Tappingflamingo

A SPECIAL VISITOR

2012-01-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day. My best friend is here. My husband had to leave for his new job in Kentucky back in September, and he has only been back twice. Once during Thanksgiving and once during Christmas, both very short times.

Bill and me on our first cruise celebrating our 20 wedding anniversary

This time we get to spend a little over week together. It will probably speed by too quickly, but I am grateful for the opportunity.

Bill and me at my surprise 50th birthday party

You've heard the saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder" well, my heart has always been fond of him.

Our engagement picture (1983)

We've had a great marriage, and four wonderful children!

We've been married almost 29 years! Wow! Time does fly when you're having fun!

Pristine

2012-01-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

FOTO FRIDAY
WEEK 5

"How I want my house when we show it." That was the first thing I thought of when I saw that this weeks Foto Friday theme was
"Pristine".

Before we listed, we made sure everything was in order. We repainted the iron,

and made sure all the trees and beds were spruced up.

In the back yard we cleaned up the garden beds except for our Rosemary. It sure looks good!

The yard was "pristine."

Besides curb appeal, the first eight seconds after clients enter your home is crucial. We have an open floor plan, and you can see pretty much the entire house--dining, living, kitchen, all in one. I love the open floor plan!

One of the first things one notices in our house, are the dark wood floors. Now when these floors are just newly clean, they are GORGEOUS and "pristine."

Towels! I really think all the towels need to be nice, new, and clean. In my opinion, this makes the place look more "pristine." In the kitchen I also like my black appliances to look "pristine."

Love my double oven!!!

And...my stainless steal sink should look "pristine."

One more thing...we have high ceilings, and tray ceilings, so if you are not careful, you might miss a few cobwebs. That definitely would not be

"pristine."

FUN TIMES IN VIRGINIA BEACH

2012-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

In 2007, about two weeks before we moved to Louisiana, my daughter and I went to Virginia Beach for dance nationals. When we first heard about this trip, I was not that excited about it. You see, it takes over 12 hours to get there from where we were living at the time. One other option our dancers had was Nashville, TN. This is where my in-laws lived; that would have been so much nicer, easier, and cheaper.

My daughter acting silly. We just loved these signs!

At first, we decided to make this a family trip. The boys could spend time on the beach with their dad, while us girls attended all the competitions and classes. Then the dreaded thing happened, we were relocated. My husband started work in June, and the competition was the end of July. This meant that I could not go. Ashley would probably have to go with someone else, if at all. I could not leave the boys by themselves, they were too young. I was very sad.

Then...my mom and dad stepped in. Mom said she would love to come with us and my dad would stay with the boys. So, we had a girl trip. I really did not look forward to the drive. I hate driving long distances (don't mind riding, just hate to drive). I also hate driving in big cities. This trip included several big cities--including Washington DC! Well......maybe we could try to avoid that.....

Well, when we got to Virginia Beach head to our motel We were very pleased. We were right on the boardwalk and just a few steps from the beach...perfect!!!! Our room overlooked the pool and the beach.

The restaurant next to our motel

We did get to spend a little time at the pool and on the beach.

Ashley and her friend had some time to ride bikes on the boardwalk.

We got to spend a little time shopping,

and goofing around.

But most of our time was spend practicing and watching the girls do real well in their dances.

Sure glad Virginia Beach was chosen, because we sure had a great time!!!!

(Thanks to my mom and dad)

Oh So Delicioso Flour Tortillas!

2012-01-25T16:22:00.000-08:00

I obtained a recipe for flour tortillas several years ago. This recipe came from a friend of mine who was born and raised in Mexico. Her mother was visiting, and they came to my house and taught me how to make them. They are the most delicious flour tortillas I have sunk my teeth into. When my daughter was away at college, she made these, and her friend who was of Mexican decent told her they reminded him of his mother's tortillas.

I made them today with a bit of a change. The original recipe calls for shortening. My daughter tried to make them a bit healthier by using canola oil. I tried that today, and they tasted just as good. This is how I made them:

3 cups boiling water
6 1/2 cups flour
1 generous cup shortening ( or 1 cup canola oil to make them a little healthier)
about 1 tablespoon salt
about 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

Mix above ingredients (except water) really well. The ingredients should be very unified. Make a well and pour 1 cup water and mix with spoon. When mixed add 1 cup water and mix well. Repeat one more time. When cool enough, use hands to knead dough. Knead for about 5 minutes or so.

Roll them into balls, they should be smooth. As you can see mine are not very smooth.

Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes, covered.

Using a rolling pin, roll out. You will need to coat the pin, your hands, and surface with flour. Roll away, then toward you then flip. Repeat--away, then toward, flip--until desired size. This is important, that you do NOT roll them like a pie crust, it tends to make them tough.

Preheat your skillet to about 400 (do NOT use any grease) and put your tortilla onto the HOT skillet. Leave for about 10 seconds then flip. Cook on that side for about 30 to 60 seconds and flip again. Leave for about 30 to 60 seconds and put in between a folded towel.

Make sure you keep them covered, or they will dry out.

When you store them, store them in the towel in a zip lock baggie.

I made them today, by halving the recipe. It made about 23 delicious tortillas. One thing you need to be very careful about, is eating them. Once you start, there is no stopping, and they disappear real fast.

You can use these like you would regular store bought tortillas. Today, I mixed together a can of black beans, chopped up some cilantro, added some cumin, a bit of lime juice, tomatoes, and some frozen corn. After I mixed it up a bit, I let it stand in the fridge for awhile. It is best if you let it sit overnight.

This black bean concoction is really good cold, but I added cheese and heated it up.

I then added a bit of sour cream and some arugula.

It was very good.

Now I just need to quit eating the tortillas...

FLOWERS FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN EXCELLENCE

2012-01-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Several years ago we were asked to bring a flower to Young Women In Excellence. This flower was to represent our daughter, and we were to tell why we chose that flower.

I thought about what flower to bring. I love all kinds of flowers. Daisies are one of my favorite. They are a happy flower. I also like yellow roses, actually, I love any yellow flower. I also like wildflowers. There's nothing like a bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers!

Ashley is a very unique young lady. She loves life and is a friend to all. Rarely have I seen her judge anyone, and because of that, people are drawn to her. I have seen her notice someone sitting all alone at a youth activity; she would go up and sit down and start taking to her. I can remember as a youth myself, being that girl, all alone and wishing someone would come sit and talk to me. It always amazed me, that Ashley would do things like this. I know how nice it made that individual feel.

At first, I thought of bringing a daisy, but that's too common. Ashley is a very bright and happy individual, just like the daisy, but she is unique, and daisies are not unique.

To help with my decision, I started looking up flower meanings. That is when I came across the Pansy. Don't you just love the look of a Pancy with it's cute little face? I love Pansies, and you really do not see them much. They are a happy, cheerful little flower, and very unique. So that is why I chose the Pansy.

Now, what to say...

At the program, the parents brought all kinds of flowers, roses, daisies, carnations, etc. Some were duplicated, actually a lot were duplicated. Then it was my turn. I was the only one that brought this unique flower, and I was happy about that.

As I stood, and started to speak, the first words out of my mouth were...

"My daughter is a pansy..."

Oh...my...! Never said that outloud til that moment. Of course everyone started to chuckle, including me. No! my daughter is NOT a pansy! I proceeded...

My daughter is like the flower Pansy...a unique and happy individual. I really cannot remember exactly what I said, but it actually was pretty good. Even though it did not start out to be the best of words, it ended quite well, so well, in fact, that my daughter kept the paper I had it written on (I should have her get it out so I can look at exactly what I said).

No, my daughter is not a pansy, she is a very delicate, yet strong woman. She has beauty inside and out. She is a wonderful example to me and others.

Play Time With Sox

2012-01-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

This is Sox saying, "Ready for some play time?"

This is Sox ready to spin around on my bed.

This is Sox after a spin on my bed. It's really hard to get her in spinning action...she's pretty fast.

Bead Soup Blog Party 5 Non-participant

2012-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

In an earlier blog, I mentioned the The 5th Blog Soup Blog Party. I have been involved in the last two and had a great time. Because it has gotten so HUGE, Lori has decided to randomly pick who would be involved. Naturally, I was not chosen. But that's ok. Maybe next time.

Lori suggested we go ahead and sorta be involved. In other words, go through your stash and make something, post, and then attend the blog hop on March 3. Leave messages, then, you should have visitors from the blog party.

I have decided to do just that. Funny thing is some time ago, I won some beads. Elisabeth of Beads for Busy Gals drew my name, and I as able to get these wonderful beads:

I as a bit overwhelmed, as there is so much you could do with these. Should I split them up and make TEN necklaces, or combine all of them, or combine a few for several different items.

The sad thing was, I just had hand surgery, and was unable to do anything. So they sat. As soon as I was able to start creating, I went out of town. I was home for a few days, and then gone again.

In addition to all this going on, our house has been on the market since September. It's kinda hard for me to get anything out, because as soon as I do, RIIINNNGGGG!!!! The phone, and it's someone wanting to see the house...soon....like in an hour! So I've quit getting anything out.

When I found out that I was not going to be involved with the BSBP#5, I thought, I could just use these beads from Elisabeth. I went to see my daughter last week, and during the 4 hour trip there and 4 hours back, I had a lot to think about (I went by myself). One of the things I thought about was what I could do with the beads. The very next day after I got back, I got all my stuff out, and just started to pull out beads. Soon, I had things that would go very nicely with what Elisabeth sent. (And no the phone did not ring).

Within just a few hours, I had a couple of pieces made. Everything went together so smoothly. I may add one more thing to one of the pieces, but pretty much everything is done. WOW! I even made my own clasp, I can't wait to show off my pieces! So stayed tuned for the 5th Bead Soup Blog Party on March 3.

New Bracelet

2012-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

Been looking at Pinterest a lot lately. Boy, do they have some neat ideas. I decided to try one. I got these cool buttons at Walmart. I just sewed them on to some elastic, and tada!!! New bracelet. I think I just might wear it to church tomorrow.

Foto Friday Week 4

2012-01-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I had to delay Foto Friday, but at least I was able to get it on Friday, better late than never!

This past week, I was able to go down and spend some time with my daughter. While there, we took some pictures. She has been needing some head shots and full body shots for possible employment. In addition to taking those type photos, we also took some fun shots. Since she is in the middle of getting certified in Yoga, we took pictures of Yoga poses at one of the dance studios she teaches in. I don't know the names of those poses, but I thought they were pretty cool.

There was something that bothered me in these photos, I did some fixing...

Can you tell what I had to fix?

How about now? Can you tell now? I didn't fix it in this picture. If you guessed the white plugs in the background, you are correct. Stuff like that really bugs me...A lot! I just wish I could afford Photoshop. Maybe someday...That's what I use to tell my kids whenever they wanted something and we couldn't get it right now.

Maybe someday...

Foto Friday Is Delayed

2012-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry, but Foto Friday will be delayed this week due to the fact that I had to invest in a new battery and battery charger for my laptop. They are both due today...Friday. Been busy with pictures this week...so stay tuned...

Ahhhhhmmmmmm....

2012-01-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

I Just returned from a nice visit with my daughter and her husband. Wow, do they ever have a lot going on. While Jeremy is working and going to school, Ashley is working--several jobs. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Dance, and surprisingly enough, misses school. Saturday, she starts back up again for a few months, this time she will be getting certified in Yoga.

So, hopefully, starting this summer, in addition to teaching dance, she will be teaching Yoga...

"You go girl!!!!"

GOD IS EVERYWHERE

2012-01-17T04:26:00.000-08:00

"When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test."

--anonymous

I have often heard people ask where God is...He is everywhere, just look around.

Recently, I read an article, My Heavenly Father Loves Me. In the article, the author describes her day in the park. She talks of people walking and smiling, birds gathering clippings for a nest, butterflies, spiderwebs, the wind, and the glistening sunshine. Just look around. We have a beautiful world that was created for our enjoyment.

Yes, there are many bad and horrible things that occur in our world. Sad places and situations. God has given us the opportunity to make choices in our life. Sadly, many times, the choices people make affect others around them. It's easy to ask then, why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Good question!

