the beginning of a new year and I'm so excited! I don't have much to post today because I've been busy getting ready for our dinner guest tonight - but I hope that you each have a great night tonight and a wonderful day tomorrow! I know this next year is going to ROCK! Happy 2009!!
Love to all
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Ok - I know I'm behind with blogging.......
I took this week off from pretty much everything because last week was such a whirlwind. My husband is off work this week - so we've been doing things around the house and cleaning up all the Christmas stuff.........we've taken Jake to the park, the Children's museum - tomorrow is Chuck-e-cheese (much to my husband's dismay!) and then Friday - maybe the zoo......Jake has been going stir crazy because he is use to his schedule and being home for two weeks is NOT to his liking!
One of the things I've been doing is contemplating this upcoming year. I want this year to be a great one!!! Not that this past year wasn't - but I have an expectation for this year - spiritually and physically. I don't set goals because they ALWAYS get broken - but, I do create a LIST (surprise, surprise!).....here is what it looks like so far (these are in NO particular order)
Lose weight (of course - what's a new year without this one?)
Go to the gym more (see above)
Spend more time with family (ok - you guys don't pass out!)....this includes all of you - so beware - I'm going to come a knockin'
Expand prayer time
More service time(I say this because most of my time is spent in the Sunday school classrooms)
Lose weight (wait - did I say that already)
Spend more time with Jake and his classroom work - i.e. work on his fine motor skills
Learn how to "blend" veggies with food to trick Jake into eating more healthy
Lose weight - lose weight - lose weight - lose weight - ok - you get my point!
The biggest thing on my list is what my friend Angie has challenged me to do with her - it's from Beth Moore and I know it could be beneficial to all of us.......it's memorizing scriptures together - but in a creative, accountability way. Check out her website - we would welcome any more of you that would like to take on this challenge.... http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/12/anybody-game.html - I don't know if this link will work - if not, just go to www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com and walk through the blog.
Finally, our New Year's eve is going to be spent with some good friends of ours for dinner at our home and then New Year's day is dinner with the in-laws. Hope whatever your plans are - you are safe and secure! Be Blessed this New Years.
love
k
Saturday, December 27, 2008
I'm tired...........
OK - Patrick Christmas party is over and I'm TIRED!!!! The last week or two has been non stop and it has finally caught up with me.....all I want to do is lay around and do nothing!!! I was going to work on taking down all my christmas stuff today - but, guess what - I'm not!!! I'm just hanging around the house in my sweats doing absolutely nothing...
Last night was the Patrick Christmas party was at my house - we had a lot of fun - it's always fun to get together.......I will say about now though - - I'm familied (is that a word?) out.....hehehehe. I mean - three days in a row - that's a little much for me.......ok - now, come on - all you out there saying "I can't believe she is saying that" has thought the same thing about your bunch - you are just more polite than I am and don't say it out loud.....ROFL.......
Seriously, I've had a great Christmas week seeing all the family and watching all the kids enjoy their presents. Jake is at that stage where he kepts saying "I want more present's mommy - where are more presents"......I kept saying, "Christmas is over honey - there are no more presents" but he didn't like that non too much!
Ok - so, now for New Years - no big plans here - we always stay home on New Years eve - too many crazy drunks out on the streets and we don't like to chance it. We will just have dinner together as a family- maybe hang out side with some of the neighbors and do fireworks - but for the most part - just stay close to home. New Years Day - we'll be with my in-laws for lunch.......after that - back to normal routine..........
Hope your weekend is relaxing and restful.
Chat soon
Be blessed
K
Last night was the Patrick Christmas party was at my house - we had a lot of fun - it's always fun to get together.......I will say about now though - - I'm familied (is that a word?) out.....hehehehe. I mean - three days in a row - that's a little much for me.......ok - now, come on - all you out there saying "I can't believe she is saying that" has thought the same thing about your bunch - you are just more polite than I am and don't say it out loud.....ROFL.......
Seriously, I've had a great Christmas week seeing all the family and watching all the kids enjoy their presents. Jake is at that stage where he kepts saying "I want more present's mommy - where are more presents"......I kept saying, "Christmas is over honey - there are no more presents" but he didn't like that non too much!
Ok - so, now for New Years - no big plans here - we always stay home on New Years eve - too many crazy drunks out on the streets and we don't like to chance it. We will just have dinner together as a family- maybe hang out side with some of the neighbors and do fireworks - but for the most part - just stay close to home. New Years Day - we'll be with my in-laws for lunch.......after that - back to normal routine..........
Hope your weekend is relaxing and restful.
Chat soon
Be blessed
K
Friday, December 26, 2008
Combined couple of days...............
Ok - I'm finally getting around to my blog!!! I wanted to post after each event - but I just couldn't find the time! All-in-all - we had a great couple of days! Here we go.........
Wednesday - Christmas eve was Popsie's birthday party - it was great fun! There was so much food and lots of smiles, hugs and laughter going around. I nominate that we do this Patrick-Thomas thing every year for Popsie's birthday. It worked out great starting early for those of us who had to leave to continue our Christmas' with our in-laws.....and, granted - some of our family won't be there every year as my sister, Vicki Simoneaux and her family live in Africa as missionaries - but on the years that they can be with us - it will be awesome! My nephew Micah and his wife Chelsea are heading to Africa too - so, they will all be missed greatly - but only a keyboard/phone call away! Popsie was so excited that he got money for a new pair of boots. All 9 kids gave money and we stuffed it in his old boots ($305 dollars - all in $1 dollar bills!!!!).....he was trying to keep Shirley out of his boots - afraid she would take his money.....too cute! Enjoy the photos.........and then keep reading - the rest of my holiday follows.........
Christmas Eve at my house with the in-laws was later in the evening - after I ate at Popsie's party - I ate again!!!!! (of course!). The tradition in my husband's family has always been German noodle soup (with homemade noodles.....very yummy!). We had so much food - soup, homemade summer sausage (sorry dad- there is NONE left!), cheese balls, sausage balls, you name it! We also opened gifts from each other, it was a great time. My gift was an antique bowl that had been in the family for almost 100 years!!!! I love it - I am a huge "antiquer" (is that a word??) and I love it! These type of gifts mean more to me because they have such great history - of course, I'll have to place stratigically so that Jake doesn't break it!!! Enjoy pic and keep on reading..........
btw - in case your wondering why there aren't more pictures of my husband - he doesn't like his pictures out on the internet - so, I promised him I wouldn't put any out there (if you see his face in a picture - act like you don't know it...heheh.......he does exist - I promise!
Christmas morning - Jake was up and at 'em at 6:15 AM.......he started running towards the back bedroom where his nana and pop were sleeping and stopped dead center when he realized that "santa" had come to see him............too cute! He got a new drum set, 2 new guitars and amp.........all things that make lots of LOUD noise!!!!! What was Santa thinking???? After Christmas at our house - we loaded up for lunch at Nana and Pop's......where Santa came again there for Mr. Jake.........woo hoo!!!!
