I normally do not start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but I picked up Andrea Bocelli's new Christmas CD at Costco a few days ago and just could not wait to listen to it. I love Andrea Bocelli and his new CD does not disappoint. Beautiful.
For those that asked, here is the recipe. Everyone loves these cookies (including myself, when I was a sugar addict!). They would be great to make for Thanksgiving treats too.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin
1 egg
2 cups flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
FROSTING:
1 tbsp. vanilla
1 lb. power sugar
1 stick butter
8 oz. cream cheese
Cream shortening, sugar, and pumpkin. Add egg and mix well. Add sifted dry ingredients. Drop from spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies after they have cooled.
*I added a candy corn to each
Makes 48 cookies
Griff chose not to dress up this year, which is a bit sad for me. And end of an era (22 years!). He never really cared much for costumes and the last few years wore a Gator jersey and hat - that was it. Anyway, he had a fun night. Party and sleep over with lots of other 'non-costume' boys.
Some of my Halloween treats. A mum plant that I toke to my mom when visiting a few days ago. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting (absolutely delish - not that I would know anymore ;), but I do remember them being soo good!). I made up special bags for the neighbor children and I like to give out big size candy to the others :) ...
Big Murphy was dressed both for the Gator game and Halloween. Baxter had his jersey on too, but he doesn't like to pose for photos (he actually hates to wear clothes or costumes - and I couldn't get the pumpkin costume on either pup!)
Baxter upon his 'thrown' watching the Gator game, prior to chasing him down to get the jersey on! I swear this dog should have been born into royality!
My little neighbor who lives down the street. She LOVES my doggies and was looking at them through the window - didn't care about the candy, wanted the puppies to come out!
A horse drawn cart came down the street. A bunch of parents riding in it - hay ride style (and having a few cocktails!), following their trick or treaters ...
And this owl was up on the power line right in front of our house ...
Happy Pink Saturday and Halloween to you all.
Of course, I don't have any pink Halloween decorations, but I did make this monogrammed pumpkin for my goddaughter, Bridget ...
And a few photos of my non-pink fall decorations. Kind of hard to get into the fall & Halloween spirit when it it 92 degrees here - enough already with the heat & humidity! ...
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. To see more of Pink Saturday, visit Beverly's blog.
I received my fall foodie swap gifts, hosted by Laura at One Dozen Eggs. Lots of wonderful fall/halloween goodies from my partner, Bridget.
Halloween cookie cutters, sprinkles, cooking idea/recipe book, place mats, cookie baking mold and other goodies ...
Cute spider salt & pepper shakers ...
Kitchen dish towels ...
Julia Child memoir - can't wait to read this! ...
Thank you Bridget, for all the wonderful fall gifts - love them! And, thank you Laura for hosting the swap :)
** Also, Last chance to enter for the drawing of the Thanksgiving tags. The winner will be chosen tomorrow evening. Oh, and I made the mistake of offering the winner the choice of Halloween or Thanksgiving tags, but since it is almost Halloween, I'm changing your choices to Thanksgiving OR Christmas tags ...and who knows, I just may draw 2 winners ;) **
I have been busy today with tag orders, both Halloween and Thanksgiving, so ... I though I would share some more with another one of my blog readers (Belle won last time!)
For this drawing, I decided to do a little something different that I have seem on other blog give aways.
All you have to do to enter the drawing (for 6 personalized tags of your choice, Halloween or Thanksgiving) is post a comment here for one entry in the drawing and post a link to my giveaway on your blog (if you have one) for 2 entries. I will draw a winner a week from today, October 14.
**BTW, I have had many readers inform me about my blog not updating on the feeders (bloglines, etc.). No updates have shown up since August :(. I finally got it straightened out and I think it is working now.
{the colors are a bit off in the photos - I think my camera is dying - the colors all match nicely and the ribbon is a gold-ish tone that matches the turkey's beak}
Darling Halloween tees from monogram mania at etsy. I just noticed that this seller is from my area too.
