Happy New Year 2009!

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Happy New Year 2009!

Isn't this picture just perfect? Yep, I thought so too!

Did you know? Did you know this song originated from the Scots!? No wonder I couldn't understand the lyrics as a child. But don't be left out of the fun, here are the words of The English Version

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?
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CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
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And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
And surely I’ll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for days auld lang syne.
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CHORUS
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We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.
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CHORUS
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We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
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CHORUS
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And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.


~God Bless~

Best Blog Award!

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Cynthia at Muse Swings bestowed this fun and adorable award among 15 blog worthy places to visit and I'm honored to be among them. She is a gifted writer and her mind is so quick-witted that I think she would be a hoot to have over for Afternoon Tea if Jane Austen could be there too. I could sit and watch the two of them banter back and forth while writing down their quotes 90 mph!

I too am happy to bestow this award on 15 (16 for me) of my bloggy buddies and others whom don't know me but I frequent their blogs just the same for the simple reason that each of their blogs are a pure delight and I just keep going back for more!


An Evening At Almacks Reviews of Regency Era novels/ short story books
Austenprose All things Jane Austen
bloggedy blog blog A gifted Canadian who is generous in sharing her ideas for fun
Buttercream Cottage She has 2 blogs, yes TWO of them with the other full of recipes-love it
Friendship Tea The name says it all
Jane Austen Today Again, all things Jane Austen ~ very fun site
Jane Austen World Again, all things Jane Austen ~ more fun
Ladies Historical Tea Society I just love visiting here, I learn so much and she is delightful
My Thoughts Exactly This is my secret agent buddy
Nana is Living The Dream Lovely lady, seriously, she is so sweet she would give you a cavity!
Sassy Lass Long time friend who is new to the blog world, stop by and introduce yourself
Tea Time With Melody This is my sisters blog, she is even funnier than me!
Tea With Friends I love seeing what new thing she will feature each day
The Birdbath Chronicles Lady Lavinia~ she has the best pictures and a beautiful neighborhood
Voila! Vintage Postcards Again, the name says it all! Such a nice lady!
Warm Pie, Happy Home Sigh, I wish I had her log cabin home in Missouri

Congratulations to you all and again, it's been a pleasure visiting you this year!

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Time in a Box

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I was trying to think of what to do with the kids this New Years Eve and thought this would be fun! Have a Time Capsule Party! Grown-ups, this can be fun for us too. Gather your friends and family together and ask them to bring something to put in the box and open it at next years party or 5 years from now.

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YES, A TIME CAPSULE!

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I got a box that I wrote "To Be Opened in 2013". I'll have the kids decorate it and since they are young in age now, it will be even more fun in 5 years to see their facial expressions of their prior artwork! This year particularly, has a been the year of change so I've gathered different things to put in the box and asked the kids to search their bedrooms for fun things too.

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So far we've collected family pictures, small toys, I saved several Christmas shopping receipts that show the prices of things from the grocery store and toys purchased, my favorite magazine, a dollar bill (who knows what money will look like in 5 years with the ways things are going), recent school progress reports, a paperback book, my watch that I bought when my daughter was born and broke this year so it has sentimental value, recent world and home town events, I created a questionnaire where we'll all write down our favorite colors, TV shows, music, fashion stuff, favorite food and drink, what they like about school, their friends names, future predictions about what we think life will be like in 5 years and finally a short letter written to both my children from us.

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Then we'll seal it up and store it in a nearby closet so it isn't lost forever and when 2013 arrives, we'll have a opening ceremony party! Now won't that be fun for the blog! ha ha

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Dancing into the New Year

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Look what I got today for a steal at the grocery store! I had been wanting one of these but wasn't going to pay the big bucks for it. Dancing with the Stars is one of my favorite shows and this is a really great and fun way to exercise... dancing! And you know dancing is known for burning the calories! Bring it on baby!

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It's a long way from the old Jane Fonda video's of the 80's, even though her's still do the trick. The quality of the DVD is very good, like I'm watching digital HD or better and the music is fun. It teaches the steps for the Cha-Cha ( you KNOW I love that ), the Samba, the Paso Doble and the Jive. You DON'T need a partner either as all the steps are meant to be done by yourself. There is a warm-up and a cool down session as well. And..... once you learn the steps there is the option to play the dance segments with or without the instructions.

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This all might come in handy too when my niece Jackie, gets married in October. I'll be trim and slim & hopefully my arms will be toned too so they won't be doing the Cha-Cha by themselves! ha ha

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Christmas Spirit Award!

