Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone a joyful 2009!

May you be blessed beyond measure

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours, a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May your heart be filled with Love

Tonight will find some child all alone without a home or family to call their own. This makes me so sad because tonight we celebrate family and friends and laughter and life without a care in the world. We should care about these forgotten ones. These children may be surrounded by presents given to them by charities and kind strangers but what they really and truly want is the love of a family.

I would love more than anything to give them a home. Every single one if I could. There are so many. Each and every one is special. Each and every one deserves the love of a family. This is a present they may never know. This tears my heart to pieces. I would love to give them my love and my family but there are so many obstacles in the way to bringing them home.

If it were simple there would not be a child out there without a home, a family that loves them and hope for the future. This is my very simple wish. That there might be a way to give them this love, this family, this hope, this Christmas...and forever

Christmas Spirit

I am really lacking in the Christmas Spirit right now...as I drove to work this morning in the beautful, fluffy new fallen snow I could SEE Christmas but I just couldn't FEEL Christmas...I was listening to the radio playing "Here comes Santa Clause" and wondering to myself "Where are you Christmas?" I LOVE listening to KLOVE but have tuned in to the local station that plays Christmas tunes because there is no Christmas Carols and everytime I tune in they are asking for money. Yes, I know this is a difficult time and we should ALL give whatever we can, but shouldn't it come from the heart? Shouldn't you want to do it and do it without being asked or seen? Putting a dollar in the Salvation Army pot is a nice thing to do...but would you do it if there wasn't someone looking? I actually prefer the pots where there is no one there but that is besides the point. I wish that there were not a need for someone to stand out in the freezing cold to collect a pocketfull of change. Why can't we all give because our hearts tell us it is the right thing to do when we SEE someone in need? Why don't WE be the ones that makes the difference in the world? All this commercialism and talk about the economy has really been grating on my nerves. Every penny in America is imprinted with "IN GOD WE TRUST" Yet our taxpayers money is spent on bailing out billionaires so they can continue to make the same mistakes with our hard earned money. Where is the sense of it all? Why do we NEED to spend, spend, spend for our economy to survive? Maybe we just need to fall to our knees and Worship, Worship, Worship. Its free and its pretty easy to do. All we have to give is ourselves. In return we receive the greatest gift of all.

Merry CHRISTMAS!

I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas Week!

May your homes be filled with love, laughter and the special joys that Christmas brings!

Just a Momentby Max Lucado

It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment.
As moments go, that one appeared no different than any other. If you could somehow pick it up off the timeline and examine it, it would look exactly like the ones that have passed while you have read these words. It came and it went. It was preceded and succeeded by others just like it. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.
But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb.
The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who had been spirit became pierceable. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl.
God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.
God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of his mother.
God had come near.
He came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.
For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. He was susceptible to wooing women. He got colds, burped, and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached.
To think of Jesus in such a light is—well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn’t it? It’s not something we like to do; it’s uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of his eyes. Pretend he never snored or blew his nose or hit his thumb with a hammer.
He’s easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.
But don’t do it. For heaven’s sake, don’t. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.
It all happened in a moment. In one moment … a most remarkable moment. The Word became flesh.
There will be another. The world will see another instantaneous transformation. You see, in becoming man, God made it possible for man to see God. When Jesus went home he left the back door open. As a result, “we will all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52)
The first moment of transformation went unnoticed by the world. But you can bet your sweet September that the second one won’t. The next time you use the phrase “just a moment, … ” remember that’s all the time it will take to change this world.

Jaidens Birthday...

How do I get this idea onto a cake in less than 24 hours? I just had this brilliant idea but it kinda came a bit late in the game...now to find the right stuff to pull it off. Well, there is going to be snow tommorrow that is one thing that is for certain...I hope I can make her third birthday magical and one that she will remember...she is so excited to wear her Princess dress and tiara!

44 Things about me

that you probably didn't really want to know...but if you would like to play along please do this on your blog too (and let me know so I can check you out)

1. Do you like blue cheese? bleh - does that answer it good enough?

2. Have you ever smoked? Tried it once; it made me cough. A lot....I hate the smell of smoke so this should have been a warning

3. Do you own a gun? Not really but the boys do and I like to target practice with coke cans :)

4. What was your favorite Kool-Aid flavor? Berry Lemonaid

5. Do you get nervous before doctor's appointments? Hmmm...I avoid them at all costs so I guess I must say yes doctors make me nervous

6. What do you think of hot dogs? they are better than a cold dog

7. Favorite Christmas movie? The Grinch

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee

9. Do you do push ups? I should, but no.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? A Mood Ring

11. Favorite hobby? Shopping!

12. Do you have A.D.D.? No...definitely not...what was the question again?

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I am too quiet

14. Middle name? Yvette

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I wish I weren't at work. It's freekin cold. There are a lot of strange noises in my office right now

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Coffee, Milk, Dr Pepper

17. Current worry. Where the next 3 months will find us

18. Current hate right now. Living so far away from family. And the cold. I realize that's 2 but they're both battling for #1 on my list of hates right now.

19. Favorite place to be? outside (when its warm outside)

20. How did you bring in the New Year? I think I went to bed early

21. Where would you like to go? Somewhere the temp AND wind chill is above 75..and it doesn't have to go DOWN in order to get warmer....for example -18 is COLDER than -2 so if the number is DROPPING the temp is actually RISING...oh this is complicated...that is why I don't do math!

22. Name three people who will complete this. Not a clue.

23. Do you own slippers? Yes...my favorites are a pair of pink crocs with fuzzy lining from AVON

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Multi colored sweater - greys reds with trees and snowflakes on it

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, tried them once and they kept slipping off the mattress and I kept sliding across them so its too much work to sleep and try to stay in bed at the same time. I prefer Egyptian cotton

26. Can you whistle? a little

27. Favorite color? Blue

28. Would you be a pirate? Hmmm if Johnny Depp was my captive...sure

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Christmas carols

30. Favorite Girl's Name? Katie

31. Favorite boy's name? Zachary

32. What's in your pocket right now? in my coat pocket there is a pink easter egg that Jaiden was playing with at church last night

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Jaiden being "Miss Attitude" this morning...sometimes you just have to laugh when a two year old INSISTS that she is the boss

34. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly Hobbie

35. Worst injury you've ever had? kicked in the ribs by my horse

36. Do you love where you live? Nope. No how. No way. I can't wait to move to someplace warmer than here and closer to family

37. How many TV's do you have in your house? 4

38. Who is your loudest friend? Krissie

39. How many dogs do you have? one Boston Terrier named Chloe

40. Does someone have a crush on you? I certainly hope not

41. What is your favorite book? My favorite collection of books is the Little House on the Prairie Series

42. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate! :)

43. Favorite Sports Team? Dallas Cowboys

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? ...Can I have two since it is my last request? My Wish by Rascall Flats and There You'll Be by Faith Hill

All I want for Christmas

This is a powerful song that I heard for the first time this morning. Wow!