I ordered this one for my god daughter ...
Love this little spider ...
Cute monogram tees ...
Go Gators! ...
... even though it is not even close to 'fallish' weather here in Florida! Actually, I have noticed at the football games that once the sun goes down, there is a nice breeze ... not exactly cool, but a nice change from the hot, humid air. I'll take it!
I recently read a post on a blog that stated 'I think 90% of stuff on Etsy is complete crap.'Um, I beg to differ - 90%?? While everyone is entitled their opinion, that certainly seems like a high percent. There are many items that are not at all to my liking or my style on Etsy, but I have found so many wonderful sellers with fabulous products and have purchased many items over the past few years. I love to support small businesses and crafters.
So, just a few fall and Halloween items from etsy that I happen to like. Of course, almost all for little girls ;) ...
Halloween Tote Bag from Sewgracious.
I bought an Easter bag like this for my god daughter.
Monogrammed Pumpkin Tee from Marlinsmom
Halloween Cupcake Kit from The Baker's Confections
This is Christmas (getting ahead of holidays), but I love it
Cute Beanie - hblackberry
Hair Clips - Celeste & Co
Hope you all are having a nice holiday weekend. Nothing much happening here, besides college football (Gators on Saturday, 'Noles tonight .. I don't really watch either) and of course, golf (that would be my husband). Yesterday evening, we attended a nice bbq hosted by Griff's lacrosse coach and wife. More sports - sort of! ;)
So .. in honor of Labor Day and the end of summer, I am offering a little give away. A set of 6 personalized handmade Halloween tags. Add a special touch to your Halloween gift giving, treat bags, and homemade goodies!
Feel free to post this on your blog if you'd like to share.
Just leave a comment here and I will draw a winner a week from today on Monday, September 14.
I am also offering 10% off your total order in my etsy shop through Tuesday
We had a very quite 4th of July with just Griff home. Miss the older boys, but I have to be thankful that Griff still (sort of, but not really!) wants to 'hang' with us ;). Truth be told, most of his friends were away, so he was stuck with us. A round of golf at the country club for the guys and then later in the evening, we went back for the firework show - all 3 of us on the Vespa - what a ride!
{ the westie boys }
{ Gillette Stadium, Memorial Day }
Back home from our long weekend trip to Boston. While it was a good time, it was also a lot of work ... riding a train and bus every day to and from the stadium. Not exactly top on my list of things to do while 'vacationing', but this trip was all about the lacrosse games and not me! More later ...
Mothers are the place that we call home.
On them we rest our heads and close our eyes.
There's no one else who grants the same soft peace,
Happiness, contentment, sweet release,
Erasing nighttime tears with lullabies,
Restoring the bright sun that makes us bloom.
Wishing you all a wonderful day
I meant to post these Easter ideas the week before Easter not the week after, but completely forgot. Now you all have a heads up on decorating for next year ;)
The following from Martha Stewart ...
Room Service Home ...
Westeria ...
Williams Sonoma (I believe most of these items are now on sale) ...
Better Homes & Gardens ...
Lilly Pulitzer 'Happy Easter' ....
Big, sweet Murphy will do just about anything for me ... not so with Baxter, so I didn't even attempt a Easter photo shoot with him. Murph keep these ears on for the longest time, just walking around the house until they fell off on there own.
How could this have happened so fast ... my baby is a teenager!
What a blessing he has been to us. I can not even imagine life without him. I have posted this letter before, but I always like to read it every year on Griff's birthday ...
Dear Griffin,
I just can't believe that my little boy is six years old! It seems like it was such a short time ago that you were a baby in my arms.
What a blessing you are to your daddy, brothers and me. Daddy and I prayed for many years to be blessed with another child and God answered our prayers with the wonderful gift of you ... Victor Griffin, my third son, my miracle baby - I love you so very much. You have brought so much joy to our family. We all love you more than you can imagine!
