Gross Weather!!

For all you readers not in the midwest, our weather is really gross currently - level 2 snow emergency, bad roads and snow for 2 days with potential 17 inches - YUCK!! We were planning a family outing to a hockey game, but now staying in and watching the snow. Maybe we can strike up a game of Cow Racing on the Wii.

Anyway, I have been playing with some pictures on photoshop and wanting to see what ya'll think.

HAPPY BDAY MSU!!!

This just made me proud to be a BULLDAWG!!!

http://old.alumni.msstate.edu/events/130/flash_redirect.html

A few notable things

Last week has been a little crazy with hubs coming home, basketball, Awana grand prix, etc.

• Awana Grand Prix - this was Hannah first adventure into the world or making a car to race it. I let hubs take over in this area except I did help in the naming of the car. She was soooo excited about this, and little did we know how excited when it became actual race day. I was thankful hubby was able to be there. It was originally the week before when he was out of town, but thanks to a "little" snow it was postponed til this past week. I had to rotate between Emily racing her Hot Wheels car in Sparkys and the BIG ONE. Sadly I think I missed Emily's little race. Hannah car - THE BEDDAR CHEDDAR - performed well. It came in 2nd and 3rd in all its races. The one thing she most wanted was the Novelty Award. There were 3 divisions in which you could win something -- the actual race, car design, and novelty car. Guess what - she won 1st in novelty. Oh you should have seen her face. You would have thought Ed McMahon had shown up and given her a giant check. Hubby just want everyone to be afraid for next year. We will give Jim Prater a run for his money.

• UPWARD Basketball - one word for you OVER!!!! It was a good year with great coaches. Hannah is learning some good fundamentals of the game. She had a great last game with 6 points. Emily made 3 baskets this entire season and SADLY I missed everyone of them because of the trasporting Hannah to her games. THANK YOU Hubby for taping her score in the last game.

We are just happy hubby is home. Maybe if I remember I will take a picture of the sign we held up at the airport. We did get someone asking if hubs was in the service. I said no, but that he was on a mission trip. The man did say that was good too. I don't know if hubby will post this picture or not, but here is the little boy named after him in Kenya. Many of you heard of the story last night about that came to be. Hubby was able to do a baby dedication there and able to lead the father to Christ during the dedication. The mom was already a believer. After the service they changed the baby's name to my hubby's name. So he now has a little African spiritual son. You should have heard the entire church awe over that.

HOME!!!

Dear hubs is FINALLY home!!! About 10:05 we saw him walking down the terminal. The TSA lady would not let us go beyond the red line but we got close. We had our signs and could see him grinning a mile away. It is could to have him back home and with presents!!

I have looked at some of the pictures and can't wait to hear all the stories.

Coming Home

They are will be home TODAY!!! They were able to catch an earlier flight and hopefully be home earlier. This will probably require some moving around of some things, but I don't care - I WANT TO SEE DEAR HUBBY!!!!!

Look what is coming!!!!

http://newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/UPDATES01/80215043

Oh the joy what is coming our way!! I'll take a grande mocha frappaccino light!

Check this out

One of Hannah's assignments in school was to do a Valentine's Acrostic. Check it out here. You can see more of here work there as well.

Look what I got!

Look what was waiting for me when I got home today! Thank you dear hubs - I LOVE YOU!!

Still doing ok

We are still missing dear hubs. He will be home is less than a week!! We are planning on meeting him at the airport. They are doing well. The girls got a postcard from him when he had a layover in London. That was fun. I guess you need to do something to kill a 9 hour layover.

We have had a messy couple of days, but they have been nice and relaxing at home. Since we homeschool, we don't nessecarily get a snow day. I did not teach piano yesterday or take anyone to basketball or ballet. We ate brownies and watched American Idol in front of the fire. Fun times!! Only thing missing - dear hubs.

Yesterday was a nice surprise. Two of my neighbors came over and shoveled my driveway. That was fabulous. I had thought about doing it and could have, but thank you Peter and Todd!! Maybe I can bake them some cookies or something.

Oh, I almost forgot. An exciting thing happened when we got home from church Sunday afternoon. It was sooooo windy, it blew our grill OFF the deck! As many of you know we don't have a wimpy grill - Hubs, Master of the Grill! Another thanks to neighbors with teenage boys! Hopefully the grill is ok. Hubs will have to check it out when he gets home.