Monday Morning Musings

I love the writings of Max Lucado and how they are so vivid and real. I got this in my inbox this morning and thought I would share it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and may the reason for this Holy season not be forgotten. I know with the hustle and bustle and clamor of shopping for gifts we often forget the most precious gift of all.

The Arrival by Max Lucado

God had entered the world as a baby.
Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.
The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.
A more lowly place of birth could not exist.
Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor; perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. Their night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear him—so on this cloudless night he went to simple shepherds.
Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can’t remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn’t figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. But he hasn’t the energy to wrestle with the questions. What’s important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes he remembers the name the angel told him to use … Jesus. “We will call him Jesus.”
Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel. “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)
He looks like anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.
Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.
She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!
This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.
Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.
Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?

Visit with Santa

Today we took the kiddos to see "The Grinch" and then went to Cabela's to shop for Jared a new pair of snowboots. We found Santa instead and the kids got a quick photo op on santa's lap.

Jaiden quietly whispered to Santa "I would like a Dora puzzle" she was just a bit shy but didn't cry although we thought for a minute she might.

Afterwards we went for haircuts...Jaiden had her first! Go check it out on her blog. I've put together a little slideshow of the big event. She looks so beautiful and smiled the whole time. She was a little afraid the wind was "going to blow the haircut away" which made me laugh...too cute! She really enjoyed her visit to the salon.

16 Amazing Years

Today Scott and I celebrate 16 years together :) We had our very first date 16 years ago and have been together ever since. I called him by the way...it was just after my Squadron Christmas Party and I'd met him at work several weeks before and had been trying to drop hints through our coworkers to see what I could do to get him to ask me out...but he was and still isn't a very assertive type and had I waited I would probably not have ever gone out with him. His room mate at the time though had absolutely no qualms about asking me out and I had to repeatedly avoid him while trying to capture my one true love's eye. Our first date actually was on an outing with several of his friends (roommate included - ugh) In spite of that we had a great date obviously and I will never look at a Christmas tree by a fireplace without thinking back to that first date...:)

***I have a confession to make****
I am a horrid, horrible person....and you will and can say so after you hear why but in my defense I thought I made it perfectly clear that I DO NOT LIKE CUT FLOWERS...especially ones THAT WERE PURCHASED FROM A FLORIST...cut from the garden is ok, wildflowers and such are fabulous and they actually MEAN something...but PLEASE DO NOT BUY ME FLOWERS! I would rather have a living plant that I can keep for a long long time. Is that wrong? If you want to buy me cut flowers...keep them and enjoy them yourself. Because I don't enjoy seeing them die.


I came home yesterday to find hubs clearing the driveway (again) and when I say (again) it is like he would rather be clearing the driveway than being inside with his family...the wind is blowing and the snow just blowing back into the driveway again doesn't make any sense to me why it needs to be cleared away constantly...but that is his hobby so to each their own...I came inside to find on the table...cut flowers in a paper wrapper and a live poinsetta. This was not the only red I was seeing...I should have been happy that he was so thoughtful and sweet...instead I was LIVID. Does this man whom I've lived with for the past 16 years know me at all??? Not only do I dislike cut flowers from a florist but also flowers that I am destined to send to deaths door...so when he came in a few minutes later he found me a bit steamed. I told him I didn't want the flowers and to give them to someone else....so he threw them out into the snowbank. Hours later we came back from my office Christmas party and I asked him where they were...I got them out of the snow but they'd frozen and 5 minutes later when the warmed up were mush....so our anniversary didn't end especially well. I was left wondering how much if at all this guy really knows me. I love him unconditionally and that gets us through pretty much everything that life throws our way but just sometimes I wish he understood me. Guess that is why they say men are from Mars...any helpful advice?

First Blizzard

If the weather predictions come true this will be our first real blizzard. My office has been abuzz with activity these past few days...one of the joys of working at the National Weather Service :) I am going to stock up on Oreos and cocoa and maybe read a good book :) Have a SAFE and cozy weekend! And if you're in Grand Forks and must travel - be careful!!! They are talking somewhere around 10.5 inches of snowfall. I know I will be making sure all our vehicles have winter survival kits before nightfall but plan on staying inside if at all possible.

Complete Winter Survival Kit

Warm socks, hat and mittens Long underwear Fleece or wool sweater and pants Ski or snow pants and jacket Sleeping bag or blankets Snow boots Water and a coffee can, pot or disposable bread pan (to melt snow in) Large stainless camp cup Dried fruit, nuts, granola, tea, Swiss Miss Shovel Flashlight and batteries Camp Heat, Sterno or emergency stove (to melt snow and heat water) First Aid kit 1 or 2 backpacking meals and spoonMatches and lighterEmergency candles/candle lantern
Multi=purpose tool or knife Colored ribbon (to tie to antenna) Vehicle Emergency kit (tire changing tools, fuses, belts, hoses, clamps, strapping tape, assortment of screws, nuts, washers and bolts, bailing wire, tow chain, sand, flares, booster cables) Tool kit (screw drivers, needle-nose pliers, channel lock pliers, crescent wrench) 25-50 ft. of nylon cord Windshield de-icer and scraper Hand warmers Ski goggles Compass Road maps Cell phone batteries A good book...

Home Sweet Isolation...

Its not that we don't stay busy...last night was Advent service at church and the childrens Christmas pagent practice...tonight is the Christmas play at school...tommorrow is the Christmas Pary for my office...Saturday movie and Santa....Sunday church and then a spa party which I have agreed to host and now really regret because lately all I want to do after work is bury myself into a thick nest of blankets and sleep the winter away.

I don't know what is wrong with me lately. Ever since we got back from Arkansas its been a tough transition just to try to get normal back. Each morning Jaiden has woken up kicking and screaming and fighting my every effort to get her dressed and ready for daycare. This is not typical and I do not understand what she is going through. I try to have endless patience but sometimes it slips...especially when I have been late to work every day for the past two weeks because getting a struggling toddler into clothing takes a lot longer than normal...bundling her into layers is an additional challenge that is often met with a challenge so most times I just throw her jacket around her shoulders and carry her inside....or outside since in the afternoon she is just as stubborn and resisitant to getting a jacket on and coming home as she is to leaving home. Oh to just STAY home and not have to go through this daily. I am quite exhausted and do not look forward to the moment that I must wake her and begin it all over again. I wish we could stay home and cuddle. Last night she came and got into bed with me, something she doesn't normally do but while at Gramma's she slept with me so I am thinking this "new normal" is a bit of a transition for her getting back into the old "new" routine...we didn't have to deal with frigid weather in Arkansas or when we left...winter came sometime during the past weeks and its here to stay whether we like it or not.