We have all been allowed to come to this earth to be tested. One thing I did not enjoy about school were tests. They were not a pleasant thing. Worldly tests are not necessarily suppose to be easy or joyful. But when we come out of a test with success, then that is a moment of joy.

There are many miracles that happen around us, the birth of a child is one moment that comes to my mind. I have had the joy and privilege to experience that four times. Each one of my children are little miracles, and I am happy that I have been a part of that.

I know there is a God, He loves each and every one of us. As a parent I think I may have a little bit of a feeling as to how he feels when one of us chooses wrong. It hurts Him to see us suffer, and especially to see us make wrong choices. He wants nothing more than for all of us to succeed so that we can someday return to His presence.

Bead Soup Blog Part 5

2012-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

The 5th Bead Soup Blog Party is officially underway. Last time, there were so many participants, that Lori had to come up with another plan. She had a random draw on who got to participate this time. When I heard about this, I knew I would not get chosen, as I am one of those who never get chosen for things like this. But, that's fine. Maybe this is a good sign. As many of you are probably tired of hearing, WE ARE MOVING!!!! Someday, lol. Yes, that is, whenever we sell the house. But in the mean time, I am home trying to keep my house perfect for the chance that someone just might come and look and buy.

First BSBP I participated in

Well, this weekend, I found out that I was not chosen, but did find out that I have a double chance to be chosen next time. Lori has suggested we go ahead and dig in our stash of stuff, make a piece and post it to our blog on reveal day which is March 3. Then go a visit everyone in the BSBP and comment about their pieces. That way, I will get visitors to my blog, and so forth. I think I might just do that. Maybe...I'll get all my stuff out and make a big mess, then someone will want to come look at our house! That always seems to happen; whenever I get stuff out, then riiiinnnggg.... the phone, and on the other end I hear, "We have someone that is visiting from out of town and would like to see your house in an hour." YIKES! So then I have to put everything away, and rush around to clean. Yes, I've told them upteen million times I need a 24 hour notice. But, do you really think I'm going to turn that down. They just might be the ones to buy it.

Second BSBP I participated in

So, anyway...what to use. Right, now I am visiting with my daughter in Baton Rouge, but when I get home in a few days, that's what I'm going to do. Go through my stash, organize and pick out some beads. Hey! I actually already have some ideas rolling around in my head.

It's Moving Time

2012-01-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

No, we haven't sold the house yet. No, we aren't moving yet, but...

when I went to Colorado this summer with my parents, one of the things I did while there was help them move. Both my parents were born and raised in Colorado, and have most their family there. For the last several years, my mom and dad have been renting a small studio apartment on the sixth floor in the downtown area. It was a nice little place for them to stay, while they visited from Florida.

It was kinda sad packing everything up.

The complex is an older place, built around the 1960's

but some of the stuff...

is kinda neat. Don't you like the old metal turquoise kitchen cabinets? I LOVE them!!!

Hopefully, soon, I'll be blogging about our move!

Foto Friday Week 3

2012-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

Foto Friday

Week 3

What I Ate

Since I have been trying to eat a little more healthy, I chose for this weeks Foto Friday topic

What I Ate.

For breakfast I usually start out with 1/2 bagel and one egg

For my snack I usually like to have a Three Fruit Smoothie, but since today was so cold, I changed it up a bit and had a banana. I'll save the apple for later on tonight.

For lunch I had a chicken Caesar salad. I love Caesar salad!

Later on, I had an Atkins bar. The one with all the nuts, caramel and chocolate, oh yummy!

For dinner it was Subway!

Now, I believe I have an apple to eat...

GEAUX HOPE!!!!!

2012-01-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20120101/LIFESTYLE/112310305/Hopeful-experience

Saturday, 14 January, 2012, ABC will air the Miss America Pageant at 8 p. m.

I can remember as a little girl, my two sisters, our mom and I looked forward to watching Miss America each year. My favorite part has always been the talent, but I love some of the beautiful gowns they wear too.

It has been quite a long time since I took the opportunity to watch a pageant. My only daughter has been in a couple. One time she won the photogenic award, and when she was a senior in high school, she won the talent portion in the Jr. Miss Delaware County pageant in Muncie, Indiana.

This Saturday, though, my daughter, Ashley and I will be glued to the TV, wearing our red "Geaux Hope!" T-shirts. You see, we actually know Miss Louisiana. Ashley went to school with Hope at the University of Louisiana, Monroe where they danced on the dance team together. They also taught at the same dance studio.

Ashley described Hope as very genuine. I know we are a bit partial, but that aside, she deserves to wear the Miss American crown. You can also go to youtube, and vote for her, or your favorite contestant ( we sure "HOPE" you choose Miss Louisiana).

By the way...voting ends Thursday 12 January 2012 so vote TODAY!!!

I'M GAME, ARE YOU?

2012-01-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

My new cross-trainers I bought with my Christmas money

With the weather being either cold and dry, or warm and rainy, our walking group has had little walking time lately. Last night Evelyn called and asked if I wanted to walk if it was not raining or cold. Yesterday it was 60, so we decided to attempt it. When I got up this morning, it was 46. Now I know for all you Northern people, that might not seem like a big deal. But for my Southern bones, it is. We decided to go ahead, but wait until 9 or so. It didn't warm up much; 49, and it started to mist, but we went ahead and braved it. We were out the door by 9:30

Even though it was cold and damp, we enjoyed walking the neighborhood and catching up with everything that has been going on. At 10:30, I was home. The temp had only warmed to 51, but I had a warm feeling in my heart, as I was able to start my day out on a right note; good healthy breakfast, a four-mile walk, and good company.

Freezer Smoothie

2012-01-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Lately, I'v really gotten into Pinterest. There are so many cool ideas on there. One of the ideas I decided to try.

I love smoothies, and lately, since I've started my healthy eating, I've been fixing me a lot of smoothies. I usually only use fruit, nothing else. I saw the idea of bagging up your smoothie ingredients and freezing for later use. The reason I thought this was such a great idea, is that all you have to do is grab it out of the freezer.

Dump it into your blender and add some water (or if you want milk).

Then blend for a very yummy smoothie treat.

Smoothie Ingredients

1/2 cup orange juice (I froze this in a muffin tin)

1/2 banana

12 small frozen strawberries

put all ingredients into a freezer bag and freeze for later use. When ready to blend you will need to add some liquid either water (I use), or milk. You just have to play around with how much you need. I will be at least 3/4 cup or more. Or you could just set it out for a while and let it defrost a little.

THE CATS ARE COMING FOR A VISIT

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

We have lived in our house for over four years. When we first moved in, there was no landscaping. That has pretty much been an on going process. One of the things I wanted in my landscape was a really cool fountain. Most everyone in the neighborhood has one, but they all look pretty much the same...fleur de lis style. What do you expect when you live in Louisiana?

We shopped around for quite some time. I pretty much knew what I wanted. I was drawn to the ones that had a pot draining into another pot into another pot. One day when my husband and I were out and about, we came upon the perfect fountain.

It is now winter. The grass looks dead and most everything is dormant. Lately, I have noticed cats coming to our fountain to get a drink. Seems like a different one every day. The first time I noticed a cat in our fountain, it had been a cold night, and the poor thing had to break the ice to get his drink. I wanted to help, but really didn't want a cat to adopt me. He finally got his drink and was on his way.

The next day, there was different cat at our fountain. He caught me getting his picture. He finished getting his drink and was on his way. I don't mind, in fact I'm kinda glad they can stop by and pay me a visit at our fountain.

Bananagrams Anyone?

2012-01-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

How many of you like to play Scrabble? Personally, that is not my favorite game, but I played a similar game that I really liked; Bananagrams. My daughter and her husband got one for Christmas and when they were visiting the other day, we played. I was not very good, but I liked it better than Scrabble. I love playing it by myself. I thought about buying the game, but, I think I will just use our regular Scrabble and use the letters in that.

Where Is It!?

2012-01-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

The sun supplies us with vitamin D, but since most of us do not live in an area where we get enough sun, or that we use a lot of sunscreen, or are indoors all the time, most of us do not get enough D. So, we us should be taking vitamin D preferably D3, and with Calcium.

The last time I went to the doctor, my vitamin D results came back REALLY low. I was pretty surprised, I have never had my vitamin D low, even when I lived in Indiana, where the sun rarely shines. I questioned the results, and my doctor did retest me, but in the mean time she put me on a very high vitamin D regiment. I was taking more than 6000 units a day. Less than a week later, I started having some severe pain throughout my body. I'm not sure if it was the large amounts of vitamin D, or something else, but when my results came back above normal, I took myself off the high dosage. Lately, I've been taking calcium with D3; so I've been getting about 1000 units of D3. Most of my pain has subsided. Not sure if there is a connection, but, anyway...

A few weeks ago, I was grocery shopping, and noticed my calcium with D3 was on sale. Even though I did not need any, I still bought some; and since we have our house on the market and I didn't want vitamin bottles on the counter, I put the extra bottle away, in a nice safe place. So, today, I took my last pill, and guess what!? I can't remember where I put the new bottle. I guess I need to start taking vitamin B12 for memory loss.

Well, better get back to my search...

Foto Friday Week 2

2012-01-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

Foto Friday

Week 2

Self Portrait

As I was thinking about how I could do self portrait, I thought of all the things I like to do. One of which is NOT getting my picture taken. So, how can I do self portrait without actually having my picture taken? Well, that's not possible, but I can take pictures of me behind my favorite things; one of which is TAKING pictures.

Another thing I like to do is make jewelry. As a teen, my sisters and I use to make jewelry all the time. When we got older and going to college, we just did not have the time. My sister got back into to it and is now an author of several how to make jewelry books, plus she has an Etsy, and writes for about.com (http://jewelrymaking.about.com/). She got me back into the jewelry making business almost 20 years ago.

One other thing I love to do and started when I was three is dance. I especially love to tap dance. Don't have any place I can actually take classes now that I'm old...but I still love it!

My most favorite thing, though above all else, is spending time with my family...

One thing I learned about this assignment is that this was very challenging. I did, however, learn to be more comfortable with the timer on my camera, and my tripod.

"FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES"

2012-01-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me when I was about four. I started taking dance lessons when I was three, and pretty much danced off and on my whole life. Except for a few years in high school. I swam instead.

This is my daughter, Ashley, when she was five. She started taking dance lessons when she was two (just three months shy of her third birthday). She has always taken dance, and now has a degree in dance and is teaching and choreographing. This falls second in her life, only to her husband which is definitely first!

This is Ashley when she was about four. We use to curl her hair for church. This is what it looked like when we first took it out. Eventually, her hair would relax, and her curly hair would fall like the tap picture above.

Anyway...

The ballet picture of me above has always hung in my parents home. When Ashley was about four, she looked up at that picture, and with a very puzzled look on her face, asked my mom who that was. My mom told her that that was her mother. Ashley continued to study the picture, and then said, "Ooooh! Is that my mommy when she was an Ashley?"

From the mouth of babes...

The Holidays Have Ended

2012-01-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, the last of my group left today. Our son, Scott just left to go back to school. He starts early tomorrow morning.

I so very much enjoyed all my peeps. It was hectic, but very exciting, and I love having all my kids together. With everyone gone now, I can get back into my routine. I can't remember when the last time I walked; although, now we are looking at cold weather, and I just don't do that too well. Especially since I have all my winter clothes in storage. I didn't think we would still be here. I figured by now we would be in Kentucky and getting settled. Oh well.

I hope everyone had just as wonderful of a Christmas and New Years as we did, and that your new year is turning out to be a good one. So far, it's been ok. I've lost 3.2 pounds, and I'll have to say that is great. I know, this is only my third day of my new eating habits, and probably just lost water weight, by hey, I'll take it!

Eating Healthy is so Yummy!

2012-01-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

I originally planned to start my new healthy eating habits, aka a diet, on Monday 2 January, but I got up Sunday morning and decided I should get right on it. I got up, weighed my self, and after I got out of the shower, headed for the kitchen. Since church is starting at ten now, I figured I need to have a pretty substantial breakfast. Having hypoglycemia, I have to be careful of that. I had egg in a hole, that is a half of a whole wheat bagel. No butter, just one egg and a half of a bagel. In addition, I had a smoothie and boy was it yummy. It had 1/2 cup orange juice, 12 small frozen strawberries, and 1/2 banana. So that all counts as 1/2 protein, 1 starch and three fruit.

