Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pic already has an explanation. I will say Roxie gave her blessing for me to use it on the blog today. Shocking, I know.
RANDOMNESS #1 - It was very difficult to go to school yesterday. I had planned on getting the majority of the decorating done, but cleaning the house after a week off from any and all routine whatsoever left a little less time than I needed.
I'm thinking pretty green trees with twinkly lights might make the prettiest Christmas trees. No boxes and boxes of ornaments! I'll call it a "natural" Christmas. (My kids will NOT go for this at all!)
RANDOMNESS #2 - By this time each year, I am usually addressing my Christmas cards (I haven't picked out my card template yet), I have bought three-fourths of my Christmas gifts (I may have one-eighth purchased, but I doubt it) and I am already wrapping two or three gifts a day (I don't have anything to wrap). I am relying heavily on my "Austin Went to College, Josh is Driving AND Regularly Using a Chainsaw and Roxie is a Teenager" meds to get me through the day.
RANDOMNESS #3 - I wanted to share five of my favorite Thanksgiving "memories" from this past holiday.
1. On Tuesday night when Austin arrived home, the Faulkner Five went to a movie together, and it was so much fun.
2. I loved sharing Thankful Letters at Grandmother's after Thanksgiving lunch. MamMa (my Grandmother) didn't write a letter, but when everyone was finished, she talked for a few minutes about her childhood, her marriage to my Granddaddy and the many things for which she was thankful. It was so touching, and I'll remember it forever.
3. Black Friday with Roxie, Bev, Katie, Amy and Monica. These chicks are growing up so fast, and they are such wonderful girls. They are funny, sweet, smart and so, so pretty... inside and out. I love spending "girl time" with them, and I'm thrilled the last thing they say to each other as we are leaving the Wynfrey is, "I can't wait until next year."
4. Cutting down our Christmas tree this year was even more fun than usual because I was able to watch Josh at work. It was so exciting to stand back and observe.
(I went to Chick-Fil-A a few times incognito when Austin first began working there, too. Unlike Josh, I didn't take pictures of Austin behind the counter. I gave my camera to a co-worker, and she took the picture for me. And guess what? He smiled and posed and several of the other employees jumped into the picture. It was sweet and very non-embarrassing! Of course, I later "Photoshopped" the other employees out of the pic, but that's another story.)
5. Austin took Roxie to a movie Sunday afternoon... just the two of them. (Josh would have gone, but he had to work.) They had a good time together one-on-one, and I'm thankful they enjoy spending time together.
CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST!
I have a little surprise for you today. Share your favorite Thanksgiving holiday memory, and I'll put your name in a bowl for a drawing. The prize... THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A CALENDAR WITH ALL THE MONTHLY COUPONS!
The rules are as follows:
1. You only have to share one Thanksgiving memory, and it can be from any Thanksgiving. Not just Thanksgiving 2010.
2. You can leave the memory under the Comment Section of A Simple Life, on Facebook OR e-mail me!
3. You have until midnight on Thursday, December 2 to leave your memory and name.
4. I will draw the winner of THE NEW CHICK-FIL-A CALENDAR WITH ALL THE MONTHLY COUPONS first thing Friday morning!
Happy Thanksgiving AND Merry Christmas!
Autumn Harvest Pie
As I said yesterday, my sister-in-law, Becky, brought this pie for Sunday dinner. It was so pretty... and delicious. I kept asking her what kind of crust she used. She told me to taste it first (which can be dangerous), but I did and it was wonderful. Guess what? The crust is made from cake mix! And it bakes up over the edge of the pie! And it looks as amazing as it tastes! And Josh now eats pumpkin pie because this recipe is so good!
You will need the following:
Crust:
1 box yellow butter cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter (melted)
Mix and press into two 9" pie dishes.
Filling:
1 8-ounce bar of cream cheese
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick butter (melted)
3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1. Mix all filling ingredients and pour into the prepared crusts, divided.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until just firm in the middle.
3. Cool and serve with sweetened whipped cream.
Becky found this recipe in the Alfa Friends & Family magazine. They had a contest, and Carol Simpson of St. Clair County won first place with this recipe, as well she should.
I'm making the pie tomorrow for Josh and Mikie, but I'm also going to experiment in the future with the crust. I want to see what other pies go well with "cake mix crust."
I hope you have a terrific Tuesday. Look forward to Wednesday Wisdom, a Christmas Party, Tradition OR Devotion (surprise, surprise) and pics from tonight's Christmas Choir Concert (Josh) and the Volleyball Banquet (Roxie).
Don't forget to enter the CONTEST!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
Welcome to Mindless Monday. For all of you readers who think I'm a little "wordy" at times (Mikie), this is the day when A Simple Life allows the pictures to tell the story of the weekend.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It was VERY difficult to get up this morning and back into the "routine," but we did. I'll be decorating today and tomorrow. On Wednesday, December 1, if a certain decoration is not displayed, chances are it will not be featured at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) this holiday season.
Have a great Monday. I have a fantastic pie recipe to share tomorrow. The crust is the key... easy, delicious and pretty. I think you're going to like it very, very much. (My sister-in-law, Becky, brought it for Sunday dinner. Loved it!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Welcome to Mindless Monday. For all of you readers who think I'm a little "wordy" at times (Mikie), this is the day when A Simple Life allows the pictures to tell the story of the weekend.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It was VERY difficult to get up this morning and back into the "routine," but we did. I'll be decorating today and tomorrow. On Wednesday, December 1, if a certain decoration is not displayed, chances are it will not be featured at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) this holiday season.
Have a great Monday. I have a fantastic pie recipe to share tomorrow. The crust is the key... easy, delicious and pretty. I think you're going to like it very, very much. (My sister-in-law, Becky, brought it for Sunday dinner. Loved it!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, November 26, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday evening!
The Gallery is full of Thanksgiving Day pics. (Finally, photos of people!)
The schedule is definitely "off" due to the holidays, Black Friday and massive sleep deprivation, but I'll do a short and sweet Weekend Happenings post just to get things back on track.
Weekend Happenings
Friday, of course, was Black Friday at the mall. (I'll be sharing that tale with you next week.) Extremely fun, but totally exhausting, best sums up that entire experience!
We were able to watch the Iron Bowl as the Faulkner Five, and it was very, very enjoyable. A little pizza to celebrate Auburn's victory, and I was in the bed by 8:30... asleep by 8:31.
We are planning on going to the Christmas tree farm Saturday to cut our tree. Josh is working, but he said if we give him a big tip, he'll be more than happy go join our little group during the tree cutting process. (The boy is all heart, I tell you.)
Sunday will be spent at church and visiting with Mikie's family. I'll probably start decorating a little tomorrow night. My goal is to be totally finished by Wednesday, December 1. We'll see. We'll see.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend. I'll be back Monday with a Gallery full of photos for Mindless Monday (short post and lots of pics). We'll be on our regular schedule then.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery is full of Thanksgiving Day pics. (Finally, photos of people!)
The schedule is definitely "off" due to the holidays, Black Friday and massive sleep deprivation, but I'll do a short and sweet Weekend Happenings post just to get things back on track.
Weekend Happenings
Friday, of course, was Black Friday at the mall. (I'll be sharing that tale with you next week.) Extremely fun, but totally exhausting, best sums up that entire experience!
We were able to watch the Iron Bowl as the Faulkner Five, and it was very, very enjoyable. A little pizza to celebrate Auburn's victory, and I was in the bed by 8:30... asleep by 8:31.
We are planning on going to the Christmas tree farm Saturday to cut our tree. Josh is working, but he said if we give him a big tip, he'll be more than happy go join our little group during the tree cutting process. (The boy is all heart, I tell you.)
Sunday will be spent at church and visiting with Mikie's family. I'll probably start decorating a little tomorrow night. My goal is to be totally finished by Wednesday, December 1. We'll see. We'll see.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend. I'll be back Monday with a Gallery full of photos for Mindless Monday (short post and lots of pics). We'll be on our regular schedule then.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Black Friday Dates
Good Thursday morning! Happy Thanksgiving, too!
The Gallery Pics are of some Thanksgiving dishes Roxie and I prepared yesterday. She baked her first pecan pie, and did an excellent job. I tried homemade cranberry sauce in the crockpot. I'll be tasting it this morning (it has to be refrigerated overnight), but it makes the whole house smell amazing. (I didn't have to burn candles last night to kill the sweaty tennis shoe smell!)
ANNOUNCEMENT - Since I'll be going to the Wynfrey this afternoon with sister, niece and cousins, I will NOT be posting on Belinda's Project Life tonight. I will "catch up" Friday evening. After Friday, everything will be back on schedule for Belinda's Project Life!
Also, my Friday post will be LATE (around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.), but it WILL BE posted. There will be Weekend Happenings, Thanksgiving Day AND Black Friday pictures, etc. Friday afternoon.
Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For This Year (Continued)
6. Extended Family. I am blessed with a fairly large extended family on my side as well as Mikie's. Grandparent, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews... and a GREAT-nephew. I am thankful!
7. Friends. I thankful for the friends God has put in my life... old and new. I try very hard to not take this for granted.
8. Home. I am most thankful for a home... not just a house. It is not a perfect home by any means, but it is filled with memories, laughter, tears, very tall "man-boys," giggling teenage girls and giant, smelly tennis shoes... everywhere. It's my favorite place to be.
9. Needs Met. I am thankful God has provided for every need we have had as a family... financial and otherwise. This is most definitely something to be thankful for in today's economy, and I do NOT take it for granted.
10. Our Country. I'm EXTREMELY thankful for the men and women who serve in our country's military defending our freedom. I am thankful for their families. I cannot imagine the sacrifice they give each and every day. I am thankful to live in America.
Well, that's the Top Ten. Of course, there is so much more. When I stop to think about the people and things I give thanks for, it's amazing how quickly the list can grow. As with most things in this busy world, it's all about taking the time to actually "stop" and "do." (Something I do not remember often enough, I am afraid.)
Blog Linkage - It's Thanksgiving Day, so I have only one link for you to read. (I know you're busy.) It is sweet and entertaining. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "Nostalgism" dated November 22. I think you'll enjoy your reading for the day.
Black Friday Dates
I have two Black Friday dates to share. One for the girls and one for the guys!
1. As I mentioned before, Roxie and I are spending the night at the Wynfrey tonight and getting up at 4:00 a.m. to shop at the Galleria with a million or so other crazy women. Instead of this being a one-on-one date, we decided to spend this time with four other family members... but it would work well either way. This is a date you could start next year with a teenage daughter and continue for years and years to come.
I make the reservations after the first of the year. Roxie and I enjoy Thanksgiving Day with family. We head to the Wynfrey around 5:00 p.m. and meet everyone in the lobby. We head up to our room and watch TV, eat snack food and go to bed early. The next morning, we head out and shop, shop, shop until 11:00 a.m. (check-out time). It's amazing what you can get done between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Simply amazing!
For this date to be a success, you need to like/love shopping. You also have to be patient in crowds and long lines. This is not a sprint... it is a marathon. If you and yours are not morning people, this may not be the date for you. However, for those of you who can go-with-the-flow, this is a fun, fun memory-making date.
2. I went to Bargain Mom (of course), and she had the following information to share.
If you are planning to shop Bass Pro Shops on Black Friday, attend The Great Turkey Campout with them Thursday night and get in on some free fun.
Here's what they offer:
A Bass Pro Shop Gift Card will be given away every half-hour.
Keep warm at the fire pit.
Enjoy free hot chocolate and s'mores.
Play fun games.
Bring your tent and camp on the lot.
Be one of the first in the door Friday morning.
The Campout is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m Thursday night.
Then you can sleep in your tent on the lot.
They've also got a car, tent and camping gear Grand Prize you can enter to win.
Black Friday Morning they will have caroling and free refreshments from 5:30 to 7:00 a.m.
Go to www.basspro.com for more information. (Scroll down to the box which says "4th Annual, The Great Turkey Campout" and click.)
I cannot tell you how crowded it will be since I haven't attended. However, if you have the right Black Friday mindset, it sounds like it could be an adventure for you and your guy/gal.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Be safe if you are traveling today.
Remember... Friday's post will appear around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of some Thanksgiving dishes Roxie and I prepared yesterday. She baked her first pecan pie, and did an excellent job. I tried homemade cranberry sauce in the crockpot. I'll be tasting it this morning (it has to be refrigerated overnight), but it makes the whole house smell amazing. (I didn't have to burn candles last night to kill the sweaty tennis shoe smell!)
ANNOUNCEMENT - Since I'll be going to the Wynfrey this afternoon with sister, niece and cousins, I will NOT be posting on Belinda's Project Life tonight. I will "catch up" Friday evening. After Friday, everything will be back on schedule for Belinda's Project Life!
Also, my Friday post will be LATE (around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.), but it WILL BE posted. There will be Weekend Happenings, Thanksgiving Day AND Black Friday pictures, etc. Friday afternoon.
Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For This Year (Continued)
6. Extended Family. I am blessed with a fairly large extended family on my side as well as Mikie's. Grandparent, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews... and a GREAT-nephew. I am thankful!
7. Friends. I thankful for the friends God has put in my life... old and new. I try very hard to not take this for granted.
8. Home. I am most thankful for a home... not just a house. It is not a perfect home by any means, but it is filled with memories, laughter, tears, very tall "man-boys," giggling teenage girls and giant, smelly tennis shoes... everywhere. It's my favorite place to be.
9. Needs Met. I am thankful God has provided for every need we have had as a family... financial and otherwise. This is most definitely something to be thankful for in today's economy, and I do NOT take it for granted.
10. Our Country. I'm EXTREMELY thankful for the men and women who serve in our country's military defending our freedom. I am thankful for their families. I cannot imagine the sacrifice they give each and every day. I am thankful to live in America.
Well, that's the Top Ten. Of course, there is so much more. When I stop to think about the people and things I give thanks for, it's amazing how quickly the list can grow. As with most things in this busy world, it's all about taking the time to actually "stop" and "do." (Something I do not remember often enough, I am afraid.)
Blog Linkage - It's Thanksgiving Day, so I have only one link for you to read. (I know you're busy.) It is sweet and entertaining. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Scroll down to the post entitled "Nostalgism" dated November 22. I think you'll enjoy your reading for the day.
Black Friday Dates
I have two Black Friday dates to share. One for the girls and one for the guys!
1. As I mentioned before, Roxie and I are spending the night at the Wynfrey tonight and getting up at 4:00 a.m. to shop at the Galleria with a million or so other crazy women. Instead of this being a one-on-one date, we decided to spend this time with four other family members... but it would work well either way. This is a date you could start next year with a teenage daughter and continue for years and years to come.
I make the reservations after the first of the year. Roxie and I enjoy Thanksgiving Day with family. We head to the Wynfrey around 5:00 p.m. and meet everyone in the lobby. We head up to our room and watch TV, eat snack food and go to bed early. The next morning, we head out and shop, shop, shop until 11:00 a.m. (check-out time). It's amazing what you can get done between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Simply amazing!
For this date to be a success, you need to like/love shopping. You also have to be patient in crowds and long lines. This is not a sprint... it is a marathon. If you and yours are not morning people, this may not be the date for you. However, for those of you who can go-with-the-flow, this is a fun, fun memory-making date.
2. I went to Bargain Mom (of course), and she had the following information to share.
If you are planning to shop Bass Pro Shops on Black Friday, attend The Great Turkey Campout with them Thursday night and get in on some free fun.
Here's what they offer:
A Bass Pro Shop Gift Card will be given away every half-hour.
Keep warm at the fire pit.
Enjoy free hot chocolate and s'mores.
Play fun games.
Bring your tent and camp on the lot.
Be one of the first in the door Friday morning.
The Campout is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m Thursday night.
Then you can sleep in your tent on the lot.
They've also got a car, tent and camping gear Grand Prize you can enter to win.
Black Friday Morning they will have caroling and free refreshments from 5:30 to 7:00 a.m.
Go to www.basspro.com for more information. (Scroll down to the box which says "4th Annual, The Great Turkey Campout" and click.)
I cannot tell you how crowded it will be since I haven't attended. However, if you have the right Black Friday mindset, it sounds like it could be an adventure for you and your guy/gal.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Be safe if you are traveling today.
Remember... Friday's post will appear around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Celebrate With an Original Thanksgiving Dinner
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are a few hodge-podge shots. Anyone wanting a picture with my giant Santa Penguin needs to make an appointment. I'll be glad to oblige!
Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For This Year
I am thankful for...
1. God. The older I become, the more I want to strive for a closer and more personal relationship with God, my Father. I'm thankful for ministers, churches, books and countless resources which make this so much easier in America than many other places in the world.
2. Mikie. I try not to take him for granted, but I know that sometimes I do. This is the year I will strive to take the time to be thankful for the Christian husband and dad he is each and every day. Twenty-two (almost 23) years have come and gone so quickly, but I KNOW I married the man God had planned for me. It has been an honor to be his wife.