Remember you can check up on hubs at his blog. Updates are not often, but I did put up something today.

Later peeps!

p.s. why is spell check not working?

We're doing OK

Many of you have asked and wondered, but so far the girls and I are doing ok. We are just trying to stay busy as if we are not already. Today was exciting. We went to the Midland to see Cinderella's Mice and then on to Coco Key. Now, that was alot of fun. The girls had friends there and had a great time. I also had fun hanging out with the homeschool moms and enjoy adult conversation. If you have not been to Coco Key it is alot of fun! Maybe we can have a class party there?

Dear hubs is ok - I just miss him! As I type he is in the air on to Nairobi.

Lil' Dears Big Day

Sunday was very exciting day Emily. When she woke up she could not wait to be baptized. She told me she didn't want to do anything except get baptized. It was an exciting for all the family. Dad got to do the baptizing, mom took the pics, and Hannah was excited to give her mission offering for Kenya. Also, for those wondering, I did not fall this time.

We let Emily choose the restaurant for lunch - Red Lobster. Her favorite for popcorn shrimp.

HAPPY BDAY DEAR HUBS!!!

In honor of hubs 40th birthday, I thought I would share 40 places/states he has taken me.

1. Mississippi
2. Anniston, AL
3. Savannah, GA
4. Atlanta, GA
5. Augusta, GA
6. Charleston, SC
7. Jacksonville, FL
8. Panama City, FL
9. Gatlinburg, TN
10. St. Augustine, FL
11. DisneyWorld
12. Myrtle Beach, SC
13. New Orleans
14. Salt Lake City, UT
15. Las Vegas, NV
16. Grand Canyon
17. Phoenix, AZ
18. Nashville, TN
19. Memphis, TN
20. Dallas, TX
21. San Antonio, TX
22. Cincinnati, OH
23. Cleveland, OH
24. Lynchburg, VA
25. Toronto, Canada
26. Cancun
27. Birmingham, AL
28. Lexington, KY
29. Auburn, AL
30. The Greenbrier (WV)
31. Niagara Falls
32. New York City
33. Washington, DC
34. Greensboro, NC
35. Hoover Dam
36. Columbia, SC
37. Buffalo, NY
38. Greenville, SC
39. Indianapolis, IN
40. He has given me the world, and I will go anywhere as longs it is with him!

I LOVE YOU HUBS!!!

We're all ready!

Last night was an exciting night for the dear family. Emily was saved. She has asked many questions over the last year. So, last night when dear hubby got home she asked him to help her ask Jesus into her heart. She could not go to bed until she talked to him. It was all very exciting. She even woke up her sister to tell her. She is very excited about being baptized (which is this Sunday). I will post pics soon. Hopefully this time I will not fall down the steps.

Coffee of the future

Dear hubby has done it again. I love him so much. Yesterday he surprised me with a little present. A Keurig coffeemaker. I am the only one in the family who enjoys a good cup of coffee. I would enjoy it every morning, but I don't enjoy the making of it for one cup. I have been looking at some of the fancy machines that use the little pods, but I have been content on what I have. The one maker I have is fabulous Braun. I actually won it on a TV show about 11 yrs ago. Anyway, I am now the proud owner of one the fancy one cup coffee makers. It never has to be clean. I don't know how much water it holds, but all I have to do it choose what cup I want and what flavor I want from my wide assortment of k-cups I know have. No more counting spoons, cleaning the filter, or waiting. Hot cup of coffee in 60 seconds! It will even make hot tea and cocoa.

Hubs tried out this coffeemaker at the office and Wally and Shawn want one.

Some of you may think that in my last post I may be doing the encouraging for more gifts - NO! I am enjoying being a blessing to my hubby and thinking of ways to bless him. We are having fun!

Anyone for a cup of coffee?

UP for a Challenge?

Alright ladies (I know some men read this blog and you may want to try this with your wives) some of you may have heard dear hubs sermon last week and may be feeling a little convicted. While hubs and I have a great marriage, sometimes there is a need for tune-ups. You often take things in for a tune-up, visit the doctor for checkup - why not examine your marriage. Are you being all you need to be for your spouse? Are they first in your life after God? Do your kids come before your marriage?
I found this on the web and I feel it is a good challenge for us wives. Some of you may be thinking if dear hubby ask me to do this, no. God is just showing myself some things I may need to work on and there may be others out there who need this. You may not want to do it, but ladies read through it and pick out something you can you for your man. After all Valentines Day is less than a month away. Here is the challenge - http://www.reviveourhearts.com/topics/downloads/index.php?id=9471

Also if you look around there there is one about praying for your pastor's wife - goodness knows all us ministry wives could us a little of that.