For lunch, since it was New Years, and everyone should have their black-eyed peas for good luck, I put some on in the crock pot the night before. Boy did they smell good when I got up. My dad makes the best ones, spicy and all, "oh soooo good!" He use to have them when he was in the Air Force and part of the boat squad in the Gulf of Mexico in the late 50's. I put the peas on a small bed of rice and topped with 2 oz of low fat cheese my one and only dairy), that will count as 1 starch, 1 protein, and 1 veggie.

For snack, I had a protein bar! Chocolate and caramel rolled in nuts.

Dinner was a salad (1 veggie) with lite dressing (a condiment), the other half of my bagel from this morning (1 startch),and this time I got to have some butter on it for my one fat. I also will had some nuts (protein), and 6 baby carrots (one veggie).

In all, I will have to say I had plenty to eat, and everything was very good.

Flamingos

2012-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Each month, we receive our church magazines. We use to get all three, The Friend (for Primary children ages 3 to 11), The New Era (for youth 12 to 18), and The Ensign (for all ages). Since we just have one teen, young adults, and old adults in our family, we now only get The New Era, and The Ensign.

The magazines came this week, so I do what I normally do, immediately sit down and look through them. They always have such good content. One article that caught my eye was one about flamingos. I have always loved flamingos, not necessarily because they are pink, but because they are such cool and unique birds. I love bright colors, and these birds just intrigue me.

The author talks about why the birds have their pink coloring; how it is all because of what they eat, and that if a flamingo does not eat the intended diet, they become white and pale. She goes on to describe how, as members of the church, we sometimes are told that we have a countenance about us...a brightness, a glowing. This is the light of Christ. Just as the flamingo has a diet which gives him his unique pink color, we can receive the light of Christ with a "Spiritual" diet.

I encourage you to read the article. It is very well done. It is called, "Feast Like a Flamingo". I know you will enjoy it.

What a Wonderful Christmas 2011!

2011-12-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Christmas we had! All the kids, my parents, and my wonderful husband were home. It was a little different this year, as our family has been scattered everywhere, but at least everyone was here for a few days during the holidays. That is truly something to be grateful for.

December 16, everyone started to trickle in. Ashley and Jeremy were the last to come since they had to work on Christmas Eve. They arrived late that evening, and pretty much as soon as they came, we did the gift thing. We were up til after midnight talking and enjoying each other's company.

My sister crochet hats for all the men...

I think they all liked them

My dad trying to tidy up as the gifts were being opened

Everyone trying to tidy things up and head to bed

Since Ashley's birthday is the day after Christmas and they had to leave early that morning, I went ahead and gave her her bday present early.

The next morning, we had the privilege to attend church. Since Christmas fell on a Sunday, what better way to celebrate our Savior's birth!

As soon as we came home, we tried taking some family pictures. We did the set the timer thing, so they weren't the best pictures, but I finally was able to get an ok one. I think next time, I won't wear solid black, as it looks like I have no arms. I promise you, I have arms, lol. I would have loved to go outside for pictures, but it was raining. Sox wanted to get in on the action too. She usually doesn't like to get her picture taken, but since everyone else was, she just hopped right onto Nannie's lap.

My three boys scattered the second we were done with the family picture. They really didn't want to take pictures in the first place.

But Ashley and Jeremy stayed around

And we were able to get some pictures of them

Even some goofy ones!

After we finished with pictures, and got into more comfortable clothes, it was time to head to the kitchen. Usually, we have pretty much the same thing we have for Thanksgiving; turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, apple salad, rolls, and pumkin pie. Since we had church Christmas morning I decided to simplify it.

I cooked a glazed ham, and we had apple salad, baked sweet potatoes and regular baked potatoes, Autumn salad, rolls, crock pot gluten free macaroni and cheese, cherry pie, and pumpkin pie. I could pretty much put everything in the oven/crock pot, and let it do it's job. Less work for the cook! And...everything was a success!

Don't you just love the salt and pepper shakers Scott got me?

After dinner, we all just sat around and chilled.

Now, pretty much everyone is gone. Bill, Ashley and Jeremy had to leave the day after Christmas because of work. My Mom and Dad stayed around for a few days, but they are gone. Scott can't get into his form 'til Tuesday, so we have him for a few more days :D

Pretty soon, it's just going to be me, Miles and Benjamin, and back to our same ole routine...trying to sell our house! (I'm sure you all will be glad when we do, so you won't have to hear about it anymore).

Well, here's hoping that everyone had a great Christmas!

New Years Resolutions

2011-12-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

Every year at this time, we all are thinking about our goals for the coming year. At the top of my list are loosing weight, becoming more organized, and this year, I've added two more; moving and improving my photography skills.

Losing weight, has been a long battle for me in the last say, 23 years (since I started having children). Being more organized, that has it's ups and downs too. The moving goal, well there is not much I can do about that, and when it does happen, that will take care of my getting more organized. Improving my photography skills, well, that is something I can start working on now, and with each photo I take, it helps me to improve. Once we get moved, I plan to take some more classes, but in the mean time, I need to just take pictures...lots of them, but I think I really need to assign myself a specific assignment. So, for the next year, I plan to dedicate my blog to a weekly photo assignment. I have seen several bloggers do this, in fact, I have a pretty good friend of mine that is doing it with several other ladies. I love looking at their Foto Fridays, so I decided to do something similar. I made a list of some ideas, and while they seem really good ideas, knowing that our family will someday very soon be uprooted and possibly living in a motel for who knows how long (til we find our house), I won't be able to commit to the every Friday thing. BUT! I can try. So that is what I pan to do. Each and every Friday, post something about my photography, using a theme of some sort.

This week, since it is the close of 2011, my assignment will be...saying good-bye to 2011. It was a good year, mostly. We had mostly ups--graduations, wedding, travel, new job, etc. Gladly, nothing really bad, and I am grateful for that!

So, here are my Good-bye to 2011 photos...

The high school graduation of our 3rd child

The college graduation and wedding of our only daughter

Fun trips:

Washington DC Temple

Colorful Colorado,

Bahamas,

Cocoa Beach, FL

The Bayou that runs through our neighborhood.

And then just enjoying being at home.

2011, you have been a great and busy year. We will look back on you with wonderful memories. 2012, We hope you will be just as good if not better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!

Needing a Healthier Lifestyle

2011-12-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

For a few weeks, now, I have been trying to think of how to change our family's way of eating. Since I left on our first house hunting trip the beginning of October, I have been packing on the pounds. A pound here and a pound there quickly adds up on this small boned 5'4" body of mine.

During the Christmas holiday, my mom and I sat down and did some discussing. Several years ago, I had been on LA Weight Loss and had great success. I lost 30 pounds, and never felt hungry. In fact, I had more than enough to eat, but in order to loose, I HAD to eat ALL the food. I kept it off for quite awhile, until, that is, we moved to Louisiana.

One thing I need is accountability. The reason LA Weight Loss worked so well for me, is that I knew three days a week, I was going in to be weighed and counselled. I feel that Weight Watchers success is partly because of this too. The only problem with Weight Watchers, is that because I am under 150 pounds, the point system failed me. I was always hungry, as the points were not enough for me.

Anyway...Accountability! As I said before, I lost a lot of weight with LA Weight Loss. I kept going in each week and weighing in to make sure it stayed off. They even contacted me about being one of their success stories. Then, we found out we were moving...to Louisiana. I was assured that I could transfer my membership, but to make a long story short, that was not the case. I had to rejoin and pay the expensive fee in order to stay a member here. I did not need to loose any weight, and so therefore, couldn't join, even if I wanted to. I tried my best to be accountable to myself, but was not very successful, especially with all the wonderful food here in Louisiana. Within two months, I was almost back to my heavy weight.

Fast forward four years; my weight has been up and down, and I am tired of it. So, after I enjoy my New Year's Black Eyed Peas, I will be starting back on LA Weight Loss. This time, though, instead of being accountable to them, I will be accountable to my mom, as she will be doing it too. She lives in Florida, so this will be a long distance accountability. My goal? Well, I am starting out at 20 pounds. Now, I know this is going to be hard with the move coming up and all, as we probably will be living in a motel for a while. I've done this before, and usually, this is my beginning of gaining weight after I lost it.

One of the benefits of my husband's new job is a discounted membership at the local YMCA. This particular YMCA is one of the best. They have a pool (outside during the summer and inside during the winter), weight room, basketball courts, racquet ball courts, and numerous classes. I am really looking forward to it, especially the Zumba, Pilates, swimming, circuit training, and racquet ball. In addition to the Tia Chi class they offer at the local community college. I figured, if the schedule works out, I can do one of these activities or classes everyday. That will not only keep me from getting bored, but also keep my muscles guessing.

Hopefully, this time, I will have a very long term success!!!

http://hereandthere.us/index.php/2010/why-exercise-is-like-spinach/

Beware of Target's Return Policy

2011-12-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

Target has long been one of my favorite places to shop. Most stores are clean, spacious, and have some pretty neat things. A friend of my has told me, though, of some of her not so good experiences at the store. I tended to brush them off, until yesterday.

I did some extensive Christmas shopping at Target this year. One of the things I bought were jeans for my three boys. They are really hard to fit, as they are thin around the waist, but have athletic thighs. They hate the new skinny jeans, and while I was shopping at Target, I noticed the Levi Denizen jeans. Upon inspection, I figured the 299's would probably be perfect for them. I only bought one pair for each, as I was not sure I was getting the right size. Scott's fit him perfect, but Miles' was too long (yesterday, Ben still had not tried his on).

Yesterday, my mom and I went out doing some after Christmas shopping. I took back the jeans, and had left the receipt at home. While my mom stood in the return line, I went and got the right size jeans. When we got to the counter I told the sales lady that I just wanted to exchange, and she asked for my receipt. I told her they were a gift, and she told me she could not help me, that I had to have a receipt. I clarified--" for an exchange?" She said, "Yes ma'm." I was confused and again told her I just wanted to exchange for a different size. Still she could not help me. She said I could get my money back---$3 less than what I paid for them (I had paid $20), and then I could repurchase them at $22. That made no since to me. I just wanted to exchange them. Nope, not happenin'.

I had some Christmas cards in my hand that I was going to purchase, and I dropped them on the counter, and told her that I refuse to shop here, and that I was not ever shopping at Target again! Over comes a very young looking man, and says to me, "Now we don't throw things." as if I was his child. First off I did not throw them, I dropped them on the counter, and second, he needed to go back to where he came from and finish helping his customers. What I needed was to talk to a supervisor, which never occurred. As I was leaving with my too long pants, she says to me, "Ma'm, do you have the credit card it was purchased with?" I told her I did, and then all was well...I was able to exchanged without paying more.

Now, why didn't she say that in the first place?

Today, I looked up the "new" Target return policy. And I quote..."So if Aunt Minnie gave you a shirt in "large" but you're a "medium," you can exchange it without a hassle, even if she tossed the receipt." I guess this store didn't get the memo...

Well, now Ben finally tried on his jeans, and guess what? I have to take them back. UGGGG! I really don't want to deal with them again. Maybe, I'll have him take them back.

5th Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-12-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

Wow! Can't believe another Bead Soup Blog Party is just around the corner. I've done this for the last two parties, and loved it! The last one was so popular that this time, it will be run by lottery. This makes me a bit nervous, as I'm usually one of those who never wins anything. Maybe I'll get lucky this time! If not, I'll still want to keep an eye on the blog hop, as I have always been inspired.

For more information, hop on over to Lori Anderson's Pretty Things blog to get all the details.

You can also check out the last two parties I was involved in by clicking here and here.

Wish me luck!!!!

LET'S CLEAN UP OUR ACT!

2011-12-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

What a gorgeous day it started out being. Temperatures were around 50 and the sun was shining. I was invited to a friend's house for a visit and hot chocolate, so I hopped in the car to drive to her house, and what I ran into truly made me sad! A pile of garbage lay in the middle of one of our neighborhood roads.

My question is this....why do people have to clean out their trashy cars into the road? I know this is exactly what happened. I see it quite often in our town. Lazy people who cannot even bag up the trash in their cars into a Walmart bag and put-it-into a trash can. Last year, after a high school football game, we were headed out to our car, when I see a family, with young children, tossing trash out of their car, and then they drove away. I stood their speechless! Then I got angry! I do not understand, and boy, what a thing to teach your kids!