I pray that you will always know how much God loves you and that His spirit will always live in you. May you treasure God's word in your heart, may He always come first in your life, and may you always trust in Him in all you do. You are a special child of God and His love for you is immeasurable. Always remember, you can do all things through Christ, our Lord!
I love you my sweet Griff. May God bless you always and may your life be filled with much love, happiness and peace.
Always remember ... you are special!
Hugs, kisses and love always,
momma
Griff is having a party Saturday evening, but he has had a little celebrating today. He took Krispy Cream donuts to school for his class, went to Steak and Shake for an after school treat and is going to Bubbalou's BBQ (his choice!) for dinner tonight.
Dan and Griff were so sweet. While at Sea Side, they bought me cards and flowers the day before Valentine's day and had the 'butler' include them the next morning with my room service breakfast.
Griff just cracks me up. He added 'skinny' and wrote "mom, these are only six adjectives. I can name a million. You're a great mother". So sweet ... and he even remember to add the little fellas, Bax & Murp ...
Dan's card. He added 'sugarless' cutie pie since I do not eat sugar anymore ;) ...
Before I knew about my surprise Valentines trip, I told Dan that I wanted a new vacuum for Valentine's Day - seriously! Yes, he thought I had lost my mind asking for an appliance for a gift ;). To be honest, I also wanted a new area rug for our foyer to 'go along' with the vacuum. I have had the same housekeeper for over 10 years now and she is such a dear women ... but, she and vacuums do not get along! I think I have gone through 4 or 5 in these past years. Bless her heart, she always gets so upset and feels terrible, but they all have broke when she was using them - the last one a few weeks ago. I admit that the last 2 vacuums I purchased have been cheap, but I figured, give it 6 months to a year and it will be history. So, I bought a Dyson as a combined Valentine's gift for myself and Dan - my 'combined' gifts are always a big hit (not!) with him - at least it wasn't a new outfit or jewelry ;)
Last Friday, since we were away and it was Doris' day to clean, I hide the new Dyson. I didn't want her to use it without me giving her a 'lesson' first!
The new rug under the Dyson ...
We had such a wonderful time at Sea Side - one of my all time favorite vacations. Pure bliss! Gorgeous weather (except for Saturday - rain off and on). Dan and Griff played golf every day (I would have joined them, but with my neck issue that did not happen. I did hit some balls on the putting range). We rode bikes, exercised at the new spa, (which was the most luxurious facility I have ever seen) and did a little site seeing. Dan and Griff also went skeet shooting, which Griff loved. Lots of just relaxing with such impeccableservice. We were given a 'personal butler' upon our arrival and he was at our call whenever we needed anything, Griff especially liked this ;). He ordered dvd's, just a push of a button and the butler showed up minutes later presenting the dvd on a tray! They also served warm cookies and milk every night - to your order. And ... the butler prepared rose petal baths for me :).
I took tons of photos. Of course, Griff tired of the camera very quickly (why is it all my boys loath me with my camera?!), but I shot many shots of the grounds, decore, art work. One afternoon I walked around the Cloisters and spa and took photo after photo. Not a single person around! Since it is off season, the resort was almost empty during the week, but filled up with guests over the weekend.
The album can be viewed at flickr, but here are a few of my favorites ...
{ bag piper plays every evening at The Lodge at sun set }
{ the solarium at The Cloisters - I absolutely LOVE this room }
{ St. Simon Light House }
{ BAD quailty photo - Dan was taking it ;) }
{ Valentine's Day - Griff & Mom in pink! }
Well, I obviously posted more than just a few ;) Also, thank you all for you thoughts, prayers and concerns regarding my herniated disc - so, so appreciated!! While, I have received some relief in the severity of pain and have been able to take less tylenol and/or alleve, I am still experiencing of pain :(. I talk to my doctor tomorrow about going ahead with the last and final epidural injection and we'll see what direction I will go after that.
