I got an Award!

My friend at Heart N Soul Cooking gave me this awad. If you want to give it too, just copy the image, list 10 things that make you happy and tag 10 Bloggers. Don't forget to notify them!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1. My baby Max (he's my little old man doggie)

2. Spending time with people I love, aka select family and friends

3. Cooking

4. My current Fav TV show: True Blood

5. Giving and helping others, it's like a high truly

6. God/Bible- when I feel angry or down I just tell myself to leave up to god or read the bible, I think it kinda calms those yucky feelings a bit

7. Pictures: taking or looking at them, you might forget their voice or exactly how it felt to hug them but if you have the photos you can remember and reflect

8. Saving Money- don't nearly do it enough but knowing have a little saved makes me happy

9. Taking vacations/trips

10. Going to the movies

I'm sharing this with:

Megan @ The Letteer Family

Leah @ Unleash the Flying Monkeys

Shannon @ Coupon Mommy of 2

Eneida @ Crazy Clipping Coupons

Barbara @ The Payne Family

ok I'm cheating, I only have 5...sue me...

Storms Ahead....

I was reading an article about the upcoming weather...something about potential Deep South snow?!? Read it here...

2010: Almost here...

I have to say I feel like the kid that is being gently pushed as her shoes slide across the floor, unable to stop herself but yet not trying....that is how I feel about 2010. 2009 was ok, not my worst but not my best......I suppose I look forward to 2010, just in the hesitant, slightly scared, teeny bit glad/excited but only as much as one can be when you don't know how it will all turn out!
When I look back on the year....I remember a few things that I enjoyed...I got accepted to a real college nursing program, I got to see 2 of 3 nieces (& bro, SIL, Uber), Rob got jobs.....When I look toward 2010 I see- stress, a clock ticking down until august, fear of the unknown, I see the usual couple dr & vet visits, maybe we'll actually go to one of the parks, if lucky I'll be able to see my out-of-state family......
The older I get the better at keeping my expectations low aka achievable yet still keeping something to reach for. On a whim I've played the lotto....surely to win nothing but it's up to God, I just bought it to open the possibility lol. And when I thought to myself this morning, "what would you do if u won the lotto?" It wasn't something extreme or luxurious but simply move to a place that doesn't have noisy neighbors and get rob started on his college education. Those are 2 things that I feel pretty good about that even if I don't win the lotto we'll be doing them, just not in 2010....

So I hope everyone has a safe New Years Eve with loved ones and that the New Year brings good health, happiness, and opportunities to us all...

Menu Monday

Monday - Ham' Mac'n'Cheese casserole

Tuesday- Cheeseburgers w/fries

Wednesday- Chicken breast w/ veggie

Thursday- Takeout

Friday- Cajun Pork Loin w/ veggies & dessert

Saturday- ???

Are you eating pork on New Years?

We are! I'm not overly superstitious but some of family have always had this tradition. Usually it's served with sauerkraut but I'll skip that one! I haven't been to the store yet but prpbably going to look for a nice pork loin, if all else fails we can always eat some pork chops.

Do you eat certain foods on New Years Day? Well here are some suggestions!

Happy New Year!

(please share a prayer that my noisey neighbors keep it down and don't annoy me!)

Happy December 26th!

Yeah, I know it's just te day after christmas, nothing too special....But Dec always seems to be busy, in addition to the main focus of the holiday, I have my niece's birthday, my BIL's birthday, my AFIL's birthday, a friend's birthday, my late grandpa's birthday and my other late grandpa's anniversary of his passing- and that is all within a week of christmas.... Although most of these things call for no additional celebration or anything...they are always thought of in the least....
So here are a few of my thoughts and whatnot, take it or leave it...