Louisiana has the potential to be one of the most beautiful states, if not the most beautiful, but because we have such trashy, non carrying people who live here, we are one of, if not THE most trashiest state. As I ride down the roads of the state (and I've been all over the state), I see a lot of trash on the sides of the roads. I have even heard that because of this, Louisiana has lost out on some important businesses that looked into moving here.

We as citizens and visitors to any place we go, have a responsibility to leave a place as good, if not better than how we found it. Whenever I went on hiking trips in the mountains, we always brought our trash back out with us, never leaving it behind. This makes it so much nicer for the people who come in behind us, and I really appreciate it when the people before me have done the same. This also includes not just the trash, but putting things away when are done, like the buggies at the store.

Another pet peeve of mine is when one leaves their buggy just anywhere. Half the time you try to park, you cannot find a place because people have left their buggy in the parking places. AND you also find when you come back to your car, that a buggy has scratched up your car, etc. So selfish and lazy. In my opinion, the only ones who have an excuse to not take their buggies to the designated area, are those who have young children, or the elderly or handicapped who physically cannot, and those are few and far between.

There is a store that we use to shop at in Indiana that had a really good idea (they have them now in Florida too). You have to pay a quarter to get your buggy, then when you were done, if you brought back your buggy, you got your quarter back. Ingenious! Guess what? All, and I do mean ALL buggies are ALWAYS put back.

Plans for Christmas Eats

2011-12-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

I think I have finally finalized our Christmas eats! Took long enough, but I have seen some most excellent dishes lately, and they have inspired me.

Christmas Eve:
*Quinoa Burger with Tzatziki sauce
*homemade salsa and chips
*veggie platter and dip
*cheese platter and crackers
*Tri Color Orzo
*Autumn Chopped Salad
*Fresh Pineapple
*Gluten free Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
*White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels

Since we will be having church Christmas morning from 10 to 11, I figured we would have Gluten Free Impossible Easy Breakfast Bake and orange juice.

Then for dinner.
*Glazed ham
*Baked sweet potatoes
*Baked potatoes
*Atumn Chopped Salad (yes, again)
*Gluten Free Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
*Fruit Salad (chopped apples, bananas, celery, pineapple chunks, marshmallows, pecans with mayo/pineapple juice mixture poured over...a family favorite for generations!)
*Fresh Pineapple
*Cherry pie/vanilla ice cream
*Pumpkin pie

It's still up for change, but I think this will pretty much be it. I've done the most of the shopping, just need to make one more run to Wally World to get fresh bananas.

Can't wait for the crew to get here...our son from college will be here tomorrow, my parents will be here in two days, and my daughter and her husband a few days after that. It is going to be a wonderful time with everyone here!

Sox Enjoys Our Neighbor's Christmas Lights

2011-12-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

I'll have to say, we have the cutest, sweetest puppy dog in the whole world. Ok, well, I am a bit biased, and yes she isn't a puppy anymore, but she will always be my little puppy dog.

Sox originally was my oldest son's dog, but after he left she adopted me. I don't mind, though, I fell in love with her the first time I set eyes on her.

We adopted her from a no kill shelter when she was about nine weeks old. She weighed less than ten pounds. She now weighs about 45 pounds. She was born in the shelter; her mother was part Bassett and Beagle, and her dad was part Australian Shepherd and some sort of Spaniel. Most people ask if she is part Border Collie, and I guess she kinda looks like a Border Collie with floppy ears.

Along with her cute looks, is a really great personality. She loves people, and is very sweet. She is very smart, and you can tell she wants to please you. Even though she is five, she still loves to play and run in the yard. She probably would have made a good herder, I can tell by the way she runs.

Usually she is always in the same room as I am, but lately, she has made herself comfortable in the front room. You see, the neighbors have a really pretty Christmas light display and Sox sits on the bed and stares out the window at the lights.

I LOVE POPCORN!

2011-12-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

Lately, we have been getting a lot of packages. Most of them are ones that I know about, but today, that was not the case. I guess UPS sneaked up on his golf cart without Sox or me noticing, because when a neighbor came over for a sec, there was a big box at our front door.

Well, I'm the only one home right now, but no one is suppose to be here til late, so I went ahead and opened the big box. Mom's can do that sorta thing. WOW!!! My sister sent us a bunch of different flavored popcorn.

Glad I opened it now, because I can police it. There are all kinds of flavors...zebra, cheddar cheese, strawberry and cream, caramel, kettle, almond, pecan, etc.

I guess this weekend we will just have to rent some movies and enjoy our popcorn!

Good Friends Are The Best Gifts!

2011-12-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

This morning I went to play some Pokeno with the ladies in the neighborhood. They meet every month and have a great time. Since we are approaching Christmas, it was decided that we play "Dirty Santa" while playing the game. Every time someone pokenoed, then they got to pick a gift, and so forth. We played for several hours, and many of the gifts went around and around. I immediately had my eye on one of the gifts, as it reminded me of my kids; four snowman heads stacked upon each other. In my mind I saw my kids in order, from bottom to top; Miles, Ashley, Scott and Benjamin.

There were other nice gifts too, and any of them would have been a wonderful thing to bring home. At the end I did not end up with the snowmen, but that was ok, as I had some really pretty angels.

Was I ever surprised, though, when the lady who wound up with the snowmen came up to me and handed them over. I said, "oh, you want to trade?" She replied, "no, I just want you to have them."

She really didn't have to do it, but I know she wanted to. She really made my day. What a nice gift--to have friends like that!

Louisiana Christmas

2011-12-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Most of the country is battling the cold, the snow, the yuck! Growing up in Florida, I remember Christmas day being the time that EVERY child was outside riding his or her new bike, or rollerskating down the sidewalk with their new skates; and I do mean SKATES, not roller blades. You know, the one's with the key? Anyway...I'm dating myself.

We lived in an area that actually got white Christmases for a few years. I much rather go to the beach on Christmas Day! Here in Louisiana, we also enjoy some warm weather. Not as warm as Florida, but still, compared to most of the rest of the country it is warm. Yesterday, it was in the mid 50's, today...62, tomorrow...74! Not sure when it is actually going to cool down, but I'm sure it will pretty soon. I think Friday it is suppose to be 55.

I really prefer warm SUNNY weather, but warm cloudy weather is fine too. Yesterday it was sunny, today--not so much.

I strolled around our yard to see what was going on with our plants, and saw that some were still trying to bloom.

Even my loquats had a few blooms.

I love the South and am grateful to be able to live and enjoy it's beauty.

Jeanette's Photography

2011-12-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

I love to take pictures. I remember when my kids were young, the family use to joke that they were the world's most photographed children, and they probably were. I use to take them in to get their portraits done; every three months before they turned a year, then one at 18 months, and then once a year afterward. I love looking through all my pictures and scrapbooks, reminiscing of all the fun times we had when they were young. Boy, how I miss those days.

For years, I took pictures with film, then when digital came to be I went wild! What an invention!! I can take as many pictures as I want. If they don't come out, then I can just delete them. A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to upgrade to a digital SLR camera. After much investigating, my husband bought me a Canon Rebel. How I love that camera. It is pretty much idiot proof. Immediately, I started pointing the camera at everyone and everything.

About two weeks after I got my camera, a friend of mine got married. I knew they could not afford a photographer, so I asked if she mind if I came and took pictures. She seemed to be very excited, and so for their wedding present, I took all their pictures, put them on a disc for them to keep. In addition, I made a copy of one of the pictures and framed it for them. I also put together a montage of the pictures set to music for them to enjoy later on. As I prepared these pictures to give to them, I could see that I might have some potential later on to maybe go into business.

As the summer was coming to a close, I realized that I could be taking my son's senior pictures. When my two older children graduated, I took them to a professional photographer, and got a few pictures. I could not afford to get all the wonderful pictures he took and have been very sad about that for years.

We had taken a trip to visit with my family in Florida, so I took Scott to the beach for a senior photo session. It was a very hot and humid July morning, and I forgot to bring a towel to dry off the sweat beads, so I had to do some editing with most of the pictures, but they came out great.

During this same trip, I was at my sister's house and she has two of the most precious boys you will ever find. Both are autistic, and very hard to photograph. I just started taking random pictures and got a really cute one of her youngest. We were celebrating all the August birthdays in the family (we have a lot!), so that explains the cake filled fingers.

In the fall I had a friend of mine who needed some family pictures for their Christmas cards, and I asked if I could do them. I was trying to get some experience under my belt. We went out to the bayou and again, I was very pleased.

Soon, we were celebrating the engagement of our daughter, so I used that as an excuse to fly out to Utah to visit and to take their engagement pictures. WOW, what a fun time we had!

Then of course I did her Bridal's

Pretty soon, it seemed that everyone was getting engaged.

Then getting married.

Lately, I have had the opportunity to do several family photo shoots.

Not only do I like to take pictures of people. I also like to take pictures of places and things.

Something else I've gotten into is something I call AlphaPix. You can find these type things online or at your local craft store, but, boy, are they pricey!

It is my dream to someday be able to have a full fledged photography business. I have taken a few classes, and plan to, in the near future take some more. There are many different things I can do with my photography. In addition to all that I have mentioned, I can also do photos for business, and even take pictures of homes for Realtors (which I did with our home). The possibilities are endless....

Hungry For Change?

2011-12-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

http://foodincmovie.com/

Last night, I decided to watch a movie that my sister told me about some time ago. I pretty much knew what it was all about, but I finally have time to actually sit down and watch a movie, so I sent my son to the library to pick it up. After returning home with the movie, we find that it is locked, so I had to send him back out so the library could unlock it for me to watch. Needless to say, my son was a tad upset.

I've always been a bit concerned with our food, but after watching this movie, I am more disgusted than ever at our food industry and at our government who is controlling it. Do people realize how this affects us? It does in every way. For one thing it is affecting our health and our health care system. If one eats healthy, then one has less health issues. Diabetes, obesity, heart disease, etc, would essential disappear. It might be more expensive to eat healthier, but in the long run it is actually cheaper. Our health bill would be much less, and we would miss less work. One other thing that would improve is our economy. We would create more real jobs, and by improving our health, I do believe that our quality of life would improve. It's a win-win situation.

Most of us do not think we have a voice. Not true! We do. In this film it mentions about how just what we buy influenced the biggest company in the world--Walmart. Baby steps! We need to speak up, grow gardens, eat less chips and more veggie. Now I'm not saying we can't have junk food, or fast food. But, folks, a lot of us are having these things on a daily basis...several times a day. Junk food, fast food, etc. should be more of a treat. We also need to go back to the basics, eat what is in season, and remember, all things in moderation.

I do believe too, that if we start eating like we should, healthy, and at the table with our families, this could also improve our family life. I actually think we could strengthen the family unit.

I feel that EVERYONE needs to watch this movie, and we all need to band together so we can improve our quality of life for us and our future offspring.

WOMEN ARE SAFE

2011-12-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I talked about what to do for my in-laws for Christmas. After much internet research, and various phone calls, I finally found a place to send some necklaces. For some reason, I kept going back to finding a domestic violence center. Women Are Safe is the place I finally landed on. Several years ago while living in Indiana, our church ladies group got involved with one of the shelters there. I learned that many of these women come with very little, usually just the clothes on their backs and many with children in tow. I feel for these women. How lonely and frightened they must be. I know I would be. So, the very least that I could do is to gather up some pretty pieces that might make someone feel special.

First I went through my stash (a beader always has a stash), and picked out a variety of pieces.

I then made a card to go along with each piece. Since I like to scrapbook, I just got some scrap paper, and punched flowers out, glued them on brown paper, and on the back wrote an uplifting verse:

"The beginning is always today."

--Mary Wollstonecroft

I will be getting these out in the mail the first of next week. I am grateful for my in-laws for coming up with this idea. This is the kind of people they are...always thinking of others.

DONATING TO A WORTHY CAUSE

2011-12-09T06:40:00.000-08:00

Funny, how a good night's sleep can make things look up the next day. Sorry for the negative post last night. Again, I was doing a lot of thinking, and now, I feel good. I know all will work out for whatever is right for our family; it always does.