3. Austin. I'm thankful he loves college. I'm even more thankful he loves to come home. Nineteen years have come and gone so quickly, but I'm so, so thankful I've been blessed to have a front-row seat to watch the little boy become a fine, Christian young man. It has been an honor to be his Mom.
4. Josh. I'm thankful he has never given up during times of extreme adversity and illness. He is the main reason I've been able to keep going many days. While it is not a journey I would EVER have chosen for one of my children, he continues to get up each and every day to face and overcome obstacles I can only imagine. In many ways, he is my hero. Seventeen years have come and gone so quickly, but Josh has taught me to live one day at a time, to look for something good in sometimes hopeless situations and to turn to God... over and over and over again. It has been an honor to be his Mom.
5. Roxie. I'm thankful for this chick. I'm thankful for her fire, sassiness, sweetness, style, focus and dedication. She is NOT a "little Belinda." I'm not sure where her personality comes from, but it brings me so much joy... for the most part! Fourteen years have come and gone so quickly, and while I miss the little girl, I'm loving the young lady I see growing up in front of my very eyes. It has been an honor to be her Mom.
In order to keep this post under 20,000 words, I will share the last five "things" tomorrow morning.
Wednesday Wisdom - I'm using more quotes from Rev. Billy Graham today. I wish I could share them all, but as you can imagine, there are just too many good ones.
The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.
The word "romance," according to the dictionary, means excitement, adventure, and something extremely real. Romance should last a lifetime.
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
You're born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there's a loophole. (I love loopholes!)
Celebrate With an Original Thanksgiving Dinner
Did you know the first Thanksgiving dinner may or may not have had turkey on the menu? However, that's not the only surprising thing about the original Thanksgiving dinner menu. Read on.
I'm not saying to do away with your traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner. No, sir. But wouldn't it be fun to add a couple of surprise dishes that really were served on that first Thanksgiving Day? Here are some fun facts to share with your family about what really happened.
The only written eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving dinner was a letter written by a colonist, Edward Winslow, to his friend in England in late 1621.
Foods That Were Not Served at the First Thanksgiving
1. Turkey - Turkey was often eaten by both the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims, but it was not specifically mentioned in Winslows’ letter. The account mentions “wild fowl,” and could have referred to duck or geese instead of wild turkey.
2. Popcorn - There was no popcorn, corn was prevalent but was not popped.
3. Cranberry Sauce - Fifty years AFTER 1621 there is mention of a cranberry sauce for use with meat in English recipes.
4. Potatoes - White potatoes were virtually unknown in England at the time of the Thanksgiving feast. They were only raised by specialized botanists at the time, and were not a part of the English diet. Sweet potatoes were imported into England from Spain, and were used only by the ultra wealthy.
5. Pumpkin Pie - There were no readily available ingredients for the crust of a pumpkin pie at the time. Pumpkin and squash were included in the feast, but served as vegetables only. After 1621, pumpkin dessert recipes included pumpkin pieces sliced similar to apples only.
6. Apples - Apples were not present in 1621 in Plymouth.
Foods Included in the Original Thanksgiving Feast
In addition to the wild fowl, pumpkin and squash mentioned above, the following foods were certainly abundant and most likely were included in the “harvest” celebration:
1. Lobsters (How surprised would your family be if you prepared a lobster?)
2. Eel (Same question as above.)
3. Oysters
4. Parsnips (You've got to be kidding me!)
5. Collards
6. Turnips
7. Spinach
8. Onions
9. Dried Beans
10. Dried Blueberries
11. Grapes
12. Nuts
I borrowed these facts from www.suite101.com.
Have a fun Wednesday as you get ready for your Thanksgiving celebrations tomorrow. Today is still Encouraging Wednesday. Remember there are many, many people around you who are struggling and need a kind word or deed... ESPECIALLY during this holiday season. Take a little time to love on someone who needs it today. I'll have a date and Blog Linkage bright and early Thursday morning. It will be a busy day, but if you have a chance, visit A Simple Life for a few minutes.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are a few hodge-podge shots. Anyone wanting a picture with my giant Santa Penguin needs to make an appointment. I'll be glad to oblige!
Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For This Year
I am thankful for...
1. God. The older I become, the more I want to strive for a closer and more personal relationship with God, my Father. I'm thankful for ministers, churches, books and countless resources which make this so much easier in America than many other places in the world.
2. Mikie. I try not to take him for granted, but I know that sometimes I do. This is the year I will strive to take the time to be thankful for the Christian husband and dad he is each and every day. Twenty-two (almost 23) years have come and gone so quickly, but I KNOW I married the man God had planned for me. It has been an honor to be his wife.
3. Austin. I'm thankful he loves college. I'm even more thankful he loves to come home. Nineteen years have come and gone so quickly, but I'm so, so thankful I've been blessed to have a front-row seat to watch the little boy become a fine, Christian young man. It has been an honor to be his Mom.
4. Josh. I'm thankful he has never given up during times of extreme adversity and illness. He is the main reason I've been able to keep going many days. While it is not a journey I would EVER have chosen for one of my children, he continues to get up each and every day to face and overcome obstacles I can only imagine. In many ways, he is my hero. Seventeen years have come and gone so quickly, but Josh has taught me to live one day at a time, to look for something good in sometimes hopeless situations and to turn to God... over and over and over again. It has been an honor to be his Mom.
5. Roxie. I'm thankful for this chick. I'm thankful for her fire, sassiness, sweetness, style, focus and dedication. She is NOT a "little Belinda." I'm not sure where her personality comes from, but it brings me so much joy... for the most part! Fourteen years have come and gone so quickly, and while I miss the little girl, I'm loving the young lady I see growing up in front of my very eyes. It has been an honor to be her Mom.
In order to keep this post under 20,000 words, I will share the last five "things" tomorrow morning.
Wednesday Wisdom - I'm using more quotes from Rev. Billy Graham today. I wish I could share them all, but as you can imagine, there are just too many good ones.
The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.
The word "romance," according to the dictionary, means excitement, adventure, and something extremely real. Romance should last a lifetime.
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
You're born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there's a loophole. (I love loopholes!)
Celebrate With an Original Thanksgiving Dinner
Did you know the first Thanksgiving dinner may or may not have had turkey on the menu? However, that's not the only surprising thing about the original Thanksgiving dinner menu. Read on.
I'm not saying to do away with your traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner. No, sir. But wouldn't it be fun to add a couple of surprise dishes that really were served on that first Thanksgiving Day? Here are some fun facts to share with your family about what really happened.
The only written eyewitness account of the first Thanksgiving dinner was a letter written by a colonist, Edward Winslow, to his friend in England in late 1621.
Foods That Were Not Served at the First Thanksgiving
1. Turkey - Turkey was often eaten by both the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims, but it was not specifically mentioned in Winslows’ letter. The account mentions “wild fowl,” and could have referred to duck or geese instead of wild turkey.
2. Popcorn - There was no popcorn, corn was prevalent but was not popped.
3. Cranberry Sauce - Fifty years AFTER 1621 there is mention of a cranberry sauce for use with meat in English recipes.
4. Potatoes - White potatoes were virtually unknown in England at the time of the Thanksgiving feast. They were only raised by specialized botanists at the time, and were not a part of the English diet. Sweet potatoes were imported into England from Spain, and were used only by the ultra wealthy.
5. Pumpkin Pie - There were no readily available ingredients for the crust of a pumpkin pie at the time. Pumpkin and squash were included in the feast, but served as vegetables only. After 1621, pumpkin dessert recipes included pumpkin pieces sliced similar to apples only.
6. Apples - Apples were not present in 1621 in Plymouth.
Foods Included in the Original Thanksgiving Feast
In addition to the wild fowl, pumpkin and squash mentioned above, the following foods were certainly abundant and most likely were included in the “harvest” celebration:
1. Lobsters (How surprised would your family be if you prepared a lobster?)
2. Eel (Same question as above.)
3. Oysters
4. Parsnips (You've got to be kidding me!)
5. Collards
6. Turnips
7. Spinach
8. Onions
9. Dried Beans
10. Dried Blueberries
11. Grapes
12. Nuts
I borrowed these facts from www.suite101.com.
Have a fun Wednesday as you get ready for your Thanksgiving celebrations tomorrow. Today is still Encouraging Wednesday. Remember there are many, many people around you who are struggling and need a kind word or deed... ESPECIALLY during this holiday season. Take a little time to love on someone who needs it today. I'll have a date and Blog Linkage bright and early Thursday morning. It will be a busy day, but if you have a chance, visit A Simple Life for a few minutes.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery is starting to look a little better, don't you think? It's also beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don't worry. I'll be adding a bunch of Thanksgiving photos as the week progresses.
REMINDER - Don't forget to leave any traditions, recipes or Thanksgiving ideas in the Comment Section, Facebook or in my e-mail. I'll share it on A Simple Life and give YOU the credit. I promise.
As promised, I have another Top Ten list. I know you are thrilled.
Top Ten Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions
1. Honeybaked Ham and dressing at Mom's. The side dishes may change, but those two things are a constant.
2. Taking 342 Thanksgiving Day family pictures. Especially the outside pictures if the weather cooperates. The colors are wonderful!
3. Reading Thankful Letters at my Mom's house. She started this tradition when the grandchildren were small. Each of them write a letter every year to read aloud listing why they are thankful. She ends the "reading" by sharing her letter which lists each grandchild individually... their accomplishments, their strengths, etc., etc. She has enough letters now to make a wonderful display book.
4. Baking and preparing dishes for Thanksgiving lunch (wherever we are eating that particular year).
5. Helping Roxie pick out the dish she will prepare for Thanksgiving lunch. (This year she is making a Southern Living Pecan Pie. She's already a MUCH better cook than I'll ever be.)
6. Mr. Faulkner saying the Thanksgiving blessing each year we celebrate with Mike's family.
7. Before the Black Friday tradition began last year, we would always come home Thanksgiving night and watch the first official Christmas movie of the season. (It didn't matter which one. We like them all... Well, except for White Christmas with Bing Crosby which is MY favorite. The kids HATE that movie. Even Roxie. I have failed as a mother. Heavy sigh.)
8. The day after Thanksgiving (or the weekend after depending on weather), we go to the Christmas tree farm 1.2 miles from our home and cut down our family Christmas tree. (This is the farm where Josh works now.) We find our tree, cut it down, visit with the reindeer, ride the tractor to the top of the hill and drink hot chocolate while our tree is wrapped and loaded.
9. I mentioned it yesterday, but the dessert spread at Mrs. Faulkner's house is wonderful... and it is ALWAYS there, so it is most definitely a tradition!
10. Spending the night at the Wynfrey with family Thanksgiving night, waking up at 4:00 a.m. and shopping till I drop (which is around noon). It's a new tradition, but it is so much fun!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Since we're in a baking kind of mood lately, I found a new and EASY cookie recipe perfect for the holidays in the new Better Homes and Gardens magazine... which I received in my mailbox yesterday. Christmas magazines are almost as fun to find in the mailbox as Christmas cards... but not quite!
You will need the following:
1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
1. Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl until soft dough forms.
2. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
3. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
I'm a "mint" person, so this sounds really good to me. I am also a "green" person, so I'm liking the color. I have to admit, I've never seen creme de menthe baking chips, but I have never really looked for them either. Perhaps they won't be too hard to find. I'll check out Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie today and let you know if either story carries creme de menthe.
Have a lovely Tuesday. The Boy is coming home for the holidays this afternoon, so a home-cooked meal is in the works for this evening. As always, Wednesday will be hopping with Wisdom, Parties, Traditions and much more. I know it's a busy time, but stop by if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery is starting to look a little better, don't you think? It's also beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Don't worry. I'll be adding a bunch of Thanksgiving photos as the week progresses.
REMINDER - Don't forget to leave any traditions, recipes or Thanksgiving ideas in the Comment Section, Facebook or in my e-mail. I'll share it on A Simple Life and give YOU the credit. I promise.
As promised, I have another Top Ten list. I know you are thrilled.
Top Ten Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions
1. Honeybaked Ham and dressing at Mom's. The side dishes may change, but those two things are a constant.
2. Taking 342 Thanksgiving Day family pictures. Especially the outside pictures if the weather cooperates. The colors are wonderful!
3. Reading Thankful Letters at my Mom's house. She started this tradition when the grandchildren were small. Each of them write a letter every year to read aloud listing why they are thankful. She ends the "reading" by sharing her letter which lists each grandchild individually... their accomplishments, their strengths, etc., etc. She has enough letters now to make a wonderful display book.
4. Baking and preparing dishes for Thanksgiving lunch (wherever we are eating that particular year).
5. Helping Roxie pick out the dish she will prepare for Thanksgiving lunch. (This year she is making a Southern Living Pecan Pie. She's already a MUCH better cook than I'll ever be.)
6. Mr. Faulkner saying the Thanksgiving blessing each year we celebrate with Mike's family.
7. Before the Black Friday tradition began last year, we would always come home Thanksgiving night and watch the first official Christmas movie of the season. (It didn't matter which one. We like them all... Well, except for White Christmas with Bing Crosby which is MY favorite. The kids HATE that movie. Even Roxie. I have failed as a mother. Heavy sigh.)
8. The day after Thanksgiving (or the weekend after depending on weather), we go to the Christmas tree farm 1.2 miles from our home and cut down our family Christmas tree. (This is the farm where Josh works now.) We find our tree, cut it down, visit with the reindeer, ride the tractor to the top of the hill and drink hot chocolate while our tree is wrapped and loaded.
9. I mentioned it yesterday, but the dessert spread at Mrs. Faulkner's house is wonderful... and it is ALWAYS there, so it is most definitely a tradition!
10. Spending the night at the Wynfrey with family Thanksgiving night, waking up at 4:00 a.m. and shopping till I drop (which is around noon). It's a new tradition, but it is so much fun!
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Since we're in a baking kind of mood lately, I found a new and EASY cookie recipe perfect for the holidays in the new Better Homes and Gardens magazine... which I received in my mailbox yesterday. Christmas magazines are almost as fun to find in the mailbox as Christmas cards... but not quite!
You will need the following:
1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
1. Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl until soft dough forms.
2. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
3. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
I'm a "mint" person, so this sounds really good to me. I am also a "green" person, so I'm liking the color. I have to admit, I've never seen creme de menthe baking chips, but I have never really looked for them either. Perhaps they won't be too hard to find. I'll check out Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie today and let you know if either story carries creme de menthe.
Have a lovely Tuesday. The Boy is coming home for the holidays this afternoon, so a home-cooked meal is in the works for this evening. As always, Wednesday will be hopping with Wisdom, Parties, Traditions and much more. I know it's a busy time, but stop by if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, November 22, 2010
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie in front of the mums taken a couple of weeks ago. I'm sorry it's an old shot. I've explained the situation below.
The Gallery Pics (which should number in the thousands since it is Mindless Monday... few words, but tons of pictures) are of our newest Mexican restaurant's outdoor decor. I found the life-size men and donkeys very interesting (and a little frightening) for some reason.
Do you know what happens when you have a weekend with NO specific plans, parties or events? Do you?
Well, there is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) to photograph. Not one thing. NADA! (Well, except for my giant Santa Penguin, but I already featured that on Belinda's Project Life.)
Luckily, it is Thanksgiving week, so I am expecting a truckload of photos each and every day between now and Friday. The Gallery will soon be FULL of fascinating photos of our family life... and I hope the Mexican restaurant's outdoor decor will soon be a fading memory.
I AM doing a Top Ten List today through Wednesday, so maybe that will help with your massive "lack of pictures in the Gallery" disappointment.
Top Ten Thanksgiving Memories
1. One year, I made twice-baked sweet potatoes. It took over two hours of preparation time (I'm not kidding), and when I served them, they tasted exactly like Sweet Potato Casserole made with canned yams and marshmallow topping. Exactly! (It's 132 minutes I'll never get back.)
2. Growing up, my family always ate Thanksgiving with my MamMa (my Dad's mom). She made her dressing with sage. Every year, the dressing became more of a dark green color as my MamMa added more and more sage. To this day, I LOVE sage and I really LOVE extra dry dressing you can cut into cake-size pieces.
3. Our first married Thanksgiving was our first official holiday in Cullman. It was also the first of five years of "traveling" holidays. At that time in our lives, we were going to three different places each holiday, eating two huge meals and finishing the day driving into our driveway around midnight. Over the years, we've moved closer to our parents' homes and tweaked the Thanksgiving schedule to enjoy more relaxed time with each side of the family. With age comes wisdom!
4. Honeybaked ham at my Mom's house. Nuff said.
5. Mikie's mom and sister always make MULTIPLE desserts. In my pre-diabetic days, it was sweet-tooth heaven.
6. One year Roxie made a turkey centerpiece from a pumpkin. The feathers were wooden skewers filled with cheese squares and grapes. It was the perfect centerpiece/appetizer.
7. In my mind, Thanksgiving is the deadline for taking the perfect Christmas card picture. Thus, there is always a little tension in the air if I haven't obtained the picture before this holiday. (It's okay, Mikie. Our Christmas card is almost ready to go. No pictures needed this Thursday. You can relax!)