My prayer is that we all have happy and exciting marriages.

Life is but a Vapor

Some of you know I occasionally list to a radio show out of AL. This weekend one of the host's 2 yr old son drowned in their family's pool. I was shocked and just thankful that I still have both of my children. His father was speaking at a Christian youth event out of state when the accident happened. His wife was home alone with their children. I cannot fathom what he, his wife, and other children are going thru. I was listening this morning and the other host told everyone one that he had said that they are closer to God more than ever and do not want Satan to get a foothold. They want Christ glorified. How many of us can say that when tragedy strike? This shows that anything can happen at anytime. We are but a vapor here on earth. We need to make the most of what we have because we do not know when it is over. Make a difference TODAY!



Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven

The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad
Let the distance shores rejoice
Clouds and thick darkness surround him
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne
A fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side
His lightning lights up the world
The earth sees and trembles
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord
Before the Lord of all the earth
The Heavens proclaim His righteousness
And all peoples will see His Glory

We want to see Your Glory, God!
Do you want to see His Glory?
Lift your voices, lift your hands!

Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven

It's all in the name

What Donna Means

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I think part of this is me, but maybe not all of it. I think I do agree with the stubborn.

Ordering Hiking Boots

I just ordered dear hubby some hiking boots for his trip to Africa. We looked at many different types with many different prices. The ones we purchased are from Cabela's. I looked at other items and just think some things are funny. OK. Since I have placed my first order from Cabela's, does that mean I have to go hunting? Will I now be one their mailing list? If you want the catalog when it comes, just let me know. I would much rather have Pottery Barn.

On another note. Basement is almost done and you can see the floor in the storage area of the basement and most of the toys are in the basement. YEAH!!

(insert title here) I can't think of one

Another year has started, and it is so hard 2007 flew by. The most exciting thing I believe that happened in the Dear family was the purchase of our new home. We love it and are very thankful for having it.





Many of you may be still wondering what dear hubby got me for Christmas. **drum roll please** - A trip to NYC with no kids. I was very excited and we had a great time. It was a quick trip, but action packed none the less. We saw as much as we could. We went to the Cyrano de Bergerac with Kevin Kline and Jennifer Garner, ate at Junior's Cheesecake and Bobby Flay's restaurant MESA Grill. I also got to see all the Christmas windows which I had been watching on HGTV for years, WTC site, Statue of Liberty. It was just alot of fun, and dear hubby is going to have a hard time topping this gift. Also what do I follow with for his birthday - the BIG 40!

I love this pic.

Happy New Year!!

Our family would like you wish yours a Happy New Year! May you use this year to be more for God than you were this past year.

I will post some new pictures soon.

the drought has ended

Finally a winning season for the DAWGS!!! I was able to watch the last half of the game, and WE WON!!! Hooray for State!! As Coach Croom said, "It wasn't pretty, but we just wanted more points than them in the end."

CONGRATS DAWGS!!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I pray everyone had a safe and happy Christmas. The dear was full of fun and excitement. The girls had a great time playing and hanging out with mom and dad. It was really a fun day of doing nothing but family time. Our goal is to try to do more of that this coming year. We all enjoyed what we got in our stockings. I got a truly wonderful surprise in mine but you will have to wait till later to find out what it was. Overall the Dears had a great Christmas and I am sad to take down all the decorations. Do you think if I leave them up anyone will notice?

Welcome to Our World

Joyeux Noel

Welcome to my home and too the BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes 2007! I am so excited to show you how I decorated my home for Christmas this year. With our home being new I had to do some rearranging of garlands and bows and lights.

If you are interested in having some snacks, I do probably have some available because I have entered the season of baking. I will have no less than at least 4 or 5 get togethers at my house this month. So far I have made 2 batches of fudge, red velvet bonbons, cakes, and various other items. (I think I will need to hit the elliptical machine soon with all the baking) One item I am looking forward to making is the bacon things over on Pioneer Woman's page. They look scrumptious! Dear hubby loves this time of year so he can sample.

Ok enough chit-chat. Here is my home for Christmas.