I usually have my hand in some project. Lately, my project has been this move. I'm getting a bit bored with it. With Christmas around the corner, I've been getting my gifts in order. I like to make what gifts I can, and the rest, I try to put a lot of thought into. This year, my in-laws have requested that we don't get them anything. They have told us that if we think we have to do something, then do something for someone else. It can be anything. I got to thinking about this, and thought maybe I could do something with my jewelry. Making jewelry is fun, and relaxing, but one can only use so many pieces. I do make and sell several pieces, but mostly this time of year, and I have not really put the time into it this year. Some ideas I have, is to donate some of my pieces to maybe a women's shelter or nursing home, in my in-laws community; donate it in their name. I know many of the women who wind up in these shelters come with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and many times have little ones in tow. I know I love to wear beautiful things, and maybe one of my pieces will help someone feel special.

Have any of you done anything like this before? I would like to hear any ideas you might have. Christmas is getting close at hand, so I need to get on the ball with this if I'm going to do it. Today, I plan to do some research, and inventory to see what I have and what I need to do.

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Frustrating Day

2011-12-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was a pretty frustrating day. My daughter is having some minor surgery on Friday, and I had planned to go down to Baton Rouge to spend some time with her. My youngest son, Benjamin, came home Monday from school with a 103 temperature. Ut oh....maybe I won't be going down. Oh, he should be fine by Thursday. Nope, he is still sick. So, needless to say, I was not able to go down.

I had everything planned. Kennel Sox, set up two open houses...one for the Realtors on Thursday and one for the public on Sunday. Benjamin was excited to not have to go down to Baton Rouge and stay with a friend. Hmmm...change of plans. So I didn't go down. I really felt bad, but Ashley is a big girl, and has a fantastic husband that will take very good care of her.

So, after I took care of those change of plans, I get a call about the house we have had our eye on in Kentucky. This house was one of the first houses we saw, and fell in love with immediately. It has a nice back yard with a beautiful pool. Two, two car garages. One of which is air and heated. Perfect for many options. Game room including our ping pong table, or a craft room, or a dance studio, or a photography studio. So many options. The backyard butted up to horses. Yes, you know the visual you have when you think of Kentucky? You could see the horses from two of the upstairs bedrooms. Nice! Plus so many other nice things, but, anyway, if you hadn't guessed, yes, this house is under contract. Just this week, I started "moving" into this house. Now it is gone. I was very sad, so I decided to go take a bubble bath, yes a bubble bath in my jet tub that I have not used in the four years we have lived here. I sat and did a lot of thinking. Oh, and one more thing, my new watch I just bought the day before, stopped working. ugggg. It was time for me to go to bed.

Well, after a night of not much sleep (one of those nights that my mind wondered), I woke up optimistic. You know, that house must not met to be. So, I will move on....

Benjamin, Sox, and I spent quite a bit of time in the car today. During the Realtor open house, we headed to Sonic for lunch, tried to find people to talk to on the phone (seems everyone was busy), and then just drove around the neighborhood til the open house was done. Within thirty minutes after we got home, I got a call from our Realtor saying that she had someone wanting to see our house. So, back in the car we went. This time we were in the car for almost an hour. Good sign! Not long after they left, I get a call from my Realtor with good news! They loved it.

Now, we have to get prepared for Sunday's open house. Hopefully, soon, we will have a viable contract on this home, and be able to find the perfect home in Kentucky.

The Christmas Season Is Officially Here!

2011-12-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been about ten years since we made these in Relief Society in Crossett, AR

I love Christmas. I love the music, the decorations, family times, and especially what the meaning is all about; our Savior Jesus Christ. This year was a bit of a struggle at first. In my opinion, there is just too much commercialization, but this past week things have gotten better. Getting all the decorations up, and ready for everyone to get here, and especially after last night I am finally in the mood.

Each year, our church hosts a world wide Christmas devotional which is aired on the BYU Channel. (9304 for all you Dishnetwork people). Last night my youngest son and I (the only ones at home now), sat down and enjoyed the music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and talks from our Prophet and his two councelors. I just love hearing them talk...what wonderful inspiration comes from them. I encourage you all to listen, it is very much worth your time.

Usually, I do quite a bit of decorating, but this year, with the house on the market and all, I figured I should do basic decorating; Christmas tree, wreath on the door, and a few things here and there.

Just down the road from where we live is a store called Mer Rouge. I love that place. It has all kinds of stuff for you to decorate your home. Needless to say, I have shopped there on many occasions. Its a fun place to find gifts too. Anyway, for the past couple years, they have had mesh. That stuff is a lot of fun to work with, and easy too. For the past couple years, I have used it to decorate my front door. This past spring, though, I made my first mesh wreath, and have had it on our door ever since. I just rotate the flowers to make it seasonal.

Originally, I chose the green because I have a green door, but in the back of my head, I figured I would be able to change out the season, easier with a green background. For Christmas, I added a sparkly green ribbon and sliver and while floral and gift sticks.

Mer Rouge has other forms for the mesh besides the wreaths. I've had my eyeball on some candy cane forms, and when I went in the other day, they Christmas tree forms. Oh wow, what a decision. Since I went in for the candy canes, I got two of them. I planned to put them outside, but only made up one and decided to put in on my front door on the inside.

I think I may just save the other one for next year when we are in our new home. I may even go back and get the Christmas tree form and stuff to do that, since I will not be able to go back next year. Boy, I am sure gonna miss that place!

Well, now that I have the decorations up, the Christmas music playing and expecting my family in a few weeks, I am ready. As of tomorrow, I should have all my shopping done, and will be able to enjoy the Christmas Season. Sure hope your Christmas is a happy one too!

Tia Chi, Anyone?

2011-12-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Now this looks like a place I'd like to do Tia Chi!

Lately, I have been in a lot of pain. I absolutely HATE it! I like to be active and self sufficient. For the past month or so, I have had all these weird pains. It would hurt just to get out of bed. I have an aunt with Lupus, and a sister with Scleroderma and Fibromylagia, and I know that autoimmune is in our genes. I have hand problems, and have had a few surgeries--carpel tunel and trigger thumb. I've also had some feet issues. Since I grew up dancing, and majored in it in college, being on my feet and dancing 90% of the time barefoot, that has caught up with me as I have gotten older. Bunions, neuroma, and worst off plantar fasciitus have plagued me in recent years.

About ten years ago, I really started having major pain in my feet. It was so bad that I had a hard time walking at all, sometimes, at night when I had to get up to go to the bathroom, I would just crawl to the bathroom (I know, sounds pitiful). The doctor said it was probably fibromyalgia. I knew it was not, and soon I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. After some physical therapy, I was able to start tap dancing and power walking again. The therapy I had was wonderful. We were livng in Muncie, IN at the time. Our local hospital, Ball Memorial, had a special therapy they were new to using called ASTYM. Let me tell you, it was one of the best forms of therapy and it worked real well with me. In addition to the ASTYM, I also started wearing Birkenstock shoes, and now that is pretty much all I wear.

So, why am I have pain now. I have pretty much been pain free for almost ten years, and now it has come back. I went to the doctor, and they took a bunch of blood tests. So far the only thing they have found is that I have a lot of inflammation. But Why? The jury is still out. My doctor did finally talk me into taking Prednisone, a form of steroid. I really did not want to be put on this, as it is going to put some weight on me, and personally, I think this might be part of the problem. I was doing so well with losing weight til I had those stupid blood clots last year and had to be put on Coumiden and avoid all my favorite foods--spinach, lettuce, all the green leafy veggies. But anyway, that is another story. I've been on this Prednisone for two days, now and boy, can I ever tell a difference. My pain is essentially gone. I will only be on it for eight days. I can tell, I have put on some lbs, but maybe after the eight days, I will be able to get some of it off, and hopefully, I will be pain free.

You are probably wondering why I am sharing this with you. Well, someone told me that Tia Chi, is a good way to control pain. I Googled Tia Chi and found there had been a study with persons with fibromyalgia taking Tia Chi. Looks like I might be doing some additional research. Even if my pain goes away and never comes back, I think Tia Chi might be something that would be good to do. Research has shown that in addition to relieving pain, it can reduce high blood pressure (which, thankfully, I do not have a problem with), stress, depression, and other medical issues. As I do not have a problem with any of that except the pain, who knows what the future holds for any of us. Tia Chi might be something that is good for me to learn regardless if I have medial issues now.

Have any of you had any experience with Tia Chi? I would like to hear what your experiences have been.

It's Warm Again!

2011-12-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Got up this morning to some nice warm weather. It is suppose to be into the 70's today, and I am CELL-O-BRATE-ING!!!

My body just CANNOT handle the cold. It seems to just shut down.

The sun is coming out and it looks to be a really nice day.

Advice Needed

2011-12-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

It's almost been three months since our house was first listed. We have had a total of four, yes, 4, that is......
F-O-U-R look at our house! In the last six weeks or so we have hand none, that is ZERO. Now I do realize it is the holiday season, but I have seen other houses in the neighborhood actually sell recently, or have a contract on them. Not just one, but several. Why have they not come to look at my house?

One thing I think is strange around here is that they do not have a realtor caravan for all the new listings. We have sold several homes, and the first of each month all new listings are visited by a caravan of realtors. I think it odd that it is not done here, but then again, I do live in Louisiana. I have found Louisiana does a lot of weird things. The argument is, is that since homes are on the internet, realtors can look at the homes on line. First off, I don't think that is being done, and second and more important, you really cannot get a feel of the home until you actually go see it in person.

I've been communicating with my realtor as to what more we can do. When we first listed, open houses were discussed. Knowing that there is a very low percentage of homes sold with open houses, I pretty much discarded that idea. Well, since we are looking at three months on market and essential no traffic, we have decided to do some open houses. Next week, we decided to do a realtor open house AND a public open house. We have lowered the price and I have staged the home. It looks really nice.

O.K., now, I need ya'lls help. What are some good ideas to make the house beyond perfect? Like I said, I have staged the most important parts of the house--living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast area, master bedroom and bath, and two of the other three bedrooms, including the main bathroom and half bath. I have special towels that I set out, and even have set the breakfast area table. I open all the blinds when it shows, which makes it look very nice and bright and cheery. We have also dropped the price.

Our realtor plans to have a small lunch for the realtors, and some finger food for the public open house. I'm hoping to have a good turn out and maybe even a nibble on the house. It sure would be nice to be able to go back up with my husband after Christmas.

Christmas Gifts for Mom and Dad

2011-11-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

Every year, I have a hard time trying to figure out what to get my parents for Christmas. My dad always gets on to us about it. He doesn't want anything, and he means it! My mom on the other hand likes to get stuff. The problem is, I like to get things that have a special meaning. Since I've been into photography, I have been just giving them pictures of the kids.

This year, I have come up with some good gifts for my parents. My dad hates the new light bulbs (as I do too), and has been stocking up on the old ones. So, I've decided to buy him some old light bulbs., because they will not be making them in the near future. Sounds pretty weird, but I think he might actually get a kick out of that.

As far as my mom, I've been doing a lot of thinking on that. Not long ago, I had my Young Women's Medallion on, and she commented on how she like what I had done with it.

My medallion

Years ago (like over 20) my mom had been Young Women's President for six years, and had earned her medallion. She told me she had no idea where it was. I can remember her getting it and thought how sad that she had lost it. Since that time the program has come up with new medallions. They use to be gold with a young women in a flowing dress (which you cannot get anymore). Then they changed to your choice of gold or silver and had a temple on it. Most recently, they have added the "ruby" to the bottom.

Just before I was released from Young Women's, the church librarian gave me a box of old Young Women stuff. I opened it up to find a bunch of old charms from the old Young Women's program. The girls wanted them, but I didn't think it was right to just be given them away, so I emailed Salt Lake to see what they thought I should do with them. They told me that I could just mail them back and they would destroy them. I don't think so!!!!!

In the old program, you would earn a charm after you graduated from Beehive, then one for Mia Maid, and then one for Laurel and you would then receive the medallion with the girl on it, making a total of four charms. Since I had gobs of these charms, I shadowed boxed a grouping for display in the Young Women's room. It was actually kinda neat. One of my counselors, who had grown up in the ward and moved away, then moved back, had just lost her medallion in the recent move. She was devastated, as she use to wear it all the time. I know she had earned it, so I just gave her one to replace the lost one. Then I went ahead and grabbed one to give to my mom. The rest are in the closet at church.