What hurts the most is that home doesn't really feel like home here. I never thought I'd want to live in Arkansas but during our visit I started to see it with new eyes; how much the kids enjoyed being with their grandparents, how much Cody enjoyed hunting and target practice, how well we seem to just be welcomed into the church family every time we go even when it has been months or years since our last visit. Its a small community but they are family. I miss that. I don't feel like we have family here..sure we do but where are they? 3.5 hours away is not very close and it doesn't allow for very frequent visits. I also know that my Mom is not getting any younger. At 74 she is is decent health today but she is resistent to leave her home and I know someday she will not be able to do all the things she does today. She has lived hundreds of miles away from the only grandchildren she has for 17 years. I guess I am feeling guilty (finally) for living so far away and wanting to give it back before its too late to enjoy those moments.

With Scott retiring in just 3 months (Gasp) we still don't have "a plan" yeah ok so we've stopped trying to plan because it doesn't seem any of our "plans" were meant to be anyway. We take each new day as it comes. When March rolls around and we are still trying to figure out this new life and where to go I will trust in God's plan. Maybe He's talking already and gearing us up for this next new life...finding two federal jobs in the forests of Arkansas is a daunting challenge...but...upon doing a job search there is a forestry technician position open right now...and its just below my current job level (so not a major pay cut) only thing is I had a DREAM of being a park ranger...I didn't actually pursue this dream...so the qualifications thing is a minor issue...I don't know the ecology of a tree or how to manage the forest...it sounds like a great job....walking the hills and forests each day, taking measurements and observations, doing research and creating reports (just my cup of tea) but how to get from point A to point B in such a short time? Its more than my little brain can comprehend. what is the plan?

So when overwhelmed with decision and activities abuzz around me is it any wonder why I want to bury under the covers until spring? Cowardly approach to life I must admit but it appears darn appealing at the moment.

Its time to face the day.... Hope you have a great one! :)

*Morning Update: Today started off GREAT!!! I was in the bathroom getting ready for work when Jaiden came toddling out of her room and actually said Good Morning back when I said Good Morning to her, then we sat and cuddled for a while and then she watched the Higley Town Heroes while I finished my routine maintenance :) She didn't fight me (too much) when I got her dressed and didn't cry (hardly at all) during the morning rush. Thank You God!!!! I was beginning to feel like a Monster Mommy and was wondering if and when my sweet little girl would return. I am so very thankful for a peaceful morning. And Jaiden gave me the sweetest hugs and kisses when I left her at daycare this morning :) Her "attitude" was totally changed and she was her normal happy self again.

7 Random Things

I have been tagged by Audrey to do a meme and didn't even know it until I happened to be passing by her blog and saw my name. What a surprise! I love surprises and I especially love memes (is it pronounced Meme....rhyming with cream or Meme as in MeeeMeee?) I've always wondered but since this is done on a blog you never hear the pronounciation. Just curious if someone out there should know and would like to share that tidbit of knowledge I'd appreciate it! :)

The Rules
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 7 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post.


1. I wish we could keep our Christmas tree up all year

2. I wish our cat would stay OUT of the Christmas tree - every day I come home to see the lights drooping down around the bottom and a pile of ornaments scattered about the floor and some in other rooms of the house. The limbs are are bent out of whack and it looks like it has been violated.

3. I am looking forward to Saturday. I plan to take Jared and Jaiden to see the Grinch and visit with Santa at the theater

4. I have started getting the winter blahs already and every day when I come home all I want to do is crawl into a warm bed and sleep.

5. I think the snow here is like living inside a giant snowglobe...its very beautiful and the world has to slow down to a crawl

6. I am trying to decide what to do for Jaiden's 3rd birthday - she is going to have a princess party; she has a cute Princess dress and the invitations are pink tiaras for the girls and green frogs for the boys - I can't wait to send them out but I'm not sure where to have the party...options are 1)Home 2)McDonalds 3)movie theater....she's already stated that she wants ICECREAM at the party and every day she asks if she can wear her dress. Too cute! Since last year she wore black and attended a funeral for her Great Grandma on her birthday I want to make this year extra special for her.

7. I love Amazon! I have been finding some great deals online and it sure beats getting out in the cold and weaving through the crowds, trying to find a babysitter etc. Plus a lot of items have free shipping which is really great, I can shop at home and the goodies come to me :) I found the cutest surprise for Jaiden but you'll just have to wait to see it and I hope she loves it too.

TAG! The following friends have been tagged to do this on their blogs! :)

1. Heather

2. Dusty

3. Nicole

4. Susan

5. PIPO (OMG You're NEXT!!!) Congratulations!!! (LID 2 years, 9 months and 14 days - Whew! This gal is the pillar of patience)

6. Monica

7. Krissie

Photos from Thanksgiving

Gingerbread House that lasted all of 5 min before it collapsed
Cody and his first squirrel
Jaiden clowning with Pappaws glasses
goats and donkeys on the farm
Princess, Cisco and Eeyore
Pappaw teaching Jared how to load his bb gun
the greenhouse 80 degrees....aaaaah!
Code man
Dinner Sat night; deer steak and home grown veggies
Playing checkers with Pappaw

Rollin' in the dough

Momma and Jaiden taking a walk and looking for hickory nuts

Last night the house was warm and scrumptious with the sweet smells of vanilla and sugar wafting through the air...we made dozens and dozens of cookies for the church bake sale this coming Saturday. We made Peanut Butter cookies first and then Double Butterscotch cookies...I was up rolling dough into balls late into the night :) I'd never made the butterscotch cookies before but they turned out really nicely. I used the hickory nuts that my Mom gave me from our trip to Arkansas. There are some trees at her house that have huge hickory nuts but they are quite the challenge to get out of their shells. The taste is something similar to a walnut but its kinda sweet like a pecan.

If you hit a hickory nut on the ""bull-eye - a point about 1/3 of the way down from its stem - the husk should fracture approximately along the lines drawn on the sample pictured here. (The nut on the right has been cracked, and glued back together.) ABOVE: RIGHT: The sequence of steps used in opening one of the tough nuts. [1] Lay the nugget on its side and raise your hammer several inches above it. [2] Aim for that optimum impact spot. [3] Whack the nut sharply... and [4] it'll break cleanly into several pieces, from which you can extract the meats.

Hickory nut meats are rarely found on grocery shelves, simply because the kernels are so difficult to extract in large pieces. But you can forage a bushel of the odd-shaped nuts in one afternoon . . . and then (believe it or not!) shell them yourself to reap mostly large, beautiful nutmeat "halves". In fact, it's my opinion that every fruit, nut, or seed has a hidden "zipper" or "door" somewhere . . . all a person has to do is find the combination and open 'er up!

THE MYSTERY IS SOLVED
A lot of folks think that hickories—which are native to most areas of eastern North America—are well-nigh impossible to crack neatly . . . but if you strike one of the nuts in just the right spot, the shell will fracture along clean lines almost every time. I discovered the secret quite by accident one day while shelling a bowlful: I began to notice that if I struck one of the nuggets in a particular place—ping!—a piece of shell would fly in one direction and bounce off the screen door. I soon found that the predictable breakage pattern was due to the interior architecture (or framework) of the pod itself. A membranous partition—called the septum—divides the kernel in such a way that when a nut is struck near its stem end (where the thickest part of that membrane attaches to the outer hull), the shock waves can travel along the septum and through the shell . . . causing the rugged casing to fall apart in six separate pieces.