8. There have been two times in 12 years we celebrated Thanksgiving in the mountains with my family. Both times were HUGE, wonderful memory makers, but the Friday after, I immediately began hyperventilating because it was time to get into Christmas mode. So much to do, and so little time!
9. Last year, we (Roxie, my sister, niece and cousins) started a new Thanksgiving tradition. We met at the Wynfrey around 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving night, ate junk food, watched TV and went to bed. We woke up around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. for Black Friday shopping at the Galleria. This will be our second year to make this memory. So much fun.
10. For many years when the kids were younger, Thanksgiving night was the time the Faulkner Five sat down to watch the first Christmas movie of the season.
Of course, these are not my only memories, but I tried to write down the first ones that came to mind... and as you can see, they didn't come in any specific order.
Have a wonderful Monday. I hope you get a lot done on your "Thanksgiving To Do" list. I hope I get a lot done on that list, too. Of course, on Tuesday I will have a great recipe for you to try. But you already knew that, didn't you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic is of Roxie in front of the mums taken a couple of weeks ago. I'm sorry it's an old shot. I've explained the situation below.
The Gallery Pics (which should number in the thousands since it is Mindless Monday... few words, but tons of pictures) are of our newest Mexican restaurant's outdoor decor. I found the life-size men and donkeys very interesting (and a little frightening) for some reason.
Do you know what happens when you have a weekend with NO specific plans, parties or events? Do you?
Well, there is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) to photograph. Not one thing. NADA! (Well, except for my giant Santa Penguin, but I already featured that on Belinda's Project Life.)
Luckily, it is Thanksgiving week, so I am expecting a truckload of photos each and every day between now and Friday. The Gallery will soon be FULL of fascinating photos of our family life... and I hope the Mexican restaurant's outdoor decor will soon be a fading memory.
I AM doing a Top Ten List today through Wednesday, so maybe that will help with your massive "lack of pictures in the Gallery" disappointment.
Top Ten Thanksgiving Memories
1. One year, I made twice-baked sweet potatoes. It took over two hours of preparation time (I'm not kidding), and when I served them, they tasted exactly like Sweet Potato Casserole made with canned yams and marshmallow topping. Exactly! (It's 132 minutes I'll never get back.)
2. Growing up, my family always ate Thanksgiving with my MamMa (my Dad's mom). She made her dressing with sage. Every year, the dressing became more of a dark green color as my MamMa added more and more sage. To this day, I LOVE sage and I really LOVE extra dry dressing you can cut into cake-size pieces.
3. Our first married Thanksgiving was our first official holiday in Cullman. It was also the first of five years of "traveling" holidays. At that time in our lives, we were going to three different places each holiday, eating two huge meals and finishing the day driving into our driveway around midnight. Over the years, we've moved closer to our parents' homes and tweaked the Thanksgiving schedule to enjoy more relaxed time with each side of the family. With age comes wisdom!
4. Honeybaked ham at my Mom's house. Nuff said.
5. Mikie's mom and sister always make MULTIPLE desserts. In my pre-diabetic days, it was sweet-tooth heaven.
6. One year Roxie made a turkey centerpiece from a pumpkin. The feathers were wooden skewers filled with cheese squares and grapes. It was the perfect centerpiece/appetizer.
7. In my mind, Thanksgiving is the deadline for taking the perfect Christmas card picture. Thus, there is always a little tension in the air if I haven't obtained the picture before this holiday. (It's okay, Mikie. Our Christmas card is almost ready to go. No pictures needed this Thursday. You can relax!)
8. There have been two times in 12 years we celebrated Thanksgiving in the mountains with my family. Both times were HUGE, wonderful memory makers, but the Friday after, I immediately began hyperventilating because it was time to get into Christmas mode. So much to do, and so little time!
9. Last year, we (Roxie, my sister, niece and cousins) started a new Thanksgiving tradition. We met at the Wynfrey around 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving night, ate junk food, watched TV and went to bed. We woke up around 4:00 or 4:30 a.m. for Black Friday shopping at the Galleria. This will be our second year to make this memory. So much fun.
10. For many years when the kids were younger, Thanksgiving night was the time the Faulkner Five sat down to watch the first Christmas movie of the season.
Of course, these are not my only memories, but I tried to write down the first ones that came to mind... and as you can see, they didn't come in any specific order.
Have a wonderful Monday. I hope you get a lot done on your "Thanksgiving To Do" list. I hope I get a lot done on that list, too. Of course, on Tuesday I will have a great recipe for you to try. But you already knew that, didn't you?
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, November 19, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pics are some leftover basketball photos taken at Monday's game. I always keep a few spare ones in case things get a little slow in the picture-taking department toward the end of the week.
REMINDER - Leave your Thanksgiving traditions, recipes and ideas in the Comment Section, Facebook or e-mail me before next Wednesday. I'll be sure they are posted on A Simple Life, and you will get ALL the credit.
ANNOUNCEMENT - If you've known me two minutes, you know I'm a Letterman fan. That being said, I totally love the Top Ten List. Next week, Monday through Wednesday, I'm preparing three different Top Ten Lists regarding Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure Thanksgiving is going to be the Topic of the Week.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Unless I am totally mistaken, tomorrow's Picture of the Day will be me standing next to my Santa Penguin. Check Belinda's Project Life. I know you will want to see Santa Penguin in all his 9' glory!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I have set a new Christmas card goal. The goal for 2010 is 100 Christmas cards. I have reached my goal the past two years (75 last year), so I think I've made it too easy. Thus, the reason for the new (and unattainable) goal of 100.
No pressure, but I do need your help. Get those cards in the mail, People!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, Mikie and I have a date. And not just any ol' date. Our favorite date. And when I say "our favorite date," I mean "MY favorite date."
Roxie is spending the night at her Grandmother's. Josh is working his Christmas Lumberjack job. Austin will be preparing for his trip to Tennessee for the JSU game Saturday...
AND MIKIE AND I HAVE A DATE!
This is what I have planned so far:
1. Mikie will grill a rib-eye (for him) and a tuna steak (for me). I will bake potatoes. We will eat!
2. While I am cleaning up the kitchen (which will take NO TIME because he grilled and we are eating on napkins), Mikie will inflate my giant Santa Penguin.
3. We will play two or three games of backgammon. I will let Mikie win because he inflated my giant Santa Penguin.
4. We will snuggle on the couch and watch Survivor.
5. We will go to the car (admiring the giant Santa Penguin as we walk by) and drive to Books-A-Million. We will browse through all the latest books, buy a couple of Christmas gifts and a $5 cup of coffee apiece. (I always get one because it smells so good, but it ends up tasting like coffee, and I never drink it all.)
6. We will drive home using the top of the Santa hat of our new inflatable Santa Penguin as our beacon. (Sort of like the Christmas star the Wise Men used.)
7. Mikie will get a big ol' kiss at the front door. (I always think this is so funny. Mikie... not so much.)
Guess what? That's it. Those are the only plans we have. Josh will be working off and on during the weekend. Austin will be in Tennessee, but will come home Sunday for church. Roxie has no definite plans that I know of.
The Faulkner Five are in HOLIDAY MODE!
I hope you have a great weekend. I'll be back Monday with all the Thanksgiving "stuff" I can pack into the three posts before the Big Day. Check back if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever So Thankful Belinda
The Gallery Pics are some leftover basketball photos taken at Monday's game. I always keep a few spare ones in case things get a little slow in the picture-taking department toward the end of the week.
REMINDER - Leave your Thanksgiving traditions, recipes and ideas in the Comment Section, Facebook or e-mail me before next Wednesday. I'll be sure they are posted on A Simple Life, and you will get ALL the credit.
ANNOUNCEMENT - If you've known me two minutes, you know I'm a Letterman fan. That being said, I totally love the Top Ten List. Next week, Monday through Wednesday, I'm preparing three different Top Ten Lists regarding Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure Thanksgiving is going to be the Topic of the Week.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Unless I am totally mistaken, tomorrow's Picture of the Day will be me standing next to my Santa Penguin. Check Belinda's Project Life. I know you will want to see Santa Penguin in all his 9' glory!
RANDOMNESS #2 - I have set a new Christmas card goal. The goal for 2010 is 100 Christmas cards. I have reached my goal the past two years (75 last year), so I think I've made it too easy. Thus, the reason for the new (and unattainable) goal of 100.
No pressure, but I do need your help. Get those cards in the mail, People!
Weekend Happenings
Tonight, Mikie and I have a date. And not just any ol' date. Our favorite date. And when I say "our favorite date," I mean "MY favorite date."
Roxie is spending the night at her Grandmother's. Josh is working his Christmas Lumberjack job. Austin will be preparing for his trip to Tennessee for the JSU game Saturday...
AND MIKIE AND I HAVE A DATE!
This is what I have planned so far:
1. Mikie will grill a rib-eye (for him) and a tuna steak (for me). I will bake potatoes. We will eat!
2. While I am cleaning up the kitchen (which will take NO TIME because he grilled and we are eating on napkins), Mikie will inflate my giant Santa Penguin.
3. We will play two or three games of backgammon. I will let Mikie win because he inflated my giant Santa Penguin.
4. We will snuggle on the couch and watch Survivor.
5. We will go to the car (admiring the giant Santa Penguin as we walk by) and drive to Books-A-Million. We will browse through all the latest books, buy a couple of Christmas gifts and a $5 cup of coffee apiece. (I always get one because it smells so good, but it ends up tasting like coffee, and I never drink it all.)
6. We will drive home using the top of the Santa hat of our new inflatable Santa Penguin as our beacon. (Sort of like the Christmas star the Wise Men used.)
7. Mikie will get a big ol' kiss at the front door. (I always think this is so funny. Mikie... not so much.)
Guess what? That's it. Those are the only plans we have. Josh will be working off and on during the weekend. Austin will be in Tennessee, but will come home Sunday for church. Roxie has no definite plans that I know of.
The Faulkner Five are in HOLIDAY MODE!
I hope you have a great weekend. I'll be back Monday with all the Thanksgiving "stuff" I can pack into the three posts before the Big Day. Check back if you get a chance.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting and Ever So Thankful Belinda
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Run/Walk... 5K Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pics are of Roxie playing basketball in the driveway. We eat, sleep and dream basketball these days. While we were in the driveway, our friend, Mia, made an appearance. It's been over a week since I've seen pretty Mia, which means major work has been performed around her fenced-in backyard by Dee and family... and it's taken her that long to figure out how to escape. I've got to give it to her. She's a pretty smart little dog.
RANDOMNESS - Here's a little pre-Thanksgiving "funny" story I found and wanted to share.
A man in Tampa calls his daughter, Sue, in California before Thanksgiving and announces to her that he and his wife are getting a divorce after fifty years of marriage.
"What? You can't do that!" exclaimed the daughter.
"Yes. We can't stand each other. Irreconcilable differences and all. We really hate even seeing each other. We're glad to be done. Please let your sister and brother know since I don't want to talk about it any more."
The daughter frantically calls her sister and brother, both of whom also explode and vow their parents will not be getting a divorce now. Sue calls back her father and tells him, "There's no way you're getting divorced. We're coming there tomorrow to sort this thing out. Don't do or say anything to Mom before we get there."
As she hangs up the phone, her father turns to her mother and says, "Okay, they're all coming for Thanksgiving, and we don't even have to spend a dime for their airfare."
I may have to use this one day!
Blog Linkage - I have a link I want you to read which goes with the Topic of the Week a couple of weeks back... Matters of the Heart. Also, if you are a scrapbooker, I have a link which has a wonderful idea about how to "show-off" your newly created pages.
1. Click on Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List. Read the post entitled "Down, but not totally out" dated November 17. Jody has a brand-new baby, a two-year old, a child who has just undergone major surgery and is unable to walk because both of her legs are in casts... and three other children. She talks about her "heavy heart" and feeling totally overwhelmed with her life right now, but she also talks about hope and where that hope comes from... God.
2. For all of you scrapbookers out there, go to www.lisabearnson.com and under "Recent Blog Posts" click on "Just to make you laugh, plus my latest pages" dated November 11. Lisa has a great way to display her pages as house decor. I love it.
Enjoy your extra reading for the day.
Run/Walk... 5K Date
I have the perfect date for you and yours coming up December 4. It is the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Birmingham. The Run/Walk begins at 9:25 a.m. at Underwood Park. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. The ad reads as follows:
Be there with bells on!
Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your date and celebrate the season by giving.
There are Run/Walks all over the place. They benefit cancer, arthritis, diabetes, etc.
Pick one in the near future. Plan to have breakfast with your child before hitting the pavement. Not only will you be giving time and money to a worthwhile charity, you'll be setting an example for your child for years to come.
NOTE - This could very easily turn into a transition date... a date you have with your child each and every year, even as they turn into a teenager and young adult.
Just think about the possibilities!
Have a tremendous Thursday. It's going to be a busy day, but the Thanksgiving holidays are in sight. YES! Remember to leave your own personal Thanksgiving traditions, recipes and/or ideas in the Comment Section. You may inspire others to try something new.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of Roxie playing basketball in the driveway. We eat, sleep and dream basketball these days. While we were in the driveway, our friend, Mia, made an appearance. It's been over a week since I've seen pretty Mia, which means major work has been performed around her fenced-in backyard by Dee and family... and it's taken her that long to figure out how to escape. I've got to give it to her. She's a pretty smart little dog.
RANDOMNESS - Here's a little pre-Thanksgiving "funny" story I found and wanted to share.
A man in Tampa calls his daughter, Sue, in California before Thanksgiving and announces to her that he and his wife are getting a divorce after fifty years of marriage.
"What? You can't do that!" exclaimed the daughter.
"Yes. We can't stand each other. Irreconcilable differences and all. We really hate even seeing each other. We're glad to be done. Please let your sister and brother know since I don't want to talk about it any more."
The daughter frantically calls her sister and brother, both of whom also explode and vow their parents will not be getting a divorce now. Sue calls back her father and tells him, "There's no way you're getting divorced. We're coming there tomorrow to sort this thing out. Don't do or say anything to Mom before we get there."
As she hangs up the phone, her father turns to her mother and says, "Okay, they're all coming for Thanksgiving, and we don't even have to spend a dime for their airfare."
I may have to use this one day!
Blog Linkage - I have a link I want you to read which goes with the Topic of the Week a couple of weeks back... Matters of the Heart. Also, if you are a scrapbooker, I have a link which has a wonderful idea about how to "show-off" your newly created pages.
1. Click on Nitty.Gritty. under My Blog List. Read the post entitled "Down, but not totally out" dated November 17. Jody has a brand-new baby, a two-year old, a child who has just undergone major surgery and is unable to walk because both of her legs are in casts... and three other children. She talks about her "heavy heart" and feeling totally overwhelmed with her life right now, but she also talks about hope and where that hope comes from... God.
2. For all of you scrapbookers out there, go to www.lisabearnson.com and under "Recent Blog Posts" click on "Just to make you laugh, plus my latest pages" dated November 11. Lisa has a great way to display her pages as house decor. I love it.
Enjoy your extra reading for the day.
Run/Walk... 5K Date
I have the perfect date for you and yours coming up December 4. It is the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Birmingham. The Run/Walk begins at 9:25 a.m. at Underwood Park. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. The ad reads as follows:
Be there with bells on!
Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your date and celebrate the season by giving.
There are Run/Walks all over the place. They benefit cancer, arthritis, diabetes, etc.
Pick one in the near future. Plan to have breakfast with your child before hitting the pavement. Not only will you be giving time and money to a worthwhile charity, you'll be setting an example for your child for years to come.
NOTE - This could very easily turn into a transition date... a date you have with your child each and every year, even as they turn into a teenager and young adult.
Just think about the possibilities!
Have a tremendous Thursday. It's going to be a busy day, but the Thanksgiving holidays are in sight. YES! Remember to leave your own personal Thanksgiving traditions, recipes and/or ideas in the Comment Section. You may inspire others to try something new.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Several Thanksgiving Traditions
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are of my first cheesecake attempt... double-chocolate cheesecake, to be exact! I was very pleased with the outcome. I think it needed a topping. (The recipe calls for blueberries, but we're more of a "strawberry" family.) Since I do not need a double-chocolate cheesecake sitting in my house (next to a half-eaten pecan pie), I made a few deliveries last night. I kept a piece for Mikie and a couple for Josh. The rest went to a some chocolate-lovin' friends in the area.
ANNOUNCEMENT - If you are a Pioneer Woman fan, she is going to be on Throwdown with Bobby Flay tonight (8:00 Central). It should be a very good show. It's about food, so that's an automatic plus.
REMINDER - If you have a tradition, recipe or anything else regarding Thanksgiving you would like to share, feel free to leave the info in the Comment Section, on Facebook or e-mail me. I'll transfer the idea to the blog (and give you all the credit). You have until next Wednesday to share.