• Christmas- was pretty good, like usual! Mainly got DVD's (20 in total) but am returning one due to the fact that I always bought my husband the same DVD and since i ordred his online, we'll be taking back mine (along with some boots-non-gift). That will be monday when I think it could be "save" to leave the house....lol
• Have you tried any of the after holiday sales? I have a little money from my dad so I may look at Victoria Secret's and of course I'll try to get some bows/bags/wrapping paper to stow away for next year or other occasions. Maybe we'll even find a nice string of greatly reduced LED lights....doubtful...but maybe there be something left to pick through on monday!
• Since the holiday is over, it pretty feels like the year is over but there are still a few days or a week or something like that left. Time to start turning over that new leaf! I haven't made a list of goals but my main goal or focus is to prepare myself for school and just study & pray my way through it...I've heard lots of people say it's difficult so I'll need all the prays I can get....
• Also, just a heads up- First Sunday of Jan there might be 5 coupon inserts! Better grab yourself a paper....
• I'll definately be looking forward to getting my new magazine subscriptions- Southern Living & Cooking Light....and if ya know me, ya know I love to cook! Got a new pastry bag so I can pipe out all kinds of goodies...(was unable to do this for the past few years due to the cats having peed on a bag that had my pastry bags from school in them-ruined!) Can anyone say Eclairs? lol
• Another thing, not so much looking forward to, is I have a big'ole cavity that needs filled before I begin school. I finally conceeded to the fact that it will only get worse and it's better to fix the hole...rather than have to cap it or something more expensive....I love you God but I was not blessed with good teeth....

But at the end of day I know that the most important thing to be is my family and that they are all healthy and taken care of... (by family that includes my "kids" aka Max, Zoey, Ricky, & James)

Merry Christmas Everyone...

Tomorrow is Christmas eve....I'm going surprise my husband with a little game playing time and make some Honey Buttermilk Pancakes with maple sausage. He has to work tomorrow night but I think they may close earlier than normal. Other than that my day will be normal....Christmas we'll wake up and open gifts...then we'll eat some ham and stuff. A very uneventful day which will end like any other, except we'll have gotten some gifts and eaten some yummy food we don't always have...like ham and deviled eggs....

I hope that everyone has a happy holiday and really enjoys the family moments.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas Dorothy...

This is a photo of the Urbana cemetery last Saturday...no I wasn't there but I did make arrangements to have the Christmasie looking display placed on the grave(s)...The purple flower display is one I bought last spring, somewhat surprised to see it still there...pretty snow too

Duggar Tuesday!!!!

Red Velvet cookies (double batch)

Zucchini Bread

homemade ranch

Christmas tree with some gifts under it...

Now I'm getting ready to watch the season Finale of 18 Kids and Counting...Gee I hope the break isn't too long :(

Then Teen Mom....

And folding some laundry

Menu Monday...

Monday- Turkey, Sausage, & Rice soup (leftover TG turkey)

Tuesday- Ribs w/ Salad

Wednesday- Subs

Thursday- Pancakes or Pasta

Friday- Ham

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Rolls

Deviled Eggs

Baked Beans

Coleslaw

Relish Tray

Cake or something sweet/Cookies

Saturday: Leftovers or Cheesy Ham & potato casserole

I may make something like cinnamon rolls or caramel pull apart bread for Christmas Breakfast since we usual wake up early and eat over holiday meal around lunchtime. I will making homemade Ranch for my relish tray- Rob loves it and it's surprisingly easy....and I tested out a new recipe (copied one frm library book) Honey Buttermilk Pancakes, was also easy and I over heard Rob saying that they taste like Ihop pancakes. First time making "Buttermilk" style pancakes because I never have buttermilk but since i needed a bit for the Ranch, had some left over...so i used the left over to make Red Velvet Cookies and the pancakes. I normally use bisquick or something but it was so easy just to whip up the recipe and I think it tasted better than just a boxed-add-water/milk/egg-mix. Besides I usually have all the ingredients on hand anyways (except buttermilk) but since I've found some yummy recipes using buttermilk, good cordination will allow me to use up the quart size bottle....

Almost Christmas...