AUTUMN FORAGING
Hickory nuts usually begin to drop from the trees in early autumn, as soon as they're loosened by rain or frost. But, if you want to forage a good supply, be sure to head for the nearest grove as soon as the nuts start falling . . . since this wild food is a favorite of squirrels. The plumetailed scavengers are skillful hickory hunters too . . . if you're not quick, they may plunder your entire local crop before you have time to collect any nuts at all!

Take a bucket or sack with you on foraging trips (or just wear an apron with big pockets), and use a small stick to scratch around in the leaves under each tree. Most of the nuts you pick up will still be encased in their rough, dark hulls . . . which have to be removed before you can start cracking them. Some gatherers stomp on their crop to dehusk the "fruits", but I usually pick the sections of the outer coverings off carefully, one at a time. Whichever way you remove the hulls, though, don't throw away those hand-staining pods . . . they can be used as mulch material for your garden.

Movie Reviews

Its been a fairly quiet week, getting back into the rhythm of our very uneventful life so not much to talk about...just wanted to share that we are really enjoying the "early" Christmas gift of the big screen that hubs got just a week ago. It was installed the day we left for Arkansas so we didn't get to enjoy it as a family until we got home last Sunday. The first movie we watched was Shrek III - and I must say....WOW! I am not much of a tv watcher but the colors on the High Def really pop and its almost like having our own personal theater in our den.

The next movie we watched was Night at the Museum...and I must say this is the first Ben Stiller movie that I have actually liked...in fact I really like this movie. It was a very good family movie. Jared and I were both a bit frightened at first when "Rex" was unleashed but after that it got pretty funny....definitely recommend it.

After that we watched IRON MAN. I've always been a fan of Robert Downey Jr since the bratpak days of yore...I am happy to see that he cleans up well and I'm hoping that his drug induced days are a thing of the past. Watching the movie right before bedtime was not a very smart move...I felt like I was flying for about an hour afterwards and it was nearly impossible to sleep so the next day I was exhausted. It was a great movie and if you are able to see it on a big screen with blue ray it is a truly awesome experience. Thanks to my Mom for that gift, it was a BIG hit! *My Mom bought the movie, not the TV - the TV is getting paid off over the next 3 years thanks to Best Buys 0% interest deal...couldn't pass that up!

Bathroom Makeover

I think I've been watching a little too much HGTV...

As a Christmas present to my Mom I've agreed to undertake the painting of her bathroom. After several hours of painting primer around the trim I am still a long way from completion of this project...but I am hoping that it will turn out nicely before we have to leave on Saturday.

The bathroom is a mess right now so I will try to post after photos when it is done. The color is "Spanish Sage"

On the road again...

In just a few hours the kiddos and I will head south (16hours/1058 miles south) to my Mom's house for a week in the woods. She lives out in the middle of the Ozark mountains on a hill, surrounded by trees and wildlife...chiggers, bear....

Please pray traveling mercies upon us "Yankee folk" as we make our way down south....I don't know if its the fact that the south is a bit "restless" right now or the fact that guns have been flying off the shelves that has gotten me on edge. I do not plan on making any extra stops along the way though...gas, 2 min potty break and then we roll. I grew up in the south and know how "outsiders" are looked upon. I never thought I would fit into that category but I guess living in the bubble this past couple years has really made me more aware of the dangers on the outside.

Anyway, its been a bit stressful getting prepared for this trip back. I'd really appreciate all your prayers during our journey. Have a great week! (My Mom has dial up modem so not sure how much updating I will be able to do for the next week and since I already stink at updating photos I will just leave with the hope and intention to load a slideshow upon our return to the bubble.

Racking up the sick days...

Today is yet another sick day at home. Got lots done at work yesterday to catch up but the daycare called at around 3:50 to tell me that Jaiden's fever was back up to 103 again so we are hanging out at home today fighting off the germies. I ache all over so I think I will spend some time in bed myself to try to ward it off...that and a steady diet of alkaselzer cold medicine should help. If I do not blog again before Turkey day I want to wish you all a very special holiday with all the ones that you love.

In honor of sick days and the prevention thereof I am including todays list of 7 winter foods rich in antitoxidants

1. Artichoke Hearts (I've never had these; what do they taste like and how do you eat them?)
2. Beans (Beans, beans good for your heart...)
3. Cranberries (craisins are a household fave and I LOVE cranberry sause)
4. Pecans (does Pe-can pie count?)
5. Prunes (Love em or hate em so I've heard...I love them, they are yummy!)
6. Apples (Sweet and not too crisp is my favorite...I hate biting into and apple and having it feel like I just bit into a sweet rock)
7. Cloves (aaah simmering on the stovetop, brings the memory of sweet traditions)

What is YOUR favorite tradition for the holidays? I am so looking forward to my Mamma's home cooking; sweet potatoe pie, cornbread dressing, fried deer steak, home grown corn on the cob...so much to be Thankful for :)

Under the weather

Jaiden came home with running nose and weepy eyes yesterday from her weekend adventure at Gramma's. Last night she woke several times in the night and her raspy breathing and croaky sounding cough was just awful. I stayed home with her and most of the day she was acting her normal bouncy self but this afternoon she is back to coughing, stuffed nose and buggery eyes. Ugh. Not looking forward to her having a nasty cold all week since the kids and I will leave on Friday to go to Arkansas for Thanksgiving with my Mom.

How to Cat Proof A Christmas Tree

That darn cat keeps getting into the tree; there are no presents under it yet but he has a thing for bags so I need to find a solution before we start accumulating any "new toys" for him to test. There are some lower hanging ornaments that jingle and rattle when he touches the tree so I can hear him from another room and give him a shout out to get out of the tree. I did a search and found some handy tips:

Make sure that your cat or cats, are locked in a safe room large enough to hold it/them when everyone is either asleep or out of the house. This will keep your kitties from knocking the tree on the floor. (but I hate keeping him locked up all the time)


Use a piece of high test fishing line to connect the top of the tree to the ceiling. This will prevent the tree from tipping. (uh ok, but that is kinda creepy, not to mention unjust to hang your tree without a trial isn't it?)


Put any valuable ornaments somewhere in the top two-thirds of the tree. That way the cats can't reach them. (but then when the tree topples over those priceless ornaments shatter first- uh no thanks - I just put them deep into the recesses of the branches, nestled around a cacoon of artificial pine)


Hang ornaments by using wire ornament hangers. Use a pair of pliers to clamp the hook part around the branch. (ok this one would make the taking down part of the tree, which is already tedious enough an even greater chore - who wants to untangle wire from around each branch for every ornament?)