Wednesday Wisdom - In the past 24 hours, I have heard Billy Graham's name two different times. I thought he would be a perfect Wednesday Wisdom guest, and when I looked up some of his quotes, I found I was correct!
"A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip."
"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."
"Give me five minutes with a person's checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is."
"I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." (Ahhh. I love this!)
There were so many good quotes, I'll probably feature Rev. Graham again next week.
Several Thanksgiving Traditions
So many traditions... so little time.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Scrapbook - Make a small booklet or a mini scrapbook album. The title page should read "Five Things I Love About My Family and Friends." Keep it on the table during your Thanksgiving celebration. Each guest can come and record thoughts and insights.
Share a Funny Thanksgiving Story - "No Turkey Died - But... ." After the Thanksgiving blessing, but before everyone begins eating, take a minute to share a humorous Thanksgiving story or joke. This is one the kids will probably enjoy from David Letterman.
"When I was a kid in Indiana, we thought it would be fun to get a turkey a year ahead of time, and feed it and so on for the following Thanksgiving. But by the time Thanksgiving came around, we sort of thought of the turkey as a pet, so we ate the dog.
"Only kidding. It was the cat."
Top Ten Historical Thanksgiving Facts - Write down ten or more Fun Facts about Thanksgiving on slips of paper. Put the paper in a bowl, and during your Thanksgiving dinner, pass the bowl around the table. Have everyone pick a piece of paper to read aloud. It's an easy way to learn and/or remember how Thanksgiving originated.
1. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in America.
2. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.
3. The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate Thanksgiving.
4. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621.
5. The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.
6. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621, and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.
7. The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817.
8. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920s.
9. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in America.
10. By the fall of 1621, only half of the Pilgrims who had sailed on the Mayflower survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to hold a Thanksgiving Feast.
Reader's Tradition - Jennifer shared this yesterday. In case you didn't read the Comment Section, I wanted to make sure you saw her tradition. It sounds like a lot of fun.
The Thanksgiving tradition in my family is one of experimentation. My dad was never a fan of turkey, and ham was saved for Christmas and Easter. We created our own special menu - anything different! We would cook Mediterranean, Moroccan, French, English, Hawaiian, etc. I celebrate traditional Thanksgiving with my husband's family, but the weekend is always for my family. This year, we're trying Cajun. The main course will be Turducken (turkey, duck and chicken), gumbo, tasso mac and cheese and beignets.
Sounds good, doesn't it? (Especially the beignets!)
Have a lovely Wednesday. It's Encouraging Wednesday, so reach out to at least one person today. I have a little linkage to share Thursday, as well as a fun seasonal date.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are of my first cheesecake attempt... double-chocolate cheesecake, to be exact! I was very pleased with the outcome. I think it needed a topping. (The recipe calls for blueberries, but we're more of a "strawberry" family.) Since I do not need a double-chocolate cheesecake sitting in my house (next to a half-eaten pecan pie), I made a few deliveries last night. I kept a piece for Mikie and a couple for Josh. The rest went to a some chocolate-lovin' friends in the area.
ANNOUNCEMENT - If you are a Pioneer Woman fan, she is going to be on Throwdown with Bobby Flay tonight (8:00 Central). It should be a very good show. It's about food, so that's an automatic plus.
REMINDER - If you have a tradition, recipe or anything else regarding Thanksgiving you would like to share, feel free to leave the info in the Comment Section, on Facebook or e-mail me. I'll transfer the idea to the blog (and give you all the credit). You have until next Wednesday to share.
Wednesday Wisdom - In the past 24 hours, I have heard Billy Graham's name two different times. I thought he would be a perfect Wednesday Wisdom guest, and when I looked up some of his quotes, I found I was correct!
"A real Christian is a person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip."
"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."
"Give me five minutes with a person's checkbook, and I will tell you where their heart is."
"I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." (Ahhh. I love this!)
There were so many good quotes, I'll probably feature Rev. Graham again next week.
Several Thanksgiving Traditions
So many traditions... so little time.
Thanksgiving Gratitude Scrapbook - Make a small booklet or a mini scrapbook album. The title page should read "Five Things I Love About My Family and Friends." Keep it on the table during your Thanksgiving celebration. Each guest can come and record thoughts and insights.
Share a Funny Thanksgiving Story - "No Turkey Died - But... ." After the Thanksgiving blessing, but before everyone begins eating, take a minute to share a humorous Thanksgiving story or joke. This is one the kids will probably enjoy from David Letterman.
"When I was a kid in Indiana, we thought it would be fun to get a turkey a year ahead of time, and feed it and so on for the following Thanksgiving. But by the time Thanksgiving came around, we sort of thought of the turkey as a pet, so we ate the dog.
"Only kidding. It was the cat."
Top Ten Historical Thanksgiving Facts - Write down ten or more Fun Facts about Thanksgiving on slips of paper. Put the paper in a bowl, and during your Thanksgiving dinner, pass the bowl around the table. Have everyone pick a piece of paper to read aloud. It's an easy way to learn and/or remember how Thanksgiving originated.
1. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in America.
2. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.
3. The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate Thanksgiving.
4. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621.
5. The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.
6. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621, and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.
7. The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817.
8. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920s.
9. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in America.
10. By the fall of 1621, only half of the Pilgrims who had sailed on the Mayflower survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to hold a Thanksgiving Feast.
Reader's Tradition - Jennifer shared this yesterday. In case you didn't read the Comment Section, I wanted to make sure you saw her tradition. It sounds like a lot of fun.
The Thanksgiving tradition in my family is one of experimentation. My dad was never a fan of turkey, and ham was saved for Christmas and Easter. We created our own special menu - anything different! We would cook Mediterranean, Moroccan, French, English, Hawaiian, etc. I celebrate traditional Thanksgiving with my husband's family, but the weekend is always for my family. This year, we're trying Cajun. The main course will be Turducken (turkey, duck and chicken), gumbo, tasso mac and cheese and beignets.
Sounds good, doesn't it? (Especially the beignets!)
Have a lovely Wednesday. It's Encouraging Wednesday, so reach out to at least one person today. I have a little linkage to share Thursday, as well as a fun seasonal date.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Strawberry Pound Cake
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pics are a little of this and a little of that. The explanation for each photo can be found underneath the pic.
ANNOUNCEMENT - Beginning today and going through next Wednesday, the Comment Section is open for business. Feel free to share YOUR Thanksgiving stories, YOUR Thanksgiving traditions and things you are thankful for, etc. It starts today! And remember, someone else might adopt one of your traditions. You never know.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Roxie's basketball team came SO close to winning last night it was painful. We lost by only one point. A foul was called just as Roxie made a basket which would have given us a one point lead... so it didn't count.
But wait! There's more! With only two seconds left in the game, another young lady caught a pass, dribbled twice, aimed and shot... and missed by only a fraction of an inch. Major, major disappointment.
But the team played great as a whole. And as for the young lady who almost got it in before the buzzer... she left a GREAT Facebook message on her page a few minutes later. She declared the game "AWESOME" and said, "I loved every second of it!" It was a great game, but not as great as this young girl's attitude.
We have some really good games ahead of us, I think!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Josh is still enjoying his new lumberjack job. He's getting to drive things... mini-tractors (bigger than a lawnmower, but smaller than the big tractor) and golf carts. He's outside (which he loves). He's coming home tired and dirty... but happy. (Of course, today is only day three of the new job, but so far, so good.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Today I will be baking the Double-Chocolate Cheesecake featured in last Tuesday's post. I will be taking it to Body Pump for all of my body-conscious friends to try this afternoon. I'll post the play-by-play pictorial in the morning!
Strawberry Pound Cake
If you've known me two minutes, you know I love to make pound cakes AND any other kind of cake whose main ingredient is the ever-popular cake mix. That being said, I give you the following:
You will need:
1 box white cake mix (YEA!)
1 6 ounce box strawberry Jello
4 eggs
2/3 cup oil
10 ounces frozen strawberries (thawed)
1. Mix all ingredients together until moist.
2. Pour into greased Bundt pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
The strawberries make this cake extra moist. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top and add halved or whole strawberries for garnish. (Or you can place strawberries around the bottom of the cake.)
And the best part... It looks like a Christmas dessert because of the color and the strawberries. Perfect.
This recipe was borrowed from a recipe card that came in one of my Alabama Power Company bills one day. I love a company that gives back, don't you?
Have a wonderful, wet Tuesday. Wednesday, as always, is our busy day on A Simple Life with Wisdom, Party OR Seasonal Tradition ideas and Randomness. Be ready to read!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics are a little of this and a little of that. The explanation for each photo can be found underneath the pic.
ANNOUNCEMENT - Beginning today and going through next Wednesday, the Comment Section is open for business. Feel free to share YOUR Thanksgiving stories, YOUR Thanksgiving traditions and things you are thankful for, etc. It starts today! And remember, someone else might adopt one of your traditions. You never know.
RANDOMNESS #1 - Roxie's basketball team came SO close to winning last night it was painful. We lost by only one point. A foul was called just as Roxie made a basket which would have given us a one point lead... so it didn't count.
But wait! There's more! With only two seconds left in the game, another young lady caught a pass, dribbled twice, aimed and shot... and missed by only a fraction of an inch. Major, major disappointment.
But the team played great as a whole. And as for the young lady who almost got it in before the buzzer... she left a GREAT Facebook message on her page a few minutes later. She declared the game "AWESOME" and said, "I loved every second of it!" It was a great game, but not as great as this young girl's attitude.
We have some really good games ahead of us, I think!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Josh is still enjoying his new lumberjack job. He's getting to drive things... mini-tractors (bigger than a lawnmower, but smaller than the big tractor) and golf carts. He's outside (which he loves). He's coming home tired and dirty... but happy. (Of course, today is only day three of the new job, but so far, so good.)
RANDOMNESS #3 - Today I will be baking the Double-Chocolate Cheesecake featured in last Tuesday's post. I will be taking it to Body Pump for all of my body-conscious friends to try this afternoon. I'll post the play-by-play pictorial in the morning!
Strawberry Pound Cake
If you've known me two minutes, you know I love to make pound cakes AND any other kind of cake whose main ingredient is the ever-popular cake mix. That being said, I give you the following:
You will need:
1 box white cake mix (YEA!)
1 6 ounce box strawberry Jello
4 eggs
2/3 cup oil
10 ounces frozen strawberries (thawed)
1. Mix all ingredients together until moist.
2. Pour into greased Bundt pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
The strawberries make this cake extra moist. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top and add halved or whole strawberries for garnish. (Or you can place strawberries around the bottom of the cake.)
And the best part... It looks like a Christmas dessert because of the color and the strawberries. Perfect.
This recipe was borrowed from a recipe card that came in one of my Alabama Power Company bills one day. I love a company that gives back, don't you?
Have a wonderful, wet Tuesday. Wednesday, as always, is our busy day on A Simple Life with Wisdom, Party OR Seasonal Tradition ideas and Randomness. Be ready to read!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, November 15, 2010
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
Remember... It's Mindless Monday. Lots of pics and few words. (This is Mikie's favorite post of the week!)
The Showcase Pic for the week is of Roxie in her Alabama football garb. That's right. You heard me. She was invited to attend an Alabama game this weekend, so she had to have something non-orange to wear... and this is what she came up with!
The Gallery Pics will tell the rest of the story of our weekend. It's a little "Roxie heavy" because I didn't take pics of Josh and friend watching the Auburn game... and I didn't go to the JSU game since I did the Auburn thing.
It was a good weekend, but every moment wasn't necessarily picture worthy.
Tuesday's recipe is tried and true... and very, very good. Be sure and check and it out. Enjoy this wonderful fall "gray" day. I'll be drinking out of my Eeyore mug today in honor of the "clouds over my head!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Remember... It's Mindless Monday. Lots of pics and few words. (This is Mikie's favorite post of the week!)
The Showcase Pic for the week is of Roxie in her Alabama football garb. That's right. You heard me. She was invited to attend an Alabama game this weekend, so she had to have something non-orange to wear... and this is what she came up with!
The Gallery Pics will tell the rest of the story of our weekend. It's a little "Roxie heavy" because I didn't take pics of Josh and friend watching the Auburn game... and I didn't go to the JSU game since I did the Auburn thing.
It was a good weekend, but every moment wasn't necessarily picture worthy.
Tuesday's recipe is tried and true... and very, very good. Be sure and check and it out. Enjoy this wonderful fall "gray" day. I'll be drinking out of my Eeyore mug today in honor of the "clouds over my head!"
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, November 12, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of Copper. Plain and simple. Just Copper. While Roxie was taking her "View From the Driveway" pic yesterday, she snapped a few extra of the pup, and she actually got a few good shots. Not the easiest thing to do!
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's been awhile since I gave an Austin Update. The Boy is doing well. He is still at Jacksonville. He is still a Southerner. He is still doing a weekly spot on the Kevin James radio show out of Los Angeles. He still HATES Sociology and Psychology. (I think it's pretty safe to say he will not be changing his major to pursue one of those subjects.)
He has made several new Christian friends this year, and we were looking forward to a weekend visit from one of them a couple of weeks from now. However, an opportunity to play in the PEP Band for the JSU/Tennessee game arose (FREE), and both of the guys (Austin and friend) jumped on board with that plan... which means more food for us!
Austin will begin his own sports radio talk show this Spring on campus. He has the 9:00 to 11:00 time slot on a weeknight (I forget which one), and he is beyond excited about this opportunity.
As we pray for direction for his life, doors continue to open in the "communications" world and close in other areas (Sociology and Psychology to name two).
His Spring semester is pretty packed, but he was able to get all of his classes Monday through Thursday which will free him up Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Since we only get to see him one day a week (for the most part), we are all looking forward to the new schedule.
He is still looking forward to his trip to England with the Southerners NEXT January. As of now, the Southerners will be the first act/band/entertainment in the parade honoring the Queen's 60th year on the throne. (As you can tell, I don't know the correct terminology for parade participants.) He will also get to stay an entire week in England. Very exciting!
I know this sounds like the "happy" Christmas card letter, so here are some "real" additions.
This has has been a year of minor injuries for Austin. He TOTALLY messed up his pinky in a pick-up football game before band practice one night. It still doesn't bend well, and considering the top part of his pinky was knocked completely off the bottom part of his pinky, I think he's doing pretty well.
He had a violent encounter with a lamppost a couple of weeks ago playing Ultimate Frisbee. We thought we were going to have dip into the scholarship fund to have the lamppost repaired or replaced, but as of today, it is still standing... barely. Austin is still having the occasional headache from the impact, but things are getting better.
His favorite phrase for the semester has been, "I HATE SOCIOLOGY." We hear this often, and we have learned to tune it out. Or as Roxie likes to say, "Man up, Austin! Everyone has a subject they don't like!" Is she going to be a great mom one day, or what?
Because of JSU's fantastic football record this year, play-offs are looming and the season is going to last much longer than last year. Austin is loving this. Me... not so much. But the possibility of him getting to travel with the Southerners a little more is always a plus.
Although we are now accustom to Austin being away from home the majority of the week, it still feels "funny," but homecomings are that much sweeter.
He's doing very well, but I miss him. Always have, and always will.
Weekend Happenings
Once again, we have a "hither and yon" kind of weekend planned.
Depending on a new job opportunity which has come up, Josh may have plans this evening with friends. We have to wait and see, and I'll have more details about this subject next week!
Roxie has a basketball game tonight. We're looking for a big win (hopefully), but win or lose, it's always fun to watch. Of course, it is MUCH more fun when we win. I don't want you to think I am one of those moms who think, "It's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game." Nope! It's ALL about the WIN! (Just kidding... a little.)
Roxie is going to the Alabama game tomorrow with a friend. Although she is excited, we couldn't make ourselves buy Alabama-friendly clothing, so we settled on two shades of gray (shirt and scarf) and some red stud earrings. No orange will be worn. (But while we were looking for Bama-appropriate clothing, we were a little surprised at exactly how much orange we do have in this house. We have A LOT!)
At least one of us (maybe two) will be attending the JSU game. Depending on Josh's work schedule, he'll be supporting Auburn here at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842).
It appears football is our life at the moment, doesn't it? And we are supporting EVERYONE!
Sunday, the Faulkner Five are going to enjoy a big Sunday dinner together after church... and the rest is open for discussion.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful fall weekend. Be sure and check Belinda's Project Life for Friday, Saturday and Sunday Pictures of the Day. I'll be back next week with more, more, more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of Copper. Plain and simple. Just Copper. While Roxie was taking her "View From the Driveway" pic yesterday, she snapped a few extra of the pup, and she actually got a few good shots. Not the easiest thing to do!
AUSTIN UPDATE - It's been awhile since I gave an Austin Update. The Boy is doing well. He is still at Jacksonville. He is still a Southerner. He is still doing a weekly spot on the Kevin James radio show out of Los Angeles. He still HATES Sociology and Psychology. (I think it's pretty safe to say he will not be changing his major to pursue one of those subjects.)