Gifts for my sweet god daughter, Bridget ...
{ heart shaped crayons }
{ doggy charm for her charm bracelet - I am still searching for a Westie }
{ little heart box that I put the charm in }
{ hello kitty stickers and candies }
{ hello kitty 'makeup' kit - B loves hk! }
{ little pearl bracelet with heart toggle - I made it! }
{ all wrapped up }
I had so much fun doing this ( love, love buying, creating and wrapping girlie things),and had to do it early and drop it off since I will be away on Valentine's Day.
Dan surprise me - just last night (and Griff - he is on 'winter' break) with a little get away to the Cloisters at Sea Island. We are leaving bright and early in the morning and staying through the weekend - so excited (although I could have used a bit more notice - I have been crazy today trying to get things in order here - dogs/house sitter, cancel appointments, laundry, pack). Still, such a sweet surprise from my sweet husband!
Also, I had my second epidural injection this morning and it was huge difference from the first. Much more painful, so much so that it brought tears to my eyes :(. Since the first injection didn't work, the doctor had to inject in the exact area of my neck were the disc is herniated. He explained that it was a much more difficult area to work on, that he had to be very precise and I had to be very, very still ... and that it was going to be painful - he said all this while I was laying flat on my stomach, with those tears running down, trying to be so still and yes, in excruciating pain. A bit scary, but it was all over in 10 minutes. I had to rest there for a while with an ice pack and had to have a ride home. This was a good thing - I was quite shaky. The pain has been bad all day (it most often is worse the 2 days after) and the ibuprofen is not helping much, when is usually does ease the pain some. But ... once again, I am hoping and praying ... oh so hard that this injection will ease the pain. I think my next alternative is surgery.
Happy Valentine's Day to you all
xoxoxo
Griff is off school all next week for 'winter break', so his school had their Valentine's celebration today. I was surprised that his grade (6th) was actually doing Valentines being that they are almost teenagers and getting/writing Valentine's Day cards is not too cool (at least not to Griff). We went to Walgreens to get his Valentines, but they all seemed so 'kiddish'. Even the sports cards were a bit cheesy and Griff certainly did not want them. So, we picked out some candy and I made his cards last night. I did 'make' Griff punch out the hearts and tired to get him to punch pink ones for the girls, but that was asking a little way too much ;)
These were so easy. I had a stack of white, textured scrapbook papers in strips left over from some other project, so I just cut them, rounded the corners and slapped on a heart. Griff did have to write his name inside (although he did ask if I could print them all out - um, no) and then I added candy (the Air Heads Griff picked out).
And, while Griff was so NOT into Valentines, I got such a kick out of seeing all his valentines from the girls, most of who were very into it. He received a few letters (love letters?!),as well as homemade cards - cute.
I had a little Valentines party to go to myself today - a brunch a friend of mine has every year. For a hostess gift, I made her a monogram note pad and some book label stickers. This little card is the same as above but smaller and a bit nicer ;) - I used pattern paper and a pop dot ...
And, pictures from early this morning. A rare event here, but the 2nd of the year - frost! ...
An early Valentines gift for my god daughter ...
And, my pink swap gifts to Jill (who just happens to like Hello Kitty also)...
A sweet little basket that I will fill with gifts and give to my goddaughter for Valentine's Day ...
Purchased on ebay from this seller
** ETA -- I received the basket yesterday (very quick shipping) and it is just darling. She also has a shop at etsy, ladesigns2 and makes Easter baskets too.
I've been meaning to post about the wonderful gifts I received from my blogging friend,Lisa. She creates such beautiful and unique jewelery and was so sweet to think of me.
The necklace is made from a scrabble tile - just darling! I also like her display cards :).