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The Top 5 Reasons I Love Christmas!

My sister Melody gave me this super award! The Christmas Spirit Award. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Melody and I enjoy Afternoon and High Tea experiences, and I do mean experiences, so if you've never met my sister, I invite you to go on over and enjoy her blog... she is a funny gal!

So, 5 things I love about Christmas...

1. Each year I spend an entire day in the kitchen, emerging with 4th day hair after baking cookies, candy & other treats as these are the most requested items I'm asked to bring to parties and family gatherings. And seriously, I had the baking anointing this year!

2. Learning about a new Christmas themed devotional and when it involves candy, I love it even more. This was this years devotional... here.

3. I love the music and movies~ so many things to say but I'll just leave it at that!

4. I love to go light-looking at houses! This year we went about 15 different times and got our route picked out for the evenings just before Christmas. We search the newspapers and Internet to learn of new places to go! Beginning at Starbucks for the $1 kids cocoa and then our drive through the magical transformation that takes place in our town.

5. I love receiving the annual Christmas cards/letters! I love the photos of family/friends and how they share their page long stories of their lives this past year. I am terrible at sending out cards myself so that's probably why I appreciate receiving them because I know how much time and money these days is spent on postage to send them.

****And now to keep with the theme of 5, I pass on this award to the following blogs:

1. A Year Of CrockPotting

2. Warm Pie, Happy Home

3. My Thoughts Exactly

4. Muse-Swings

5. Friendship Tea

I hope you all had a wonderful week! What greater cause for celebration could we have?

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Christmas Reflections

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I want to wish you all Merry Christmas, and also to report that I may have to spend the rest of my life on my couch. I have eaten approximately 50 pounds of food in the last four days, and I've warned my hubby that he may just have to roll me to places for the rest of my life.

Although I do think parents should get a pass for eating the Santa cookies on Christmas Eve. I did NOT eat them because they were delicious and chocolatey and soft, I ate them because my children expected it. It was good parenting, purely--one of many, many sacrifices a mother must make. It is not a sacrifice for a father to make because this mother got to the cookies first. hee hee


It's Christmas again and we stop to remember and reflect on the purpose behind today — that God came to earth as an infant child to save us all from our imminent destruction. It's a day of rejoicing for us, but I wonder what our Creator was going through. He gave up His throne in all its splendor glory to come down to this wretched sinful place as a helpless baby, born among the animals. He KNEW that after 33 years of hard labour and persecution that He would be nailed to a cross by the very people He came to save, and yet, He came anyway. Isn't that amazing?! Isn't that the ultimate show of love and grace?! Regardless of how others may deny Christ and the true meaning of the day, it does not change the fact of His existence and His abundant love and mercy for us. Let's put aside our presents and selfish pleasures and bow before the throne of the Almighty, giving Him the best gift we can give — our lives.

In need of Elf help!

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As soon as Thanksgiving is over, women begin their Christmas traditions don't they? Thanksgiving is a meal done for 1 day. Christmas on the other hand is a season... a month long season. Would you agree that if it wasn't for the ladies, 90% of holidays wouldn't happen? Yep, me too.

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With that said, it's time for the annual Christmas cookie baking marathon! Each year, I like to rotate in a new cookie or two, so this year's collection will have 8 varities. If your not doing anything else today and can get out in our wonderful winter weather, I could use some Elf help in the kitchen as my current team only seem to be available for quality control when each new batch comes hot out of the oven.

* And so the cookie marathon begins... *

Magic Bars (aka... 7 Layer Bars) Updated* This one is done and is Ooo so yummy! Sister came by and did quality control on these and said they were a keeper!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Kisses Updated* These came out great, look just like the photo

Russuan Tea Horns (aka... Rugelach)
I add LOTS of powdered sugar on top of mine though
Updated* These are done and....Aaaaaah so heavenly


Chocolate Chocolate Chip Updated* These are now done and taste like brownies - Mmmmm




Butterscotch and Chocolate Chip Updated * Did some crunchy & some soft to please everybody



Iced Sugar Cookies Updated* These are now done and the kids (adults in the house) are eating them up



Egg Nog Cookies Updated* These bake at 300 degrees for 25 minutes, they are very light and fluffy, almost flatten out. Hmmm, note to self to add a bit more flour next time.


Snow Balls (aka... Mexican Wedding Cookies) Updated* Done at last and worth the wait... but now I'm whooped tired!