He has made several new Christian friends this year, and we were looking forward to a weekend visit from one of them a couple of weeks from now. However, an opportunity to play in the PEP Band for the JSU/Tennessee game arose (FREE), and both of the guys (Austin and friend) jumped on board with that plan... which means more food for us!
Austin will begin his own sports radio talk show this Spring on campus. He has the 9:00 to 11:00 time slot on a weeknight (I forget which one), and he is beyond excited about this opportunity.
As we pray for direction for his life, doors continue to open in the "communications" world and close in other areas (Sociology and Psychology to name two).
His Spring semester is pretty packed, but he was able to get all of his classes Monday through Thursday which will free him up Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Since we only get to see him one day a week (for the most part), we are all looking forward to the new schedule.
He is still looking forward to his trip to England with the Southerners NEXT January. As of now, the Southerners will be the first act/band/entertainment in the parade honoring the Queen's 60th year on the throne. (As you can tell, I don't know the correct terminology for parade participants.) He will also get to stay an entire week in England. Very exciting!
I know this sounds like the "happy" Christmas card letter, so here are some "real" additions.
This has has been a year of minor injuries for Austin. He TOTALLY messed up his pinky in a pick-up football game before band practice one night. It still doesn't bend well, and considering the top part of his pinky was knocked completely off the bottom part of his pinky, I think he's doing pretty well.
He had a violent encounter with a lamppost a couple of weeks ago playing Ultimate Frisbee. We thought we were going to have dip into the scholarship fund to have the lamppost repaired or replaced, but as of today, it is still standing... barely. Austin is still having the occasional headache from the impact, but things are getting better.
His favorite phrase for the semester has been, "I HATE SOCIOLOGY." We hear this often, and we have learned to tune it out. Or as Roxie likes to say, "Man up, Austin! Everyone has a subject they don't like!" Is she going to be a great mom one day, or what?
Because of JSU's fantastic football record this year, play-offs are looming and the season is going to last much longer than last year. Austin is loving this. Me... not so much. But the possibility of him getting to travel with the Southerners a little more is always a plus.
Although we are now accustom to Austin being away from home the majority of the week, it still feels "funny," but homecomings are that much sweeter.
He's doing very well, but I miss him. Always have, and always will.
Weekend Happenings
Once again, we have a "hither and yon" kind of weekend planned.
Depending on a new job opportunity which has come up, Josh may have plans this evening with friends. We have to wait and see, and I'll have more details about this subject next week!
Roxie has a basketball game tonight. We're looking for a big win (hopefully), but win or lose, it's always fun to watch. Of course, it is MUCH more fun when we win. I don't want you to think I am one of those moms who think, "It's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game." Nope! It's ALL about the WIN! (Just kidding... a little.)
Roxie is going to the Alabama game tomorrow with a friend. Although she is excited, we couldn't make ourselves buy Alabama-friendly clothing, so we settled on two shades of gray (shirt and scarf) and some red stud earrings. No orange will be worn. (But while we were looking for Bama-appropriate clothing, we were a little surprised at exactly how much orange we do have in this house. We have A LOT!)
At least one of us (maybe two) will be attending the JSU game. Depending on Josh's work schedule, he'll be supporting Auburn here at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842).
It appears football is our life at the moment, doesn't it? And we are supporting EVERYONE!
Sunday, the Faulkner Five are going to enjoy a big Sunday dinner together after church... and the rest is open for discussion.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful fall weekend. Be sure and check Belinda's Project Life for Friday, Saturday and Sunday Pictures of the Day. I'll be back next week with more, more, more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day Parade Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of my pre-lit deer... which stays inside during the holiday season... even though the box clearly states "Outside Lawn Ornament." Roxie may be mortified, but I like him!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Zumba is going to be the death of me. I thought I had a new favorite instructor. We'll call him K. K WAS very repetitive, which in Zumba Land is a positive. It takes me a while to learn steps and movements, etc. K would do the same step over and over and over... and I as able to "get it."
Our first instructor (we'll call her Y) was, and is, excellent. However, she goes from one movement to another in a heartbeat. It was, and is, very hard for me to catch on or catch up or whatever.
Now, put both of them in the same session together taking turns teaching the class. K turns into Y. He is fast, frenetic, not as repetitive and just plain hard (for me) to follow. I miss the old K. A lot.
NOTE - It also didn't help that one of the songs lasted 11 minutes last night. That's right. I said it! IT LASTED 11 MINUTES! It's a small miracle I'm hear to post today!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since exercise is my life now, I will also share a fact/myth with you. All of my adult life, I have heard about the benefit of exercise and endorphins.
"One of the body's own painkillers, an opioid (morphine-like) chemical produced by the body that serves to suppress pain. (HA!)
"Endorphins are manufactured in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of the body. They are released in response to neurotransmitters. Endorphins act as analgesics (diminishing the perception of pain) and as sedatives. (Again, HA!)"
Endorphins supposedly are released into the body during and after exercise.
Fun fact for you... I have no endorphins. None. Nada.
I may have to start taking another supplement.
Blog Linkage - I have three links to share today, so find your reading glasses.
1. Go to Big Mama under My Blog List. Go to the bottom of today's post, and click on "Previous Entries." Continue to do this until you come to a post entitled "The Where Against the Why" dated November 9, 2010. It's a very good read.
2. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on "Photography" at the top of her page. She had a contest this week. She asked people to send their favorite animal photos. Whether you are an animal lover or not, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy these pics.
3. To go www.katiemitchell.wordpress.com. Katie lost her sweet Dad recently, and she has written a beautiful post about their relationship. It's a wonderful tribute to her Dad.
Enjoy your reading time.
Veteran's Day Parade Date
It's Veteran's Day and downtown Birmingham will be busy this afternoon while one of the nation's oldest and largest Veteran's Day Parades is held. Take one of your older kids on a Parade Date. Not only will it be fun and educational for your child, but it will truly be a great way to honor our veterans.
The Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. The Parade typically lasts about 90 minutes, which means streets will remain blocked from noon until 3:00 p.m.
Parade participants will include military and high school bands, floats, veteran's groups, ROTC groups and a variety of military active and retired units, along with civic and support organizations.
The Parade route is as follows:
Begin: 8th Avenue North and 19th Street
South on 19th Street to 5th Avenue North
East on 5th Avenue to 22nd Street
South on 22nd Street to 2nd Avenue North
West on 2nd Avenue to 18th Street
North on 18th Street to Sixth Avenue North
NOTE - If your date is a little young, 90 minutes might be too long. You can park a few blocks away and walk to the beginning point of the Parade. (Also, if you are with a younger child, try to get as close to the starting point of the Parade as you can.)
ANOTHER NOTE - Be sure to get there early. You can have a snack in the car before you walk (not run) to the Parade site.
Have a great Thursday. Be sure to thank any and all veterans and/or their families you may see today... or any day for that matter. Their sacrifice for God and country is more than I can even fathom.
I looked for a Veteran's Day Quote to share, but I kept coming back to my favorite patriotic song by Lee Greenwood.
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can’t take that away.
I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you,
And defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land.
God bless the U.S.A.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of my pre-lit deer... which stays inside during the holiday season... even though the box clearly states "Outside Lawn Ornament." Roxie may be mortified, but I like him!
RANDOMNESS #1 - Zumba is going to be the death of me. I thought I had a new favorite instructor. We'll call him K. K WAS very repetitive, which in Zumba Land is a positive. It takes me a while to learn steps and movements, etc. K would do the same step over and over and over... and I as able to "get it."
Our first instructor (we'll call her Y) was, and is, excellent. However, she goes from one movement to another in a heartbeat. It was, and is, very hard for me to catch on or catch up or whatever.
Now, put both of them in the same session together taking turns teaching the class. K turns into Y. He is fast, frenetic, not as repetitive and just plain hard (for me) to follow. I miss the old K. A lot.
NOTE - It also didn't help that one of the songs lasted 11 minutes last night. That's right. I said it! IT LASTED 11 MINUTES! It's a small miracle I'm hear to post today!
RANDOMNESS #2 - Since exercise is my life now, I will also share a fact/myth with you. All of my adult life, I have heard about the benefit of exercise and endorphins.
"One of the body's own painkillers, an opioid (morphine-like) chemical produced by the body that serves to suppress pain. (HA!)
"Endorphins are manufactured in the brain, spinal cord, and many other parts of the body. They are released in response to neurotransmitters. Endorphins act as analgesics (diminishing the perception of pain) and as sedatives. (Again, HA!)"
Endorphins supposedly are released into the body during and after exercise.
Fun fact for you... I have no endorphins. None. Nada.
I may have to start taking another supplement.
Blog Linkage - I have three links to share today, so find your reading glasses.
1. Go to Big Mama under My Blog List. Go to the bottom of today's post, and click on "Previous Entries." Continue to do this until you come to a post entitled "The Where Against the Why" dated November 9, 2010. It's a very good read.
2. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. Click on "Photography" at the top of her page. She had a contest this week. She asked people to send their favorite animal photos. Whether you are an animal lover or not, I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy these pics.
3. To go www.katiemitchell.wordpress.com. Katie lost her sweet Dad recently, and she has written a beautiful post about their relationship. It's a wonderful tribute to her Dad.
Enjoy your reading time.
Veteran's Day Parade Date
It's Veteran's Day and downtown Birmingham will be busy this afternoon while one of the nation's oldest and largest Veteran's Day Parades is held. Take one of your older kids on a Parade Date. Not only will it be fun and educational for your child, but it will truly be a great way to honor our veterans.
The Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. The Parade typically lasts about 90 minutes, which means streets will remain blocked from noon until 3:00 p.m.
Parade participants will include military and high school bands, floats, veteran's groups, ROTC groups and a variety of military active and retired units, along with civic and support organizations.
The Parade route is as follows:
Begin: 8th Avenue North and 19th Street
South on 19th Street to 5th Avenue North
East on 5th Avenue to 22nd Street
South on 22nd Street to 2nd Avenue North
West on 2nd Avenue to 18th Street
North on 18th Street to Sixth Avenue North
NOTE - If your date is a little young, 90 minutes might be too long. You can park a few blocks away and walk to the beginning point of the Parade. (Also, if you are with a younger child, try to get as close to the starting point of the Parade as you can.)
ANOTHER NOTE - Be sure to get there early. You can have a snack in the car before you walk (not run) to the Parade site.
Have a great Thursday. Be sure to thank any and all veterans and/or their families you may see today... or any day for that matter. Their sacrifice for God and country is more than I can even fathom.
I looked for a Veteran's Day Quote to share, but I kept coming back to my favorite patriotic song by Lee Greenwood.
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can’t take that away.
I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you,
And defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land.
God bless the U.S.A.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Grateful Poster
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pics this morning are of various Christmas inflatables I'm contemplating purchasing. Actually, I already know which one I'm going to buy, but in the spirit of Faulkner Five Democracy (which, in reality, is an "urban myth"), we'll have a little vote... And then I'll buy the one I wanted in the first place! Come on "Giant Santa Penguin!"
REMINDER - It's Encouraging Wednesday. Pick up that phone! Start texting or dialing or whatever! It takes less than five minutes, and it will probably be one of the most important things you do all day. Encourage at least one person today!
RANDOMNESS - I have found very few things I do embarrass me at the age of 49. Which is a good thing because EVERYTHING I do embarrasses one of my kids (or Mikie). But I digress.
As I mentioned above, I took my camera into Wal-Mart to take pictures of inflatables. After a few minutes, a voice behind me said, "Okay. I've got to ask. What ARE you doing?"
Thankfully, it was a girl I knew and I explained. She is all about inflatables, too, because she has a little boy who loves them. She was very non-judgmental. She even shared she has the "Santa In a Bathing Suit Sitting In a Hammock" inflatable at her house... which, as every inflatable connoisseur knows, is one of the best/tackiest inflatables ever made. I am so jealous right now. I will never own the "Santa In the Bathing Suit Sitting In a Hammock" inflatable because it clearly does not "go" with my giant "JOY" inflatable. I do have standards, you know.
Nope. My pick of the litter is the 8' tall "Santa Penguin" inflatable. Color-wise, he is perfect. Size-wise, children will be able to see him from three streets away. Tacky-wise... Well, I think we all know the answer to that one!
I cannot wait until he is in my yard... beside my "JOY." It's going to be a good Christmas.
I have a new goal. By the time I have grandchildren, I want to have so many inflatables I will be featured on the ABC 33/40 newscast. Ahhh! A girl can dream, can't she?
Wednesday Wisdom - I copied a little paragraph from a blog I visit from time to time (www.beckyhiggins.com). She is a wife, mother and scrapbooker extraordinaire. I thought this little tidbit was perfect for today's Wisdom.
Becky writes, "Something to think about: 'Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.' (William Arthur Ward) Someone in your life needs to hear your appreciation today. What are you waiting for? Let them know. Send an e-mail or a text — or even better — write a good ol’ fashioned letter and put it in the mail.
"Life’s too short. Express your gratitude."
Excellent advice.
Grateful Poster
This Thanksgiving tradition was also shared on Becky Higgins blog recently. If you go to her blog and scroll down to a post entitled "Gratitude. A Family Project" dated November 4, you'll be able to see the beginning of the actual poster. In another post entitled "Gratitude, Continued" dated November 9, you can see how the project is coming along.
The following are step-by-step instructions (copied directly from Becky's Blog) on how to start this great new family tradition:
Starting the project - I showed the kids this big, blank poster with one word on it: GRATEFUL. (Letter stickers are “Text” chipboard letter stickers from American Crafts). Everyone was invited to think of different things they’re grateful for and then start writing and drawing. No rules. If you’re grateful for it, you write it down. I love that Porter insisted on drawing something next to everyone’s words. I love that Claire thought of “prayer,” but only after dogs and cats. I love that Crew has a talking bubble that says “Einstein!” because that’s what we hear the most from him. I love that Diet Mountain Dew made the list. I love the misspelled words. I love that we’re doing this as a family. Most of all, I love that we’re all a little more focused on what we’re grateful for.
Moving forward - Every day we’ll each add a couple more things. In the frame, the glass is behind the poster board, keeping everything firm and in place. This also keeps it exposed and readily available to write on any time. We will hang this on the wall soon and continue to add and add and add until it is completely full of words and pictures.
Fun twist - We didn’t do this, but it’s something you may want to consider if you do a similar project with your family. Give everyone a different color marker so it’s easier to identify who wrote what.
This is a doable project. Make it your own, and start a new Thanksgiving tradition today!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. I hope you accomplish a great deal today. I have reading material in the form of Blog Linkage and a very nice date for you and yours Thursday. Be sure to check it out!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics this morning are of various Christmas inflatables I'm contemplating purchasing. Actually, I already know which one I'm going to buy, but in the spirit of Faulkner Five Democracy (which, in reality, is an "urban myth"), we'll have a little vote... And then I'll buy the one I wanted in the first place! Come on "Giant Santa Penguin!"
REMINDER - It's Encouraging Wednesday. Pick up that phone! Start texting or dialing or whatever! It takes less than five minutes, and it will probably be one of the most important things you do all day. Encourage at least one person today!
RANDOMNESS - I have found very few things I do embarrass me at the age of 49. Which is a good thing because EVERYTHING I do embarrasses one of my kids (or Mikie). But I digress.
As I mentioned above, I took my camera into Wal-Mart to take pictures of inflatables. After a few minutes, a voice behind me said, "Okay. I've got to ask. What ARE you doing?"
Thankfully, it was a girl I knew and I explained. She is all about inflatables, too, because she has a little boy who loves them. She was very non-judgmental. She even shared she has the "Santa In a Bathing Suit Sitting In a Hammock" inflatable at her house... which, as every inflatable connoisseur knows, is one of the best/tackiest inflatables ever made. I am so jealous right now. I will never own the "Santa In the Bathing Suit Sitting In a Hammock" inflatable because it clearly does not "go" with my giant "JOY" inflatable. I do have standards, you know.
Nope. My pick of the litter is the 8' tall "Santa Penguin" inflatable. Color-wise, he is perfect. Size-wise, children will be able to see him from three streets away. Tacky-wise... Well, I think we all know the answer to that one!
I cannot wait until he is in my yard... beside my "JOY." It's going to be a good Christmas.
I have a new goal. By the time I have grandchildren, I want to have so many inflatables I will be featured on the ABC 33/40 newscast. Ahhh! A girl can dream, can't she?
Wednesday Wisdom - I copied a little paragraph from a blog I visit from time to time (www.beckyhiggins.com). She is a wife, mother and scrapbooker extraordinaire. I thought this little tidbit was perfect for today's Wisdom.
Becky writes, "Something to think about: 'Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.' (William Arthur Ward) Someone in your life needs to hear your appreciation today. What are you waiting for? Let them know. Send an e-mail or a text — or even better — write a good ol’ fashioned letter and put it in the mail.
"Life’s too short. Express your gratitude."
Excellent advice.
Grateful Poster
This Thanksgiving tradition was also shared on Becky Higgins blog recently. If you go to her blog and scroll down to a post entitled "Gratitude. A Family Project" dated November 4, you'll be able to see the beginning of the actual poster. In another post entitled "Gratitude, Continued" dated November 9, you can see how the project is coming along.
