphernalia lying around...despite the fact that Little Ann keeps reminding me that she doesn't have a gift wrapped under the tree yet..and everyone else at school does (sniff, sniff). I think she's trying to make me feel guilty. It's working. We've got church, more shopping, dress rehearsals, and more parties coming up the remainder of the week.

With December being the time everyone is preparing lots of finger food dishes (and because my pregnant friend, Chickadee is craving this), I thought I'd share the recipe on the blog. This is another one of my mom's recipes. Have I mentioned what a great cook she is?

Parmesan Chicken Wings

In a medium bowl, mix together:

1/2 c Parmesan Cheese

1 T Parsley flakes

1 t Paprika

1/2 T Oregano

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

Moisten your wings and cover with dry mixture. You can shake them in a bag (like shake n bake) or just dip individually. Place on a foil lined baking pan and bake approx. 45 minutes.

These are soooo good and perfect sized for parties. I usually double my recipe for tastier wings or a bigger serving.

And last but not least, April gave me this sweet award and I just wanted to send her a big ol' Thank You!!! This is really special because this award is supposed to be bestowed upon bloggers who aim to find and be friends and it means a lot that she would pass it on to me. April's blog is always uplifting and meaningful and she is just the sweetest thing, so go visit her if you get a chance.

A List (or Two)

1. Look what I did yesterday!!!

And I didn't do it with that stick I'm holding, but I'm old and my jeans were tight so I was grasping at whatever I could find to hold me up when I squatted down. lol.

2. Several of you have expressed interest in my Miracle Whip cake recipe, so just in time for the holidays...here you go. Let me know if you try it and what you think!!!

In large mixing bowl:
1 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing
1 cup water
1 cup sugar (I use a tad over a cup)
1 t. vanilla

Sift together separately:
2 cups flour
4 T. cocoa
1/2 t. salt
2 t. soda
Add sifted ingredients a little at a time to other mixture. Beat until smooth. I bake in a bundt pan at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes depending on your oven.

After cake cools, I use this little recipe for the icing.
1/3 stick cream cheese
2 T. stick butter
1/2 t. vanilla
Cream till fluffy. Add powdered sugar until you get it to the consistency you want. adding a little milk gradually. (A teaspoon or so at a time). Ice. YUMMY!

3. Angie awarded me with this today...

Thank you Angie!! You are supposed to list 5 things you love so here is another list.

1. I love chocolate milk. I know I've told you this before I'm sure, but I just can't live without it. I try and try, but I CAN'T DO IT!

2. I love Chili's chips and salsa. It is cheap and I can eat it until I am sick!..and I think I will have that tonight since I'm headed out shortly to buy groceries.

3. I love my camera. I hardly ever leave home without it. I wanted to take a picture of it...but hmmm....I couldn't quite figure that one out!

4. I love my heater. It goes everywhere I go especially in the winter time. Pete likes the house cool. I like it warm (80 is just fine..REALLY). So, when Pete's home, Mr. Heater and I are always together!

5. I love this hand blender. My mom introduced me to this several years back. I have issues with chunky stuff like big tomatoes in my chili, soup or cheese dip, etc. This works great to blend it up a little. Works perfect for me!! (Hey, shouldn't that be on a 'Works for me Wednesday post?') ha.


I am lovin' so many of your blogs, it's always hard to pick. It's a busy time of year, so I'm not going to obligate any of you. If you are on my "stalk list" (or not)....Consider yourself tagged!!

Some News.

Ok, so Little Ann is a little offended that the dog got more comments than she and Troy Bolton. I told her it might've had something to do with the fact that I talked about bra's or maybe we just didn't have any High School Musical fans out there. Aw, come on. It wasn't that bad now was it?

But moving on now, I've got a bit of news. Some good and some bad.

The bad news. My laptop decided today it was on facebook-blogger overload and wanted to go on strike. Yeah, the brand new one I got for my birthday in July. Hmmmm. Good thing I took out that warranty. But, I'm in such WITHDRAWAL. It may be at least 3 weeks before I get it back.

The good news. The closest Best Buy is in our capital city which is about an hour away. That's where I had to take my computer. Our capital city has an Outback Steakhouse, so that's where I got to eat supper!!

More good news. Went in to Little Ann's favorite girly store and they were having buy one, get one FREE...And it was even mix and match. She bought a tank and got a necklace free. Bought a sweater, got the leggings free. How cool is that??

Bad news. I've worked so much at the High School this week, that I am way behind on housework.

But the good news is it's Friday, some old friends of ours are coming into town, and I've got the weekend to chill-kid free. (I may have to visit the old deer stand again. lol.)

And in case any of you have noticed, I have 2 traffic feeds going on right now on my sidebar. I am just testing them out to see which one I like better. I do love seeing what towns you come from. Thanks for reading me!
Have a great weekend!