Use duct tape. If the tree is shorter than 6', use duct tape to tape the legs of the holder to a piece of wide ply-wood and put the whole thing on a short, sturdy table. This keeps the tree above their level and the cats won't be as interested. (this one is HILARIOUS - it brings to mind Jeff Foxworthy and the redneck Christmas song)


Plug the tree lights into a short indoor extension cord and tape the plug into the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the lights from the extension cord to turn off. (This one brings to mind the Lampoons Christmas)

Tips
Keep a small spray bottle full of water near the tree. If your cats still go after the tree, a light spritz of water on their back and a stern "NO!" will get the point across. (Now where the heck did that water bottle go? ...Oh yeah I took it from the kids when they were using it as a squirt gun)

Purchase several ornaments that are bells and hang them on the lower branches. If your cat tries to pull on the tree or hide underneath it, you will hear it. (Also suggested by Dusty on a post a few days ago, and it works great - Thanks Dusty!)

Cats naturally hate the scent of oranges, so keep orange peels under the tree to repel your cat.
If its a plastic tree, a small amount of Citronella oil shaken into a bottle of water and misted on to the tree makes it smell unpleasant to the cat but fresh and citrus-like to you. Where can I find some Citronella oil?

Consider getting a Scotch Pine. They have extremely sharp needles. Also works for curious small children. ( oh but those extremely sharp needles are extremely hard to get out of your carpet too - messy messy that is why I don't do real trees, besides the fact that I am scared to death of the tree going up in flames because it has dried out and the lights have become a thousand little torches and the presents underneath a pile of fuel - shudder)

For small kittens wrap tinfoil around the trunk. They don't like putting their nails into it and it will keep them from climbing the tree. (He hasn't tried climbing the tree yet - that I am aware of anyway)

Spray some pine cones with citronella and pile them around the base of the tree. Cats do not walk on pine cones! (also works great to put pine cones in the base of your houseplants). Oh, i gotta try this one - he is forever getting into the houseplants too and they have been moved into a room that is kept closed from his access)

Spray the bottom limbs with tobasco sauce to keep them from chewing the bottom branches. They wince and run away! (yee haw and ya'll have a very Merry TexMus with ya'll's gifts)

Decide to make it your cat's Christmas, too. Decide you are not going to get frustrated trying to outsmart your cat this year. Secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to keep it from toppling. Clamp ornaments to the branches with the metal hooks using pliers. Take pictures of your cat sleeping in the Christmas tree branches, and SMILE! >"< Hope this has brought a Smile to you too :) Have a great day!
Love,
Kim

Open House Review

Rejoice, REJOICE in all things REJOICE - As I was so humbly reminded this morning, we should rejoice in ALL things. I was not seeing many positives last night but today I see that I have shoppers (plural) and I am grateful to God for the blessings He has given in the fellowship that I shared last night in the company of 7 friends.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Phillipians 4:4-5

Open House Jitters

In a few short hours hubs and the kids will head off to the inlaws for the weekend and I will be left to finish planning for the consummation of an open house event which I have scheduled for Sat between 2 to 5. So anyone feeling the urge to pray for someone in need, please indeed let it be me :)

I have been prepping for this for ages now (or so it seems) and have invested quite a large chunk of our funds into making this business grow outside of my circle...so I am hoping that this weekend will be a success. Meeting a few neighbors would be nice too since during winter there is not a tendency to linger out by the mailbox much.

I've been making baskets of goodies all week and trying to come up with ideas to make this party rememberable...so my question of the day for all you out there in bloggerland is what do you remember the most about a party that you have attended? Clean answers please...there will be no running Columbo through the snow!

I am Thankful

Our Sunday School class was issued a challenge at church yesterday to come up with a list of things that we are thankful for and scriptures that go along with or motivate thankfulness. I have a list about 10 pages long of things to be thankful for but I may need help in finding scriptures to go along with them...so if anyone has any inspirational verses to share as you read through my list I encourage you to please leave a comment...in order for me to officially "do my homework" just leave the chapter and verse and I will find the scripture and post it here (if that's ok with the person sharing) These are not sorted in any special order, just as I think of them...although God, family and friends are right up there on the top of my list :)

1. Almighty God
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
2. Jesus Savior
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16
3. Holy Spirit
"For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:9).
4. Family
5. Friends
6. Wisdom
7. Kindness
8. Love
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians13 Thank You Dusty!
9. Compassion
10. Laughter
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2
11. Generosity
12. Food
13. Clothing
14. Shelter
15. Hope
" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Thank You Dusty!
16. Patience
We are "strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11).
17. Perserverence
18. Peace
19. Freedom
20. Health
21. Happiness
22. Forgiveness
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34
23. My Country
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2
24. Veterans
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
25. Strength
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:2

"a bit of snow"

As per Jared's observation this morning, we got "a bit of snow" last night A light dusting - not the blizzard that the weatherpeeps were hoping for/expecting to come our way. So its not quite a white winter wonderland outside but it is pretty darn cold and the wind is blowing so that makes it feel all the more chill. Good day to stay indoors - hubs is still here; he was going to go visit family with the kids last night and take our excess "stuff" to his brothers storage shed but the trailer lights weren't working so plans were thwarted at the last moment and I am not all alone this weekend after all...which is nice :) I plan on cleaning and pulling out holiday decor to set up for my open house being held next weekend. I am hoping this will "kick start" the business and get it going since I am buying waaaaaay more than I am selling and at this rate I will have to get another part time job to pay for this one....hopefully not. Someone out there has to love Avon just as much as me...hopefully more ;)

Just brought out a few boxes of holiday lights and you'd think by that smile it was the happiest day of his life - I LOVE that smile! He is such a sweet kid he said to me tonight "Mom, our house is looking so awesome!" I soooo love you Bear! (our house is a total disaster right now because I have been building gift baskets all day and there is stuff everywhere) He went out and shoveled the snow this morning, while his dad was gone, all by himself; he even asked if he COULD shovel...like it was some sorta treat to do so. He's one great fella! We are so very blessed and thankful beyond all measure for this sweet boy.

this is our doggie Chloe...getting the traditional antler donnage on decorating day. Sorry sweetie, its a tradition in this household.

Here's the gals of the house wearing our traditional santa caps :)

Intervues continue...

I am "auditioning" artists for the Christmas Joy playlist I have running over there at my blog store....there are so many versions of those old familiar classic tunes that I am having a hard time desciding which ones to keep and which ones to delete. So I'm asking for your help here. Can you tell me your favorite Christmas song and the artist that sings it the best?

If your in the mood to listen to some Christmas tunes, go check out my Avon blog --->

Have a great day! It's FRIDAY!!!!!!

A "present" for you

Ok, I am soooo sorry! I need to apologize to my friend Heather. I didn't mean for my post to sound like THAT. I thought it was great that we picked the same design when there were literally hundreds to choose from! Please check out Julia's blog if you would like to see what the heck I am talking about. (We both chose this background at the same time) It's sooo CUTE!

....and if you are interested please check out my Avon blog as well :) Happy Shopping!