The following are step-by-step instructions (copied directly from Becky's Blog) on how to start this great new family tradition:
Starting the project - I showed the kids this big, blank poster with one word on it: GRATEFUL. (Letter stickers are “Text” chipboard letter stickers from American Crafts). Everyone was invited to think of different things they’re grateful for and then start writing and drawing. No rules. If you’re grateful for it, you write it down. I love that Porter insisted on drawing something next to everyone’s words. I love that Claire thought of “prayer,” but only after dogs and cats. I love that Crew has a talking bubble that says “Einstein!” because that’s what we hear the most from him. I love that Diet Mountain Dew made the list. I love the misspelled words. I love that we’re doing this as a family. Most of all, I love that we’re all a little more focused on what we’re grateful for.
Moving forward - Every day we’ll each add a couple more things. In the frame, the glass is behind the poster board, keeping everything firm and in place. This also keeps it exposed and readily available to write on any time. We will hang this on the wall soon and continue to add and add and add until it is completely full of words and pictures.
Fun twist - We didn’t do this, but it’s something you may want to consider if you do a similar project with your family. Give everyone a different color marker so it’s easier to identify who wrote what.
This is a doable project. Make it your own, and start a new Thanksgiving tradition today!
Have a wonderful Wednesday. I hope you accomplish a great deal today. I have reading material in the form of Blog Linkage and a very nice date for you and yours Thursday. Be sure to check it out!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Double-Chocolate Cheesecake
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery Pics include photos from the basketball game last night, AND lunch yesterday with four of my friends from my "law firm" days. I'm trying very hard to add pictures other than basketball... but it's going to be difficult until the actual holidays are upon us. Hang in there! Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here!
RANDOMNESS - One of my favorite things about the first of November is the mail delivery of the Christmas magazines. Yesterday I received Martha Stewart Living in the mail, and it is absolutely lovely. If you've known me for two minutes, you know exactly which page I look for first... the Calendar. Martha has a very busy December because... well, because she's Martha.
Let's compare, shall we?
Martha's Calendar - December 5
* Collect long-lasting berries, and use for decorating wreaths
* Guest appearance on The Simpsons Christmas episode
Belinda's Calendar - December 5
* Shake artificial Christmas wreaths, and vacuum up all artificial berries which fall off said wreath
* Watch Martha on The Simpsons Christmas episode
Martha's Calendar - December 6
* Set doormats and towels by doors for snow-covered shoes
Belinda's Calendar - December 6
* Set new bottle of Febreeze in foyer to spray on shoes, gym bags and various friends and neighborhood kids which might stop by
Martha's Calendar - December 7
* Hang wreaths
* String lights along hedges and on trees
* Make new tree skirt for this year's tree
Belinda's Calendar - December 7
* Hide my movable wicker "pre-lit" deer between the wall and toilet
* Laugh as people go to use the restroom and find deer hiding behind wall
* Listen as Roxie lectures me again about having a rather large outside lawn decoration INSIDE and hiding it all over the house during the holidays
* Carefully place wrapped gifts on worn spots of old Christmas tree skirt
Martha's Calendar - December 8
* Work out
* Apply deer repellent to rhododendrons and roses
Belinda's Calendar - December 8
* ZUMBA, Baby
* Walk/run to my van with a baseball bat because the badger and/or wolverine living in my retaining wall shrubbery now has a family
* Google badger repellent and discover there is no such thing
You'll notice I didn't share the things going on the week before Christmas. It was too depressing for us mere mortals.
Double-Chocolate Cheesecake
Since I'm celebrating all things "Martha" today, I'll share a recipe from the Christmas magazine. This isn't a Martha Stewart recipe. It is a Philadelphia Cream Cheese recipe featured in her magazine. I will be making it this week, and I'll let you know how it turns out. (However, with FOUR packages of cream cheese, we all know there is no way this cheesecake could be anything BUT delicious! Am I right?)
You will need the following:
18 Oreos (crushed)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
4 packages (8 ounces each) Philly Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (melted, slightly cooled)
4 eggs
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of 9" springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour and vanilla with a mixer until well blended.
4. Add melted chocolate. Mix well.
5. Add eggs (1 at a time). Mix on low speed after each just until blended.
6. Pour over crust.
7. Bake 55 minutes to 1 hour or until center is ALMOST set.
8. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake before removing rim.
9. Refrigerate 4 hours.
10. Top with berries just before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
I've broken the rule a little. This recipe has more than five ingredients and more than three or four steps. However, the majority of the steps are SUPER EASY. Also, I will be using strawberries instead of blueberries for the berry topping, I think. We shall see.
If you only buy one magazine this season, this is the one to purchase. Beautiful.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Whatever you do today, do it with excellence... even if it is laundry or mopping or running errands. Wednesday's Wisdom is profound. The Tradition is life changing, and the Randomness is a must read.
That's a lot to live up to, isn't it? Way too much pressure. Let's just say, I'll have some Wisdom to share (from someone else, of course), a Seasonal Tradition and some Randomness on Wednesday... so please plan to visit.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pics include photos from the basketball game last night, AND lunch yesterday with four of my friends from my "law firm" days. I'm trying very hard to add pictures other than basketball... but it's going to be difficult until the actual holidays are upon us. Hang in there! Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here!
RANDOMNESS - One of my favorite things about the first of November is the mail delivery of the Christmas magazines. Yesterday I received Martha Stewart Living in the mail, and it is absolutely lovely. If you've known me for two minutes, you know exactly which page I look for first... the Calendar. Martha has a very busy December because... well, because she's Martha.
Let's compare, shall we?
Martha's Calendar - December 5
* Collect long-lasting berries, and use for decorating wreaths
* Guest appearance on The Simpsons Christmas episode
Belinda's Calendar - December 5
* Shake artificial Christmas wreaths, and vacuum up all artificial berries which fall off said wreath
* Watch Martha on The Simpsons Christmas episode
Martha's Calendar - December 6
* Set doormats and towels by doors for snow-covered shoes
Belinda's Calendar - December 6
* Set new bottle of Febreeze in foyer to spray on shoes, gym bags and various friends and neighborhood kids which might stop by
Martha's Calendar - December 7
* Hang wreaths
* String lights along hedges and on trees
* Make new tree skirt for this year's tree
Belinda's Calendar - December 7
* Hide my movable wicker "pre-lit" deer between the wall and toilet
* Laugh as people go to use the restroom and find deer hiding behind wall
* Listen as Roxie lectures me again about having a rather large outside lawn decoration INSIDE and hiding it all over the house during the holidays
* Carefully place wrapped gifts on worn spots of old Christmas tree skirt
Martha's Calendar - December 8
* Work out
* Apply deer repellent to rhododendrons and roses
Belinda's Calendar - December 8
* ZUMBA, Baby
* Walk/run to my van with a baseball bat because the badger and/or wolverine living in my retaining wall shrubbery now has a family
* Google badger repellent and discover there is no such thing
You'll notice I didn't share the things going on the week before Christmas. It was too depressing for us mere mortals.
Double-Chocolate Cheesecake
Since I'm celebrating all things "Martha" today, I'll share a recipe from the Christmas magazine. This isn't a Martha Stewart recipe. It is a Philadelphia Cream Cheese recipe featured in her magazine. I will be making it this week, and I'll let you know how it turns out. (However, with FOUR packages of cream cheese, we all know there is no way this cheesecake could be anything BUT delicious! Am I right?)
You will need the following:
18 Oreos (crushed)
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
4 packages (8 ounces each) Philly Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (melted, slightly cooled)
4 eggs
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom of 9" springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour and vanilla with a mixer until well blended.
4. Add melted chocolate. Mix well.
5. Add eggs (1 at a time). Mix on low speed after each just until blended.
6. Pour over crust.
7. Bake 55 minutes to 1 hour or until center is ALMOST set.
8. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake before removing rim.
9. Refrigerate 4 hours.
10. Top with berries just before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
I've broken the rule a little. This recipe has more than five ingredients and more than three or four steps. However, the majority of the steps are SUPER EASY. Also, I will be using strawberries instead of blueberries for the berry topping, I think. We shall see.
If you only buy one magazine this season, this is the one to purchase. Beautiful.
Have a terrific Tuesday. Whatever you do today, do it with excellence... even if it is laundry or mopping or running errands. Wednesday's Wisdom is profound. The Tradition is life changing, and the Randomness is a must read.
That's a lot to live up to, isn't it? Way too much pressure. Let's just say, I'll have some Wisdom to share (from someone else, of course), a Seasonal Tradition and some Randomness on Wednesday... so please plan to visit.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, November 8, 2010
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
The Showcase Pic for the week is from the fourth (and maybe final) Mystery Bag Party. The girls had a good time (I think), as the remaining pics in the Gallery will attest.
The Gallery Pics are from Christmas Village and the aforementioned Mystery Bag Party.
As has become our custom on A Simple Life, Mondays are indeed very simple. Lots of pictures which tell the story, and a tiny post.
However, the rest of the week is full of fall fun... and ideas... and recipes... and dates... and linkage... Oh, my!
Have a glorious Monday. Send a couple of old friends an encouraging text even though it is NOT officially Encouraging Wednesday. Or better yet... pick up the phone and call someone you haven't visited with for awhile.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Showcase Pic for the week is from the fourth (and maybe final) Mystery Bag Party. The girls had a good time (I think), as the remaining pics in the Gallery will attest.
The Gallery Pics are from Christmas Village and the aforementioned Mystery Bag Party.
As has become our custom on A Simple Life, Mondays are indeed very simple. Lots of pictures which tell the story, and a tiny post.
However, the rest of the week is full of fall fun... and ideas... and recipes... and dates... and linkage... Oh, my!
Have a glorious Monday. Send a couple of old friends an encouraging text even though it is NOT officially Encouraging Wednesday. Or better yet... pick up the phone and call someone you haven't visited with for awhile.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Friday, November 5, 2010
Weekend Happenings
Good Friday morning!
I've added a couple of extra Halloween pics to the Gallery this morning. Other than major appliance purchases yesterday, there wasn't much to photograph around here. I did wait a safe distance from my retaining wall shrubbery for about 30 minutes to see if the badger or wolverine would make an appearance. THAT would have been a great picture. However, they are crafty creatures, and they did not leave their cover. Maybe today!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I'm officially a Zumba Body Pumper! I attended my second Body Pump class yesterday afternoon. After removing one of the two tiny weights on each side of the bar, I discovered I was still sore this morning, but not in that "TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL" kind of way. But rather, in the normal, "I'VE EXERCISED AND MY BODY IS REACTING AS IT SHOULD" kind of way.
My goal is to exercise four to six times a week... which will include my two-mile morning walks (which I don't do every day, but I should). Hopefully, I'll be able to accomplish that goal. Right now, I'd very much like to crawl back into my nice, warm bed and pretend the house is perfectly clean, the laundry is done, dinner is in the crockpot, etc., etc., etc.
But reality calls, and I have to try at least once more today to catch the badger and/or wolverine living in my shrubbery. Since Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) is a working squirrel farm, I cannot help but wonder if these carnivorous animals might damage our squirrel population. It's hard work being a farmer these days.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I talked to a friend in the grocery store this week. She said she was thinking of sending a "real" Christmas card letter with her cards this year. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to do that, but wouldn't it be fun to be that free.
Here's a little example... NORMAL CHRISTMAS CARD LETTER - "It has been a fantastic year, and even with all the wonderful and amazing events which took place over the last 12 months, I haven't changed a bit and can still wear my 14 year-old daughter's skinny jeans comfortably. People are constantly coming up to us and asking if we are sisters. I hope you and yours are aging as well as The Faulkner Five. Merry, Merry Christmas!"
REAL CHRISTMAS CARD LETTER - "I've gone up a size in the jean department, and that's why the only part of me showing in the Christmas card picture is my face from my nose up. Perfect placement of the three giant kids and the two beagles is key! Menopause and gravity are taking their toll, and I'm trying daily not to kill Mikie and the kids as my mood swings are not yet controlled by the massive medication my idiot doctor said should help. Oh, well. Hope you and yours have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Like I said... I'm not sure I'm brave enough, but it is a very intriguing idea, isn't it?
Weekend Happenings
The Faulkner Five have a nice weekend planned. The Boy is coming home this afternoon because his SATURDAY IS FREE! That's right. The team is traveling, but the band is not... and there is no exhibition scheduled for this Saturday. We will get to see him four days in a row instead of just Sunday afternoon and early, early Monday morning. It's a sweet treat, I tell you.
Roxie has plans with a friend tonight, but the rest of the Faulkner Five are planning on eating together and watching a movie. However, since I'm a little outnumbered, I'm pretty sure it will not be a chick flick.
The Lovely Melia's birthday is tomorrow, so she and Austin have plans to spend the day together. They are very excited, and I don't blame them. I think they have some fun things planned.
Josh will spend part of the day with friends. I think a movie may be in the works.
Roxie, Katie and I will be heading to Christmas Village for an afternoon of "getting into the Christmas spirit." I'm looking forward to spending time with the chicks.
My job at Christmas Village is finding all the dip booths... and the peanut brittle booths... and the soup booths... and the eggnog booths... and the hot chocolate/cider booths. I do an excellent job. It's a gift, I tell you. AND because I'm so good at my job, we rarely spend money on food at Christmas Village. We leave full and happy!
On Sunday afternoon, I will be taking the Big Gold Van on a Mystery Bag Party. I'm very excited, and I hope everyone has a good time. I'll have pictures and stories on Mindless Monday, I am sure.
Sunday night finds the Faulkner Five back at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) eating dinner together before another busy week of school and work begins. I'm really looking forward to the holiday breaks which will be arriving shortly. I think everyone needs the time off, don't you?
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. Don't forget to reach out to someone today. There are hurting people all around us. Let's all remember to not get too busy to care. (And by saying, "Let's all remember," I mean ME!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
I've added a couple of extra Halloween pics to the Gallery this morning. Other than major appliance purchases yesterday, there wasn't much to photograph around here. I did wait a safe distance from my retaining wall shrubbery for about 30 minutes to see if the badger or wolverine would make an appearance. THAT would have been a great picture. However, they are crafty creatures, and they did not leave their cover. Maybe today!
RANDOMNESS #1 - I'm officially a Zumba Body Pumper! I attended my second Body Pump class yesterday afternoon. After removing one of the two tiny weights on each side of the bar, I discovered I was still sore this morning, but not in that "TAKE ME TO THE HOSPITAL" kind of way. But rather, in the normal, "I'VE EXERCISED AND MY BODY IS REACTING AS IT SHOULD" kind of way.
My goal is to exercise four to six times a week... which will include my two-mile morning walks (which I don't do every day, but I should). Hopefully, I'll be able to accomplish that goal. Right now, I'd very much like to crawl back into my nice, warm bed and pretend the house is perfectly clean, the laundry is done, dinner is in the crockpot, etc., etc., etc.
But reality calls, and I have to try at least once more today to catch the badger and/or wolverine living in my shrubbery. Since Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) is a working squirrel farm, I cannot help but wonder if these carnivorous animals might damage our squirrel population. It's hard work being a farmer these days.
RANDOMNESS #2 - I talked to a friend in the grocery store this week. She said she was thinking of sending a "real" Christmas card letter with her cards this year. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to do that, but wouldn't it be fun to be that free.
Here's a little example... NORMAL CHRISTMAS CARD LETTER - "It has been a fantastic year, and even with all the wonderful and amazing events which took place over the last 12 months, I haven't changed a bit and can still wear my 14 year-old daughter's skinny jeans comfortably. People are constantly coming up to us and asking if we are sisters. I hope you and yours are aging as well as The Faulkner Five. Merry, Merry Christmas!"
REAL CHRISTMAS CARD LETTER - "I've gone up a size in the jean department, and that's why the only part of me showing in the Christmas card picture is my face from my nose up. Perfect placement of the three giant kids and the two beagles is key! Menopause and gravity are taking their toll, and I'm trying daily not to kill Mikie and the kids as my mood swings are not yet controlled by the massive medication my idiot doctor said should help. Oh, well. Hope you and yours have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Like I said... I'm not sure I'm brave enough, but it is a very intriguing idea, isn't it?
Weekend Happenings
The Faulkner Five have a nice weekend planned. The Boy is coming home this afternoon because his SATURDAY IS FREE! That's right. The team is traveling, but the band is not... and there is no exhibition scheduled for this Saturday. We will get to see him four days in a row instead of just Sunday afternoon and early, early Monday morning. It's a sweet treat, I tell you.
Roxie has plans with a friend tonight, but the rest of the Faulkner Five are planning on eating together and watching a movie. However, since I'm a little outnumbered, I'm pretty sure it will not be a chick flick.
The Lovely Melia's birthday is tomorrow, so she and Austin have plans to spend the day together. They are very excited, and I don't blame them. I think they have some fun things planned.
Josh will spend part of the day with friends. I think a movie may be in the works.