Tomorrow making my weekly trip to walmart, but haven't completed my list yet.....Also gonna make or finish making my sugar cookies (dough is in fridge). Thought I'd make a cake instead of pie for Christmas but not sure I'll even do that since we have so much cookies...sad part is that we probably won't even eat them all before they start getting all hard and yucky....that's my life.......My husband works just 4 days next week (Wed,Thur,Sat,Sun) and all but one shift is a evening shift...So my christmas eve-evening will be spent like most or at least half my evenings...pretty much alone on my bed with my laptop & tv (of course probably a dog or cat or something as well). No big deal though....it's not like it would be any different if Rob wasn't working. Other than the usual Ham on Christmas and opening a few gifts, my week will spent avoiding leaving the house due to crazy frantic shoppers! And I imagine the rest of the year will end up that way too. My only wish (other than the good health of my pets -especially max- and my family) is that my neighbors below us to not play loud music ever again but most especially at night when I'm trying to go to bed, most especially not at midnight on new years eve/day. Each time I get closer and closer mentally to dialing the non-emergency police number and the only thing that has prevented it thus far is that I have anxiety about dealing with officers that may show up at my door, when i'd rather be laying in bed asleep.

I hope for the Merriest of Christmas' to everyone and a Safe and Happy New Year!

Touching Story...

Isn't this how we'd all like to go?

Read this article about a old couple...

Do You Love To Read?

Here are some sites that might be good for, a more affordable way to get the books you want....

• Booksfree.com -Similar to NetFlix or BlockBuster's mail rental service, you pay a monthly fee and get to borrow a few books, free shipping.
• Americasbookshelf.com - Has a monthly fee and works on a system where you purchases credits (1 credit-1 book), and you list your books that you will "lend" to others....they mail you the envelope when your book is picked, you just stick it in the mail (more you share the more you can get).
• Bookmooch.com - You mail out books to others (u pay shipping), this earns you points to use towards getting books.
• Betterworldbooks.com - You buy used books and sell your own; plus proceeds will help aid global literacy. Also free shipping in US (reasonable fee for outside); example: Betty Crocker Cookbook New Edition Fair condition $13.73.

Of course there is always the good old fashioned Library, but i know that some people aren't as blessed as i am currently to have a great county library system and one day I may find myself in those less fortunate shoes again...so maybe these options will help enlighten you to a cheaper way to buy or borrow those books rather than buying at full cost.

Food!

Sweet Onion Sauce (Mock Subway recipe)
Marble Fudge

Triple Chocolate Cookies (similar to Panera's Choc. Duet)

Me potluck night

Strawberry Topped Vanilla Cheesecake

Almost 5 p.m.....

• I've got beef stew cooking in the slow cooker (homemade-new recipe)
• Mailed out the last of my packages/cards at post office- went surprisingly fast but still spent $46.??. That meals the holiday shipping cost me about $60 (4 boxed packages, 1 cushy oversided envelope, several -at least 6- singly mailed books). Sure I could have just sent money/gift cards and saved most of that money but I still think that gifts are slightly more personal, plus some of the items I got really good deals so if I had sent the money I spent instead of the item then some people might not get much money, where they might think the item cost me more than it really did....of course they could think it cost less- like the value of my brother's gift (not including shipping the item to my house) is $40....he might not realize that but trust me it wasn't cheap!
• Gonna watch 18 Kids & Counting tonight at 9 pm and Teen Moom at 10, one of, if not THE favorite night of TV shows. I must confess: I love Maci & Ryan and it isn't looking too good for them but I really wish they could work it out and get married and be that sweet and happy lil family. I think she reminds me a little of my friend Kristina, probably why i like her most.
• The only Christmas-y thing I have left to do is cooking....and i'm still unsure of what that will be but did get a ham today.....no more gifts...even already got Rob's Xmas card.....I really hope he remembers to get me mine.....This year I'm not going to remind him....so I might end up with nothing from my Husband....kind of sad saying it out loud but what will be will be...I'm somewhat excited to see him open a few gifts he isn't expecting (few movies -2 are favs, HT outfit, Starbucks giftcard-personalized with a character of him on it) Since I've got no kids nor will i see any child open a gift my main excitement is watching my husband.
• Probably going to copy a few recipes tonight before i make my library trip this week (gotta return a few things) and gonna start some laundry....maybe make something sweet....

Update...