Caution: Be prepared to get into the Christmas spirit :) I know its only November but Christmas is my favorite time of year. We put our lights up last weekend...I have an open house scheduled on the 15th so I will be putting up the Holiday decor inside this weekend...hmmm that should be interesting because Jak really likes to attack anything that moves. I had to move our cookooo clock because he kept knocking the pendelum down. He loves to climb trees....hmmmm wonder how many times we will have to yell "TIM-BER" Anyone know how to keep cats off furniture and things were they shouldn't be?

messing around...

I am trying out some new looks for my blog. Please let me know if it is not sized proportionately. I am trying to find one that "fits" just right. Bear with me! ;)

If you want to start your holiday shopping early or just want to get into the Christmas spirit, go over and visit my Avon blog ----> gotAVON? Tell me what you think.

As for me and my family we shall serve the LORD

We work for the federal government so the election this year has been a bit stressful. But in spite of it all we know who is in charge. So we may need to re-prioritize some things this year. I will start with some goals for myself and my family.

1. Love thy neighbor...we hardly even KNOW our neighbors so I am putting this goal at the very top because it is a very important commandment and in this day and age a very neglected one. I pledge to make an effort to not only love them but to get to know them too. How will I do this? Random acts of kindness? Have them over for coffee? Not sure, I will be praying for the answer.

2. Make sure the kids brush their teeth better. Yes this may be a weird priority but after paying over $300 in copays this last couple of weeks for fillings this has trumped a lot of other seemingly more important things. So we are not going to fret about buying new toothbrushes, we will not skimp on toothpaste, floss or rinse. This is very important and we have to address the need for clean healthy mouths.

3. Read a book. Reading has always been a favorite pastime of mine but it seems to be lost on todays generation where tv watching and video games often takes priority. I would like to see my kids reading more so I need to set the example for them to follow. When they come to me with a book I will embrace the opportunity for this moment of learning, growing and a nice cuddle too. I may return to my original childhood favorite this winter "Little House on the Prarie" I've been wanting to re-read the series and relive the wonder of that long lost era.

Ok that is the top 3...I'm sure I will add more but for now that is a good start. I am asking for ya'll out there to please pray for our family during this next few months. It is getting more and more stressful trying not to think too hard about what will happen once Scott is retired from the Air Force and how long we will be here...its all in God's hands.

uh I can't watch please tell me when it's over...

oh I shouldn't have but I just hit the yahoo home page again and they are tallying up the electorials already...uh I shouldn't watch this stuff...it makes my belly hurt...so much is riding on this election and who will be our next president but I am trying to focus on the one truth: God is in control and IN GOD WE TRUST Amen No matter what happens...no matter what

The Name Game

I saw this on Three Dumplings and thought it looked like fun!

1. YOUR REAL NAME:Kim

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus -izzle.)Kimizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)Yellow Horse

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number)Yvette SouthPoint

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name) Kleki

6. YOUR SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink)Blue Kahlua

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your moms first name). Iekcvka

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents' middle names)Riley Katheleen (sounds very familiar, I think people could find me)

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Jak

10. YOUR HOOD NAME:....first 3 letters of your first name plus iqua: Kimiqua

Happy Halloween!

I am running late, gotta go get ready for work - Cody is feeling much better today. It was a 24 hour bug.

Happy Halloweeeeeen! I will get photos posted later but not sure when since it will get busy in just a few moments and then not slow down till the kids are in bed tonight...after injesting a pound of candy like that is going to happen. It will be an all nighter....not that I am going to let them injest a pound of candy...but somehow one piece turns into another...and then another....

Have a spooktacular day! What's your plans for Halloween?

OK - here's the update on our day: At around 1:30 PM I started getting hallucinations...seeing bright fuzzy lights and blurry, unfocused vison, didn't have a headache though so I popped a couple Migraine pills and hoped like heck it would pass...around 2pm the pain felt like my eyeballs were about to explode...so I took off work and made it home feeling very nauseus...and annoyed...who has time for a migraine on HALLOWEEN!!!

I crashed for a bit and felt better when the kiddos headed out at 6pm to go trick or treating so I tagged along. Couldn't miss the fun of Jaiden's first real trick or treating! She was into it for all of about 5 minutes as you can see from the photo of her running down a driveway with her Dad. After about half a block both were asking when they could go home. It was a gorgeous night, the sky was full of stars and the fresh air felt nice and not too cold. I could have walked the entire neighborhood but I'm glad they were ready to go home because by the time I made it home I had a splitting headache. We got the kids into jammies and they didn't eat but a few pieces so far, that stash is going to last for a while I think. I had just eaten some dark chocolate when the migraine hit me...my mom is ALLERGIC to chocolate...I am hoping that this doesn't mean that I will soon follow suit...I can't imagine a life without CHOCOLATE!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

"That is going to go straight to my hips!"

I need your help

I have added a new blog to my lineup; I am goin to take all the ads off my family site and divert it to my "business" site. I need for you to check it out and tell me honestly what you think.

I designed the ad banner myself (as I'm sure you can tell) I'm very amature but the white dots in the g and the o....don't they look a little bit like eyes to you? I thought that was kinda neat...it wasn't intentional that it happened to come out like that....also if you look really closely they like a tad bit like boobies....which is sorta the heart of the reason behind starting this new business. I want to somehow give back and by doing this in some way I may be able to help out others. My Mom is my inspiration - she is a breast cancer survivor of 5 years now and I am so very proud of her and her grit and determination to not let it slow her down. She is 74 years young and still doing things that would wear me out....sometimes it wears me out to just listen to her talk about what all she did in a day. I need to get her onto blogging so you can meet her and see how wonderful she truly is.

Anyways, hope you will take a gander over at the new site and check it out for yourself. Any ideas or tips on how to make it look more professhinal and appealing would be most appreciated! Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a most beautiful day!

Nurse in Training

I'm staying home with Cody today who is sick with a stomach flu. He woke yesterday with a headache and by noon it had turned into a migraine...he also has a fever which hubs tells me you can't have a migraine with fever...he used to have migraines too so I figure he should know but was wondering if anyone else out there has information on these symptoms. He is queasy nauseous and has bowed before the thrown and deposited all that he had to give if you know what I mean so much that he is exhausted and has the dry heaves. I've given him crackers, toast and 7up and Pepto to help with the nausea. Any other suggestions....?