Roxie, Katie and I will be heading to Christmas Village for an afternoon of "getting into the Christmas spirit." I'm looking forward to spending time with the chicks.
My job at Christmas Village is finding all the dip booths... and the peanut brittle booths... and the soup booths... and the eggnog booths... and the hot chocolate/cider booths. I do an excellent job. It's a gift, I tell you. AND because I'm so good at my job, we rarely spend money on food at Christmas Village. We leave full and happy!
On Sunday afternoon, I will be taking the Big Gold Van on a Mystery Bag Party. I'm very excited, and I hope everyone has a good time. I'll have pictures and stories on Mindless Monday, I am sure.
Sunday night finds the Faulkner Five back at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842) eating dinner together before another busy week of school and work begins. I'm really looking forward to the holiday breaks which will be arriving shortly. I think everyone needs the time off, don't you?
I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. Don't forget to reach out to someone today. There are hurting people all around us. Let's all remember to not get too busy to care. (And by saying, "Let's all remember," I mean ME!)
Take care, and I'll talk to you Monday.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Food Bank Date
Good Thursday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of my OLD vacuum cleaner which died last night right before Mikie came home. I was almost finished with that part of getting the house ready for his homecoming when it just fizzled. SO FRUSTRATING! Plus, I had expected the painters to come on Monday, but they called to say it would be Wednesday... so all of Roxie's furniture is in the living room, and her room is a "just been painted" mess right now. Needless to say, Mikie did not walk into a nice, clean house last night after five days away. However, he DID walk into a freshly painted house! And that's a good thing!
And the second picture in the Gallery is of my NEW vacuum cleaner. I can't wait to get it out of the box!
The third picture is of Roxie's hairdryer that also "bit the dust" this morning. Thankfully, we are now a two hairdryer family, so that little crises was avoided.
And just so you know everything isn't always "peachy" at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842), my car battery also went to Appliance Heaven first thing Monday morning. It's been a lovely week! (I've already had a talk with my dishwasher, washer and dryer this morning. They have got to hang in there until next our next paycheck arrives!)
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart
Our Pastor gave a great definition of the word "compassion" this past Sunday. He said, "Compassion is your pain in my heart." This, of course, means someone else's pain in your heart.
It's not hard to feel sorry for someone, or be concerned about a person's situation. It's not difficult to send a card, or pray, or fix a meal when a need arises.
As a wife and a mom, it isn't difficult to carry our immediate family's pain in our heart either. But to actually carry someone's pain in your heart (a friend, acquaintance or even people we see on television who are living in horrible conditions because of poverty, earthquakes or floods)... Well, that is a tall order. It is certainly something I have difficulty doing on a daily basis.
Once again, as a Christian, it isn't a choice.
"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-13, 17.
It is indeed a very tall order... but not impossible. And during this holiday season, with all of the busyness, celebrating and visiting, I'm going to try very, very hard "to put on a heart of compassion." Not just during the month of Thanksgiving and the month of Christmas, but each and every day.
That's a good goal for me, I think. Yes, that's a goal worth trying to attain.
Blog Linkage - I don't have a lot of extra reading for you, but what I do have is good stuff.
1. Go to "a little bit of me" under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "Happy Halloweenie!" dated October 31. Is this a great picture op idea for your little guys on Halloween, or what? I love it, and I wish I had seen the picture when my kiddos were small so I could have copied it.
2. Always go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman and just read, read, read. She never disappoints... never!
Food Bank Date
I posted this "date" last year, but it's a good one... worthy of a re-post.
Ask your oldest child to accompany you on a shopping spree... to the local grocery store. This is one of those dates where you go through the house and gather all the change you can find in all your family's change-collecting places. (Make sure you have at least $15 before visiting the grocery store.)
The purpose of this one-on-one time is to buy canned goods for a local church, mission or fire station food bank. Call ahead of time to see what items the food bank needs and the times they will be open. Once you have all the information, you can plan the date.
Explain to your child where you're going, what items you're looking for and how the items will be used. While shopping, make sure you talk about the best prices to get the most items for the money you have to spend. Once you have finished shopping (buying a variety of canned goods), head to the food bank.
Before you walk into the food bank with your child, sit in the car and pray over the food you are about to donate. Pray for the families who need help and ask God's blessings on the meals which will be made. Walk in together and deliver the food.
Now it is time to spend some more time with your child answering questions he/she may have about why there are people who do not have enough food in their homes. It's hard for some adults to understand, so you can imagine children can have a hard time comprehending this situation, too.
This is a time to talk about being thankful for all of our blessings, and because of this hands-on date, this time it will not be "just words." You and your child will have done a little something to help solve the problem.
Have a beautiful Thursday. I hope you have a great day... and that ALL of your appliances keep on working. On Friday, I'll be discussing Weekend Happenings, all kinds of Randomness and updating you on what blew up at our house during the day Thursday!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of my OLD vacuum cleaner which died last night right before Mikie came home. I was almost finished with that part of getting the house ready for his homecoming when it just fizzled. SO FRUSTRATING! Plus, I had expected the painters to come on Monday, but they called to say it would be Wednesday... so all of Roxie's furniture is in the living room, and her room is a "just been painted" mess right now. Needless to say, Mikie did not walk into a nice, clean house last night after five days away. However, he DID walk into a freshly painted house! And that's a good thing!
And the second picture in the Gallery is of my NEW vacuum cleaner. I can't wait to get it out of the box!
The third picture is of Roxie's hairdryer that also "bit the dust" this morning. Thankfully, we are now a two hairdryer family, so that little crises was avoided.
And just so you know everything isn't always "peachy" at Faulkner Farms (circa 1842), my car battery also went to Appliance Heaven first thing Monday morning. It's been a lovely week! (I've already had a talk with my dishwasher, washer and dryer this morning. They have got to hang in there until next our next paycheck arrives!)
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart
Our Pastor gave a great definition of the word "compassion" this past Sunday. He said, "Compassion is your pain in my heart." This, of course, means someone else's pain in your heart.
It's not hard to feel sorry for someone, or be concerned about a person's situation. It's not difficult to send a card, or pray, or fix a meal when a need arises.
As a wife and a mom, it isn't difficult to carry our immediate family's pain in our heart either. But to actually carry someone's pain in your heart (a friend, acquaintance or even people we see on television who are living in horrible conditions because of poverty, earthquakes or floods)... Well, that is a tall order. It is certainly something I have difficulty doing on a daily basis.
Once again, as a Christian, it isn't a choice.
"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-13, 17.
It is indeed a very tall order... but not impossible. And during this holiday season, with all of the busyness, celebrating and visiting, I'm going to try very, very hard "to put on a heart of compassion." Not just during the month of Thanksgiving and the month of Christmas, but each and every day.
That's a good goal for me, I think. Yes, that's a goal worth trying to attain.
Blog Linkage - I don't have a lot of extra reading for you, but what I do have is good stuff.
1. Go to "a little bit of me" under My Blog List and scroll down to the post entitled "Happy Halloweenie!" dated October 31. Is this a great picture op idea for your little guys on Halloween, or what? I love it, and I wish I had seen the picture when my kiddos were small so I could have copied it.
2. Always go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman and just read, read, read. She never disappoints... never!
Food Bank Date
I posted this "date" last year, but it's a good one... worthy of a re-post.
Ask your oldest child to accompany you on a shopping spree... to the local grocery store. This is one of those dates where you go through the house and gather all the change you can find in all your family's change-collecting places. (Make sure you have at least $15 before visiting the grocery store.)
The purpose of this one-on-one time is to buy canned goods for a local church, mission or fire station food bank. Call ahead of time to see what items the food bank needs and the times they will be open. Once you have all the information, you can plan the date.
Explain to your child where you're going, what items you're looking for and how the items will be used. While shopping, make sure you talk about the best prices to get the most items for the money you have to spend. Once you have finished shopping (buying a variety of canned goods), head to the food bank.
Before you walk into the food bank with your child, sit in the car and pray over the food you are about to donate. Pray for the families who need help and ask God's blessings on the meals which will be made. Walk in together and deliver the food.
Now it is time to spend some more time with your child answering questions he/she may have about why there are people who do not have enough food in their homes. It's hard for some adults to understand, so you can imagine children can have a hard time comprehending this situation, too.
This is a time to talk about being thankful for all of our blessings, and because of this hands-on date, this time it will not be "just words." You and your child will have done a little something to help solve the problem.
Have a beautiful Thursday. I hope you have a great day... and that ALL of your appliances keep on working. On Friday, I'll be discussing Weekend Happenings, all kinds of Randomness and updating you on what blew up at our house during the day Thursday!
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Family Thanksgiving Party
Good Wednesday morning!
The Gallery Pic is of Roxie with two of her teammates, Kelci and Claire, after the Tip-Off Tournament last night. As you can see, Miss Kelci is on crutches for a couple of weeks, but she can still light up a room with that mega-smile. We may not have won last night, but we're looking forward to next week's game. I have a feeling it's going to be a good season!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart - Today's post is a little "lengthy," so we'll continue the Topic of the week first thing in the morning!
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART THREE - The week is flying by, and it's already time to say good-bye to Miss Roxie. She was a very cooperative guest, and it was fun seeing "this side" of her.
21. Where is your "happy place?"
In the car on the way somewhere fun... listening to my I-pod.
22. Who are you most like... your mother or your father?
Mother. (Sorry about that, Chick.)
23. What is your favorite holiday, and why?
Christmas. I love the smells and the warm feeling inside because you are giving to others as well as receiving.
24. What is one food you cannot force yourself to eat?
Hominy. (We had canned hominy one night with a meal because I saw it at the store, and I remembered how much I liked it as a kid. Austin, Josh and Roxie have all been scarred for life because I made them take a bite of HOMINY! They even shudder when they hear the word... which I think is HILARIOUS! I say it all the time just to see their reaction.)
25. Are you a "glass half-full" person or a "glass half-empty" person?
I think this is a dumb question. (Perhaps for a 14 year-old, but most adults know exactly what they are.)
26. If you were an animal, which animal would you be?
Chinchilla. (I didn't even ask. I'm assuming it is because they get to wear a fur coat all year long.)
27. What is your favorite book of the Bible?
Proverbs. (Good one.)
28. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl. (But what she doesn't realize yet... Being a night owl is the reason you are NOT a morning person!
29. What is your favorite cereal?
Marshmallow Maties. (Well, the secret it out. We eat cereal by the BAG, not the BOX!)
30. Name your three best physical features.
Hair color, freckles and my hands. (She does have pretty hands. Very graceful.)
31. What is your current obsession?
Uh, Basketball, basketball, basketball!
And now you know everything you've always wanted to know about Roxie... or at least the important stuff. If she ever comes over for dinner, be sure and put a big bowl of hominy on the table. It's fun to watch her squirm!
Wednesday Wisdom - "Thanksgiving" shall be our Wednesday Wisdom word for the entire month of November. I'll start out with a few witty insights on this most wonderful holiday.
"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" Erma Bombeck
"Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often." Johnny Carson
"May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize.
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!" Anonymous
Amen... and Amen!
Family Thanksgiving Party
Some of the following ideas are from Family Fun Magazine November, 2010. I've added a couple of extra ideas to keep it interesting!
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season when families take a break from busy schedules and come together for good company and great food. Treat the day like the party it is by incorporating fun activities into the festivities. There are plenty of ways to celebrate beyond feasting.
Start a Thanksgiving tablecloth. Upon arrival, ask everyone to sign in on a Thanksgiving tablecloth using different colored fabric paint pens. Beside their name, ask them to write their age and one thing they are thankful for. You can add to this tablecloth year after year after year.
Have EVERYONE help with the meal. (If there are five members in one family, each member can contribute something!) Consider going potluck so that everyone, including the hostess, is free to enjoy themselves.
Play together. After the dishes are done and everyone's finished a second helping of pie, the lure of the couch is especially hard to resist. Ward off stuffing stupor and cranberry coma with some all-ages games, and serve up some wonderful post-meal memories. Play a few rounds of Pictionary, test everyone's familial knowledge with Family Trivia or head outdoors for fun with touch football or a basketball game.
Prepare an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox as a family. After you have chosen the sex and age of the child the shoebox will be delivered to, talk to the adults about the basic gifts (toothpaste, toothbrush, socks, etc.). Let the children in the family pick out the "fun" items (small toys, coloring books, food items, stuffed animals, etc.). Have each member of the family bring a gift for the shoebox. Take a picture of the family standing around the items and the box. After you seal the box, have each member of the family go around in a circle and pray for the child who will receive that most marvelous gift. Pray for their health. Pray for their family. Pray they have enough food to eat. And lastly, pray for the child's salvation... so one day your family will be able to meet them face to face in Heaven.
Write a Thanksgiving letter. If you have a family member or loved one who lives away and is not able to participate in your Thanksgiving festivities, have everyone take a moment or two to write them a paragraph or two on some festive stationery. Set up a card table in a corner of a room, and sometime during the day encourage each member of the family to sit down and write. The letter can simply be an "I miss you" type message or it can be an encouraging letter. Anything goes. If you have ten family members at Thanksgiving this year, it could be a three or four-pager... which would be wonderful. NOTE - If there are children who are too young to write, have crayons available for them to add a little artwork to the written word!
Have a windy Wednesday. It is definitely a blustery day in this "neck of the woods." I'm looking forward to the return of Mikie this afternoon. He has been gone TOO LONG, and I've definitely missed him... A LOT! Thursday's date will be fun, and as always, I have some Blog Linkage to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery Pic is of Roxie with two of her teammates, Kelci and Claire, after the Tip-Off Tournament last night. As you can see, Miss Kelci is on crutches for a couple of weeks, but she can still light up a room with that mega-smile. We may not have won last night, but we're looking forward to next week's game. I have a feeling it's going to be a good season!
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart - Today's post is a little "lengthy," so we'll continue the Topic of the week first thing in the morning!
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART THREE - The week is flying by, and it's already time to say good-bye to Miss Roxie. She was a very cooperative guest, and it was fun seeing "this side" of her.
21. Where is your "happy place?"
In the car on the way somewhere fun... listening to my I-pod.
22. Who are you most like... your mother or your father?
Mother. (Sorry about that, Chick.)
23. What is your favorite holiday, and why?
Christmas. I love the smells and the warm feeling inside because you are giving to others as well as receiving.
24. What is one food you cannot force yourself to eat?
Hominy. (We had canned hominy one night with a meal because I saw it at the store, and I remembered how much I liked it as a kid. Austin, Josh and Roxie have all been scarred for life because I made them take a bite of HOMINY! They even shudder when they hear the word... which I think is HILARIOUS! I say it all the time just to see their reaction.)
25. Are you a "glass half-full" person or a "glass half-empty" person?
I think this is a dumb question. (Perhaps for a 14 year-old, but most adults know exactly what they are.)
26. If you were an animal, which animal would you be?
Chinchilla. (I didn't even ask. I'm assuming it is because they get to wear a fur coat all year long.)
27. What is your favorite book of the Bible?
Proverbs. (Good one.)
28. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl. (But what she doesn't realize yet... Being a night owl is the reason you are NOT a morning person!
29. What is your favorite cereal?
Marshmallow Maties. (Well, the secret it out. We eat cereal by the BAG, not the BOX!)
30. Name your three best physical features.
Hair color, freckles and my hands. (She does have pretty hands. Very graceful.)
31. What is your current obsession?
Uh, Basketball, basketball, basketball!
And now you know everything you've always wanted to know about Roxie... or at least the important stuff. If she ever comes over for dinner, be sure and put a big bowl of hominy on the table. It's fun to watch her squirm!
Wednesday Wisdom - "Thanksgiving" shall be our Wednesday Wisdom word for the entire month of November. I'll start out with a few witty insights on this most wonderful holiday.
"What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?" Erma Bombeck
"Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often." Johnny Carson
"May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize.
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!" Anonymous
Amen... and Amen!
Family Thanksgiving Party
Some of the following ideas are from Family Fun Magazine November, 2010. I've added a couple of extra ideas to keep it interesting!
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season when families take a break from busy schedules and come together for good company and great food. Treat the day like the party it is by incorporating fun activities into the festivities. There are plenty of ways to celebrate beyond feasting.
Start a Thanksgiving tablecloth. Upon arrival, ask everyone to sign in on a Thanksgiving tablecloth using different colored fabric paint pens. Beside their name, ask them to write their age and one thing they are thankful for. You can add to this tablecloth year after year after year.
Have EVERYONE help with the meal. (If there are five members in one family, each member can contribute something!) Consider going potluck so that everyone, including the hostess, is free to enjoy themselves.
Play together. After the dishes are done and everyone's finished a second helping of pie, the lure of the couch is especially hard to resist. Ward off stuffing stupor and cranberry coma with some all-ages games, and serve up some wonderful post-meal memories. Play a few rounds of Pictionary, test everyone's familial knowledge with Family Trivia or head outdoors for fun with touch football or a basketball game.