Patrick family Christmas coming up tonight - more pictures to come.......
Love to all - be blessed!
Wednesday - Christmas eve was Popsie's birthday party - it was great fun! There was so much food and lots of smiles, hugs and laughter going around. I nominate that we do this Patrick-Thomas thing every year for Popsie's birthday. It worked out great starting early for those of us who had to leave to continue our Christmas' with our in-laws.....and, granted - some of our family won't be there every year as my sister, Vicki Simoneaux and her family live in Africa as missionaries - but on the years that they can be with us - it will be awesome! My nephew Micah and his wife Chelsea are heading to Africa too - so, they will all be missed greatly - but only a keyboard/phone call away! Popsie was so excited that he got money for a new pair of boots. All 9 kids gave money and we stuffed it in his old boots ($305 dollars - all in $1 dollar bills!!!!).....he was trying to keep Shirley out of his boots - afraid she would take his money.....too cute! Enjoy the photos.........and then keep reading - the rest of my holiday follows.........
Christmas Eve at my house with the in-laws was later in the evening - after I ate at Popsie's party - I ate again!!!!! (of course!). The tradition in my husband's family has always been German noodle soup (with homemade noodles.....very yummy!). We had so much food - soup, homemade summer sausage (sorry dad- there is NONE left!), cheese balls, sausage balls, you name it! We also opened gifts from each other, it was a great time. My gift was an antique bowl that had been in the family for almost 100 years!!!! I love it - I am a huge "antiquer" (is that a word??) and I love it! These type of gifts mean more to me because they have such great history - of course, I'll have to place stratigically so that Jake doesn't break it!!! Enjoy pic and keep on reading..........
btw - in case your wondering why there aren't more pictures of my husband - he doesn't like his pictures out on the internet - so, I promised him I wouldn't put any out there (if you see his face in a picture - act like you don't know it...heheh.......he does exist - I promise!
Christmas morning - Jake was up and at 'em at 6:15 AM.......he started running towards the back bedroom where his nana and pop were sleeping and stopped dead center when he realized that "santa" had come to see him............too cute! He got a new drum set, 2 new guitars and amp.........all things that make lots of LOUD noise!!!!! What was Santa thinking???? After Christmas at our house - we loaded up for lunch at Nana and Pop's......where Santa came again there for Mr. Jake.........woo hoo!!!!
Patrick family Christmas coming up tonight - more pictures to come.......
Love to all - be blessed!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Birthday dad! (Popsie!)
Happy Birthday Popsie!!! Another year older and another gray hair that DOES NOT have my name on it. I'll gladly take responsibility for the ones you received in the 90's - but all other's - I can't take responsibility for......maybe Redonia, Trent, and some of the older grands can call dibs on those! LOL
I hope that your day is filled with love, laughter and family. This is the first year in 15+ years that your whole blended family will be together for Christmas Eve and we do this in honor of you! We celebrate your life, your love and your friendship. You are a great dad, an awesome grand dad (Popsie) and a great man.
Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for loving me through my rough years and for praying that a good man would come along and "straighten me out!".....(it worked! LOL). Thank you for standing with us when Jake was born so premature and through all of our ups and downs with him in the hospital. Thank you for loving all your kids and grands equal - never dividing.
Mom would be so proud of the man that you have become - I know that she is smiling down on the life that you have built with Shirley.
I love you dad.
I hope that your day is filled with love, laughter and family. This is the first year in 15+ years that your whole blended family will be together for Christmas Eve and we do this in honor of you! We celebrate your life, your love and your friendship. You are a great dad, an awesome grand dad (Popsie) and a great man.
Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for loving me through my rough years and for praying that a good man would come along and "straighten me out!".....(it worked! LOL). Thank you for standing with us when Jake was born so premature and through all of our ups and downs with him in the hospital. Thank you for loving all your kids and grands equal - never dividing.
Mom would be so proud of the man that you have become - I know that she is smiling down on the life that you have built with Shirley.
I love you dad.
Traditions, blended families and in-laws.....that about covers it...
I love them! It's so important to me that I create traditions for my son, just like my parents did for me. Our tradition was always a little different on Christmas Eve because it was my dad, Popsie's, birthday. My mom would require us to "dress up" for dinner because she always had a spread for Christmas Eve.....then, if I remember correctly, we would be able to open one present......the rest - well, we would have to "dream" about them until the next morning. Our Santa gifts were always just "placed" around the room - unwrapped because Santa, of course, doesn't have time to wrap - he has too many other kids to deliver too.......it was always perfect!
I carry the same traditions at my house. Jake has gifts that are wrapped and then he gets "Santa" gifts on Christmas morning.
As we get older, some of the traditions have to change. Families change, people come and go - but for the most part - we can carry traditions on. My husband's family has always gotten together on Christmas Eve........so, now that I'm married - I've had to be considerate of other traditions (ok - whoever thought that I would be considerate of others feelings....my, my how I've changed! ROFL)......it's hard - I'll give you that - but that is what I've learned about growing up - (are you sitting down?) it's not all about me!!!! ROFL!!!
This year - our blended family is getting together for Popsie's birthday. This is a first!!! I am so excited...it's a come and go type party, for those of us who have other plans with our in-laws, but it's great because we can all get together for a short time and just be together - celebrating the life of a great man - a man who has learned to share his life with others - be a popsie to many - 15 now I think! For years after my mom passed away, our family (the Patrick's) were always together for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.......once my father married Shirley, the Patrick's had Christmas Eve and the Thomas' had Christmas Day.....I'm not sure we ever thought about combining - not for any particular reason - maybe back then - there were some issues (ok - with me - there were some issues - not with the Thomas bunch - just issues of bitterness because my mom was gone and I wasn't sharing!) How I've changed!!! Thank God he took all that bitterness away because I've learned how to blend - how to accept change, how to extend my heart to other members of the family - how to include, how to acknowledge that I have 6 sisters and two brothers, lots of nieces and nephews.....it's not just our side, their side - it's everyone.
Granted - we all can't always be together because we all have in-laws and they need time spent with them too - but I think as we are all getting older, we realize that we have a great blended family, we have lots of people to love and share with. On my end - this is mostly due to Shirley - a lady with a heart big enough to include everyone and to always make sure that no one felt excluded - we are always welcome in her home, in her heart......I don't think my mom could have found a better person to care for her children......a better person to love her man......a better lady to love her grand kids.....I know she is looking down - smiling with joy that the life she didn't get to have with her kids - - is being lived out with Shirley and the relationship she has formed with us. I love you Grammy.