So, this year for Christmas, I made my mom a necklace to hang the medallion on. As you can see it is made up of many colors. Each color represents a different value.

White for Faith

Blue for Divine Nature

Red for Individual Worth

Green for Knowledge

Orange for Choice and Accountability

Yellow for Good Works

Purple for Integrity

These were the original colors when my mom got her medallion, so I just put these colors on. About two years ago, they added one more value; Virtue, and the color is gold.

I have one more thing I want to do for my parents as a joint gift, and then I will be done with them. I love making things for people, and am grateful that I have this talent to make nice jewelry. I'm sure my mom will love her new necklace, and I know she will not be reading this. That's why I went ahead and blogged about it...

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

So, today is the day to shop via the internet. I have never done this before. I am actually enjoying sitting at my computer with my big sweats on and shopping. It is cold and rainy, and I am not one of those who likes to go out and fight the crowds. There is really nothing I want that bad. I do have a few small things I need to go get, but, for the most part, I am finished with my shopping...yeah!!!!

One thing I have learned about Cyber Monday, is that you need to do some research before hand. I have also found that a lot of the so called sales are not all that great. Yes, most places have free shipping, but you have to buy a certain amount (which is a lot), and for the most part, I am buying a little here and a little there. I did find though, that WalMart does have free shipping and you only have to buy $45 worth of stuff. That is not difficult. I have done most of my cyber shopping there, so I was able to get the free shipping. One thing I ordered from Bed Bath and Beyond, and one thing I ordered from QVC were both free shipping for that particular item, so I lucked out there.

Well, now that I am mostly done with my shopping, I've been sitting here reflecting on our Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed having everyone together. Boy, I sure miss having everyone around. My husband and oldest son left for Tennessee Saturday morning, and my middle son left to go back to school just a few minutes ago. I guess it is just my youngest son, the dog and me now. It sure is quiet.

In a few weeks, the noise will be back and we will all be together again. My parents will be joining us, which will be nice. I am really looking forward to having everyone over for our last Christmas here in Louisiana.

Joann's Brownies

2011-11-27T17:17:00.000-08:00

Our library has a group that meets once or twice a month. This past month we met for our Knit Wits group (we crochet and knit) and exchanged our favorite holiday treats. I got this recipe from one of the ladies there, and tried it for Thanksgiving.

OK, so the picture does not do this recipe justice, but take my word for it, it is delicious!

1 box German chocolate cake mix

1/4 cup butter, melted

small can evaporated milk

6 oz chocolate chips

1 cup pecans (I used almonds)

14 oz caramel candy cubes (these were very difficult to find)

Set oven to 350. Unwrap caramels. Combine with 1/3 cup of evaporated milk (1/2 can) and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Melt margarine and combine cake mix, margarine and rest of evaporated milk. Pat 1/2 of this mixture into a 12 X 8 pan and bake for 5 mins.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans then pour the melted caramel mixture over the top. Blob the remaining cake mixture in small blobs over the top and finish baking for 30 mins. The top cake may or may not run all the way together, it still tastes great!

Since I do not have a 12 X 8 pan, I used a 9 x 13 cake pan. Instead of pressing 1/2 the cake mixture in the pan, I pressed the whole thing, then just sprinkled the top with the nuts, and chocolate chips and poured the melted caramel on top. Keep an eye on them while cooking. It did not take the full 30 minutes in the oven I used, it just depends on your oven's temperature.

SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER?

2011-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

This year I decorated with blue and silver and wire wrapped sea shells I picked off the beach while in Florida in October.

Okay, everybody, I'd like to know what you all have for Christmas dinner. This year, I'd like to change our dinner up a bit. Usually, we have turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, rolls, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, cranberries, fruit salad, and various desserts.

Given the fact that we are moving, and we have our house on the market, I didn't decorate much at all. I put up a very small tree, wreath on the door, and that's about it. I do think I might rummage around in the attic and pull down my two soldiers I made a hundred years ago, and put them on either side of my front door. Other than that, it will probably be just table cloths and center pieces on the dining and kitchen tables.

I would also like to simplify our Christmas dinner. I don't want it to seem that way though. We are having a small group, just my parents, our three boys, our daughter and her husband, and my husband and me; a total of nine people. One main reason I'd like to simplify the dinner is to be able to spend time with everyone, instead of in the kitchen cooking all day and then clean up. I was thinking maybe to do the food prep before. I usually do that anyway, except maybe the turkey, rolls and fruit salad. Christmas Eve we usually get all the chopping done, make the desserts, and put together the other stuff just to throw them in the oven after the turkey is done and resting.

In addition to simplifying, I just want something different. Christmas dinner is definetly NOT a healthy meal. All of us are trying to be more healthy, and I am wanting to loose some weight. I'm not going to get serious about it 'til after we get moved, but at the same time, I do NOT need to gain any more weight. So, I'm thinking we probably need to have a much healthier (but tasty) meal.

So, what do you do for your Christmas? Do you have any good recipes you would like to share? I really would like to hear what you do.

Our tiny Christmas tree.

Peppers Galore!

2011-11-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

Jalapeno Peppers

Unlike a lot of the country, our weather has been warm. I am just lovin' it!!! I have a feeling, though, that it is about to change. But until it does, I will be enjoying my summer attire, including my capris, sandals, and short sleeve shirts.

Red and Green Bell Peppers

Along with the warm weather, comes a longer gardening season. Having a husband with an extremely green thumb, we have quite the garden. In the past I have posted about the garden. Most of our garden is pretty much gone, but not our peppers. We had an over-abundance of peppers this year. Just wished we had had the tomatoes to go along with them. I had planned to canned some salsa.

Hot Peppers

More Jalapeno Peppers

We had so many peppers, that there was no way we could eat them all. If we were not moving, I would freeze or can hot pepper jelly. But since I have a lot of my canning stuff in storage, and we have the house on the market, I really can't do any canning (seems like every time I start a major project, a realtor calls wanting to show the house in 30 minutes).

Last Sunday, we took a bunch of peppers to church, and boy did they get snatched up. I was really glad to see that. Wished I had brought more. I also brought some to my daughter and her husband in Baton Rouge.

We enjoy our garden and am so glad that others can enjoy it too. Hopefully, our next home will have a nice area for a garden, and the summer of 2012 will bless us with a nice garden!

It's That Time of Year Again!!!

2011-11-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

Every year, we have a tradition; probably not unlike many other families. Mom wants family pictures for the Christmas card, so we all go out to a nice location to take pictures. Everyone complains, and the process takes forever. Everyone becomes frustrated, and after a gazillion pictures are taken, everyone goes home upset.

This year, I told everyone before we left for the park that if everyone would cooperate, it would not take long. So after getting our fill with turkey and all the fixin's we piled in the car and headed out.

It was a beautiful day. Very sunny, and perfect temperature, probably 65 to 70 degrees. There were several people at the park, some brought their kids to playground, others were playing Frisbee golf. Others were just hanging out by the picnic tables visiting.

"My Three Sons"

We had a pretty good time just being with one another. I took several pictures, and so did my daughter. I had never used the timer on my camera, and I had also forgot to bring my tripod, so she took pictures of my husband and me .

I really like my Transitions except for outdoor picture taking

I really wanted a family picture, so my husband suggested I just go ahead and try to use a picnic table for a tripod and we could try to figure out the timer. So we whipped out the instructions and read through it. I tried to pose everyone by one of the trees, saving a place for me. After messing with the camera a bit, I set the timer and headed to the group.

The first try didn't come out too well. I really like to be hidden, but this was a bit obvious. So we tried again.

Not too bad! Everyone's eyes are open, no one is squinting, everyone is smiling, and we all look relaxed. I think we got our family Christmas card picture. Yeah! Now we can all go home and have some pie!

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

I know most of you will think I'm crazy when I say I do not like pumpkin pie. I never have liked pumpkin much except for pumpkin rolls. Now those are something I can sink my teeth into!

This Thanksgiving , we decided to go down to Baton Rouge and spend it with my daughter and her new husband. Being students, they live in a pretty small apartment. It's not as small as our first place, though. They are fortunate enough to have been able to get a two bedroom apartment, so my husband and I slept in one of the bedrooms, and our three boys took turns sleeping on the couch or the cot we brought, or on the floor. Three days, three boys, and three different locations; each were able to take a turn in each area.

Anyway, Ashley and I cooked Thanksgiving dinner. We had turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green bean casserole, crescent rolls, macaroni and cheese, apple salad, and several desserts, including a Turtle Pumpkin Pie. I was a little hesitant at first, but seeing it had caramel (I LOVE caramel), whip topping, and a graham cracker crust, I just had to try it.

My lovely daughter

First you take a graham cracker pie crust and pour 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of caramel ice cream topping into it. Then you top with about 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans.

Then you mix 2 small packages of vanilla flavor instant pudding and 2 cups cold milk, add 1 cup pumpkin, 1 teaspoon, ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Fold in 4 oz Cool Whip. Spoon into crust and refrigerate for and hour. Top with remaining Cool Whip. Drizzle with caramel ice cream topping and pecans just before serving.

Now I did it a bit different. Since I am not a fan of pumpkin (it's a bit strong for me), and we have a few family members who don't like whip topping, (or pumpkin either) I went ahead and mixed the whole 8 oz tub of Cool Whip into the mixture before refrigerating it. It was really good! I think I may make this for Christmas.

Good Bye Tire

2011-11-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our third child, Scott, is a freshman at Louisiana Tech University. LA Tech is a short drive from our house, but a tad too far to drive everyday, so he lives in the dorms. Now, when our daughter went out to school in Utah, she did not take a car. We figured it was much easier for her not to have one. A) She had little experience driving in the snow, B) It was a looooong drive out there, and C) more importantly, upkeep on it was more of a hassle than it was worth. Besides, being a student at BYU, you can walk anywhere you need and usually want to go.

So, why you may ask does Scott get to have a car? Well, there are several reasons. First off, since we live so close, he can drive home on the weekends if he wants. He could even come home in the middle of the week if he needed to. Also, church is not within walking distance, and even though he could probably get someone to pick him up, he just likes to be more self sufficient. Pretty much the car sits in the parking lot during the week. You may think I don't know what I am talking about, but the credit card bill comes to my house, so I pretty much know if he is driving the car a lot.

LA Tech is on quarter system, so first quarter is over with. He had his finals Thursday, and then he was off down the road for a long Thanksgiving holiday. Just a short distance down the road, and Scott had a bit of a surprise. As you can see, he had a flat tire. He called to let me know he would be late and that he was ok. When he got home, I was not expecting it to be as bad as it was. Needless to say, the next day, the car got a new tire. It's kinda a bummer, as you can see the tire still had some pretty good tread on it. Oh well...Just happy Scott got home safely.

What A Surprise!

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned before, we are in the middle of a move. My husband has already started his job in Kentucky, but the rest of us are staying behind to sell the house. In the past, most of our homes have sold pretty quickly. Not this time. Oh, well...

The last time I got to see my husband was over a month ago. I know I probably seem like a winer to all you military families. Honestly, I don't know how you do it. I am such a wimp! Anyway, Bill was able to come home for Thanksgiving. He left work early and drove the 9ish hours down here. Friday was a day of getting things ready for him. Early in the day, I got a phone call asking for me. They proceeded to introduce themselves from one of our local florist and was lost in our neighborhood. I asked to make sure they got the right person, and indeed they did! WOW!! So unexpected. She arrived with my gorgeous arrangement, and I saw the note was from my wonderful husband. Just made my already perfect day even better!

Beautiful, Sunny, Mosquioty November Afternoon

2011-11-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I had the privilege to do another photo shoot. This time with one of my friends from church and her family. I love taking family photos, especially when it is laid back and fun. I usually like to get to where I am taking pictures early and kinda scope things out; even if I've used the place before. Places are different each time you go. It had only been a week since I had taken pictures at this place, as I had a photo shoot with another family who I am friends with from church. Today, unlike last week, it was cloudy and very warm. Last week, it was sunny and COLD!!! But, today, it felt like late spring or early summer. The temperatures were in the 80's and we had a lot of mosquitoes, yes! those pesty bugs you get in the summer, and boy, were they hungry!