This is was our first big snow of the year. I do have one more item added to my yard since I had taken this picture. I will add it soon.

Here is my "fancy tree" as I call it. It nothing but white and silver ornament and all different kinds of snowflakes I have collect all over the country. This is also the tree you see from outside.

This is our railing along the stairway. It is the first time I have ever had a railing I could decorate. I would love to add light to it, but I did not want have an unsightly extention cord. I think I may invest in some battery powered lights next year.

Here is our Family Tree. I was so excited to finally have a real tree after three years of having an artificial tree. Our tree is a snapshot of where our little family has traveled over the years. When we go on a trip I will usually try to collect an ornament from that area. It is usually an angel, but sometimes it may just be unique. I have ornaments from as far north as Niagara Fall, to Mexico, to California and to South Carolina. I have several ornament from Myrtle Beach since we go every year and visit my favorite store "Christy's Christmas". We also do have ornaments represent our respective college football teams we pull for. Yes, you to see our angel sitting on the floor. Our tree goes all the way to the ceiling and dear hubby has not trimed the top to where I can put here up there. She is a beloved angel. It was one of the first decorations I purchased our first Christmas. She was a little damaged during our fire several years ago, but she still works. I think she represents all of us. We may have been damaged from events in our past, but we can brush ourselves off and still work for God.

This is my newest ornament and prized ornament. This was a surprise gift from dear hubby. After Christmas last year we went to Cincinatti for a little overnight getaway. While I was getting ready to go home dear hubby went out to do a little shopping. There was a Tiffany store near our hotel. So, he went to try to pick up a little something for me and came back with a little blue box. This is what was inside. I absolutely love it, and I couldn't wait to put it on my tree this year.

Here is the girls tree. It has usually been in their room when they shared one, but now it is in the upstairs hallway. This is also the first year I let them decorate it. It mostly consists of gingerbread ornament, ornaments they have made, and Barbie ornament Nana has giving them.

Here are our Jesus trees. It is a set of 3 tree that we put our Proclamation Ornaments on. The girls put on one ornament a day counting down till Jesus' Birthday. Each ornament has a word proclaming something about Jesus. One side has a verse from the Old Testament proclaiming Him and on the other side has a verse from the New Testament where it was fullfilled. One Christmas Day we put the Jesus Banner on, on the the tallest tree at the top. It has been enjoyable this year because Emily can help read the verses. Also enjoyable is answering the question "What is a virgin?"

Here are our stocking hung by the chimney with care. This is also the first time we have been able to do this as well. I took a cool picture with the fire all aglow, but I was too blurry. I just love looking at it at night.

Last but certainly not the least - Our Nativity. This was another gift from dear hubby a couple of years ago. I love it so much and such a prized possession I leave it up all year long. There are a couple of sheep missing one due to a former cat who knocked it off and broke it leg and could find it, and the other was used in a church performance and has not made it back to its place.

I hope you enjoy your tour of my Christmas home. I have red velvet bonbons and fudge if you would like to visit. But please call before you come.

My Goal for next year!

Do you think I can get dear hubby to help me do this next year?





On a side note dear hubby is taking me to the TSO Concert in Columbus. I am very excited he agreed to take me to a concert. Also with dinner to follow.

What says Christmas more...

I have be struggling with what to write about. We have just been busy with the Christmas season. Penny and I got to do a little shopping last week with no kids which is always more enjoyable. Thank you dear hubby! Sunday was our Christmas musical which was fabulous, and if you miss it sorry! I am gearing up for all the parties that will be happening, and all the cooking and baking we will be doing in the next couple of weeks.

While I was working of some recipes, I was found this. What can be better than any made with cream cheese. You can find this on www.cooks.com. I will probably try one or two of these, but I do know I will not be trying anything called "aspic". I think that is too close to acid. Enjoy!