Ode to little Jimmy Dickens

This is a hilarious story my Mom told me this morning:

(caution please do not read if you are a chicken rights activist)

I was telling my Mom about getting locked out of the house this weekend (another story) and she told me about a story of how little Jimmy Dickens (the singer) had a similar thing happen to him way back when...that brought back memories of the little rooster that she had named "Little Jimmy Dickens" because it was so little and so loud...and that was this rooster Jimmy Dickens thing: he was little and loud...anyway I told her that her story reminded me of that mean old rooster that she used to have...she replied back that she had forgotten all about that chicken (my Mom NEVER forgets anything) she proceeded to tell me how Jimmy Dickens met his match...you see this little chicken was not only little and loud but he was also very mean. He would chase after you and attack you for no apparent reason. He got Cody when he was just a little fellow (mind you that this all took place about 15 years or so ago) Apparently he also tried to attack my mother...and no bird or anything else gets away with messing with my mamma! She took him up by the neck and was about to chop off his head with a DULL chopping axe and my stepdad came out to see what all the commotion was all about...little loud Jimmy put up a squawking fight to the very end...well my mom says "I am about to get rid of this chicken" my stepdad said "you can't do that" and she replied "well, you just watch me" and she did. You can bet I have a whole new respect for my momma now. She has some grit in her. I can see now why my stepdad is so well behaved and agrees to her every wish....she's put the fear of Jimmy Dickens in him.

Happy Friday!!!

I've been TAGGED!

Thanks Dusty! I feel so loved :) You are always here to make me feel better and today I really needed it. The weather has turned gloomy and cold and this nasty pinched nerve just won't go away...You are an awesomest friend! And I can SOOOO relate to your comment of being from NE Louisiana and being asked if that were in cajin country or New Orleans. I get that ALL THE TIME too...people out there that haven't ever been to Louisiana...there is other parts to that state (other than New Orleans) and no its not all swamp land either.

Ok here's the rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog

2. Share 7 random or weird facts about yourself

3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your posts, and include links to their blogs

4. Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okie, Dokie lets see what I can thinks up....

1. I really don't like to be alone, although I seem to be a loner, I've always felt comfortable in a crowd even when I don't know anyone; I love meeting people but I don't always have a lot to say so I have been labled as "quiet" I don't think I am quiet; I just don't like to talk out loud.

2. I love to cook but I hate to clean...so the latter usually prevents the former from being a very interesting experience. When I cook I tend to be quite messy...like last night when I made some apple turnovers...needing to use up those yummy apples that God gave us this year I chose to try a new recipe I found online...the crust came from the freezer department and the apples were simple to peel, slice and chop - the kiddos helped which made it really fun but tripping over each other in the kitchen made it a bit messy too...sticky syrupy apple filling was all over the counters when I was done...but the turnovers were excellent!

3. I tend to choose fun over functional...which is totally opposite from my very conservative husband but somehow he has managed to love me through 15+ years of lifes challenges. He's the best person I have ever met and always willing to lend a hand, and he loves building things...I tend to love to "find" things...so I guess I am the artistic, optimistic always looking for that rainbow in the storm...sometimes to the frustration of my loving husband that is trying to put the umbrella over me to keep me safe and dry.

4. I want to make a difference in the world. I don't know how and I often find myself wondering what my purpose on Earth must be....sometimes I feel so alone and afraid that when I am gone I would not have made any difference at all. I tend to be a bit extravagant, never wanting to do anything halfway...I dream big and want big things to happen and get frustrated when they don't happen overnight...my patience level is puny. I really need help working on that.

5. I want to be a giver. I love to nurture and provide comfort. I think that would be the greatest job in the world to be able to provide to others and bring them joy through the little acts of kindness that I might be able to provide...but I don't have a very good sense of self motivation and so the empowerment is missing...I tend to not make very good choices on my own so I tend to look for outside leadership and I need to work on finding positive sources of leadership in which to follow....

6. I am really glad there is only two more to go because I am feeling very exposed....I like to write...obviously

7. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to adopt a sibling group someday...but I am soooo frustrated right now because the MN laws require that both parents attend a two day training class during the weekday and the closest class is 2 hours away. The logistics of this is making me crazy. If we lived anywhere but here I could call upon friends or family to come stay with the kids but here we do not know anyone and we can't leave the kids alone for two whole days on their own. Our closest relative is 3 hours away...and won't come all this way all alone....in MN there are only about 2 classes a year on our side of the state...most are held in the cities which is 5 hours away. It would be just as easy to go 5 hours away as it would 2...getting away for that long is going to be the issue to overcome. There is a class next month but Scott can't go because it is also a long weekend and if he goes he will have to take 5 days of leave and he is trying to save his leave so he can retire in March...so please pray for us ya'll that we find our direction because sometimes it feels like we're just spinning in a circle and getting nowhere.

Ok, well there you go...that was 7 very random and often times weird facts about me. Now I tag:

1. Heather - my cyber friend that's been with me through a LOT and hope to someday get the chance to meet in person, especially now that she lives in Florida ;) But I would have liked meeting her in Texas too!

2. Nicole - over at QuickStartMyHeart I love her blog, her family and she's the sweetest friend...I think we may be long lost sisters because we have a lot of things in common. We may not be blood kin but she will always be a sister of mine; we are joined together by the bond of our Tonguu girls.

3. Krissie - my real life friend :) We have known each other since meeting at a scrappin party at Becca's house in 2001. She followed us to Germany...will she find her way to us in Grand Forks too??? That would be totally awesome. :) She has such a wonderful family and lives life to its fullest praising God every step of the way.

4. Barbara over at Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers is a Grand Forks blogger and she has the most creative ideas for just about anything. She is so very helpful and nice too.

5. Leo from Confession of a thirty something. I love reading her blog, she is very nice and I feel like I take a mini vacation to another world every time I visit her blog.

6. Amy my newest blogger friend and the only blogger I know in Minnesota. I don't know you all that well yet but I hope to meet you and your family someday.

7. I don't know any more bloggers that haven't been tagged yet so if you are reading this and you have not been tagged, consider yourself tagged!

Hope you've enjoyed todays TAGATHON :)

I've tried everything

It's been 3 days since I woke with a crick in my neck and I still have a pinched nerve...what will make it go away? I've tried water therapy, heat therapy, massage therapy, muscle relaxers, tylenol, aspirin, motrin..but there is still a knot in the center of my back making it difficult to use my right hand or move very quickly. What should I try next?

22 Tuesday

I will be submitting an order for campaign 22 Tuesday so if you haven't placed an order yet and were waiting for that perfect moment, this is it! This is the last chance to order from campaign 20 brochures. Let me know what you like, favorites, not so favorites...if you provide a review I will give you 10% off your next order. So go ahead, what's your favorite Avon product? What is your least favorite?

*Super Sale* Save up to 72% on Shimmering Body Powder when you mix and match any three for $5. Pair this with a lotion and fragrance and you have a great gift basket for a man or a woman!

Pair up PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Conditioning Hair Mask with a head wrap towel and you have a great spa treatment in a bag!

Curves® for Women Flex Trainer - purchase any Curves product and receive a FREE two week Curves membership!

Men's Classic Leather Strap Watch $19.99
971-991

Holiday Lighted Leg Sitters $12.99!

Hanna Montana Hand Cream (only at AVON) $1.49

Shop my online store and see for yourself there is more to Avon that just makeup. Thank YOU soooooo much for your support!!!

Nights in Rodanthe

I have a date with hubs to go to a late night movie tonight...nights in Rodanthe. I am a sucker for romance so I am very excited to see this movie. I just watched "Because I said So" last week and loved it....Have you seen any good movies lately?