Rob didn't get off until 4 (he should get good hours this wk, fingers crossed), so we ordered some chinese delivery since I was so done with being in the kitchen, like we could wait until 9:30 to eat! Other than that I've sampled my cookies and fudge and desire nothing else sweet! I've still got to "top" my cheesecake with the strawberries/glaze but my Triple Chocolate cookies came out beautifully (perfectly round too b/c I used a scooper), the fudge turned out good too but it's so rich...seriously one lil square does the trick and definately need some milk or beverage. Now I'm just gonna hop in the shower and get myself ready so I can chill out a bit and finish the cheesecake before we leave. I'm sure we won't be there long but Rob believes it will make a good impression & I think he wants to show off that is wife is awesome in the kitchen! hehehe of course I can't help but enjoy the compliments too. I patiently await the day where I have friends/family I can cook up stuff for and to bring in a little something once'n'awhile to my nurse and doctor co-workers.

Monday Menu & more...

Monday- Pot Luck Christmas Party at Rob's work

(making Strawberry topped Vanilla Cheesecake, Marble Fudge, & Cookies)

Tuesday- Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

Wednesday- Smothered Chicken w/ garlic mash pots.

Thursday-French Onion Soup w/ Biscuits (clam chowder for Rob) -didn't have enough onions last week

Friday- Sub sandwiches

Saturday- Steak w/ veggies

I was just "listening" to the noon news and it said that today is the busiest day for the post office, as most people mail out packages and stuff today than any other day during the holidays. I guess it was a Godly intervention that caused Rob to be called in to work at 7 am thus postponing our planned 9 am trip to the post office. Last night I was able to make a trip run to walmart to make the goodies for the pot-luck, since Rob had only told me when he got home last night, about the event (9:00 pm)...I was up until 1 am with the cheesecake and just made some fudge. Somewhat concerned about the fudge since thigs didn't exactly got as recipe says but "looks" good and will taste test in 2 hours to judge it...got whip up some cookies. I only have 4 eggs left so this means I can only make potentially 2 types of cookies. May attempt one of my favs but last time they didn't turn out right- still yummy- but not perfect and well I'm a perfectionist about food (cough cough am not paying off $10,000 in loans for nothing).

On a less than happy not eI've noticed my Max alightly limping when he gets up and takes a few steps but when at pace can't really see a difference. I figure A. he has some sort of issue, maybe joint thing or B. his armpit fatty lump has grown a bit and thus getting in the way like vet said might happen- which could mean that surgery may be in his future. Gonna wait it out and hopefully he can lose a couple pounds and the lump might decrease in size.....

Christmas Card tally:2

Snow on Christmas?

This is the percent chances of a snowy holiday. Looks pretty clear for me lol....I'd actually be quite worried if it were to snow in central Florida....however....looks like a slim chance for my brother in TN. Would I be crazy to be a tidbit jealous? And well like 50% or more looks like my dad and extended fams in Ohio will need to chop a few extra logs for the fire and salt the driveways.....

Less than 2 weeks til Christmas

Can't believe it's coming so fast. I haven't even bought a ham yet.....Guess I'm just not feelin it this year. However I'm going to make some cookies and fudge this week I think. Tomorrow I'll be makng my final visit to the ole post office, thankfully my husband will carrying the packages for me...I knew I married him for something...lol joking.....Then alittle grocery shopping and maybe, just maybe, if I'm lucky we'll make some plans to see a movie

10th Sookie Stackhouse book...

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just so excited, this has made my day; to have a peak of the 10th book in the seires and perhaps the future of Sookie! I could totally over analyze this cover...Eric it appears to be with Sookie and what does the title mean? Did Sookie pick Eric? I feel like a balloon filling u with air, I am about to pop! But unfortunantly I'll be waiting until early May to find out, you better believe I'll be reading until my eyes fall shut! If fact....if Rob were ask me what I wanted for Christmas, yesterday my answer might have been nothing but tonight it's this book. I might just start re-reading book #3...it does take place around this time of year and will be the next round for True Blood in June....