... and if there is time, I'll be making Chocolate Almond Toffee. Updated* Yep, I made this delicious candy too plus Chocolate covered Pretzel Rods and a Classic Cheesecake!

Betty Crocker has left the building and collapsed in bed!


Well like most of us ladies, we'll all be baking and cooking for days. I pray that our backs don't get too sore and that we stop for a spell to enjoy some quiet time putting together a holiday puzzle with our family ~ I haven't met a person who can't resist joining the table for a puzzle ~ and enjoy a pot of tea with your cookies!



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Visiting...

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Well, we are off today to visit relatives! Have a great Monday!

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Glam'Eyes

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The kids and I went to Tarjay Boutique yesterday, seriously WHAT was I thinking? Seriously, I was thinking I NEEDED some mascara. Oh my stars, the parking lot was full and the people rude. Hmmm ~ note to self for future referrence not to shop 5 days before Christmas. The kids take my mind off the rude manners of the people though because they see things I don't. For example, while grocery shopping I see products on shelves; my kids see ALL the toys and knick-knacks that are on the hooks extending from the shelves. Their eye sight is superior to nothing Google Earth has because from ACROSS the 3 mile long store, they can eye spy an microscopic item. Yes, I have gifted children thus why I take them shopping with me every chance I get. (sigh)

I told the kids we needed to look for inexpensive mascara for Mommy. My darling girl found me the perfect item! It's Rimmel brand, called Glam'Eyes Mascara. The eye spy item was the on the black and pink packaging, it has a tiny crown on it. Crowns are big here because we know we are children of the Most High King ~ Jesus, thus we are Princess' and Princes'. (By the way, our Christmas tree topper is a Crown!)

My boy who loves to be praised for his reading skills asked if he could read the packaging; Seductive Volume. It really says Seductive but I don't want him saying that so I interrupt - that's SELECTIVE honey, okay keep going.

Turn heads. Son looks up and turns his head - can ya 'all just fall on the floor laughing right now!

New VolumFlex Brush styles lashes for sensational volume and instant separation. Ultra supple elasto-bristles groom each lash, lacquering them from root to tip for a spectacular 7 x more lash intensity. At this point there is much more to read but my Boy said instead, "Mommy, it's going to do things I can't read."

Round of applause for the Boy! Yea, I'll take it. And ya know, I have to say that I am pleased with the results. It's oily so it goes on easily and doesn't clump right away after sweeping several coats on. My eyes are popping! Ladies, I invite you all to try this inexpensive item in a pinch!

**(Sorry, darling boy isn't included with the packing)

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Oy Vey to $50!

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Why the Oy Vey?

Well on Monday when I started the Christmas Tour my video monitor went completely blank!

Can we say P-A-N-I-C?

Well long story short... I paid $50.00 to Tech Support to learn that my monitor cable was loose and when I snug it in all cozy like, the monitor came back to life. Ya' all this burns my biscuits! Oh Vey! I tell you I tried everything to figure out what the problem was! Didn't even occur to me to check the cables.... I mean the computer has been in the same spot for 6 years probably. That cable isn't moving anywhere~ right? Well then I forgot about gravity! Yeah, good old gravity does pull on things. For example, the bags under my eyes this morning are pulling! Oh well, at least that is all it was right?

I finally finished the tour though, took me nearly 4 days but I got through all the blogs. That was so much fun, I enjoy meeting all the new people! Big thank you to Cynthia at Muse Swings who hosted superbly!

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Christmas in Bloggyland Tour

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Knock, Knock!

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Hello my dear friends, do come in! Please, let me take your coat.

Wow, there are so many of us today on the tour! Isn't it amazing how a little fun can grow into yet another FUN adventure and along the way you meet new friends! A loud applause goes to Cynthia at Muse Swings for her continued leadership in hosting.

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I decided to do something a little different today so that we can get through all these posts before o'dark-thirty tonight. I will keep this short and simple...

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Take a seat next to the fire here and enjoy with me

my FAVORITE scene from the movie "ELF"

I hear sounds of laughter! It's been a good day! I encourage you to make your way through the tour today and share your comments abundantly!

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Do you know your Christmas Carols?

Looking at the pictures below, name the Christmas Carols represented in the illustrations:

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE FOR EASY VIEWING

Now don't cheat just yet...