Anyway, while I was waiting, I noticed butterflies all over, so I started taking some pictures. I saw one butterfly in particular that I thought was beautiful. It was yellow (one of my favorite colors) and it was fluttering around some purple (my other favorite color) Mexican Petunias. I loved watching him fly around, and was hoping I could get some decent pictures.

I love the contrast of purple and yellow together. Well, I took some ok pictures. Those little buggers are hard to get, you and your camera have to be fast!

As far as the family pictures, they came out great. I can't wait to get them to my friend and see what she thinks. I love taking pictures at this particular place, as it is out by a lake that use to be part of the bayou. There are a lot of cypress trees and Spanish moss hanging from the trees; it makes a great back drop for those Louisiana pictures.

REMEMBERING WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT

2011-11-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

We are planning on going down to visit with our daughter and her husband for Thanksgiving. Ought to be cozy, but fun. Since her and her husband both have to work on Black Friday, we decided to just go down for two days. Wednesday, we would just get things ready for Thanksgiving by last minute shopping, baking and chopping things up, and Thursday, we would do the big cooking and big eating. We would also play games and just enjoy family. Then, on Friday, whenever we got up and got going, we would leave to come home.

My daughter works four jobs at the moment (ya, I know...crazy!). She teaches and choreographs at two dance studios, is a photographer, and works part time at a clothing place in the mall. Figuring, she would be working at the clothing place AND at the photography studio, we knew Friday was going to be VERY busy. She just got her hours for next week, and guess what?! Well, the clothing place in the mall opens at midnight, so she works from 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving to 8 a.m. on Friday. Wow....what has Christmas become?

I think we have forgotten the main reason for the holidays. It is not a holiday tree...it is a Christmas Tree. It is not holiday vacation, or winter break, it is Christmas vacation. And...even though I like to give and receive CHRISTMAS (not holiday) gifts, do we really need to be breaking our necks to get to the store to get what seems to be bargains at midnight? I don't think so! I use to get up to be at the store at 5 a.m., but have found it is just not worth it. Half the time, the things you are looking for are not there, because the store did not get many. I much prefer my sleep, and go when the crowds are not so vicious.

We are in the midst of an economy crises. Part of the problem is that too many people spend way too much, especially times like Christmas. I have a friend that bought her 8 year old a $500 TV as ONE of his Christmas gifts. Now that is way overboard. We have a family of 6 (four children) and I don't think I even spend that much on all the kids combined. We have become a society of having; and we all have too much.

It is my hope that we remember what the holiday season is all about. It is about our Savior Jesus Christ. And if you do not choose to believe in Christ, then don't call this season what it is not. You can choose not to celebrate, but for those of us who want to celebrate, we need to step back and think about what we are doing. It needs to be simplified; Christ was a simple man. I don't see anything wrong with giving gifts and decorating, and even Santa, but when things get out of hand, as they have, we need to step back a bit.

So, this year, I plan to step back, simplify, and I think because I will be simplifying, our family might just have a better, happier time. I encourage all of us to do the same. Then maybe one day, so many of us won't have to work these crazy hours and be able to spend time with much more important things, like the people who matter most in our lives. We might even be able to spend time with those who are in need. I bet the Savior would appreciate that a lot!

Is It Snow? Are They Bugs? What Is It!?

2011-11-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

When I got up this morning the sun was shining and it looked to be a beautiful day. Since I walk every morning, I like to check the weather, so one of the first things I did after I put my whole wheat bread into the toaster was to get online and check to see how cold it was. 47! Wow! Sure didn't look that cold; better bundle up!

After I got my shower and ready for the day, I started vacuuming and mopping. Never know when that right person might come to look at the house and want to buy it. Anyway, as I was moping I looked out the back windows and what did I see!? It appeared to be snowflakes dancing around my backyard. Wait a minute... I know that is not likely this time of year in Louisiana. Besides, it was already into the 60's! I took a closer look and assumed they were bugs. Now that I can believe, but as I looked even closer I could tell they were seeds. Yes, fall is here, and Mother Nature is planting her seeds for next spring. Looks like the cattails have popped open, and that is what I saw. Looked pretty cool, and so I tried to take some pictures. I figured I could get a better shot if I used my telephoto lens and put it on the sports mode. I got a few ok shots. At least you can see why it looked like snowflakes at first.

I really could not get a picture that can give you the full affect, but it was actually quite beautiful. Isn't nature wonderful!?

Your Happily Ever After

2011-11-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending our ward's Young Women's In Excellence program. The theme was Your Happily Ever After, after the talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. What an incredible talk. I hope you take the time to listen to an excerpt of it.

Young Women In Excellence is a yearly activity when the Young Women have a nice evening of sharing what they have been working on in their Personal Progress. They invite friends and family members and talk a little about the program.

Because the theme was based Your Happily Ever After, Disney characters were used. There was a lot of work that went into the night, and it looked very nice. Since I was able to attend, you know me, I had to bring my camera. I'd like to share some of the evening through pictures.

The new Young Women's president made this incredible cake. She also did all the value posters with the Disney characters. Everything looked so nice. I did hate to eat that cake though. Gotta say, it taste as good as it looks!

Fall In The South

2011-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to live in the south! This morning when I got up it was 70! Right now at 4:35 pm, it is 84, and it's mid November. I just love it! One thing I do not like, though, is the time change. Benjamin Franklin was a very bright man, but his idea of daylight savings time was, well, not a good one. We lived in Indiana for just over 5 years. While I hated the cold winters, I loved not having to change our clocks. Everyone got along just fine with leaving the time alone. The year we moved away, though, they had to be like everyone else, and voted to observe daylight savings time. With the time change now, it starts getting dark at 4:30 yuck! I like the sun too much to see it get dark so early.

I think we are in for some cooling down, as we are suppose to get some storms tonight. I think it is suppose to get down to 67, and then bring in some cooler weather. By Thursday night, we are looking at 37 for a low. Did I mention I hate cold weather? Well, I don't think it is suppose too last long. I am happy to say that this weekend we are looking at 70's and 80's once more. Now, that makes me happy :D

Personal Progress

2011-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

I served in the Young Women's program at our church for the past four years, and loved every minute of it. In our ward, we have some of the best girls. During these past years, we have worked hard on our Personal Progress, which is a goal setting program that helps the girls to grow into happy, strong and productive ladies. You can read about it in my blog dated 4 Feb 2011 titled Goals. I tried to instill the importance of the program by not only the girls participating in the program, but my counselors and I working on it too. If it is important that they work on it, it is just as important that we all work on these goals, and strengthen our knowledge and testimony of the Gospel. I also got some of the ladies at church to help out, and introduced the program in a Relief Society lesson one Sunday.

Personal Progress starts when a young lady turns 12. She works in different areas until she reaches 18, including reading and studying the Book of Mormon. It is a very involved program and one must work hard to finish. Many compare it to the Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. Our girls worked so hard, that many finished before they turned 16. If this happens, the girls can continue to work on it again, by mentoring a young woman and reading the Book of Mormon again. They then receive their Honor Bee.

Last November, I finished my Personal Progress and received my medallion. I love wearing it, as it reminds me of who I am, and what I represent. I had a goal to earn my Honor Bee before I was released from my calling in Young Women. This past August, I was released, and sadly, I did not finish. I was so close, as I had everything but just a few books in the Book of Mormon to finish. Well, yesterday, I finally finished reading, and I'll have to say again, my testimony has strengthened.

Each time I read the Book of Mormon, I am amazed. For those of you who do not know what this book is, it is another Testament of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is the story of the people who lived on the American Continent and talks about Christ's visit to them after His death and Resurrection. Christ talks of His other sheep in the New Testament, well some of those other sheep are those who lived in the Americas.

I would like to close, by saying how grateful I am to have been involved with the Young Women. They helped to strengthen me, and it is my prayer, that they continue on the path they are now on, and grow to be strong, happy individuals in the Gospel.

Young Women's Torch

"Stand for Truth and Righteousness"

Jeeping Around Grand Island, Bahamas

2011-11-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

I told you that I would blog a little about our cruise, so here is a little about our one and only excursion we took.

First off, I'd like to mention, that we left Port Canaveral on the Carnival Sensation on Sunday, 23 Oct. I had never taken a cruise that late in the season, and I was a bit nervous about the weather. I'll have to say, we had perfect weather. When we left the port, it was sunny and probably in the low 80's. Our first port of call was Freeport, Bahamas. This is where we decided to go on an excursion, since there really isn't much to do there.

I had been to Freeport a couple of years ago, and we got off the boat and did a little shopping at the nearby shops, then just got back on the boat and enjoyed the slides and such.

But anyway, back to the excursion. We signed up for the jeep excursion which was suppose to take us all over the island. It was to include several informative stops, potty breaks, lunch, and the beach.

My sister had always wanted to drive a jeep, so we let her drive. My mom was co-pilot and I was the photographer in the back seat. Mom and I really didn't care to drive especially since they drive on the wrong side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the American side. That was REALLY weird.

We stopped at a jetty that divided the north and south part of the island. Our guide, Tony, told us that the north end is hit by hurricanes more than the south end; and you could really tell.

After our visit at the jetty, we took off for our drive on the beach. This picture I took without even looking. I thought it came out pretty good. I just turned my camera around and held it up and pushed the button. I actually did that on several of my photos and they all came out. lol

After we got off the beach, we headed into some forests.

We stopped and Tony talked a little more about the island.

Here you see a lot of dead trees. In 2004, there were several hurricanes that came through, flooding this area with salt water, and killing the trees. Sad, yet interesting to see how nature can damage such an area, and yet just a few years later, much growth is coming back.

So, what is this? Do you stop or yield? Notice how short the signs are. I am guessing it is because of the hurricanes. The high winds probably knock a lot of signs down.

One of our stops was Garden of the Groves. This is where we had lunch and had the opportunity to do a little shopping. I just walked around the area. It is actually a very beautiful garden area. We also were visited by some strange ducks while we ate our lunch. They wagged their tails just like dogs, and even panted like a dog. I thought is was really funny.

After lunch and all our stops, we headed for Taino Beach. The water was a bit cool for my taste, so I just sat in one of the chairs for awhile, then walked around and down the pier and took pictures and enjoyed the nice sunny weather.

This excursion was pretty fun. As with all excursions, I do believe it was a bit overpriced. As far as the weather, it was perfect. While in the jeeps, it was a little cloudy, but as soon as we hit the beach, the sun came out, PERFECT!!

Here we are....having a great time!

Hang loose &

Bye-Bye...

Moving Things Around

2011-11-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

So, this is where the pool table use to rest. After a couple of days moving furniture around, this is what I have come up with.

The dining room is where our living room use to be. Now I have the house staged as people think it should be...a dining room as a dining room, and a living room as a living room.

I called one of our local furniture stores looking for a table that would go in our kitchen with the chairs we already have. James told me that they had one in stock, so I headed to the store to pick it up. When I got there, I was informed that they could not find it. They did not tell me this, but I have a feeling someone who works there has sticky fingers, as the table is in the system, but no where to be found in the store. So, I will have to wait until Friday to get it. Not that I have anything else to do that day (and I do).

Hopefully this will all be for a good sale...wish me luck!!!

Pool Table Blues

2011-11-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

Have had a very busy day trying to stage our house. When we moved into this house, we had a real nice pool table that our family enjoyed. It is really hard to find a house that will allow a pool table. After much contemplating, we decided to put the pool table into the living room and use the dining room as the living room. It worked for our family.

Apparently, these days with HGTV and all, no on seems to have any vision. You have to spell it out for them. Not only that, people want everything beyond perfect. Spa bathrooms with lush matching towels, gourmet kitchen, again with plush towels and a set table with high end dishes; bedrooms with expensive furniture, trillion count bedding, etc. Seems like people do not live in their homes anymore, they just showcase them.

My husband took a job in Kentucky and started 19 September, leaving me and the kids here to sell the house. My first thought was to move the pool table out of here. Before my husband left for KY, we rented a storage unit and decluttered. I kept saying that we should move the pool table out, but no one would listen to me, not even the realtor.