And ... oh my!! Look at this adorable ornament - those are my 2 pups! I had forgotten about this picture that I posted on my blog back in the summer (4th of July). I didn't realize they were Basx & Murph and thought that Lisa found a photo of 2 westies that looked very much like my own. Of course, since the photo is of my own little boys, it makes it all the more special!!
The ornament on my little pink tree. I plan on hanging it here in my office year-round though since I love it so!
Thanks so much, Lisa for such sweet and thoughtful gifts!! ...
I was fortunate to be able to spend a little time with my god daughter, Bridget over Christmas.
Bridget and I had a wonderful time together. She was very shy and quite at first, but quickly warmed up and was a delight to be with. She LOVES Bax and Murph and could not get enough of them. She called them the 'goggies'. They also LOVED her and were by her side all day long. We could never find our kitty, Lilly who must of been hiding/sleeping somewhere, Bridget looked for her every where though. She kept talking about the new 'pussy cat' she was getting for Christmas and that she never, ever had a 'goggy' or pussy cat. Such a fun, special day for me spending time with my goddaughter.
Gifts for Bridget ...
Murphy! ...
Knowing that she loves kitties, I bought her a 'Paw Parazzi" kitty. It comes with a little travel carrier, leash & collar and a pearl necklace with paw charm. Also included is a matching necklace for the new owner, which Bridget has on ...
Not sure what this expression is about :) She was very cooperative for the photo taking ...
Ballet slipper ornament ...
Madame Alexander doll from Fao Schwarz. I thought these were so sweet. I 'designed' it myself at the store in NY. Chose brown eyes and blondish hair to match Bridgets. I also bought a few outfits for her too.
'Goggy' treats for Bax & Murph from Bridget ...
Love this picture. She is licking on that candy pop behind the package ...
We took the pups out for a walk, in which she absolutely loved. She wanted to hold both leashes and walk them both, but the 2 of them together is not easy, even for me, so we traded off ...
Griff came home later and was very sweet. A whole different side to see, him with a younger child, much less a girl! He read Bridget a Christmas book ...
Love this picture. This was how she spent most of the day, down on the floor playing with the 'googies'! ...
We dressed Murphy up in his Santa suit. Baxter ran away fast when he saw a 'costume' coming! ...
A late afternoon snack. "eareos' (oreos) as Bridget calls them ...
* On another note - I dropped and broke one of my camera lens (now I have 2 lens that are broken!!) and had to use a 'not so great one' for these pictures as well as the rest of the photos I took over Christmas. All the pictures seem very blurred with this lens. I really, really should have asked Santa for a new camera and lenses!!
We had a nice New Years - very low key, at least for Dan & I and we were home way before midnight. The college boys, well ... not so low key and most certainly not home until after 3am (both Barret & Connor used taxis as means of NYE transportation!). Even Griff was 'partying' away until midnight at his friends. I spent most of the day taking down and packing away the Christmas decorations while the boys were all playing golf . Dan and I met a few friends at the country club for a quick drink and then on to dinner at Luma on Park. Barret joined us, but Connor was already off to his NYE party and Griff was at his friend's down the street waiting to set off some major fireworks. And, let me tell you, it was like a professional show. I could see them up in the sky as I was driving towards home later last night and as I drove down our street, hear them screaming and hollering. Three 12 year old boys and fireworks = a little too much danger for me. Of course, they had adults with them, but the boys were crazy wild over lighting them - way too scary for me!
After dinner I gave Bear a ride to his friend, Michaels (and stayed a bit to visit with his mom, who is a friend of mine). About 20 friends were meeting for a 'pre-party'. They had 5 taxis scheduled to pick them up and take them to downtown Orlando to a new club for more partying. The girls were in charge of the taxi scheduling and organizing - thank God for them. Not so sure about the boys and their party planning skills! At least they are finally of age and thanks to the girls, very responsible about not drinking and driving!
Wishing you all a very happy new year. May it be filled with health, happiness and blessings galore!
