Saturday Baking Frenzy

I have a broken oven. Smoke billows out of it when I turn it on, so I hauled all my baking supplies to my parents house this morning, 1 mile away, to use their oven to start my marathon of baking pumpkin & banana nut breads. You see, I spoiled my husband by baking many loaves of pumpkin bread before Thanksgiving and freezing it, so when he got done with one loaf, there would be another one to set out to thaw. He loves to slice off a big piece to take to work every morning. I love to bake when I am in the mood and it's a very good de-stresser for me. I ended up making 12 loaves, plus 2 round tube pans. My dad loves the banana nut bread so he gets to keep all of that at his house. My husband hates bananas. Since it was a very snowy cold day, I also made a big pot of chili with corn muffins. When I cook in my folks kitchen it brings back memories of when I was growing up. I love how their kitchen is set up with a large opening that you can look into the living room. My folks sat on the couch watching me bake and we visited and it was really a great day. We had the curtains pulled open and watched the snow falling. So, having a broken oven is not all that bad.
This is my little snowbaby tree that I just adore. It has 300 lights on it. We didn't want to put up our big tree this year, so we were just as happy with this little one.

Four Christmases

My hubby and I were treated to movie tickets to see Four Christmases. If you like roll in the floor funny movies, this is the movie to go see. It will help put you in the Holiday mood, if you are not already there. We went Sunday afternoon and had a slap the knee funny time. Reese & Vince are great together. I really enjoyed the combination of good n plenty, boston baked beans, buttered popcorn and a cold root beer....AHH...that's the life. Thanks S & J!

What to do with your leftover turkey?

I have a delicious recipe I would like to share with you. I made the best turkey salad yesterday. I actually cooked a turkey breast in my crock pot until it was falling off the bone, about 5 to 6 hours. We didn't have much turkey left over from Thanksgiving after I gave everyone some to take home, so I cooked a turkey breast. My son-in-law told me about a delicious Arby's pecan chicken salad on a wrap. I went and tried one last week and fell in love! I thought to myself, I can make this. So, I gave it a shot yesterday using turkey instead of chicken and it turned out delicious. Here is how I made it:

I prepared my turkey by making a butter paste to lather all over and under the skin of the breast. I add to the soft stick of butter, parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme, about 1 tsp of each. Add 1 can of chicken broth. Either cook in oven, or the crock pot. After cooling, cut turkey into small cubes or just cut up in small pieces. Add the following:
Purple grapes (cut grapes in half) About 1 lb.
Gala Apples (cut in small bite size pieces) 2 apples. You can use other kinds of apples.
Pecan halves, about 1 to 2 cups.
Mayo or Miracle Whip, about 1 to 2 cups. (use more or less to taste)
Mrs. Dash seasoning, about 1 Tsp.
Mix all together and fill a wrap, taco shell, flatout or anything you wish to use. Enjoy!

Memories of Thanksgiving 2008

AND TO ALL OF THIS, I AM TRULY THANKFUL!

Black Friday was a Good Friday

I had no intentions of getting up this morning at an ungodly hour to fight the crowds just to pick up a doorbuster item or save a few dollars on something that will probably be thrown aside a few weeks after Christmas.
All of a sudden, my eyes pop open at 4:30 am. I had to be at work at 8:00 am. I lay awake in bed and thought, I could get up, get ready for work and since I work a few miles from all of the major stores, what would it hurt to go see if they might have some items that are on my Christmas list? I did just that and found myself in my minivan motoring towards the madness. My first stop was Babies R Us to buy Ivy's gift that was in the sale paper. As I was going in, a lady had 2 of them in her cart, so it was a hot item. I head on in and asked the sales associate where I could find the item since I didn't see any on the shelf and as I was asking her, another lady came over to see if they had anymore. She went to check another area and low and behold, there happened to be "2" left! One for me and one for the other lady. I was so excited that we both were able to get them and for half price at that! So, I head on over to get in line, which was not at all bad. While I was waiting, a pregnant lady and her husband were sitting in the front of the store and the lady started to pass out. Her husband was trying to help her and I am the type of person who gets involved when I see someone in trouble. I yelled to him to ask if she was ok and if they needed help. He said to call 911. There was a nurse shopping and she heard the call for help and she went over to check on the lady in trouble. The person in front of me in line called 911. The paramedics arrived shortly. As I was leaving, the lady looked like she was doing much better. Then, I head on over to Carson's. People were parking way out and walking far away from the entrances, then the heavens smiled down on me and a spot opened up close to the entrance and I whipped right on in the parking spot and said out loud, Thank you God! I was able to get some more shopping done and found some great buys at the yellow dot racks. I used my coupons and felt really great at what I accomplished before heading to work. I even got to work early.
So, even though I had to work today, it was a very good day. A lot of people were off today and it was very quiet. My boss even told us we could leave early, which was very nice and unexpected. It was nice to go home to left overs and not having to worry about what's for dinner.....How did you spend your Friday? Did you fight the crowds? Stand in long lines? Eat leftovers? Speaking of left overs, I hear the pumpkin pie and cool whip calling my name........