If you've never heard of these books...think Twilight but way more adult and I think way may interesting....action, mystery, and of course love filled drama! Not to mention tons of Vampires and other unnatural beings lol. Totally my favorite (sorry Mrs. Rice but you've been bumped from my fav author spot)....

Duggar's 19th baby is here...

Michelle had an emergency C-section several months before baby Joise was due. Both are still in hospital, most likely the baby will be in there for a few months... read the article here..

I'm Bored..

If all goes well tomorrow I should get a package in the mail. That means I'll be able to send out the rest of packages and wrap up a couple more gifts. I guess, other than a couple stocking stuffers, my Christmas shopping is done. It's kind of sad, I really enjoy shopping, shopping for others that is. I could easily spend way more than I can afford but now that the spending rush has subsided, I suppose I ought to put the Debt card away lol. I only have 3 packages really, but am sending some tiny ones too (about as big as a card but somewhat thicker), and of course I need to mail out some cards...Normally I have them ready by Dec. 1st but I really wasn't sure who to send them to.

I guess I have a big family but most of them I haven't spoken to in the last year or years. Do you send cards to everyone you know? Or just the people actively in your life? I'm not even sure if some people are friends anymore or just acquaintances. I've always been the person to keep the lines of commincation open, the one who writes but never-rarely written back. I don't know if i should give up, stop "giving" writting since they never write back OR just continue my part of the relationship. It's really sad to see relationships fade into the darkness. I guess I only feel that way because I don't have lots of friends or relationships because when I make a friendship I invest in it for life. So that's why I have yet to send my christmas cards.....

On a more cheerful note... I just realized that a nearby movie theater is super cheap, $2.50. Of course they are slightly older films (currently: couples retreat, zombieland, the box, etc.) but our regular theaters cost $8 matinee....we'll have to check this out when Rob's off. I just hope it's clean!

The new season (first BTW) of Teen Mom on MTV started this week. I just have to say that i like Maci the most and think that her son is so adorably cute! It makes me want one myself! Maybe in 2012....

Guess I ought to start planning my holiday baking list...

Placing flowers on a grave this holiday season?

Or wishing you could?

Well Gravescapes is a company that will do it for you.

Check them out

I've used there service once so far but will most likely be using it again.

They send me 2 good photos of the placement at the gravesite. They have a few holiday sales so why not remember your loved one at Christmas time?

15 days until Christmas..

2 things I wish I had this holiday season: a baby boy to love/spoil & snow...(preferably inside a house w/ a fireplace) hehe

Library Round 2

Got 5 books today (one isn't in photo b/c it's not for me)....Still awaiting 5 (3 in trans and 2 "in my possession"...too bad I didn't get those today b/c breaking dawn was one'em). Now I'm gonna relax and mark my recipes...

I've already printed up a bunch of recipes today (that I've copied) and put them in my binder..

Dinner & Dessert

This is half of the loaf of bread I made the other night..
Oatmeal cookies...

Potato & Double Corn Chowder...

All 3 recipes came from the Betty Crocker Cookbook New Edition

Soup recipe...

1 bag (16 oz) frozen has brown potatoes, thawed (4 cups)

1 can whole kernel corn undrained

1 can cream-style corn

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

1 med onion chopped (1/2 c)

8 slices bacon, crsiply cooked & crumbled (1/2 c)

1/2 t salt

1/2 t worcestershire sauce

1/4 t pepper

Chopped parsley (I forgot to use this)

1. In slow cooker add all ingredients except parsley.

2. Cover & cook on low setting 6-8 hours (or high setting 3-4 hours).

3. Sprinkle w/parsley.

Note: To keep a crispier bacon texture I added half of the bacon 15 min before serving and saved rest for soup topper. Also the book lists a variation that involves using cooked turkey or chicken (chopped up) and to add it 15-20 min before serving.

This was so easy and so yummy! It says it makes 6 servings but we really only got about 4 out it. This would be a easy meal to just start and forget about. Of course a soup like this doesn't require such a long cooking time, the slow cooker allows you to multi-task throughout the day.

Errands.....

Went to the post office today, probably spent an hour in line, boy i miss the Talbott P.O.; got 3 packages sent: Funderburg family, Letteer Family, & Armstrong's. First time I've ver filled out a custom's form....