I also love Tracie, Vicki, Kristi and Scott. You have put up with me and all my weirdness, bad attitudes, wild days, and now, you guys have a sister who has finally grown up - who has a family of her own and who loves being a part of your family.......
To my blood family.......Deniese, Carla, Paulette and Kelly - I love you guys too! You have definitely seen the good, the bad and the ugly - but, you've stayed with me - prayed a many times in your "prayer closets" to keep me safe and out of jail...HEHE - but God, through his mercy - created a "new" me......(thank goodness!!! LOL). I know that death effects people differently and I spiraled out of control for a while - but you guys pulled me through it......for that - I will always be grateful....
Ok - I think the spirit of Christmas is making me sappy!!!!! I hope that everyone has a great Christmas week - enjoy your family times together.
Be blessed!
I carry the same traditions at my house. Jake has gifts that are wrapped and then he gets "Santa" gifts on Christmas morning.
As we get older, some of the traditions have to change. Families change, people come and go - but for the most part - we can carry traditions on. My husband's family has always gotten together on Christmas Eve........so, now that I'm married - I've had to be considerate of other traditions (ok - whoever thought that I would be considerate of others feelings....my, my how I've changed! ROFL)......it's hard - I'll give you that - but that is what I've learned about growing up - (are you sitting down?) it's not all about me!!!! ROFL!!!
This year - our blended family is getting together for Popsie's birthday. This is a first!!! I am so excited...it's a come and go type party, for those of us who have other plans with our in-laws, but it's great because we can all get together for a short time and just be together - celebrating the life of a great man - a man who has learned to share his life with others - be a popsie to many - 15 now I think! For years after my mom passed away, our family (the Patrick's) were always together for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.......once my father married Shirley, the Patrick's had Christmas Eve and the Thomas' had Christmas Day.....I'm not sure we ever thought about combining - not for any particular reason - maybe back then - there were some issues (ok - with me - there were some issues - not with the Thomas bunch - just issues of bitterness because my mom was gone and I wasn't sharing!) How I've changed!!! Thank God he took all that bitterness away because I've learned how to blend - how to accept change, how to extend my heart to other members of the family - how to include, how to acknowledge that I have 6 sisters and two brothers, lots of nieces and nephews.....it's not just our side, their side - it's everyone.
Granted - we all can't always be together because we all have in-laws and they need time spent with them too - but I think as we are all getting older, we realize that we have a great blended family, we have lots of people to love and share with. On my end - this is mostly due to Shirley - a lady with a heart big enough to include everyone and to always make sure that no one felt excluded - we are always welcome in her home, in her heart......I don't think my mom could have found a better person to care for her children......a better person to love her man......a better lady to love her grand kids.....I know she is looking down - smiling with joy that the life she didn't get to have with her kids - - is being lived out with Shirley and the relationship she has formed with us. I love you Grammy.
I also love Tracie, Vicki, Kristi and Scott. You have put up with me and all my weirdness, bad attitudes, wild days, and now, you guys have a sister who has finally grown up - who has a family of her own and who loves being a part of your family.......
To my blood family.......Deniese, Carla, Paulette and Kelly - I love you guys too! You have definitely seen the good, the bad and the ugly - but, you've stayed with me - prayed a many times in your "prayer closets" to keep me safe and out of jail...HEHE - but God, through his mercy - created a "new" me......(thank goodness!!! LOL). I know that death effects people differently and I spiraled out of control for a while - but you guys pulled me through it......for that - I will always be grateful....
Ok - I think the spirit of Christmas is making me sappy!!!!! I hope that everyone has a great Christmas week - enjoy your family times together.
Be blessed!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Disney Live.......awesome
Today was Sunday - as usual - we went to church.....a little bit more excited today than maybe a normal Sunday would be. We are always excited to go to church - but today - after the 9:00 service - we were heading downtown to the Toyota Center for "Disney Live"! Jake was so excited - he could hardly contain himself.
Church was great - Deniese, my sister, had written another great Christmas skit/drama - it was awesome. Jake had a "Happy Birthday Jesus/Christmas party in his classroom...it was a fun day......10:45 AM - Jake is ready to go - "let's go Mommy - it's time for Disney Live".
Jake adores Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too - there was also Handy Mandy, Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck!!!
We took Nana and Pop - they just stared at Jake's face the whole time because he was in "awe" that the characters were "really on stage". He kept saying - Mom - they are waving at me!!!!!!!(ummm - yeah - ok - you and 6,000 other kids)...LOL
We danced, sang and waved our hands at everyone (ok - we drummed a little bit too - ok - we drummed ALOT!).....the joy on his face was breathtaking......even daddy was in awe.....I watched as my husband looked his son with such love and adoration on his face.......a kodak moment.
No pictures as they don't really allow you to take pictures while the show is going on - but it was a magical moment.
3 more days until Santa comes and brings Jake another set of drums - can you even believe that!!!!! Help me Lord. I cracked up laughing when the box arrived and my husband said "surely that is not the drums". I laughed so hard because I guess he thought they were going to be put together for him.......now, he is going to be trying to put them together on Christmas eve".......they came in one box - so you can imagine the parts!!!!!!!
Have a blessed week!
love to all of you
k
Church was great - Deniese, my sister, had written another great Christmas skit/drama - it was awesome. Jake had a "Happy Birthday Jesus/Christmas party in his classroom...it was a fun day......10:45 AM - Jake is ready to go - "let's go Mommy - it's time for Disney Live".
Jake adores Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too - there was also Handy Mandy, Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck!!!
We took Nana and Pop - they just stared at Jake's face the whole time because he was in "awe" that the characters were "really on stage". He kept saying - Mom - they are waving at me!!!!!!!(ummm - yeah - ok - you and 6,000 other kids)...LOL
We danced, sang and waved our hands at everyone (ok - we drummed a little bit too - ok - we drummed ALOT!).....the joy on his face was breathtaking......even daddy was in awe.....I watched as my husband looked his son with such love and adoration on his face.......a kodak moment.
No pictures as they don't really allow you to take pictures while the show is going on - but it was a magical moment.
3 more days until Santa comes and brings Jake another set of drums - can you even believe that!!!!! Help me Lord. I cracked up laughing when the box arrived and my husband said "surely that is not the drums". I laughed so hard because I guess he thought they were going to be put together for him.......now, he is going to be trying to put them together on Christmas eve".......they came in one box - so you can imagine the parts!!!!!!!
Have a blessed week!
love to all of you
k
Friday, December 19, 2008
One more week to go...........
I can't believe we only have one more week to go before Christmas!!!!! And, to top it all off, I was so excited because I thought I was finished shopping and then I realized, I have two more to go!!!!! My intention today was to get everything accomplished and be completely finished - my goal was to hit the mall at 9:00 this morning (which i did) buy Jake a new suit (he thinks he is IT in a suit- which I bought) and then i was suppose to buy the other two presents. Well, I got sidetracked as I went into Charming Charlie's.......need I say more!!!! I left there with about $100 dollars worth of presents - but they were all for me!!!!! ROFL!!!