Scroll down for the correct answers

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Answers
1. Jingle Bells

2. Walking in a Winter Wonderland

3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town

4. Joy to the World

5. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

6. O' Come All Ye Faithful

7. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

8. Oh, Christmas Tree

9. What Child is This?

10. We Three Kings

11. Deck the Halls

12. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In

13. O' Holy Night

14. Noel

15. Away In a Manger

16. The Twelve Days of Christmas

17. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

18. All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth

19. Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

20. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

21. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

22. Silent Night

23. O' Little Town of Bethlehem

24. Silver Bells

Christmas Questionnaire

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Christmas Questionnaire:


1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? Fresh! Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh pine?

2. Favorite Ornament- A GINORMUS bling of a diamond ring! (plastic of course- ha ha)

3. Favorite Christmas Song- Hands down, All I Want For Christmas is You, by Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas Album is seriously musically the best rockin' holiday CD of my time. And how cute was she in that little Santa outfit on the cover? When I hear it while I'm shopping I'm instantly singing along.

4. Favorite Tradition- Hands down, starting my own traditions! Now don't get me wrong people, but when some traditions become obligations, they ain't traditions anymore. No fun, no fun at all. Oh yes, I was happier than a bee in a hive when I turned 18, moved out on my own and financially supported myself to say... No Thank You; Nope - don't want to; it will start when I get there and end when I leave; etc!

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received- The gift I remember being most excited about was a set of metal kitchen appliances - a stove and refrigerator filled with accessories!

6. Favorite Christmas Meal- The typical meal. Turkey/Ham, Stuffing/Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce (the fake kind from the can NOT real cranberry), Sweet Potatoes and wait for it.... JELLO SALAD MOLD - ya know the one with the walnuts and cranberries and whipped cream in it. Then wait a few hours and do it all over again.

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie- My very own recipe for sugar cookies with icing. I'll be famous one day - you could say you knew me when I was just your blog friend, then I'll be your famous-blog-cookie-friend.

8. Favorite Place to be- With my family, extended family, friends.

9. Favorite Memory- First Christmas spent with my precious baby girl because it wasn't about me anymore.

10. Favorite Christmas Movie- White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kay, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen.

I'd love to see your answers too so please accept this open invitation to play along on your blog and tell me that you did so I can visit ya!

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99 Life Experiences

I saw this on Karla's blog, and thought it would be fun to do too. The bolded items are things I've done. You're invited to copy this to your own blog and bold your experiences. Let me know if you do! I'd love to see your list!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band (does a school band count?)

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain (Lake Tahoe)

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (Karaoke)

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check (Unfortunately... unintentionally... *sigh*)

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Not bad, not bad... I think looking over the list! How about you?

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GPS + Jesus = Saved

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Ha Ha - I absolutely love this! Pranksters and Criminals don't have a chance in this era of technology! Read about it here and here!

Have a great day!

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Award by Proxi!

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Thank you! Thank you! Taking a bow.... thanks to a generous friend, Nana Trish, at Nana's Living the Dream. If you don't know Nana Trish already, I invite you to stop by and introduce yourself to this lovely lady! She could use your prayers too because she has a broken foot! OUCH! No fun, I broke a toe once and I thought that was bad ~ can't imagine a foot! Lift her up would you please? Nana Trish and I, well we've been on a couple of blogging adventures together thanks to mutual blogging friends who come up with fun escapes to spend the day. It's a riot! Who knew spending 10 hours blogging could be so much fun! ha ha


This is the special "Proximidade" award. This award is a fine one because it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this on-line world (kind of a Six Degrees of Separation sort of thing).

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. T hey are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!


Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."


I TOO am proud to pass this award to:


1) Melody at Tea Time with Melody
2) Lavinia at Bird Bath Chronicles
3) Cynthia at Muse Swings

4) Sparky at My Thoughts Exactly
5) Rebecca at Ladies Historical Tea Society
6) Karen at Sassy Lass
7) Gill at That British Woman
8) Petra Michelle at PetraMichelle/Whose Roll Is It Anyway

Thanks again Nana Trish! Have a great day!

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Sunday things....

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How I spent my Sunday!

Woke up to discover the coffee pot didn't get washed out from the day before. So while it was drying I looked DEEP into the cupboard and found....

Espresso coffee! Yahoo! I just happened to have some Egg Nog on hand, so we diluted it with milk and added the espresso and voila ~ Egg Nog Latte! Delicious!

Then we went to church and heard a great message...

In Matthew chapter 2, King Herod was like the Grinch who stole Christmas because King Herod wanted to kill the newborn KING, Jesus. It was very relate able and easy to understand! Loved it!