So just going to the P.O., the bank, & Mcdonald's took about 1 hour and 40 minutes...sad thing is each location is basically about a 5 minute drive from my home.

Also just got another package in the mail....I think I have 2 left i'm awaiting: Old Navy (hasn't even shipped yet and I ordered Nov 30) & a non-christmas gift from walmart (new harry potter $10).

I've making soup for dinner out of a library book (in crock as we speak) and getting ready to play some Wii with my husband....

Mrs. Duggar in the Hospital...

Not exactly the Dugger Tuesday I was expecting...

In a report it said she was air lifted to a NICU in Little Rock in case complications caused the baby to arrive early. However, it is just a gallbladder issue, a gallstone. She is said to be there for a few days but will be fine and the baby is not in danger.

So let's say a prayer for Michelle...

Library Round 1 Update

I was able to go through the 5 books I got today...one book I desired no recipes...not a bad book but I often serve picky people....Really like the "everything" books....I found a chili recipe that doesn't have any beans or tomato products....I didn't know that exsisted! Round 2 (3 books) will probably not arrive until next week (guessing by date it's due) but I'll have more coming after that.....At least 4 cookbooks confirmed on the way and Breaking Dawn!

Menu Monday...

Monday- Fried Cube Steak w/ mashed potatoes & gravy

Tuesday- Corn & Potato Chowder (made in Slow Cooker)

Wednesday- Chicken w/ veggie'mac'cheese

Thursday- Pork Chops & Veggies

Friday- French Onion Soup w/biscuits (Rob-burger or chik tenders)

Saturday- Chicken Salad

Round 1 of Library books plus more photos!

Here is round one from the library! Expecting more books...
We got a dollar store pet hat, couldn't resist...even if they only wear it for the photos lol Our lil 20 + pound Ricky
Notice the dog biscuit in his mouth, sometimes he saves them to eat later but carries them around the house so no one else can steal it lol

My baby

The Mudslide I made while I was reading Eclipse..(finished & returned to library...it was sad)

German Tradition...

Did you know that it was the Germans who originally brought a tree inside to decorate it?
So it's not just beer that we love from them but their awesome idea that has contributed to one of the top images of the holidays...the christmas tree! :)

Update: They also gave us the Candy Cane! Maybe that silly war never happened so long ago we'd appreciate those German's more!

Top 5 Cookbooks I recommend

1. Betty Crocker Cookbook New Edition
2. Southern Living Comfort Food
3. Top Secret Recipes (any in the seires)
4. Family Circle All Time Favorite Recipes
5. Cheesecake Extraordinaire

I currently own a few of these and have used many recipes. In fact most of the cheesecakes I make come from the listed cookbook. I've made things from potato cheese soup to homemade stuffing with just these books. So if you are looking for a cookbook, check one of these out.

It's finally kinda cold here BTW, so I'm making a loaf of classic white bread (from the 1st cookbook on the list). I've only checked this bookout so I'm testing this first recipe but the book offers great recipes and direction on basics. This would be a great book for someone trying to really start cooking homemade and not from a box. It even includes some trouble shooting and photos.

I'm in shorts on Dec 3rd...

What's wrong with this picture!?!

I'm awaiting the chilly weather...not just a breeze by cold front...

Update:

• I'm now expecting 9 cookbooks ("in transit") from the library omg
• I just got Eclipse, probably will start on it when the hubster goes to work...
• Today & Yesterday combined I've gotten 4 packages. Need one more to have my brother's stuff ready to go, still waiting on a few more to complete packages that will need to be sent! I normally don't mind sending packages but Lee Vista has the worst, seriously worst post office. Just one clerk/check out area, it's usually lined up with people and hot inside. Would consider an alternative but am afraid of findinf the same situation...I just wish I could figure out when they are off-peak so I can sneak in and mail my stuff... not to mention the next time I go I'm trying something new- Media Mail...fingers crossed!

Muffin Time!