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey
With all the hustle and bustle, I never got around to posting photos of our Christmas decorations. Now that they are all down and packed away (worked yesterday & today on this!), I'll share a bit. And yes, I take more pictures of my pups & kitty than my children these days - they are much more cooperative!...
Sweet Baxter boy ...
Bax and Murph at their window spots ...
Our 'divided' household, Gators & Seminoles ...
Little Lilly - she loves laying under the tree ...
I made these needlepoint stockings for Barret & Connor when they were first born, both in time for their first Christmas - I have yet to make one for Griff , 12 years later - Bad me!! I bought all 3 boys as well as Dan & I matching needlepoint stockings with our names until I get around to making them (this was years ago!)...
A few more photos of Christmas morning. This year it was very sort and sweet! As the boys have grown older, the hours of gift opening (as well as the many, many nights of me staying up late wrapping gifts) has dwindled down to minutes. And while I miss those days with little ones, it sure is a breeze now with Christmas morning cleanup.
Griff received the iphone which he opened on Christmas eve and his other big gift was the wii, along with games and other accessories. I think we have officially owned every video game system made now. I remember buying the very first nintendo way back when Bear & Connor were just pre-schoolers. They both still have one or more systems at school too and play sports games all the time.
And, gone also are the days when my boys wore cute Christmas jammies. Excuse Griff's nasty outfit (certainly not my choice!). He came downstairs in this get-up, complete with dirty hat! Little Lilly in the back ground :) ...
Baxter looks like he had a rough night. Probably too excited ...
These crack me up. Bax and Murph received lots of toys (2 of each kind so they don't fight over them) as well as doggy treats. Bax rounded up a bunch of the toys and huddled himself under the ottoman with them to keep his 'brother' away ...
I didn't even get pictures of the big guys. Their Christmas morning outfits are even worse than Griffs. Per their requests, they received $$ in the form of amex gift cards as well as a few stocking stuffers. Happy, happy boys all!
Every Christmas morning, after the gifts are opened, the boys (including Dan) have gone down the street to our friends and neighbors for Christmas breakfast. This has been every Christmas for 14 years now (since we moved to this home)! Griff started when he was just a little over a year old and could walk down in his jammies :). I, myself have never gone until this year.Too busy cleaning up, jumping in the shower and preparing for for the day. It was a 'guy' thing anyway, since the Linscotts have a son, Palmer who is 19 (Connor's age). So...this year with no family coming and more time, I joined the guys and was able to get a few photos. The very first time this tradition has been documented.
I couldn't get any of the boys to 'pose' for me. Bear enjoying his waffles ...
Connor and Palmer ...
The chef, Jerry ...
Jerry and Theresa ...
Their dog, Spanky ...
Palmer and Spanky...
Also, as a part of this Christmas morning tradition, the guys go over to the country club and play 9 holes of golf - Walk the course. Never mind that the club is closed, they walk on. This year, only Dan & Jerry went. All the boys went to the Orlando Magic basketball game, which was at noon. After the game, I did have ALL my boys home with me for the entire day/evening :)
Much more of Christmas to come!
To church and then to Ruth's Chris for dinner. So nice to to have both the college boys home and all 5 of us together (our waiter did a pretty good job with the photo, bad lighting though).
Griff begged to open one gift after we returned home. His new iphone! According to Griff, he is the only student in 6th grade without a cell phone. Barret reminded us all that he didn't get his first until he was 16! ;)
Blurry photo :(
Please excuse the bad scan - the photo and card is much better in person!
And ... I am so behind in my posts. Hope to catch up here soon. I guess I will be posting lots of Christmas doings, etc. this next week.
Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas!
*****************************************
Christmas: Open Your Gift from God By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. Romans 5:1 (MSG) *** *** *** ***
You’re not reading this by accident. No, God knew before you were born that you would be here in this moment. He planned to get your attention for just a few seconds so he could say this to you: “I’ve seen every hurt in your life, and I’ve never stopped loving you. You matter to me. I love you more than you will ever know. I made you to love you, and I’ve been waiting for you to love me back.”