46 WONDERFUL WAYS TO USE CREAM CHEESE
Cream Cheese is a great staple to have on hand and lasts many weeks in the refrigerator. Teamed with the recipes below, you'll always be prepared for unexpected guests or late-night munchies.
CONTENTS
APPETIZERS
1. ANCHOVY-CELERY COCKTAIL DIP
2. BACON PINWHEELS
3. BURNING BUSH
4. CLAM APPETIZER DIP
5. CREAM CHEESE CLAM FLUFFS
6. FLOWER SANDWICHES
7. LILY SANDWICHES
8. PHILLY AVOCADO DIP
9. PHILLY HAM PUFFS
10. PHILLY PARTY DIP
BREAKFAST IDEAS
11. BREAKFAST TREAT
12. PHILLY FILLED PANCAKES
13. WAFFLES WITH CREAM CHEESE AND STRAWBERRY PRESERVES
CANDIES
14. CHOCOLATE PHILLY NUGGETS
15. CHOCOLATE TOPPED COCONUT PHILLY FUDGE
16. COCONUT PHILLY BONBONS
17. CHOCOLATE PHILLY FUDGE
18. LEMON-CHOCOLATE PHILLY FUDGE
DESSERTS
19. BUTTERFLY CUPCAKES
20. CHERRY TRICORNS
21. CHOCOLATE PHILLY CAKE
22. HEART CAKES WITH MARASCHINO PHILLY FROSTING
23. HOLLYWOOD CHEESE CAKE
24. LEMON CREAM CHEESE TARTS
25. PINEAPPLE PHILLY PIE
26. STRAWBERRY PHILLY PIE
27. STRAWBERRY ROLL WITH ALMOND PHILLY FROSTING
28. SUPREME CHEESE CAKE
FROSTINGS
29. CHOCOLATE PHILLY FROSTING
30. PEPPERMINT STICK PHILLY FROSTING
MAIN DISHES
31. BAKED CHIVE CHEESE OMELET
32. SAVORY SCRAMBLED EGGS
SALADS
33. APRICOT RING MOLD
34. ASPIC RING SALAD
35. BLUSHING PEAR SALAD
36. CACTUS PEAR SALAD
37. CREAMY ORANGE SALAD
38. GRAPE CLUSTER SALAD
39. JELLIED CUCUMBER SALAD
40. PINEAPPLE SANDWICH SALAD
41. TOMATO ROSE SALAD
SANDWICHES
42. CREAM CHEESE, JELLY AND NUT SANDWICHES
43. FROSTED SANDWICH LOAF
44. DATE-NUT BREAD WITH CREAM CHEESE
VEGETABLES
45. BAKED POTATOES (with chive sauce)
46. PHILLY HOLLANDAISE ON BROCCOLI

Elf Fun!!

I know this is floating around the web. So here is ours for your enjoyment. You can picture us in the snow now because as soon as Dear children get thru with their school work - we are going sledding!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1174749653

Here is another one for fun. Sorry JB is couldn't resist.
http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1175007978

Happy Birthday Hannah!

Today you turn 9! I can't believe it. You are growing up to be a godly young lady. I pray that you continue on that path. Here are 9 things that are wonderful about you -

1. your kindness and generosity



2. your willingness to put others first



3. your sister is your best friend



4. your organization - we are trying to figure out where you get it



5. your love of reading



6. your creativity



7. your willingness to learn new things



8. how beautiful you are on the inside as well as the outside



9. you love for God and the desire to serve Him!

Hannah your Mom and Dad love you so much and are thankful that God gave you to us. Our prayer for you is that you will grow up to be a godly woman, mom, or whatever God wants you to be and that you will always follow Him. We know you are getting ready to enter a new stage in your life, and we want you to always we are on your side and will be here for you. WE LOVE YOU!!

The Dawgs are Going Bowling!

Granted it wasn't the big one or a New Years Day bowl, but I do get to see them one more time. We are in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis on Dec 29th playing UCF. GO DAWGS!!

We have a busy week ahead of us. I think tomorrow night is the only night will get to eat dinner together until next week. We survived the 9 yr olds sleepover. Most of my Christmas decorations are up. Thats all for now.

This was not suprising.

Your Christmas is Most Like: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Christmas is a big, boisterous event at your place. And no matter what, something hilarious usually happens.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

I am thankful my family is not like his, but we watch this movie every year. My motto for decorating "More Lights the Better". I just wish my budget could reflect it. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Need Bows?

I have been working on my Christmas decorations for my home. I am trying to get ready for Hannah's birthday and BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes. I was looking at my sad little bows and was wanting something fabulous. I have the ribbon, but I am just not that good at it. They are just too expensive buy premade.

I was over at a friend's house and saw her bows and how beautiful they were. I commented on how pretty they were and she said that her husband did them and all the bows in her house. I asked her if he can do me some. So, Jeff Salyer - when can I bring you my ribbon? You have a wonderful talent and need to share.

We got the EGG!!