This was my dessert tonight...giant muffins.... I used 1 packet each of Martha White Blueberry, Banana, & Strawberry muffin mixes...I modified the directions so I could make them big in my big muffin pan (even found big muffin paper cups at walmart)... So instead of baking at the higher temp on the package I just lowered the temp to 350 and baked them about 30 minutes, give or take....Each packet made 2 big muffins..YUMMY

Photos of the "kids" (except Max)

Freezer cooking & more...

This is my Turkey, Sausage, & Rice Soup starter. I've never made it like this but didn't see the point of making a huge pot soup that was probably half rice and broth that would take up too much room my already full freezer...so I just combined everything else (cooked leftover turkey, smoked sausage, carrots, celery, onion, and about 4 cups of chicken broth just to have it all covered and freeze into one big mass). If a few weeks I'll just thaw it and add some rice and broth until it looks good, then it's dinner served....perfect for a semi-cold Florida Dec night...
This is my current stack of library books (minus the fiction book), trying to hurry along with them because yesterday, as I posted, I added the limit to reserve at my library...so...I checked it this morning and I have 6 cookbooks "in transit" and Eclipse is allegedly here (means it will come probably tomorrow or friday, the rest will take maybe a week)..

This is our Christmas tree, with 3 small/med gifts pushed to the back. It's actually my mom's tree, Rob and I had a green one in TN but I have no idea what happened to it A. it's in my brother's basement or B. it's somewhere at our old house-never to be seen again. This isn't my first choice of trees, I'm traditional, at least in some aspects, not so much with hair lol! One day, when we settle into a home I want a big full green tree...until this this will do. Our first tree (2004 1st xmas) our young cats got into and knocked it over breaking one of the legs the allows it to stand....so I just took the top part and rigged it into a vase (just the bottom) and placed it on our table... Hopefully tonight I can catch the cats under the tree...they love it there! The gifts that keep on giving!

Also, just a quick note....some storms are moving into central FL, we should get them later on in the evening but the counties north of us (Ocala-Gainsville-ish area) already have Tornado watches....

Duggar Tuesday!

Just as the holidays start rolling so does life, ups, downs, and the big spiraling twists! LoL So why not take a moment and relax with the duggars, or perhaps some books or whatnot.

• I managed a "first" today...I must have hit a cap on how many books I can request from the library at one time b/c after i put in 9 new titles (10 total) the website just wouldn't allow anymore....or maybe it'sa glitch....Speaking of I have a really awesome cookbook on loan from them: Betty Crocker Cookbook New Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today
• Got HBO? Ready for season 4 Big Love? I am so ready, check it out.. Almost one month away, joy! Rob will be so happy that the wait is almost over!
• My newest addiction? Cafe World on Facebook....my dang brother got me into now I can't stop playing it, well I can't let my kitchen not serve people...lol
• Another personal experience: I've been a Sunday only newspaper subscriber for 1 year now, 2 weeks ago the paper offered me a 1 week free trial of Wed-Sun service...last week I got my notice about the subcription ending unless I continue it- they offer me Wed-Sun for $20.50/26 weeks(6 months). So I go online to see what the just Sunday paper would be for me b/c they didn't offer me that on the notice, it's like $26....no brainer...going with Wed-Sun service! Totally weird and crazy!
• Happy December! It's a new month so that means...new coupons on my bar and on other websites. Print!
• Have you considered Ebay as a holiday gift shopping place? I know some might look their nose down upon such a thing but I'm not too good for something that is gotten second hand (as long as it appears in good condition and shoot something son ebay are brand new!). I've been searching for anything Dora the Explorer (cousins Daughter Kayla loves her and they could really use an extra gift or two) as well as some 2T clothes winter clothes (I scored an old navy fleece pullover for under $4 including shipping).

Menu Monday...Late edition..

Monday-Turkey 'n' dumplings

Tuesday- Hamburgers/fries

Wednesday- Chicken tenders w/ veggie

Thursday- Steak w/ rolls & veggie

Friday- Spaghetti w/ meatballs

Saturday- Something Helper

Also gonna make a big pot of Turkey, Sausage, & Rice Soup (gonna leave out the rice til later) to freeze....