**** Rating: 4 Stars - I would love to give it a 5 rating but I didn't think Richard Gere was a very convincing choice for his part. The house, the beach, the horses, the crab fest, dancing on the boarwalk...I could so live there. This is a movie I could watch again and again. I love the sea glass curtain, the glass chandaliers and candlesticks...it was all very me. That is how I would love my house to look. Lots of character and personality. This was a tear jerker but because Gere wasn't a very convincing actor I didn't tear up until the little girl said "Mom?......momma?" That did me in. What can I say, I am a big softie....this is a great movie. ****Review update....I did some research on the movie...I am a research nut...and found out that maybe I should have not done any research and just loved the movie version of the house....because I found out that this is a real house and it is rentable...but the inside is not the inside that you see in the movie. They actually filmed the interior shots at a different location...the inside of this house is very modern...and boring. I am very disappointed....the interior of the house on the movie is what made the house come alive and gave it character. The only thing it really has in common with the movie is that it really does have plumbing problems...and has been condemned.

Friday 5

I am starting a contest called Friday 5. Sign up at my online store and you will be automatically enrolled in the drawing for a grab bag of goodies each week. Good Luck!

Sick Days and Dental Checkups

Jared woke up at midnight last night...well we all did I suppose. He came home from school yesterday with a bit of fever and a tummy ache...well the tummy ache didn't get any better....until midnight anyway. I'll spare the details but he wound up sleeping on a blanket bed on the floor for the remainder of the night. When he woke this morning he still wasn't his bouncy self, luckily the boys were out of school today and tommorrow for teacher work days (what's up with that? Why are they called teacher WORK days? Teachers work harder than anyone I know and have the most gruesome job in the world, they deserve OFF days too) anyways...no school was missed. I took a sick day to take care of him and this evening he is doing much better.

I am at a loss as to this new Avon adventure I have embarked upone...I am not into sales so what in the world am I doing???? I love Avon but finding someone who loves it just as much as I do in order to make a business of it???? Its off to a slow start because I am finding far more to purchase than I am customers. Where are they? How can I get customers to come to me? I know times are tight right now for most of the world but here in GF the economy is supposed to be going strong. I just need to connect the dots....find customer looking to buy Avon products...but how??? Advertising is pretty limited here. How do I reach out to those that will buy without bugging those that are not interested? I don't want to be a pest. I went to the mall last night and put coupon flyers on windshields. I'm still waiting for my first customer to call. I opened up a business checking account today and the lady at the bank was really nice...I'm sure I could have sold her something if I'd had any salemanship ability at all. I'm starting to wonder just what I'm getting into. Opening a business account is a commitment. That is kinda scary. That really makes this real. I must reach beyond my "circle" and find customers that will help pay the slight overhead of running a successful business.

Oh last but not least, the boys had dental checkups today...7 cavities between the two of them! Yikes! How did that happen? That is going to be costly. Cody needs braces. That is going to be costly too. I guess I need to get a grip and stop letting everything get to me. Today was a GREAT, GORGEOUS, SUNNY and NOT FREEZING COLD day. The kids are healthy, in spite of their mouths full of muck...they do brush consistantly but they inherited my soft enamel...our mouths are full of fillings....could be partly the sweet tooth too Jared has recovered from his bug and is now playing happily with his sister, tossing balloons around the playroom. Life is grand. We are so blessed. I should not worry about what I have no control over.

I planted the last of the tulip, daffodil, iris and some other bulb I am not sure what it was today...so when it comes up in the spring it will be a great surprise. I love surprises. As I wandered about my garden this afternoon I was amazed at the amount of flowers that are still flourishing there...daisys, marigolds, and lots of others that I am not sure what their names are. I may not know but God does, and that reminds me that even though I am not in control, maybe I can be an instrument that God will use to make the world a better place. Just a few short months ago those spots of dirt were just brown. Now they are filled with color and life. This is not something I had to do...its not something that someone told me to do...it is something I enjoy doing. It is like therapy for me to dig in the dirt...it is like therapy for me to shop. I am hoping that this newest hobby will flourish and grow too and blossom into something beautiful that brings as much joy to others as it does to me.

Can't buy me love...just buy me Unscripted

Congratulation to Heather! She's the winner of the contest "Who's that man" The answer is Patrick Dempsey....new face of the new scent Unscripted due out this season from Avon. He helped put the scent together too so it is very much his own signature scent.

Introducing....Unscripted...."At the heart of Unscripted is the idea of living your life on your own terms, and not by a written script. It's about loving what you do, and doing it in your own unique way, rather than being defined by rules." Patrick Dempsey

Unscripted is a woody green fragrance that expresses the freedom of the open road with fresh, aromatic cardamom and invigorating cracked black peppercorn. At the heart, a sensual mix of fig and crisp lavender enrich the experience with a warm, sophisticated texture. The drydown reveals an unusual twist - a bold blend of exclusive leatherwood and patchouli heart wrapped in earthy vetiver and rich musk for an authentic, adventurous finish. follow your passion ~ UNSCRIPTED ~

Christmas in October

Yesterday when the UPS man drove up to my house I got that jittery feeling I used to get when I woke up on Christmas morning...Presents! Well, in this case it was my first AVON shipment arriving....close enough to Christmas for me. Jaiden and I had a grand old time opening up the boxes and sorting out the goodies. She of course dove right into the lip balms and started putting them into a tiny little purse that is just her size. My new crocs arrived (see photo below) they are soooo warm and snuggly (I am wearing them now with my jammas and I wore them right away when I got them to run to the store) LOVE EM!

We have lots of smellies and pretties to try out and sort. There were two customers this order so not too overwhelming. I felt like Santa filling the sacks. It was so much fun. There are so many new things coming out this next quarter to try....I must pace myself. I will do occasional product reviews too so stay tuned for the fun new things yet to come. Oh, I did try the wintermint lip balm today...its soo creamy and has a nice light mint tast to it. Very nice. Almost makes me look forward to winter....almost. Which will last for about a minute once the snow flies....which has not happened yet Praise God! This year we are getting an extended long fall, and I am LOVING it. There are still green leaves on some of the trees, although the rains this weekend and the wind is starting to make the leaves that were yellow last week start to fall...so the trees are starting to look a bit naked with a carpet of gold below them....the kind of leaves that make you want to scoop them up and toss them into the air...except that they are too wet to toss, and its a bit too nippy out to enjoy being outdoors. It actually got into the 30s yesterday. Brrrr...not ready for that for sure.

Let me know if you'd like me to send you any samples. I am pretty well stocked now and if I don't have it, I can get it. Just let me know. Have a beautiful day!

ooooh guess who's the new face of Avon...He helped create his new signature scent Unscripted

Hint: He plays the actor McDreamy on some big hospital drama show...any idea who this guy could be??? $5 coupon good for any sized Avon order goes to the first person to answer correctly.