Prepare an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox as a family. After you have chosen the sex and age of the child the shoebox will be delivered to, talk to the adults about the basic gifts (toothpaste, toothbrush, socks, etc.). Let the children in the family pick out the "fun" items (small toys, coloring books, food items, stuffed animals, etc.). Have each member of the family bring a gift for the shoebox. Take a picture of the family standing around the items and the box. After you seal the box, have each member of the family go around in a circle and pray for the child who will receive that most marvelous gift. Pray for their health. Pray for their family. Pray they have enough food to eat. And lastly, pray for the child's salvation... so one day your family will be able to meet them face to face in Heaven.
Write a Thanksgiving letter. If you have a family member or loved one who lives away and is not able to participate in your Thanksgiving festivities, have everyone take a moment or two to write them a paragraph or two on some festive stationery. Set up a card table in a corner of a room, and sometime during the day encourage each member of the family to sit down and write. The letter can simply be an "I miss you" type message or it can be an encouraging letter. Anything goes. If you have ten family members at Thanksgiving this year, it could be a three or four-pager... which would be wonderful. NOTE - If there are children who are too young to write, have crayons available for them to add a little artwork to the written word!
Have a windy Wednesday. It is definitely a blustery day in this "neck of the woods." I'm looking forward to the return of Mikie this afternoon. He has been gone TOO LONG, and I've definitely missed him... A LOT! Thursday's date will be fun, and as always, I have some Blog Linkage to share.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Hawaiian Haystacks
Good Tuesday morning!
The Gallery has a few basketball pics today. We started the season with a Tip-Off Tournament last night... and we WON! That's right! We were AWESOME! We have another game tonight, so it will be fun to see how it will all turn out for this new team of chicks. I love basketball season. (I understand basketball for some reason, and it holds my interest because it is so fast-paced. For me, it is like watching an animated movie. There is a lot of action, always a few comical moments, drama and hopefully, as the final buzzer sounds... a happy ending!)
I've also included a couple of pics of a surprise which was waiting for me when I arrived home last night. One of my favorite Patricks, Lauren, is now making beautiful fall wreaths, and she and her mom, Joan, left this for me. Beautiful. Lauren is making AND selling these wreaths. She does an excellent job... and I'm not just saying that because she's one of my favorites either! They also left me a sweet note regarding our new exercise habits. Zumba has brought us closer together!
(If you want to get in touch with Lauren about purchasing one of these wreaths, let me know, and I'll give you her contact info.)
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart
There are many kinds of "hearts." There are light hearts, glad hearts, hard hearts, broken hearts, compassionate hearts and tender hearts just to name a few. But the older I become, and what I've noticed in talking with other women, is how many of us walk around with heavy hearts.
The source of the heaviness can come from loss, illness, disappointments or heartache over another's pain. The situations which cause a heart to be heavy can appear to be endless... and they seem to be coming at us faster and faster and faster.
I believe the term "heavy heart" is also very, very accurate, because walking around with this kind of heart can be physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausting.
I am so thankful a heavy heart doesn't have to last forever... although at the time you are experiencing this type of "heart moment" it seems as though it will never end.
For all my friends who are heavy-hearted today, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, I will share these verses with you.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
At this very moment, I do not have a heavy heart. However, that could change in a "heartbeat." I will not take this moment for granted... but I will not forget those who are hurting and carrying the heavy heart today.
As always, this is a reminder for myself and others to reach out to people with a kind word or deed. It's fine to pray for someone who is going through a "heavy heart" moment, but try to follow up with "word and deed." NEVER get too busy for the "word and deed" part. (The "word and deed" part is one of the biggies!)
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART TWO - Here are a few more things you may or may not have known about Miss Sass.
11. What would be the worst job/profession to have?
Roofer. (She was pretty adamant about this one. I don't think she's ever tried to roof a house, but the way she answered the question you would have thought she had been "roofing" for years.)
12. What is the best book you've read recently?
The Christy Miller series. (My friend, Kim, recommended this series of Christian books for teenage girls, and Roxie absolutely loves them. You can find them at Books-A-Million.)
13. What do you think you will be doing in ten years?
I will be finishing up college at Auburn majoring in Interior Design. I will also be engaged to my future husband. (All righty then! She's planning on staying in college for SIX years, and then immediately getting married. I need to start a money envelope right now!)
14. What is the best and the worst thing you have ever eaten?
Hominy is the worst. The best would be steak from Bonefish Grill with shrimp and garlic sauce drizzled on top. (Since they've outgrown the Father/Daughter Banquet, Mikie takes her on a Valentine's Date every year. The last two years they have eaten at Bonefish Grill. She doesn't want to go anywhere else, and now I know why.)
15. What do you like best to do with your family? Why?
Camping. There are no distractions. We just get to spend time together.
16. What makes you furious?
Cry Babies. (It's true. She gets angry with me ALL the time.)
17. What instantly puts a smile on your face?
Tori Grubbs. (Good answer. If you don't know Miss Tori, you need to meet her. She's a funny, sweet chick.)
18. How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the mix?
I have two brothers, AND I AM THE BABY.
19. Dog lover or cat lover?
Dog, dog, dog.
20. If you could remove someone's burden and take it as your own, whose burden would it be?
My brother’s.
She's one of a kind. We'll finish the rest of the questions tomorrow. There are at least three surprises in the last batch! Well, at least I was surprised.
Hawaiian Haystacks
I will be preparing this Thursday night. It is from my 101 Things To Do With A Slow Cooker cookbook my friend, Melaney, gave me a few months ago. It fits all my criteria for a good recipe... five ingredients (or less), everything is thrown in a slow cooker, AND it's Hawaiian. (The Hawaiian part isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but I do love my pineapple.)
You will need the following:
10 to 12 chicken tenders
1 cup chicken broth
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
6 cups cooked rice
1. Place chicken in a greased 3 1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker.
2. Combine next three ingredients and pour over chicken.
3. Cook on high 3 to 4 hours OR on low 6 to 8 hours.
4. Serve over hot rice.
5. Top with pineapple chunks.
Sounds good, doesn't it? I'm serving it wearing my grass skirt and Mikie's going to get out his coconut bra. It should make for a fun evening.
Have a great Tuesday. The weather is so autumnal right now. Perfect. Wednesday I'll be sharing Wisdom, Part Three of Roxie's interview, a Party, Event, Devotion OR Tradition and a little more "heart-to-heart" talk.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
The Gallery has a few basketball pics today. We started the season with a Tip-Off Tournament last night... and we WON! That's right! We were AWESOME! We have another game tonight, so it will be fun to see how it will all turn out for this new team of chicks. I love basketball season. (I understand basketball for some reason, and it holds my interest because it is so fast-paced. For me, it is like watching an animated movie. There is a lot of action, always a few comical moments, drama and hopefully, as the final buzzer sounds... a happy ending!)
I've also included a couple of pics of a surprise which was waiting for me when I arrived home last night. One of my favorite Patricks, Lauren, is now making beautiful fall wreaths, and she and her mom, Joan, left this for me. Beautiful. Lauren is making AND selling these wreaths. She does an excellent job... and I'm not just saying that because she's one of my favorites either! They also left me a sweet note regarding our new exercise habits. Zumba has brought us closer together!
(If you want to get in touch with Lauren about purchasing one of these wreaths, let me know, and I'll give you her contact info.)
TOPIC OF THE WEEK - Matters of the Heart
There are many kinds of "hearts." There are light hearts, glad hearts, hard hearts, broken hearts, compassionate hearts and tender hearts just to name a few. But the older I become, and what I've noticed in talking with other women, is how many of us walk around with heavy hearts.
The source of the heaviness can come from loss, illness, disappointments or heartache over another's pain. The situations which cause a heart to be heavy can appear to be endless... and they seem to be coming at us faster and faster and faster.
I believe the term "heavy heart" is also very, very accurate, because walking around with this kind of heart can be physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausting.
I am so thankful a heavy heart doesn't have to last forever... although at the time you are experiencing this type of "heart moment" it seems as though it will never end.
For all my friends who are heavy-hearted today, Tuesday, November 2, 2010, I will share these verses with you.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
At this very moment, I do not have a heavy heart. However, that could change in a "heartbeat." I will not take this moment for granted... but I will not forget those who are hurting and carrying the heavy heart today.
As always, this is a reminder for myself and others to reach out to people with a kind word or deed. It's fine to pray for someone who is going through a "heavy heart" moment, but try to follow up with "word and deed." NEVER get too busy for the "word and deed" part. (The "word and deed" part is one of the biggies!)
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART TWO - Here are a few more things you may or may not have known about Miss Sass.
11. What would be the worst job/profession to have?
Roofer. (She was pretty adamant about this one. I don't think she's ever tried to roof a house, but the way she answered the question you would have thought she had been "roofing" for years.)
12. What is the best book you've read recently?
The Christy Miller series. (My friend, Kim, recommended this series of Christian books for teenage girls, and Roxie absolutely loves them. You can find them at Books-A-Million.)
13. What do you think you will be doing in ten years?
I will be finishing up college at Auburn majoring in Interior Design. I will also be engaged to my future husband. (All righty then! She's planning on staying in college for SIX years, and then immediately getting married. I need to start a money envelope right now!)
14. What is the best and the worst thing you have ever eaten?
Hominy is the worst. The best would be steak from Bonefish Grill with shrimp and garlic sauce drizzled on top. (Since they've outgrown the Father/Daughter Banquet, Mikie takes her on a Valentine's Date every year. The last two years they have eaten at Bonefish Grill. She doesn't want to go anywhere else, and now I know why.)
15. What do you like best to do with your family? Why?
Camping. There are no distractions. We just get to spend time together.
16. What makes you furious?
Cry Babies. (It's true. She gets angry with me ALL the time.)
17. What instantly puts a smile on your face?
Tori Grubbs. (Good answer. If you don't know Miss Tori, you need to meet her. She's a funny, sweet chick.)
18. How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the mix?
I have two brothers, AND I AM THE BABY.
19. Dog lover or cat lover?
Dog, dog, dog.
20. If you could remove someone's burden and take it as your own, whose burden would it be?
My brother’s.
She's one of a kind. We'll finish the rest of the questions tomorrow. There are at least three surprises in the last batch! Well, at least I was surprised.
Hawaiian Haystacks
I will be preparing this Thursday night. It is from my 101 Things To Do With A Slow Cooker cookbook my friend, Melaney, gave me a few months ago. It fits all my criteria for a good recipe... five ingredients (or less), everything is thrown in a slow cooker, AND it's Hawaiian. (The Hawaiian part isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but I do love my pineapple.)
You will need the following:
10 to 12 chicken tenders
1 cup chicken broth
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
6 cups cooked rice
1. Place chicken in a greased 3 1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker.
2. Combine next three ingredients and pour over chicken.
3. Cook on high 3 to 4 hours OR on low 6 to 8 hours.
4. Serve over hot rice.
5. Top with pineapple chunks.
Sounds good, doesn't it? I'm serving it wearing my grass skirt and Mikie's going to get out his coconut bra. It should make for a fun evening.
Have a great Tuesday. The weather is so autumnal right now. Perfect. Wednesday I'll be sharing Wisdom, Part Three of Roxie's interview, a Party, Event, Devotion OR Tradition and a little more "heart-to-heart" talk.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mindless Monday
Good Monday morning!
As the Showcase Pic indicates, Miss Roxie is our Special Guest for the month of November. She will share her "story" with us over the next three days. I have to admit, I was a little surprised by some of the answers. You never know someone as well as you think!
Since it is Mindless Monday, I'm letting the pictures in the Gallery tell the story today! It was a beautiful fall weekend, wasn't it? (Remember... Monday is now the day for tons of pictures and a very short post.)
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART ONE - She's mine, but she is still full of surprises. Let's get started!
1. List three adjectives that describe you.
Sassy, sweet and athletic.
2. You are going to be alone on a deserted island for a year, and you get to take one book/DVD/CD. What would you take?
Rascal Flatts... Unstoppable.
3. Describe your perfect day (from the time you wake up until you go to bed).
I would sleep late. I would have bacon, eggs, toast AND biscuits with Grandma’s homemade apple butter and a Coke from Jack’s. I love the ice. I would go shopping with friends ALL day and eat lunch at the mall. I would come home and have Mom’s chicken casserole for supper before watching a movie with the family. (That's a pretty good day!)
4. What movie character would you want to be?
Miss Congeniality.
5. If you could meet a person from history, who would it be?
Adam and Eve. I want to talk to them about the mistake they made. (I get this answer 90% of the time from women of all ages. I think we may be a little bitter toward Eve!)
6. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what would you be?
A basketball player.
7. Where is your favorite place in the world? Why?
Tennessee. I love spending time with my family in the mountains!
8. Name three things you have never done.
Skydiving (over my dead body), swimming with dolphins (not without me), and I've never eaten a fried Oreo (again, not without me).
9. What is one thing you couldn't live without?
Hoodies. (It's true. She would wear a hoodie every single day of her life if I let her.)
10. What is the hardest/best thing about being your age?
The hardest thing about being 14 is drama, drama, drama. The best thing about being 14 is I have a little more freedom.
I know she's mine, but she did a pretty good job, didn't she? Come back tomorrow to check out Part Two.
Have a wonderful Monday. We begin basketball season with a tip-off tournament tonight. Mikie's still in Los Angeles, but he'll be home very soon. On Tuesday, I'll be sharing a yummy recipe, Randomness, Part Two of Roxie's interview AND some "heart" thoughts.
Today's post was short, but I think we may make up for it on Tuesday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
As the Showcase Pic indicates, Miss Roxie is our Special Guest for the month of November. She will share her "story" with us over the next three days. I have to admit, I was a little surprised by some of the answers. You never know someone as well as you think!
Since it is Mindless Monday, I'm letting the pictures in the Gallery tell the story today! It was a beautiful fall weekend, wasn't it? (Remember... Monday is now the day for tons of pictures and a very short post.)
NOVEMBER SPECIAL GUEST - ROXIE FAULKNER - PART ONE - She's mine, but she is still full of surprises. Let's get started!
1. List three adjectives that describe you.
Sassy, sweet and athletic.
2. You are going to be alone on a deserted island for a year, and you get to take one book/DVD/CD. What would you take?
Rascal Flatts... Unstoppable.
3. Describe your perfect day (from the time you wake up until you go to bed).
I would sleep late. I would have bacon, eggs, toast AND biscuits with Grandma’s homemade apple butter and a Coke from Jack’s. I love the ice. I would go shopping with friends ALL day and eat lunch at the mall. I would come home and have Mom’s chicken casserole for supper before watching a movie with the family. (That's a pretty good day!)
4. What movie character would you want to be?
Miss Congeniality.
5. If you could meet a person from history, who would it be?
Adam and Eve. I want to talk to them about the mistake they made. (I get this answer 90% of the time from women of all ages. I think we may be a little bitter toward Eve!)
6. If you could be an Olympic athlete, what would you be?
A basketball player.
7. Where is your favorite place in the world? Why?
Tennessee. I love spending time with my family in the mountains!
8. Name three things you have never done.
Skydiving (over my dead body), swimming with dolphins (not without me), and I've never eaten a fried Oreo (again, not without me).
9. What is one thing you couldn't live without?
Hoodies. (It's true. She would wear a hoodie every single day of her life if I let her.)
10. What is the hardest/best thing about being your age?
The hardest thing about being 14 is drama, drama, drama. The best thing about being 14 is I have a little more freedom.
I know she's mine, but she did a pretty good job, didn't she? Come back tomorrow to check out Part Two.
Have a wonderful Monday. We begin basketball season with a tip-off tournament tonight. Mikie's still in Los Angeles, but he'll be home very soon. On Tuesday, I'll be sharing a yummy recipe, Randomness, Part Two of Roxie's interview AND some "heart" thoughts.
Today's post was short, but I think we may make up for it on Tuesday.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
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Friday...
Finally, some new basketball action shots.
The JV team had two 40-minute games Friday, so I thought I would just go ahead and start filming now!
And here's the obligatory Bryant Tuggle pic. He's a HUGE supporter of our baskeball team. Always has been... always will be. Well, until he gets his own driver's license!
Saturday...
We spent the day with the cousins Saturday. Monica, Amy, Roxie and I shopped at Brookwood, ate at Yolo's and went to the movies (Pirates 4). It was a great day, but the best part was our celebrity sighting...
That's right! Will Ferrell! (Please feel free to use your imagination. I know we did!)
Sunday...
Mikie's 50th Family Birthday Celebration! Everyone knows 50 year-old men LOVE the Green Lantern...and their wives really like Ryan Reynolds! (How cool would it be to have your picture on a birthday party plate package? Another goal, perhaps?)
What do you give a 50 year-old guys for his birthday? Cards... filled with money, Ricky Skaggs' concert tickets, a True Grit DVD and a Red Devil's Food Cake with Divinity Icing (from his Mom). It was a very good day!
Lovely Melia gave him the True Grit DVD. (I LOVE that movie!)
And it wouldn't be a birthday without a hug from Roxie!