When I got home - I realized that I have to go back out tomorrow - Saturday - which is what I was trying to avoid........
Today was also Jake's last day at school for 2 whole weeks.....let me repeat - Jake is now home for 2 whole weeks!!!!!! YIKES! I work around Jake's schedule (yes, God has blessed me with a part-time job at a family owned company who knows that Jake comes first and I can only work while he is in school)......I'm pumped about being home for a few days - but when I start thinking about 2 whole weeks - well, let's just say my heart starts beating fast and I get sweaty palms....LOL
Jake's Christmas party at school today was Polar Express - they got to wear their PJ's all day long. Poor Jake - he was so sick last night (I think he has a stomach virus- he was up from 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM) - but he wanted to go to school today because of the party. He did good - no accident's (if you know what I mean) but since he has been home - whew! Not pretty! ANYWAY - I'm including some photos of his party - not many as he didn't feel good and didn't participate in many of the games or food -but, at least I was able to get some pictures. One funny thing that did happen was they were suppose to bring a book wrapped for their book exchange - so this morning - I told him to make sure that he gave his teacher his wrapped book. Well, when he got home today - he had a new book from the exchange - but he also had his wrapped book still in his back pack!!!! I'm freaking out thinking his teacher probably thinks I'm the biggest loser because I didn't send a book and jake is jumping up and down saying "look mommy - I have another present!!!"......
be blessed this weekend.
k
When I got home - I realized that I have to go back out tomorrow - Saturday - which is what I was trying to avoid........
Today was also Jake's last day at school for 2 whole weeks.....let me repeat - Jake is now home for 2 whole weeks!!!!!! YIKES! I work around Jake's schedule (yes, God has blessed me with a part-time job at a family owned company who knows that Jake comes first and I can only work while he is in school)......I'm pumped about being home for a few days - but when I start thinking about 2 whole weeks - well, let's just say my heart starts beating fast and I get sweaty palms....LOL
Jake's Christmas party at school today was Polar Express - they got to wear their PJ's all day long. Poor Jake - he was so sick last night (I think he has a stomach virus- he was up from 11:00 PM - 2:00 AM) - but he wanted to go to school today because of the party. He did good - no accident's (if you know what I mean) but since he has been home - whew! Not pretty! ANYWAY - I'm including some photos of his party - not many as he didn't feel good and didn't participate in many of the games or food -but, at least I was able to get some pictures. One funny thing that did happen was they were suppose to bring a book wrapped for their book exchange - so this morning - I told him to make sure that he gave his teacher his wrapped book. Well, when he got home today - he had a new book from the exchange - but he also had his wrapped book still in his back pack!!!! I'm freaking out thinking his teacher probably thinks I'm the biggest loser because I didn't send a book and jake is jumping up and down saying "look mommy - I have another present!!!"......
be blessed this weekend.
k
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Cold Weather......Hot Soup......
Last night the weather was cold and I was in the mood for a great soup. I don't know if any of you subscribe to Taste of Home - but I LOVE their magazines. They have several out besides Taste of Home - the other two that I subscribe to are Cooking Light and Cooking for Two - all related to Taste of Home....anyway - one of my favorite soups is from one of my magazines and I made it last night!!!! It was awesome....my husband kept saying......"this is delicious" as he kept serving himself over and over and over and.....you get my point. LOL
Meatball Tortellini Soup (6 points per serving if you are weight watcher fan)
Yields 4 servings
Prep/total time: 25 min
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
12 frozen cooked italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each)
3/4 cup fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup stewed tomatoes
1 can (11 ounces)mexicorn, drained
3/4 cup frozen cheese tortellini (about 20)
1/8 teaspoon of italian seasoning
dash salt and pepper
In a large sauce pan, bring broth to a boil. Add meatballs. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the spinach, tomatoes,corn and italian seasoning; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the tortellini, salt and pepper; cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until tortellini is tender.
Serve with Garlic Onion wedges
Prep/total time: 20 min.
Yields: 2 servings
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
3 garlic gloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tube (4 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/8 teaspoon italian seasoning
In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Unroll crescent dough; seal perforations and press into two 6-in x 4-in rectangles. Transfer one rectangle to an ungreased baking sheet; spread with half of the onion mixture. Top with second rectangle and remaining onion mixture. sprinkle with italian seasoning. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into four wedges.
For dessert, I served my sister, Tracie's, peach cobbler! Very easy and very, very good!!!
Peach Cobbler
2 sticks margarine
1 large can peach slices, undrained
1 butter flavored cake mix
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Melt 1 stick margarine in 9x12 casserole dish @ 375 degrees. Add peaches. Sprinkle cake mix over peaches. Slice stick of margarine into small pats. Place ontop of cake mix. Mix cinanamon & sugar and sprinkle over margarine. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: can use 2 cans apple or cherry pie filling in place of peaches
Cooking is one of my passions. I'm learning how to cook and "hide" veggies for Jake. I haven't accomplished that totally yet - but I've bought a cookbook (I'm a cookbook fanatic) called deceptively delicious and hope to be cooking "deceptively" pretty soon.....the boy need veggies.....and he won't eat them if he can see them!!!
Happy cooking!
Love to all
Meatball Tortellini Soup (6 points per serving if you are weight watcher fan)
Yields 4 servings
Prep/total time: 25 min
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
12 frozen cooked italian meatballs (1/2 ounce each)
3/4 cup fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup stewed tomatoes
1 can (11 ounces)mexicorn, drained
3/4 cup frozen cheese tortellini (about 20)
1/8 teaspoon of italian seasoning
dash salt and pepper
In a large sauce pan, bring broth to a boil. Add meatballs. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the spinach, tomatoes,corn and italian seasoning; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the tortellini, salt and pepper; cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until tortellini is tender.
Serve with Garlic Onion wedges
Prep/total time: 20 min.
Yields: 2 servings
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
3 garlic gloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tube (4 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/8 teaspoon italian seasoning
In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Unroll crescent dough; seal perforations and press into two 6-in x 4-in rectangles. Transfer one rectangle to an ungreased baking sheet; spread with half of the onion mixture. Top with second rectangle and remaining onion mixture. sprinkle with italian seasoning. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into four wedges.
For dessert, I served my sister, Tracie's, peach cobbler! Very easy and very, very good!!!