So exciting, and what a finish. Another coach has gotten "Croomed". What a glorious day for the Dawgs!! MSU 17- Ole Miss 14. I did not get to see the game again because we were somewhere between SC and OH during the game. Dear Hubby was able to get the scores for me on his phone. We just now what for the rest of the games to play out and see where we play next. Someone told me that we are too involved with college football, but it is everything down South! Saturday is Football Day! Right now dear hubby is watching the Iron Bowl - WAR EAGLE!! Come on lets beat the tide!!!

We had a good Thanksgiving with the Dear Family. We met Piper's new hubby. Food was good. Long DRIVE!!

We have a busy week ahead 10 girls for a sleepover this Friday for Hannah's Bday! I just have to figure out how to do a cake in the shape of a star by Friday. Sadly basement will not be done.

Have a good week everyone!

Do they look professional?

As a few of you know I am busily working on our Christmas cards. I have gotten the return address labels done, the cards (I think those are important to have), the list hopefully finalized, and all that was left was to get the pics printed. I normally use Shutterfly to print my pictures but I needed them earlier so I settled for Walmart pics which are good don't get me wrong. I had sent some of the pictures I had taken a few weeks ago to print no problem. Today I order my 65 pictures and I get a phone call. I was in the middle of teaching piano so I did not answer the phone. I listened to my phone message before heading out to pick up my pictures and I was shocked at my message. Walmart asked me if I could bring a release from the photographer to pick up my pictures. I was amazed and flattered. I couldn't wait to call dear hubby. Is this God confirming that I need to be a photographer or was this a one shot deal? Thankfully I was able to get my pics because I had not deleted the pictures of my camera. So, If you get one of my pictures they are copyrighted so no scanning! :-D

Here are some examples for your pleasure. Let me know what you think, and can you tell me which baby is which?

100th Post

This is my 100th post!! (*insert applause*)I had thought about posting something exciting like my 100 favorite things, 100 favorite foods etc. I did enjoy getting 100's in school. But I could think of anything so here it is pretty random. Maybe I will get 100 comments? Set some goal people - maybe some of my readers and fellow bloggers will make it to 100 as well.

Oh well, the Dawgs did not win today but AL and Ole Miss DID lose and that is always exciting. The Egg Bowl is this coming Friday, and I am sad I not be able to watch it. Come on Dawgs - beat those Rebels!! I will refrain from yelling what most fans say to the other team in MS.

We do have a couple of busy weeks coming up with Thanksgiving, Hannah's Bday, and decorating for Christmas. I am looking forward to getting out ALL my Christmas deco, although I am having to wait till our carpet goes down in the basement because there construction mess in front of the door leading to my stuff. I am hoping it will all be done soon so I can get to the decorations. I would like to have a lot of it done by bday party.

Emily has finally lost her other front tooth. I will try to post a pic soon of it. She has been going around singing - "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth". I am glad I have already taken our Christmas card pic.

GO DAWGS!!

Is is Possible?

*UPDATE*: New videos of the State available at my friend's Sue's blog on her Nov. 14th post.

In a recent article in a MS newspaper states that if MSU could win out we would play on New Years Day. Dear hubby's nightmare could come true. To see him in maroon and white sitting there cheering on my Dawgs. What a wonderful Christmas present that would be! It would be so nice if this would happen. I have learned though from watching all the OSU fans up here don't count your chickens before they hatch. Playing in the Cotton Bowl would be nice, but being bowl eligible and watching them in post season play would be exciting enough. The funny thing about it is that if were too happen we could possibly play Texas A&M. We would have a rematch of the Snow Bowl. Wouldn't that be fun MG? You can vote for the Dawgs here please and Coach Croom here.

Ok to change the subject COMPLETELY. I receive email updates from AFA (American Family Assoc.). I received this one last night and if further confirms why I don't particularly care for Lowes - Lowe's refuses to call them "Christmas trees," chooses to call them "Family trees" . I will not be purchasing my CHRISTMAS tree from them this year. I plan on going to a CHRISTMAS TREE farm to get my CHRISTMAS TREE to celebrate CHRISTMAS with my family. I hope their trees just sit on the shelf. I am looking forward to celebrating this wonderful holiday this year and I think it will be one of our best CHRISTMASES ever. To email Lowes to express your thoughts click here. To view the ad click here.

Bowl Eligible!!!!