I am truly Thankful!

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I have so many things to be thankful for. God has really poured out his Blessings this year on our family. The arrival of my grand-daughter, Ivy was an added blessing this year. Next year I will look forward to a new grand-child, which we will find out in 5 weeks if Abby will have a brother or sister. I am thankful for my 2 wonderful children who I could not be more proud of and their wonderful spouses. My grandchildren are my heart and life is not the same since their arrival. I still have both of my parents living and appreciate them so much. I am so thankful for my sister, brother and their families and even though we live thousands of miles apart, they are with me everyday in spirit. I am also thankful for a special person, adopted sister, who is there for my parents to help out and step in when needed and without her, I don't know if I would have made it to Disneyworld.
The most important person I am thankful for is my husband, my rock, my best friend. He completes me. I know, this is mushy and I stole the line from Jerry Maguire.....
My hope for everyone today is, spend time with the ones you love. Don't stress over preparing the meal and dust on the furniture. It will all come together.....Take a deep breath and smile at the heavens......

Dear Santa, Mimi wants a Wii..........

Ok, so I finally got to experience the "Wii". I guess you could say, I don't get out much. I was invited to a special friends house Saturday afternoon to sing karaoke with her. She was having her family Thanksgiving dinner and no one in her family sings, so she begged me to come over. She bought herself the neatest karaoke machine with 2 microphones. We always love singing together, so I took her up on it and my hubby told me to go and have a good time. When I got there, some family members were upstairs watching t.v. and other family were downstairs playing Wii. The karaoke machine was set up downstairs across from the Wii. Her and I sang and had a blast. We didn't have much of an audience. I was asked if I wanted to bowl, so I jumped at the chance since I had never experienced the "Wii". Well, they got me set up with what I needed to hold and showed me how to press the button and off I went. Would you believe I beat 3 people? 1 adult and 2 kids. They couldn't believe It was my first time playing. I am not a competitive person but it did feel good to win 3 times. It felt so good to let my hair down and have some fun. So, Santa, I have been a very good girl this year.....I will leave you a bunch of yummy cookies if you would please deliver me a Wii.....oh, and I would also need the big screen t.v. to go with it.....Thanks a bunch....XXOO, Mimi

Sunday with Grayson

Gray spent the day with us today while his mommy, daddy, brothers and sister went to do a special activity out of town. I am sure his mommy will be sharing the excitement of their day with everyone.
Let me just say that having one on one time with my grandchildren is a very special time. Gray went with me grocery shopping and was a perfect little angel. I told him he could pick out a toy for doing so well with potty training, so he spotted the perfect toy that he is holding. It does take batteries, but no problem. We have a cabinet full of batteries. I just hope that this growl and roaring doesn't drive his parents crazy. I told him he could pick out a treat, so he picked gummy fish.... I think he ate too many while I was preparing lunch cause he didn't have much of an appetite for healthy food. I had the best time with him playing connect four. Remember this little game? It doesn't require a battery, or a joy stick. It is a simple little game that he simply loved and even though he wasn't following the rules, he thought he won every game. We didn't have the t.v. on today. We played imaginary games and just had simple fun.
Gray does enjoy cooking. Here he is making scrambled eggs. I save my egg cartons and put plastic easter eggs in the carton and the kids love it. They put the whole egg carton in the stove. Don't try this at home! I had a fabulous weekend. I hope you did as well!

Sleepover with Abby

Abby spent the night last night. We had a good time playing tea party. She woke up at midnight wanting to go downstairs to play. Well, after trying to get her to go back to sleep, I gave in and we got up and went downstairs. We looked at books, played with stuffed animals, leap frog toy and finally around 1:30, Mimi couldn't keep her eyes open any longer, so we went back to bed and she finally fell back asleep around 2:00 a.m.. Guess what time we got up for the day? 6:30 a.m. Anything goes at Mimi's for breakfast within reason. She chose string cheese and my homemade pumpkin bread, oh and some goldfish crackers....Nate called around 8:30 and asked if she could stay a little longer so they could do some housework and of course I said Yes. She did take a morning nap and when they came to pick her up, she didn't want to leave, so when they said she could go home and take a bath, she was ready then.

She loves to play with our extra computer that just has games on it. She plays burning monkeys solitare, or at least she thinks she plays it.......We had a fun sleepover. Abby is my girlfriend!

Throwback Thursday

This is what it looks like hours after a sweet little baby girl was born at home. Big Brother, Gray was sacked out on me. It has already been 2 months & 5 days since his baby sister, Ivy was born. Could she be any cuter? I have the pleasure of being a baby holder as often as I can.

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?