Peach Cobbler
2 sticks margarine
1 large can peach slices, undrained
1 butter flavored cake mix
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Melt 1 stick margarine in 9x12 casserole dish @ 375 degrees. Add peaches. Sprinkle cake mix over peaches. Slice stick of margarine into small pats. Place ontop of cake mix. Mix cinanamon & sugar and sprinkle over margarine. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: can use 2 cans apple or cherry pie filling in place of peaches
Cooking is one of my passions. I'm learning how to cook and "hide" veggies for Jake. I haven't accomplished that totally yet - but I've bought a cookbook (I'm a cookbook fanatic) called deceptively delicious and hope to be cooking "deceptively" pretty soon.....the boy need veggies.....and he won't eat them if he can see them!!!
Happy cooking!
Love to all
Monday, December 15, 2008
It's almost here......
I'm getting excited! Christmas is almost here and my to do list is shrinking!!!! I only have a few more gifts to buy and I'm done (come on Kelly and Gayla - send me that list for your kiddo's....LOL)! I just finished wrapping the ones that I have bought and excitement is in the air. I have my lights dimmed,my tree lit up and Christmas music playing...of course, in the background - I have drums banging from Jake's band room, but I've lived with that so long- it just blends in!
I've wrapped gifts for my husband, my son, my parents, his parents, friends at church, friends at work, teachers, Jake's teachers, and Mr. Robert.....I even wrapped my gift from Jake!!! (yes, I know what it is - but, I will still act surprised when I see it). Since my husband and I don't buy for each other, I tend to go over board with Jake - but it's so much fun. Besides giving gift cards to the church for the needy, my husband and I always purchase one big thing for the house (which we consider our Christmas to each other) and this year - we extended our patio!!! It is beautiful. I can't wait to purchase new furniture for it......I have great plans to hang out and enjoy it during the spring for sure!
One of my passion's is having picnic's and sitting out side reading.....Jake and I have had several picnic's in the grass and indoors (eating on a blanket in the living room - doesn't matter to him - as long as it's on a blanket - it's a picnic!). I can't wait to buy a table with an umbrella so we can enjoy our picnic's without the ants joining us! I love creating memories with him.
Hope you are getting close to being ready for Christmas. I went from a million things to do to a thousand things to do - so I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Be blessed.
I've wrapped gifts for my husband, my son, my parents, his parents, friends at church, friends at work, teachers, Jake's teachers, and Mr. Robert.....I even wrapped my gift from Jake!!! (yes, I know what it is - but, I will still act surprised when I see it). Since my husband and I don't buy for each other, I tend to go over board with Jake - but it's so much fun. Besides giving gift cards to the church for the needy, my husband and I always purchase one big thing for the house (which we consider our Christmas to each other) and this year - we extended our patio!!! It is beautiful. I can't wait to purchase new furniture for it......I have great plans to hang out and enjoy it during the spring for sure!
One of my passion's is having picnic's and sitting out side reading.....Jake and I have had several picnic's in the grass and indoors (eating on a blanket in the living room - doesn't matter to him - as long as it's on a blanket - it's a picnic!). I can't wait to buy a table with an umbrella so we can enjoy our picnic's without the ants joining us! I love creating memories with him.
Hope you are getting close to being ready for Christmas. I went from a million things to do to a thousand things to do - so I see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Be blessed.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
"That was awesome Mom"
Today was a normal day with a little lesson thrown in it......a lesson that I will continue to share with Jake as he grows up....giving...vs... receiving.
I have to clean out Jake's room/closet/play room in order to make room for the new "Santa" gifts. Today was that day. Jake was in there watching me - - questioning what I was doing, why I was doing it, picking stuff out of the pile, me putting it back in the pile (LOL)...then it hit me.....we need to give these perfectly good toys to HAMM (a ministry close to where we live that is like goodwill - but works with families in our community). I started sharing with Jake that there were kids out there who weren't as blessed as he was - didn't have the toys that he had and wasn't going to have the Christmas that he was going to have. I asked him, wouldn't it be nice to give some kids your used toys that might not be able to get anything for Christmas. His little eyes lit up - he was so excited. I told him he could ride with me to the ministry and help unload the toys. Daddy loaded the car and off we went.
On the way to the ministry - he would ask me, "now where are we going mommy" and I would tell him "we are going to give toys to the needy".....he would sit back and smile. Once there, I told the man that we would like to donate some toys....we unloaded the toys with a smile on every one's face as Jake was there being a part of it. Once back in the car, Jake said, "that was awesome mom". My heart smiled.
I love knowing that he will be blessed for being a blessing. This is something that my husband and I want to continue to teach him. Mark and I know what it means to be blessed by helping others. Every Christmas, we take the money that we would spend on each other and purchase gift cards that we give to our pastor to pass out to needy families in our church. We ask that our names be kept anonymous, no one needs to know where it came from - God knows - he knows our hearts. We don't do this for our glory - we do it to glorify him and acknowledge that we know we are blessed - therefore, we bless others.
May your heart be merry this season. May God shine his face towards you and your family during this holiday time.
Be Blessed. Love to all.
I have to clean out Jake's room/closet/play room in order to make room for the new "Santa" gifts. Today was that day. Jake was in there watching me - - questioning what I was doing, why I was doing it, picking stuff out of the pile, me putting it back in the pile (LOL)...then it hit me.....we need to give these perfectly good toys to HAMM (a ministry close to where we live that is like goodwill - but works with families in our community). I started sharing with Jake that there were kids out there who weren't as blessed as he was - didn't have the toys that he had and wasn't going to have the Christmas that he was going to have. I asked him, wouldn't it be nice to give some kids your used toys that might not be able to get anything for Christmas. His little eyes lit up - he was so excited. I told him he could ride with me to the ministry and help unload the toys. Daddy loaded the car and off we went.
On the way to the ministry - he would ask me, "now where are we going mommy" and I would tell him "we are going to give toys to the needy".....he would sit back and smile. Once there, I told the man that we would like to donate some toys....we unloaded the toys with a smile on every one's face as Jake was there being a part of it. Once back in the car, Jake said, "that was awesome mom". My heart smiled.
I love knowing that he will be blessed for being a blessing. This is something that my husband and I want to continue to teach him. Mark and I know what it means to be blessed by helping others. Every Christmas, we take the money that we would spend on each other and purchase gift cards that we give to our pastor to pass out to needy families in our church. We ask that our names be kept anonymous, no one needs to know where it came from - God knows - he knows our hearts. We don't do this for our glory - we do it to glorify him and acknowledge that we know we are blessed - therefore, we bless others.
May your heart be merry this season. May God shine his face towards you and your family during this holiday time.
Be Blessed. Love to all.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Snowing in Texas.......I can't believe it!!!
I can't believe I'm writing about it snowing in Texas - I can't remember the last time it actually snowed and stayed on the ground for any lenght of time......I think 4 years ago it snowed - but it melted before it ever hit the ground....this time - we could actually see it!!! It was beautiful!