The mighty DAWGS have beaten another team in Alabama. As one commenter said it is MSU who is the Iron Bowl Champs. I never imagined our little team would be 6-4. We have 2 games left Ark and Ole Miss. I am just shocked we won, and very excited. I believe dear hubby is just praying we don't get a New Years Day game, because if we do guess were we will be. Believe me I will hold him to it. All I can say is way to go DAWGS!

Tell me NO!!!

This just in. Due to the writers strike this has happened. I think Jack needs to save us from this strike.


"Jack Bauer will return to save the world on “24” — again — but somewhat later than expected. And Michael Scott, the comically obtuse regional manager on “The Office,” will not be serving up any original cringe-inducing comments after next week.
As television and movie writers entered the third day of their strike against Hollywood producers yesterday, the walkout continued to complicate matters for the networks.
Fox, the first to announce revisions to its prime-time schedule because of the strike, said it would indefinitely postpone the start of the seventh season of “24,” which had been scheduled for January, to ensure an uninterrupted 24-episode season. For more info on some of the other shows check out this article. "


This strike may be good for families again. They will be able to spend time together talking, playing board games, and generally hanging out again.

If you are good...

It is that time of year when I start thinking about our Christmas card pictures. Sometimes I take them when we are at the beach, while I did do that and loved the pictures I had already given some of them out so I decided to do another set a pictures. Thankfully since I enjoy taking pictures and my new lens had come in, I was ready to take them. I wanted to take them outside before it got too cold, so last week was perfect. Yes, I took pictures on Halloween. I think it was an appropriate way to celebrate that day - taking Christmas Pictures. I was using part of our neighbors backyard, and it was funny to see them come out dressed in costume while the girls were dressed Christmassy.

The girls don't always enjoy being my models, but I promised that if they were good I would take fun pictures of what they wanted as well as mine and we would get cream slushes from Sonic. They complied thankfully and took some great pics. Grape slushes all around!

I am hoping to get out card out earlier this year. My goal is to beat a friend of mine with her card. Every year her card it the first one we receive. It is usually a day or two after Thanksgiving. Maybe she is not reading this and we may get her card next week. If I don't get everyones out I may just get one to her. I actually do have our cards already and they are just waiting on me to get the pictures printed. I was a savvy shopper and got them after Christmas last year. I also need to update the Christmas card list as well. So if your address has changed in the last year please let me know if you expect to get a card.

Here are some of the fun pics we took

Dinnertime Woes

I am currently bored with our dinner menus. It consists of items that I can throw together quickly and items I know my kids will not complain about. I am wanting something new. I know I have all these cookbooks and I just need to get them out and start trying stuff, but when do I have time to do that. Sometimes I will try something different and dear hubby is often not too excited. Ordering pizza is too easy. We don't get too many nights at home where I can cook and elaborate meal and sometimes on those nights I don't want to cook because of all the running around the nights before. I did try something new last night and hubby was skeptical, but the family was surprised that it was good.

I have considered something call Dream Dinners. It is a place in Columbus where you go a prepare a meal for the week or so and freeze them and all you have to do is thaw and cook. For the month of November they has Southern Living side dishes and what could be better. I have seen a FoodNetwork special on the ladies who started this business. If I can get dear hubby on board and a few other ladies willing to try it with me. I would enjoy not wandering thru the grocery store trying to decide what to fix for the week.

Anybody else bored with their dinners?

One More and We are Bowl Eligible

Mississippi State 31 - (14) Kentucky 14.

I would just like to say thank you to anyone who picked them in the CFP. Emily and I are the only family members who had faith in our Dawgs!! Now Auburn, come on and beat the other team in MS!

Can't Wait

Sweet Home Mississippi

I know ya'll have been waiting to hear about our trip down south, but since it was over 2 weeks ago I will not bore you will all the details just some highlights.

• Attended Family Reunion - Coconut Cake - yummy. Sign by the bridge over a little creek - "Do not play in water due to broken glass and snakes" nice
• We did several field trips for school - Ag and Forestry Museum, Natural History Museum, Waverly Antebellum Home, Nanih Waiya Mound, and Mississippi State.
• Ate at my favorite BBQ restaurant - pulled pork plate and sweet tea to ya!Delish!
• Visited various family and friends
• The most exciting thing for me - Watching my alma mater play football. GO DAWGS!!! I didn't even mind the fact that the game was at 1:30 CST in the sun and HOT!! I was just happy to be there with other people who love MSU football.