Only 9 days til Thanksgiving. Are you ready? Do you wait like I do to do your grocery shopping the week of or days before? I am watching the store adds to see who has the cheapest prices on sweet potatoes. They are the price of a gallon of gas per pound. Since my hubby does not eat birds, I cook ham too. I love watching the Food Network channel to learn new ways to prepare the turkey. Got any hints of what works best for you?

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Mom!

Today is a special day. It is my mom's birthday. Iva Ruth is one classy lady. She loves pretty things and always thinks of others before herself. I can remember one year when my daughter was a toddler and it was my mom's birthday, instead of her spending her birthday money on herself, she bought my daughter a beautiful coat with a white fluffy muff. She was always famous for her Sunday roast dinners. You could smell it cooking for a mile. I wanted to honor her today because I love her so much. She is out of town at my sister's house in Louisiana spending some time there. Mom, I know that you will probably be reading this and I wanted to say, have a wonderful Birthday. I love you!

I'm Alive!

I feel like dancing....Thank you God for antibiotics! I feel alive again. I have been under the weather fighting an upper respiratory infection/sinus infection/earache for 2 awful weeks. I missed 3 days of work. I went to the doctor for my blood pressure when I first started getting sick, but she didn't give me anything and told me to get cold medicine for it. Well, after finishing the first box of cold pills and drinking gallons of hot green tea & honey & lemon & halls cough drops & looking like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, I figured this is for the birds...I am ready to fist fight this thing! I called my doctor and she finally phoned in an antibiotic and decongestant and low and behold, after the first dose, I felt like I was coming alive again. It's a great day to be alive. I just might try out for Dancing with the Stars!

Hug a Vet today

Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who have sacrificed, so that we may experience Freedom. Go check out my daughter's blog today and meet my dad....I am so proud of him. Kiss or hug a Vet today...I already did!

Get Well Celine

Ok, a few posts ago I mentioned a surprise concert that I was going to reveal. My daughter Steph, Ivy and myself were given tickets by a very good sista friend, Arianne , who was given the tickets by One 2 One network to review. Steph told her that I have always wanted to see her in concert and when she called me to ask if I wanted to go, I didn't have to think twice. It has actually been a dream for me. I wanted to see Elvis, which I have seen in concert, Neil Diamond, which I have seen and now Celine.....completes my dream concerts.

Well, the concert was scheduled for last night in Indianapolis. Steph decided yesterday morning to look up the driving directions and that is when she saw the headline in the Indy newspaper. Celine's concert was cancelled due to sickness. It is being re-scheduled for Dec. 21. I think it will be a much more festive time since it is right before Christmas. We can dress up in our glam and glitter so Celine will notice us! Steph is hoping to get back stage passes for us.....I am crossing my fingers and toes. Thank you so much "One 2 One network" and Arianne....I will forever be greatful!

Ivy LaRue is blooming

Ivy went to her first baby shower yesterday and was the Belle of the Ball. Is this not the most precious little Diva? Look at that bracelet and flower headband and those lucious cheeks!

Happy Saturday

I am glad this week is over. I battled an upper respiratory infection and missed a few days of work. I'm sure my co-workers appreciated me staying home and not spreading germs. The cough is still hanging on a little bit, but I am feeling much better and ready for my busy weekend. It starts this morning, by attending a very special Baby Shower for a friend who is due in December. My beautiful daughter and grand-daughter will be there, so I get to do some smootching on Ivy's lucious cheeks.

Stay tuned for an announcement on my next post of where I am going tomorrow. I am soooooo excited.....Can't believe I am actually getting to see and hear one of my favorite performers.....

Happy 12th Birthday Corbin!

Today is a special day...It's my Great Nephew's 12th Birthday. Corbin is so special. He gave everyone a scare after he was born. He had a heart issue but overcame it. God has great plans for him. He is so muli-talented. He plays baseball & football and works very hard at practice to be number 1. He is a hunter & a fisherman. He created the phrase "pend the night". When he first learned to talk, he would always ask his mommal & poppal (my sister & brother-in-law) if he could pend the night, meaning spend the night. He would have moved in with them if he could. He is my sister's heart....they were attached at the hip. I want to wish him the Best Birthday today. Your Great Aunt Rhonda loves you & misses you. I wish we lived closer....EAT CAKE! Just look at this handsome ball player! The girls are lining up...

This is a Star Player!! Fisherman Corbin...

Wordless Wednesday

Too precious for words.

Quack Quack

My little Abby stopped by for trick-or-treating. Isn't she the cutest little ducky you've ever seen? She has this look because she was reaching for me to pick her up and I had to take a pic first. She just got back from Disney the night before and loves her new friend, Minnie. She brought Mimi a Minnie T-shirt from DisneyWorld.
She had a tea party with Minnie. Abby loves to sit in this tiny chair.
Abby's cousins stopped by....Witch Bentley, Army guy Blake, Ducky Abby, Pirate Aric, Frankenstein Chase & Ryan. Blake & Chase are brother's. Bentley, Aric & Ryan are brother's and sister.