Jake and his friends at church had a great time playing in the snow before service and then for sure played in it once church was over because it was really coming down at that point! It always feels more like Christmas when it's cold - I hope it stays cold or at least cools back down before Christmas comes.....today it's high 50's with sunshine - it's a beautiful day -hard to believe that yesterday was snow - but, that's ok - I have pictures to prove it!
Tonight I plan to sit around my christmas tree with a warm cup of tea or peppermint coffee and enjoy the Christmas season.....I love it when my house is all decorated and lit up!
Enjoy the season.
Love to all
Jake and his friends at church had a great time playing in the snow before service and then for sure played in it once church was over because it was really coming down at that point! It always feels more like Christmas when it's cold - I hope it stays cold or at least cools back down before Christmas comes.....today it's high 50's with sunshine - it's a beautiful day -hard to believe that yesterday was snow - but, that's ok - I have pictures to prove it!
Tonight I plan to sit around my christmas tree with a warm cup of tea or peppermint coffee and enjoy the Christmas season.....I love it when my house is all decorated and lit up!
Enjoy the season.
Love to all
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Secret Santa Shop.......
Today at school was the day the kindergartner's could shop at the Secret Santa shop. We were to send in a certain amount of money and the kids could shop for their parents, grandparents, etc. with adult supervision..........can you imagine the chaos!
Oh how cute it was when Jake got in the car this afternoon with his back pack filled with presents that he picked out for mommy, daddy, Nana, Pop, Grammy and Popsie! He couldn't wait to tell me everything he had bought - I kept telling him that it was ok to tell me about the grandparents gifts - but to keep mine a secret - he couldn't stand it - he wanted me to see my "book" with the heart!!!
The gifts were wrapped in blue Christmas bags with a sticker for each person. Jake readily picked mine out and said "look at your book mom - it has a heart on it". So precious and so cute.......so I peeked inside the bag - but that wasn't good enough - I had to take it out!!! So, I did - and he was so excited about the heart that said "mom - I adore you". I made a really big deal out of it and told him we must put it back in the bag so Daddy wouldn't get jealous that I had seen my gift and he hadn't seen his. Jake ran over to the tree and put it in the back.....then he told me that he couldn't wait to see what was in his gifts......kept looking at them in awe.....this is what it is all about. Not the hustle and bustle and stress of the season - it's the gleam in the little kids eyes, the excitement that they feel about Christmas.
I can't wait until Christmas Eve when Jake and I make cookies for Santa and leave out milk too - it's always fun to watch Mark after Jake goes to bed - he really does eat the cookies and drink the milk and he will leave a note thanking Jake for the cookies.....making memories - I love that! Of the few memories I have of my mother - Christmas is one of them. She always loved this time of year and I have so many memories of Christmas.......especially the gallon dill pickles that she would buy me and wrap up as a joke - knowing that I loved pickles - it was my favorite gift!!!
Be blessed. Love to all
Oh how cute it was when Jake got in the car this afternoon with his back pack filled with presents that he picked out for mommy, daddy, Nana, Pop, Grammy and Popsie! He couldn't wait to tell me everything he had bought - I kept telling him that it was ok to tell me about the grandparents gifts - but to keep mine a secret - he couldn't stand it - he wanted me to see my "book" with the heart!!!
The gifts were wrapped in blue Christmas bags with a sticker for each person. Jake readily picked mine out and said "look at your book mom - it has a heart on it". So precious and so cute.......so I peeked inside the bag - but that wasn't good enough - I had to take it out!!! So, I did - and he was so excited about the heart that said "mom - I adore you". I made a really big deal out of it and told him we must put it back in the bag so Daddy wouldn't get jealous that I had seen my gift and he hadn't seen his. Jake ran over to the tree and put it in the back.....then he told me that he couldn't wait to see what was in his gifts......kept looking at them in awe.....this is what it is all about. Not the hustle and bustle and stress of the season - it's the gleam in the little kids eyes, the excitement that they feel about Christmas.
I can't wait until Christmas Eve when Jake and I make cookies for Santa and leave out milk too - it's always fun to watch Mark after Jake goes to bed - he really does eat the cookies and drink the milk and he will leave a note thanking Jake for the cookies.....making memories - I love that! Of the few memories I have of my mother - Christmas is one of them. She always loved this time of year and I have so many memories of Christmas.......especially the gallon dill pickles that she would buy me and wrap up as a joke - knowing that I loved pickles - it was my favorite gift!!!
Be blessed. Love to all
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
List, list and more list.......
I'm not sure how old I was when I started making list.....however, this is how I live. I seem to get overwhelmed without a list and I seem to stay overwhelmed with my list. Right now, I have the following lists:
I am now working 4 days a week - 5 hours a day because I was bored at home while Jake was in school - so, now I'm wondering -how am I going to get all this done with only 2 Friday's left!!! Granted - I will be off work the whole week of Christmas (because my schedule flows with Jake's school schedule) - but everyone knows you can't shop with a 5 year old!!!!
Lists keep me sane and at the same time, drive me insane!!
However, I'm sure that I will get it all done. To all the other "list freaks" in the world.......what are we doing to ourselves??? LOL
All this coming from someone who plans her meals out for the entire month and never serves the same thing twice during that particular month............I need to be committed.......HELP ME PLEASE. (ROFL)
Love to all
- Grocery list
- To do list (consist of multiple things like get with Carla re: Dad's birthday, buy present for Dad from kids, choir practice twice this week, two christmas parties this week, get pictures taken, get to Mall before Sunday for something to wear to choir special - must be red)
- Christmas List for nieces and nephews
- Christmas Card List
- Christmas Dinner list
- Patrick Christmas dinner List
- Children's church list
- Teacher list
- plan kids service this wednesday - thank you party for christmas showcase
- plan Christmas party/Jesus birthday celebration for children church with pastor's for Sunday the 21st.
- Wrap gifts prior to christmas eve so Jake can have fun trying to guess what's in there
- Figure out what in the world to buy my husband who doesn't like "stuff"
- Figure out what I'm going to buy myself from my husband (smile)
I am now working 4 days a week - 5 hours a day because I was bored at home while Jake was in school - so, now I'm wondering -how am I going to get all this done with only 2 Friday's left!!! Granted - I will be off work the whole week of Christmas (because my schedule flows with Jake's school schedule) - but everyone knows you can't shop with a 5 year old!!!!
Lists keep me sane and at the same time, drive me insane!!
However, I'm sure that I will get it all done. To all the other "list freaks" in the world.......what are we doing to ourselves??? LOL
All this coming from someone who plans her meals out for the entire month and never serves the same thing twice during that particular month............I need to be committed.......HELP ME PLEASE. (ROFL)
Love to all
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Great party recipes
I hosted a neighborhood party last night at my house and it went off without a hitch!! (of course, Jake was at grandma's house or else we would have been entertained all night with DRUMS!!) Most of the neighbors showed up and everyone brought their favorite holiday hors d'oeurves........one thing I've got to get better at is having an ending time for my parties - I think the last person left at 1:00 AM!!!! Whew - I'm too old to stay up that late! We had a great time tasting all the food and enjoying everyone's company. We have been blessed - all of our neighbors are great people - everyone likes each other and looks out for each other.