I am just happy to be back home with my family. I missed my dear hubby terribly. I do not like being away from him that long. We did have a fun time with mom down south and when she came back with us.

We a currently getting geared up for busy couple of months with Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have planned on visiting the Dear family this year for Thanksgiving. We have Hannah's bday party to plan. Is it too early to go ahead and decorate for Christmas? I am very excited about decorating our new home. I am trying to talk dear hubby into letting me get the girls another tree because they are running out of room on their 4 ft tree. I would like to put their tree in the kitchen and get newer one for upstairs for them. Hannah thinks we don't need one for the kitchen because there will be one in the living room - which will be a REAL ONE! By the way I need a good recommendation for a tree farm to get the perfect tree.

I am looking thru my Southern Livings looking at all the new deco ideas especially mantels and looking at all the food options to cook for the holidays. Can you tell I love Christmas? I am excited Boomama is doing her Christmas Tour of Homes. I am sorry for my excitement. This will be the first time in 3 yrs to get out ALL my Christmas decorations. We will not even go into my dilemma of how to decorate the outside of our home.

Oh, well. I will not bore you any more. Here are a few pics from our trip.

"Is this Devil's Meal?"

Yesterday the dear hubby took Emily to breakfast. He likes to get them up early and the "sneak off" to breakfast. The girls get to pick where they go. Emily's choice this time - Jolly Pirate - which is most of the time. They arrived back early with doughnuts in hand, and I asked Emily why they didn't eat there. She told me they tried but the lady would not move down a seat. So there where not 2 seats together. Why people will you not moved down so a dad and his daughter can have some quality time together bonding over doughnuts. So we were able to all have breakfast together at home.

Well, while were eating Emily had gotten herself a cruller and Hannah a pumpkin spice. Hannah was eating hers and was not sure if it was pumpkin spice and politely asked - "Is this Devil's Meal?" Dear hubby and I just started laughing when we realized what she asked. We asked if she meant devil's food, and then we started joking around if this is what he really likes.

I will hopefully post some more about our trip down south later. We are just glad to be back home.

oh to breathe again

My allergies have kicked in with the combination of Ohio weather, I long to breathe normally again. Maybe with some rain coming in it will wash some of this away. I pray this is the only cold for the season.

We have a busy weekend and week coming up. Saturday the girls and I fly out to MS to see my mom. We are attended a family reunion among other things this next week This is my mom's side of the family. I remember growing up attending this reunion every year. Since I have been in college and married I don't make too many of them anymore, and the main reason - it is on a Sunday. This reunion does have good memories is seeing my cousins, playing in the park, and going to the zoo afterwards. I have memories of my parents would always bring the drinks to the reunion and they were the bottles of various Coke products - CocaCola, Tab, Sprite, Nehi Grape. My cousins and I would always collect the bottle caps. I don't remember much about the food except for buckets of KFC and my mom's banana pudding. Many of my cousins now have families of their own and are scattered across the country. My grandfather of whom this is his family is no longer living. So, there will be many people at this reunion that we will not know other than my mom and probably a handful of people. One thing I am looking forward to - my aunt's coconut cake and maybe some banana pudding.

The girls will get to see some new places while we are in MS. We are studying MS in school, so we plan to visit several sites around the great state. Fun, Fun. The most exciting thing is MSU Homecoming on Saturday. Getting to eat Lil Dooeys BBQ, hearing the band, and all the other festivities is just very exciting.

Here is your pick'em results for week #4 -

• #1 - me
• #2 - emily
• #3 - hannah
• #4 - dear hubby - although he says he got the first 10 picks right but did not import them to the family pickem. if i believe him he would be ahead of me by one point.

Everyone have great week.

Week #3 Pick'em Update

For the week:

• #1 - Hannah
• #2 - Emily
• #3 - Dad
• #4 - me

Cumulative Total

• #1 - Hannah
• #2 - Dad
• #3 - me
• #4 - Emily

I know I have fallen a little but our points are close, so it is any body's game still. Hannah had a great week with 14 points, and for some reason I failed to pick two games. Oh well, the only thing that mattered this past Saturday is that my team won!! (In case you didn't already know). Good Luck with your picks this week.

Movin' On Up!

MSU 19 - Auburn 14. I am just shocked!! Words escape me. Check out my friend Susanne's blog.