Then we stopped at the Hair-Cut Store, as the kids like to call it... to get some trim work done.

After that we stopped at a new market and perused the aisles! We are definitely going back because we loaded up on fruit, veggies and a treat for $11.00! My heart sang when I saw Artichokes for .69 cents a piece! We haven't had those in over a year! Christmas came early to our house! Then we saw Fuji apples for .79 cents a pound - loaded up on those! They had everything, grapes, oranges, 5 different types of bananas, every kind of lettuce available probably.

Then came home to defrost ourselves because the market was SO COLD! I put on a pot of tea and we enjoyed that with our treat!

Then My Man finished putting up the last string of lights on the house!

Free time! Let's play some games like Slap - Jack!

B-I-N-G-O !!

Then it was time for dinner! Hmmm, what to make? Hamburger Helper with my extraordinary purchase of the day.... (wait for it..)

ARTICHOKES!!!!!

Finally, I talked on the phone to my Mother-in-Law and caught each other up on the family!



I hope you all had a lovely weekend too!

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Thankful still...

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Thankful still...

... to be employed!

I returned from the Thanksgiving Holiday vacation to learn that we're experiencing BIG TIME reductions in staff at my job and for many, their last day is Dec 31. It's hard to see your co-workers be given notice. You spend so much time together, your work environment is like your second family. Sad times around here... as a result I haven't been on the blog nor been able to visit my blogging friends for awhile, so I'll be catching up on all my visits this weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing what is new with you all! See you soon!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Freedom from Want, by Norman Rockwell.

The Saturday Evening Post, March 6, 1943

Story illustration/ Oil on canvas

Every year for Thanksgiving I try to come up with a few things I am thankful for. Many of these words are recycled from year to year.... and I'm thankful that it remains year after year!

I am happy that I have such wonderful friends and family. I have a lot of new friends that have come into my life in the past year and I want to take this moment to tell them all how lucky I am to know them and how blessed I am to have their friendship. Last year, 2007 was the worst ... but from it came truth for dear loved ones, the kind of truth that sets you free and God has continued to heal them this year and He is faithful to continue for however long it takes because it has ETERNAL purpose. I am SO incredibly grateful that many of you have been such a great support network for me, for everything - advice, hugs, love, just listening.

I am thankful to have had horrible job experiences through the years. Without it, I wouldn't have learned how to deal with negative, disfunctional people and their situations, as well as gaining knowledge and on-the-job experience. And my job isn't for whimps either! I am confident now in my abilities than I was when I first started my career many years ago. I have faith that I can do what I was trained to do. It is confirmed each time I'm given special projects because it's given knowing it will be done right when I'm finished.

Thank you Lord, for every night I lie down in a comfortable and safe home. There is always plenty to eat in my house despite my worries. In my country I enjoy great freedom. Though I have many grievances with our leaders and institutions, I truly appreciate the honor and opportunity it is to be an American. I am blessed with good health in mind and body, while many people have a serious illness which keeps them from enjoying a full and happy life. For my children. My greatest blessing is my wonderful children. They truly are the gift from you that “light up my life.” For my wonderful husband, who continues to love, support and give of himself.

Thank you Lord, for Your Son, Jesus. No one ever loved me like Jesus. He loved me so much that he was willing to die, that I might have everlasting life. Thank you, Jesus. Dear Lord, Thank you for all of your rich blessings. Help us to share what you have given us with those who are less fortunate than we are. Amen

Here's wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tag, I'm it!

I have been tagged by That British Woman!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Hmmm, can't remember.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yep

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Salami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yep

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Silly question, of course I would be...

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Nope

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS. Yes, I believe I still do

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Now that I have children, nope

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms... childhood memories

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically, no, emotionally absolutely! Step-parenting isn't for wimps!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? I love everything! I do my part to keep the dairy farmers of America employed

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their character

15. RED OR PINK? PINK

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Obvious answer for a woman... My weight

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Hmmm, no immediate answer comes to mind

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes, it's fun to participate

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Wore black today

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Peanut M&M's

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My Man scooping ice cream and my children laughing

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Cha Cha

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Dinner ready in the crockpot when I walk through the door

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My Man

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes, Gill is a fun blog friend

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Ballroom Dancing

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown/Grey, until I dye it then it should only be brown!!