I thought I would pass on a couple of recipes that I used last night - I "borrowed" these from one of my southern living magazine.......hope you enjoy.
Marinated Shrimp (I doubled in order to feed more)
2 lb unpeeled, large raw shrimp (21/25 count)
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 cup veg. oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup capers, undrained
1 1/2 tsp celery salt
1 medium-size red or white onion, sliced and separated into rings
Bring 6 cups salted water to a boil; add shrimp, and cook 3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Drain and rinse with cold water. Peel shrimp, leaving tails on. Devein if desired (If pushed for time - purchase the frozen cooked and peeled shrimp - let them thaw overnight and then assemble everything the next day).
Combine vinegar and next 5 ingredients in a shallow dish; add shrimp alternately with onion. Cover and chill 6 to 24 hours, turning often. Drain shrimp mixture, discarding liquid before serving.
You can serve with herbed saltines - take saltine crackers, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with dried herbs and bake in oven for a few minutes.
Black bean and Mango Salsa
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 mango, peeled and chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp seasoned pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce
Serve with assorted tortilla chips
You can substitute the mango for 1 (11-oz) can shoepeg corn - drained. Proceed with recipe as directed.
I also made the Christmas Wassell from Tracie's Charming Hospitality blog as well as some of the white chocolate treats with andes chocolcate mint and coconut/walnuts....very good!
Overall - it was a success!
Hope everyone has a great Sunday.
Love to all
I thought I would pass on a couple of recipes that I used last night - I "borrowed" these from one of my southern living magazine.......hope you enjoy.
Marinated Shrimp (I doubled in order to feed more)
2 lb unpeeled, large raw shrimp (21/25 count)
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 cup veg. oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup capers, undrained
1 1/2 tsp celery salt
1 medium-size red or white onion, sliced and separated into rings
Bring 6 cups salted water to a boil; add shrimp, and cook 3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Drain and rinse with cold water. Peel shrimp, leaving tails on. Devein if desired (If pushed for time - purchase the frozen cooked and peeled shrimp - let them thaw overnight and then assemble everything the next day).
Combine vinegar and next 5 ingredients in a shallow dish; add shrimp alternately with onion. Cover and chill 6 to 24 hours, turning often. Drain shrimp mixture, discarding liquid before serving.
You can serve with herbed saltines - take saltine crackers, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with dried herbs and bake in oven for a few minutes.
Black bean and Mango Salsa
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 mango, peeled and chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp seasoned pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp hot sauce
Serve with assorted tortilla chips
You can substitute the mango for 1 (11-oz) can shoepeg corn - drained. Proceed with recipe as directed.
I also made the Christmas Wassell from Tracie's Charming Hospitality blog as well as some of the white chocolate treats with andes chocolcate mint and coconut/walnuts....very good!
Overall - it was a success!
Hope everyone has a great Sunday.
Love to all
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Today - what a beautiful day
Beautiful days are not always about the weather. The beautiful thing about today is that my mother-in-law is finally finished with her Radiation/Chemo treatments. I wish that I had been with her so that I could have taken a picture of her with all her doctors.....she told me that they all gathered around her - from nurses to doctors - everyone and anyone who had been involved in her care - gathered around her for the ringing of the "completion" bell.
Cancer - such an ugly word.....a word that sometimes brings fear to those of us who aren't physically affected with it as well as a fear to those who have it. It's the fear of the unknown. I've been affected by cancer three times in the span of my 40 years. My mother, Euna Patrick, was touched by cancer - I was 12 years old when she passed away. My mom was a beautiful lady - so quiet (unfortunately, I took after my dad's side of the family - LOUD! LOL) and reserved. Very spiritual - very calming. Sad to say, I don't have many vivid memories because I was so young when she passed - but the ones I have - I hold dearly in my heart. I've known my "other mother" as I call her, Shirley - for more years now than I knew my mother....sometimes if I allow myself to dwell on that - it seems so surreal. I went through a rough patch when my mother passed - thank God he saw fit to pull me out of the hole that I dug myself into. My "other mother" has always been there for me - as my school teacher prior to becoming my "other mother". She has seen the good, the bad and the ugly and has never once tried to be my "mother", she has always been my friend.
My sister Paulette - touched by cancer - survivor of one year!!! What a road she traveled - all the surgeries, doctor appointments, blood test, chemo therapy, reconstruction surgery - you name -she had it! I was honored to be her caretaker through most of her cancer treatments and although it wasn't always fun - it made me happy to able to help her - to have experienced some of what my dad must have gone through with my mother (although my mom didn't have surgery or chemo - she went through lots of pain). Way to go Paulette - you make me proud to call you my sister.
And now, Tootsie - my sweet mother-in-law. She loves me!!! The reason - she thought her son would NEVER get married (as he was 40 when we got married) so she thinks I hung the moon!!! LOL. She is a precious lady who has welcomed me into her family with open arms. She took care of me when I had my baby (who was 3 months early - I was so sick and almost died - she stayed with me for weeks and weeks). Now, I get to help her - what a beautiful thing. Her hair is growing back - she looks great and is starting to get her energy back. What a beautiful day.
Be blessed.
Cancer - such an ugly word.....a word that sometimes brings fear to those of us who aren't physically affected with it as well as a fear to those who have it. It's the fear of the unknown. I've been affected by cancer three times in the span of my 40 years. My mother, Euna Patrick, was touched by cancer - I was 12 years old when she passed away. My mom was a beautiful lady - so quiet (unfortunately, I took after my dad's side of the family - LOUD! LOL) and reserved. Very spiritual - very calming. Sad to say, I don't have many vivid memories because I was so young when she passed - but the ones I have - I hold dearly in my heart. I've known my "other mother" as I call her, Shirley - for more years now than I knew my mother....sometimes if I allow myself to dwell on that - it seems so surreal. I went through a rough patch when my mother passed - thank God he saw fit to pull me out of the hole that I dug myself into. My "other mother" has always been there for me - as my school teacher prior to becoming my "other mother". She has seen the good, the bad and the ugly and has never once tried to be my "mother", she has always been my friend.
My sister Paulette - touched by cancer - survivor of one year!!! What a road she traveled - all the surgeries, doctor appointments, blood test, chemo therapy, reconstruction surgery - you name -she had it! I was honored to be her caretaker through most of her cancer treatments and although it wasn't always fun - it made me happy to able to help her - to have experienced some of what my dad must have gone through with my mother (although my mom didn't have surgery or chemo - she went through lots of pain). Way to go Paulette - you make me proud to call you my sister.