Several weeks and several showings later, the realtor asks about the pool table. People could not get beyond the pool table. Even though there was a TV outlet in the living room, they could not figure out where the TV should go, etc. Our realtor wondered if we could just move the pool table into the dining room. Well, first off you don't just move a 1000+ pound pool table, and second off, you think people thought it strange in the living room? I can guarantee it will look hideous in the dining area. The table is HUGE!!!!

I really can't understand why realtors cannot help people to get a vision. Even if I were to put the furniture in the proper rooms who's to say I even have the same type furniture as any of the potential buyers? I have a couch and love seat. Maybe they have a sectional, or a couch and two chairs. Do I need to have different type furniture for each person who comes to look at my house...No. Part of the job of a realtor is to help people get a vision. Give them ideas as to where THEIR things would go. I can understand that we should depersonalized things, but I also believe people need to have some sort of creativity.

Well, now my pool table is in a pile in the garage--where our ping pong table use to sit, and our living room furniture is in the living room complete with TV. When I had it all moved, I sat down to enjoy my show (Dancing With the Stars) to find that our TV does not work. With all the work and all, it didn't even dawn on me that the Dishnetwork would not work. UGGGGG!!!!! So I called Dish to find that we have to pay $150 to get everything hooked up to the right outlet. No thank you! So now, we sit with no TV, no pool and no ping pong. Needless to say, my name is mud.

Hopefully, it won't be long before we are out of here, and all together in our new home in Kentucky.

My Favorite Place

2011-11-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Where is your favorite place to be? For me, besides being with my family, it is the beach. I was born in California, but was four when we moved to Texas. I really don't remember much about living in California, but I do remember living briefly in Texas, then Alabama. Both were short times. When I was eight, my dad got an opportunity of a lifetime...move to Central Florida and work for NASA on the Apollo program. It was suppose to be a temporary job, but after 44 years, my family is still in Central Florida. Needless to say, that is what I claim as home.

As a youngster, I can remember visiting the beach often. Especially as I became a teenager. I love the salt air and the warm sunshine on my skin. You have heard of comfort food? Well, this is my comfort "place."

I love to watch the birds.

Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach are the places I use to go. Cocoa Beach is a wonderful place to raise your kids, and a great place to learn to surf. It is known as the "Small Wave Capital of the World."

For the past couple of weeks, I have been in Florida visiting with my family. My mom, one of my sisters, and I, went on a cruise (I'll have to blog about that later). The day before I left to come back home, Mom and I took a trip to the beach. It was 1 Nov 2011. Most places are getting cold. It was a bit on the breezy side, but it was nice enough you really didn't need a jacket. Of course, I had to bring my camera and take some pictures. There were lots of birds, a few people, and a couple of wind surfers.

When we were done walking around on the beach, my mom and I decided we were hungry. We headed to one of our favorite places to eat; Grills. After we ate, I took a few more pictures.

It's fun to eat at Grills because there is a lot of maritime traffic at the port. My mom and dad especially like to go out when the cruise ships are leaving.

Well, it was a nice morning. I am grateful for the nice weather, and can't wait 'til I can visit my favorite place again.

Short Weekend in Baton Rouge

2011-10-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Had a pretty nice weekend. Packed up two of my three boys, and headed down to Baton Rouge for a quick visit with my daughter and her husband. Wish I could have brought my husband and my other son, but that was not possible.

We drove down on Friday and the kids went to 13th gate, which has been voted in the top scariest houses for the past several years. They really had a good time. The next morning, Saturday, my daughter, her husband and I, had the privilege of going to the temple. Afterwards, we had a little photo shoot around the grounds.

First we took pictures of Ashley and Jeremy...

Then we took pictures of Ashley and me...

When we were done taking pictures, we picked up some pizza and headed back to the apartment; and then took some more pictures. I figured since we had three of the kids together, maybe I could get some good ones for the yearly Christmas cards....

Ok, so needless to say, we did NOT get any Christmas pictures. No one likes this process, and I always have problems with my kids cooperating when it comes to picture time. I tell them every year that if they would cooperate, it would only take a few minutes. In fact!!!!! I believe I could take it in one or two shots. We will probably never know....

We had thought about staying until Sunday, but Ashley got called into work, so we decided to head on out of there. We took a different route; one that takes us up through Hammond, LA then up to Jackson and Vicksburg, MS. Just before we crossed the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, we stopped at the welcome center to stretch our legs. Boy, was the bridge ever pretty. Too bad I did not have a tripod. I still tried to take some pictures, and they came out ok.

It was a short trip, but I think we all had a nice time. Don't know when I will be getting back down. Hopefully at least one more time before we move...maybe even two more times...who knows...only time will tell. I just hope the next time I go down, we can bring her daddy.

It's Gone! But That's O.K.

2011-10-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

About a week and a half ago, I went to get my hair trimmed, and decided to go ahead and donate my hair. I knew it would be short, but I wanted to go ahead and do it. It will take some getting use to. I've only had short hair one other time, and that was because I had had such damaged hair from a bad perm, that the only way to get it back in shape was to cut it. I vowed to no longer use chemicals of any kind on my hair...unless maybe I start going gray and it looks hideous.

Well, this is the result of ten inches gone. It is A LOT of work, and still does not look as nice as everyone elses' that has this do. I think I will actually like it when it gets down to my shoulders. Right now I'm having a hard time fixing it, since I just had hand surgery on my right hand (and I am right handed). I have always said that long hair was much easier to fix. No, not because you can put it in a ponytail. Mine would never stay because it is so slippery. When one has short hair, you HAVE to blow it dry, and you HAVE to use some sort of curling iron, or flat iron, or something. With long hair...wash and go....

Well, I am so happy that I got the privilege to donate my hair to a cause...one more thing I can mark off my bucket list.

Lazy Saturdays

2011-10-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a good one. Haven't got much accomplished, but have enjoyed having most of my kids home; all but my daughter who is married and living four hours south from here. So, it's just me, the dog and my three sons (.haha, what a funny show that was). It's been a lazy Saturday, we watched movies, ate, and just enjoyed each others company.

I can remember not so long ago, people telling me to enjoy the young years with my kids, because before I know it, they will be grown and gone. You know what? They were right. Time has gone way too fast. I just hope that our kids can all live fairly close when they settle down with their own families. It would be nice to be able to enjoy the grand kids. I never really got to grow up around extended family. I feel that that is important. I will have to say, my parents were pretty good about keeping us up to date about our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We would talk about everyone as if we saw them often, and once a year, we would drive the long trip from Central Florida to Colorado to visit with my mom and dad's family. What nice memories I have of those times.

Thank You, Elisabeth!

2011-10-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

For the past four days, I have been in Kentucky visiting with my husband. Wow, visiting, I sure will be glad when we will all be together as a family again. During these hard economic times, it is sure hard to sell a house. While in KY, we found several houses, but one is OUR house. Perfect for our family. Isn't huge, but not small either. The only problem is, is that it is a two story. We have really tried to find a one story, or at least a home that has the master down, but no such luck. Most every house in this town is a two story. But this is perfect because it is just four mins from work, two mins from church, the YMCA, and the university, and about five mins from the high school. It has a pool, place for the pool table, four bedrooms, screen porch, plus so much else that is just right for our family. So, hopefully, we can sell our home here soon and that one will still be available.

While I was gone, I was able to receive some gorgeous beads from Elisabeth of Beads for Busy Gals. Among the bills and junk mail, it sure was refreshing to get something exciting. Thank you, Elisabeth! As I opened the package, my mind started creating. I have some fun ideas already and can't wait to get started. That is probably what I would be doing today, except, I have to have hand surgery....UGGGG! It might be awhile until I get to create. Oh well. So, for awhile, hopefully not too long, I will be resting my hands and hopefully, selling a house and moving...Wish me luck!!!

Bead Soup Blog Party II

2011-10-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

If some of you are still hopping (as I am) and want to see my creations, hop on over to Caribbean Seas and tell me what you think.

Fighting Cancer

2011-09-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

It is so weird sometimes, when things are on our minds. The other day, I made a visit to the dermatologist to get a couple of moles taken off. They were new ones that I just noticed. Both were dry, itchy, and irregular shaped, all the signs of ones that need to be removed and checked. I am one of those who, as a young girl, spent many hours on the beach and at the pool slathering baby oil all over me to get that tan, AND...on top of that I am very, very fair. Still a very light natural blonde with very fair skin. I know it is probably only a matter of time before I pay for those actions.

As I was sitting in the office, I picked up a magazine and found an article that caught my eye. It was about a lady who started Ears To You, a non profit corporation who gives earrings to women undergoing chemotherapy. I thought how cool, I should see about donating some earrings to our local cancer center if they would have any.

One other thing that I have been working on for several months, is growing my hair out to donate. My daughter has just donated her hair for the 5th time. This time she donated 14 inches!!! She has always been known for her beautiful long blonde hair. She first donated her hair when she was about 14. She had been babysitting for a couple of little girls from church, and they were playing with her hair. They asked if she was a princess, because their daddy said that all princess have long hair. This got her to thinking about all those girls who have lost their hair due to various reasons, from cancer to alopecia, etc. This time her hair is much shorter than it has ever been. She feels like Rapunzel in the new Disney movie, because it is about that short now, and it looks good. She will continue to grow her hair and donate, as long as her hair keeps growing fast. I think she realizes that it won't always grow so fast....just look at me, her mother. Anyway, slowly, I am trying to be able to do the same.

Today, I made a hair appointment, and am thinking that maybe I will have enough to donate. I've been looking at the Pantene website for a few weeks now. My daughter has always had to donate at least ten inches, but Pantene only asks for eight, and I think I am almost there. If not this time, the next time I go in for a trim.

Well, I mentioned earlier about how sometimes things that pop into your head are a bit strange. Thinking about all this cancer stuff, I mean. Just to let you know, my biopsys came out fine, thank goodness! One thing I did find out tonight, is that an old friend of mine was just diagnosed with beast cancer a month ago. She starts chemo tomorrow. At one time, we were pretty close. Our daughters danced together, and we both took adult tap classes and had a blast! The last time we danced together, was in a recital and I was 6 months pregnant with my youngest (who is almost 17 now). Boy, how I miss that time! Anyway, my mind will be on my friend. It's been some time since we've talked. Thank goodness for facebook, lol, as that is how we now keep in touch. I feel she will be fine. It will be a long hall, but I have had several friends that have survived cancer, and the doctors tell my friend they can cure her, which is great news. So, Robin, hang in there, you have many people who are rooting for you, and who will be keeping you in their prayers, including me.

I Am A WINNER!!!!

2011-09-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Today has been a pretty busy day, as much of my life has been lately. I decided to check my blog, and what do I fine?! A nice little note on my blog under my Phone Wire Jewelry from Elisabeth of Beads for Busy Gals. My name was drawn for some really nice goodies, I can't wait. You should go check out what I won, and also check out her blog.

Elisabeth, you made my day! :D THANK YOU!!!!

Phone Wire Jewelry

2011-09-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have had these buttons for years. I believe I bought them when Ashley was little thinking I would make her a dress or something and use them. If you look at the upper left hand side of the picture, you will also see some wire. This wire came from my dad. He has quite a bit of it and gave me some. It is actually old telephone wire from the Kennedy Space Center. Years ago, like in the late 60's early 70's they were redoing the telephone wire, and there was gobs of this stuff in the trash. My dad asked if he could have some, and they told him to take as much as he wanted, so he did. I can remember making jewelry with it as a kid.

Halloween is coming up, and I wanted to make some jewelry to wear during this fun time of year. I decided to use the phone wire with these buttons. Now, what? At first I thought about putting them into a necklace, but it was a bit much. So this is what I came up with:

A pair of bat earrings,

spiders and their web,

and some orange buttons!

I was on a roll. I started going through my stash and came across some crosses someone gave me last year. I thought, "Hmmmmm, I wonder what these would look like with the phone wire." And this is what I came up with :

So, what do you think?

Oooops!

2011-09-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday, I was inspecting some of my newly made jewelry, and noticed some beads were missing. Hmmm, I know I put those beads on them. Then I realized that the beads had made their way into the bigger beads beside them. That's weird, I had carefully made a fit check to make sure the small beads would NOT do that, but, well, I guess I was wrong, now I need to restring, and repost the picture on to my Treasures by Terry facebook. This is why every piece I make, I carefully check before I sell them.