28. EYE COLOR? Blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy ending

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? White Christmas

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Blue

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Tie between Creme Brulee and Cherry Cordial Blizzards at Dairy Queen

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever feels like it

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND. Elvis

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Northanger Abbey... again

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Plain navy blue

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Dancing with the Stars

42. FAVORITE SOUND. Laughter

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? The Island of Barbados

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can draw and write calligraphy but I'm a bit rusty.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? The Good Ol' USA

If you're reading this, you're invited to be tagged! Have fun and I look forward to reading your posts! Have a grea day!

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Butterfly Award

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I received The Butterfly Award this week from Sparky! What a gal and what an award! Isnt't is a beauty! People are so creative, I'd like to learn how to make one of those! Make it all Cha-Cha of course! ha ha

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Wow, thank you SO much Sparky! I love awards! Love to get them and give them and I've got a pile to give away... after the holiday when I'll have more computer time.

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Unfortunately, Sparky has a sore back at the moment so if you could lift her up in prayer, I'm sure she'd appreciate it. I encourage you to click on over to visit Sparkly and see the coolest blog you'll ever know!

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New Host for 2009!

~Masterpiece Classic~

On Sunday nights, PBS (check your local public broadcasting station) has Masterpiece Classic, renamed from the old Masterpiece Theatre. Usually these are short adaptions of longer movies but they are still just as enjoyable! Except for the recent Persuasion movie (Jane Austen) because it completely changed the ending due to time constraints. I'm looking forward to getting the VCR tapes ready!

Emmy Award-winning actress Laura Linney will be the new host of MASTERPIECE CLASSIC on PBS, making her first appearance on January 4, 2009 when the series premieres with a new adaptation of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles", followed by "Wuthering Heights" (January 18 and 25).

In February, MASTERPIECE CLASSIC launches "The Incomplete Charles Dickens" with a bold new adaptation of "Oliver Twist.

March will bring a repeat of the acclaimed "David Copperfield" and the highly anticipated March 29 premiere of the five-part miniseries "Little Dorrit".

On May 3, it will continue the series of "The Incomplete Charles Dickens".

Ah, it's going to be a good year!

Enjoy!

Good morning!

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In the mornings, I like to vary the ways I wake up my children. It's usually with music or smothering them with kisses. Today this is what I did... hence the music you hear on the blog... blasted REALLY loud!

As you can see it worked for the girl... by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was rockin'!

Now here is the boy under that mass of sheets and blankets.

He wasn't rockin' it... hmmm... I foresee this as a picture of the future teen years.

It's Friday! Have a great and rockin' day from the Cha Cha!

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Bride and Groom's first dance

Watch it all the way to the end... Boy this Groom can move it, move it! Lucky Girl! If anyone does this at thier wedding, will you please invite me? ha ha

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Lemonade Award!

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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I got this "refreshing" award from Soulbrush today and she is as sweet as this lemonade stand! Seriously, she'd give you a cavity! I encourage you to click on over, introduce yourself and meet a new friend whose is so full of talent, we have barely tapped into her yet!

Have a great day!
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The Grape Escape

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It is my pleasure to welcome you to Security Headquarters for The Grape Escape!

I am assistanting Stevie Wren today with Security. Remember, if you chose to travel with the Grape Escape tour group you must complete the official Roman Holiday security questionnaire. Please submit requests for security clearance to Madame Ladyslipper in time for the vetting process to be completed. Be aware, security personnel will be checking carefully for any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear abnormalities. Please be ready to give a full account for any of the above activities. Travel visas will be issued upon approval.

Here I am at Central Control

Our newest agent who will be attached at my hip...

Smoking is allowed here, can I offer you a light... now smile when you inhale...

Ah, I see that our guests are just arriving into port...



Let me zoom in for a closer look...



Just as I suspected, Museswings has lost her key... again... so she says. Not a problem, we are prepared here at Central Control.

Double Agent Sparky is trying out our new tube of Lipstick! The color is... The Kiss of Death!

(Enhanced Photo)

(Enhanced even more...)

It appears we have a security breach on the Mojo Deck, all passengers must report to Central Control for security screenings...


Place your thumb directly on the pad...

Our GPS device will begin tracking you now...

Ooooooooooooh, now don't be trying to distract Security with the old Box of Donuts' trick.

(Don't anyone touch the sprinkled ones!)

There may be 50 ways to leave your lover but there is only 1 way to leave this blog...

Bibi
Blicky Kitty
Mary Lou
Mim
Pat
Petra Michelle
Soulbrush
Trish

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