And now, Tootsie - my sweet mother-in-law. She loves me!!! The reason - she thought her son would NEVER get married (as he was 40 when we got married) so she thinks I hung the moon!!! LOL. She is a precious lady who has welcomed me into her family with open arms. She took care of me when I had my baby (who was 3 months early - I was so sick and almost died - she stayed with me for weeks and weeks). Now, I get to help her - what a beautiful thing. Her hair is growing back - she looks great and is starting to get her energy back. What a beautiful day.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Santa Claus - is it really you???
So, I had mentioned to Jake last night that we were going to go to the mall today and see if Santa Claus was stopping by for pictures....he was so excited he couldn't see straight.
This morning - the first thing he asked me was "are we going to the mall today"....I kept telling him yes and that he really needed to be a good boy so that Santa would bring him lots of toys (I think that part - the being good part - went in one ear and through the other one). Picked him up from school and off we went to see Santa.
Of course, once he saw him - he was in awe. Couldn't believe it was Santa Claus. He justed wanted to stand and stare at him. He took his picture with him and told him he wanted a guitar, amplifier and cord (of course!) and told him that he has his own band...did Santa want to come watch him! Then, after the picture - he wanted to stand and watch Santa take the pictures with the rest of the kids.....he kept waving at him (trying to get extra points) and when all the kids were gone - he snuck back up there and sat on his lap again. Too cute!
Hope you enjoy the photo.
love to all
Monday, December 1, 2008
Cyber Monday - LOVE IT!
Ok - why get up at the crack of dawn on Black Friday when you can sit in the comfort of your own home on Cyber Monday! Today, lots of stores offer great deals if you order online.......so, once I got home from work - I spent two hours shopping online at Amazon.com and finished my Christmas shopping for Jake! I'm so excited. It should all arrive at my house by the middle of next week - perfect timing to wrap and place under the tree so he can try and figure out what it is exactly.
The large "santa" gift is a new drum set! I must be INSANE (Trent - why oh why did he follow in your footsteps!) He loves to play his drums and just this week - punched a hole in two of his drum heads....of course, he has had them for a year or so and has beat the fire out of them (he has also gone through 2 cymbals - they split in half)!!! He plays them so much that he is on a limited schedule due to the fact that we have neighbors and I have EARS!!! LOL. He wakes up in the mornings at 6:00 asking if he can play (which he can't play before 9:00 on Saturdays) and then at night - he has to get off at 8:00 PM......if he is not drumming - he is playing his guitars...so, we are replacing all musical instruments this Christmas Season.
A funny story is my sister Carla was at my house over the weekend and she asked Jake what he wanted for Christmas. He told her he wanted a guitar with an amplifier and cord. She said - do you want anything else and he replied No. She said - "well, that sounds like something Santa might bring you - what can I buy you and he said "that's all I want" in a tone like - if you can't buy that - then forget it! too cute! He is a music freak!!!
I'm hoping that I can now relax. I bought my mother-in-law's present (digital picture frame - I can say that because she doesn't have a computer and won't see this)all of jake's and some of mine (I know, I'm bad - but I've wanted a video camera for so long that Mark told me to pick it out and order it - so I did!!!). All I have to shop for now is my neices and nephews - which won't be hard once I receive everyone's list. I also have to buy my dad and Shirley's gift - but we've got that covered too (which Grammy has a computer - so I can't say what that is LOL)
I'm looking forward to the rest of this week - I'm hosting a neighborhood party at my house on Friday night and I've been checking out ideas and recipes from Tracie's Christmas blog - can't wait to try some of them on my neighbors! My house is all decorated and I'm excited to host and share with my friends.
I think tomorrow I'm going to take Jake to have his picture made with Santa - I'll post if I do - we go to the same "Santa" every year - he is great - and looks so authentic.......
Ok - gotta go make dinner - I'm having turkey pot pie (to get rid of all the extra turkey!) Very simple recipe that I recieved from my sister Deniese (who received from her friend Susan)
take a pie crust - place in bottom of pan - put in whatever kind of veggies you want, chopped up turkey, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, some sour cream (I just put in a big ole dollup) and whatever kind of spices you'd like to add (salt, pepper, nature's seasoning, garlic powder) - top with another pie crust - bake on 350 for 45 minutes and then up the temp to 400 for 10 minutes (or until golden brown)......YUMMY!
Love to all of you.
The large "santa" gift is a new drum set! I must be INSANE (Trent - why oh why did he follow in your footsteps!) He loves to play his drums and just this week - punched a hole in two of his drum heads....of course, he has had them for a year or so and has beat the fire out of them (he has also gone through 2 cymbals - they split in half)!!! He plays them so much that he is on a limited schedule due to the fact that we have neighbors and I have EARS!!! LOL. He wakes up in the mornings at 6:00 asking if he can play (which he can't play before 9:00 on Saturdays) and then at night - he has to get off at 8:00 PM......if he is not drumming - he is playing his guitars...so, we are replacing all musical instruments this Christmas Season.
A funny story is my sister Carla was at my house over the weekend and she asked Jake what he wanted for Christmas. He told her he wanted a guitar with an amplifier and cord. She said - do you want anything else and he replied No. She said - "well, that sounds like something Santa might bring you - what can I buy you and he said "that's all I want" in a tone like - if you can't buy that - then forget it! too cute! He is a music freak!!!
I'm hoping that I can now relax. I bought my mother-in-law's present (digital picture frame - I can say that because she doesn't have a computer and won't see this)all of jake's and some of mine (I know, I'm bad - but I've wanted a video camera for so long that Mark told me to pick it out and order it - so I did!!!). All I have to shop for now is my neices and nephews - which won't be hard once I receive everyone's list. I also have to buy my dad and Shirley's gift - but we've got that covered too (which Grammy has a computer - so I can't say what that is LOL)
I'm looking forward to the rest of this week - I'm hosting a neighborhood party at my house on Friday night and I've been checking out ideas and recipes from Tracie's Christmas blog - can't wait to try some of them on my neighbors! My house is all decorated and I'm excited to host and share with my friends.
I think tomorrow I'm going to take Jake to have his picture made with Santa - I'll post if I do - we go to the same "Santa" every year - he is great - and looks so authentic.......
Ok - gotta go make dinner - I'm having turkey pot pie (to get rid of all the extra turkey!) Very simple recipe that I recieved from my sister Deniese (who received from her friend Susan)
take a pie crust - place in bottom of pan - put in whatever kind of veggies you want, chopped up turkey, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, some sour cream (I just put in a big ole dollup) and whatever kind of spices you'd like to add (salt, pepper, nature's seasoning, garlic powder) - top with another pie crust - bake on 350 for 45 minutes and then up the temp to 400 for 10 minutes (or until golden brown)......YUMMY!
Love to all of you.
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