God is saying, “I want the rest of your life to be the best of your life. I’m with you, and I’m for you. I want to save you from your past. I want to save you for the purpose I made you for. And I want to save you by my grace. If you’ll let me do that, I will give you peace with me, peace of me, and peace with other people. But you’ve got to open the door and receive the Christmas gift.”
If you gave me a Christmas gift and I never opened it, you would be disappointed. And it would be a worthless gift because I don’t receive the benefit of a gift I never opened.
Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas gift to you. Yet some of us have gone Christmas after Christmas and never opened the best gift of all – God’s gift of salvation. Why even celebrate Christmas if you’re not going to open the biggest gift? It doesn’t make sense to leave unwrapped the gift of your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven.
Jesus Christ says to you, “I can replace the frustration in your heart with peace. I can replace the guilt, resentment, shame, and grudges with forgiveness. I can replace the worry and anxiety with confidence and faith. I can replace depression or despair with hope. I can replace emptiness with meaning and purpose. I can replace confusion with clarity. But I’m not going to break down the door of your heart. You’ve got to invite me in.”
God says: “It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from, if you want me and you are ready to do as I say, the door is open.”
It doesn’t matter what your religious background is – Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Baptist, Hindu, or no religion. This is not about religion. God didn’t send Jesus to give you religion. He sent him so you could have a personal relationship with God. It’s all about relationship.
Below is a prayer I prayed years ago when I stepped across the line and became a friend of God’s. It’s a pretty simple prayer. If these words express the desire in your heart, read them as if you are talking to God.
Prayer:
Dear God, I’m scared, but I want to get to know you. I don’t understand it all, but I thank you that you love me. I thank you that you’re with me even when I didn’t recognize it. I thank you that you are for me; that you didn’t send Jesus to condemn me but to save me.
I admit I never even realized I needed a Savior, but today I want to receive the Christmas gift of your Son. I ask you to save me from my past, my regrets, my mistakes, my sins, my habits, my hurts, and my hang-ups. Save me from myself.
I ask you to save me for your purpose. I want to know why you put me on this planet. And I want to fulfill what you made me to do. I want to learn to love you and trust you and have a relationship with you. I need peace with you, God, and I need you to put your peace in my heart. I need you to take away the stress and fill me with your love. Help me be a peacemaker, to help others find peace with you and each other. In your name I pray, amen.
by Rick Warren
It's pink saturday and today I am sharing my little flocked pink Christmas tree. This is on my desk here in my office and has some Lilly ornaments - most given to me as gifts. Love this preppy pink addition to my office. I am also planning on getting this years set of Lilly 'Oh Shift'! dresses as soon as they go on sale. They will fill up the tree nicely! ...
My monogram ornament gven to me by my swap partner, Kristen ...
For more of pink saturday, visit Beverly's blog!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend - I am off to Shop! Yes, I have more to do!!
What a week! Actually, I have been non-stop since I returned from my trip to NY. Crazy busy.
This past week I had 3 different girl parties. Monday night, I hosted a 'reunion' Christmas get together for my bunco group. We haven't actually played for many years and now have a once a year party. I also hosted last year, not sure why no one else stepped up this year, but it was a good incentive for me to finally get my house completely decorated (started Thanksgiving weekend and never quite got around to getting it all done until Monday).
Wednesday evening was the ladies's Christmas cocktail party at the country club. I attend this every year and take a guest or two. While the party is scheduled for 6-8pm, we (as well as a few other 'wild' girls) were all there until 10! Can not believe I stayed out that late ;).
Thursday night, one of my girlfriends had a small dinner party for 8 of us ... and I did not get home until after midnight. Holy moley, I do not know what has gotten into me. I never stay out late, rarely past 9pm!
Also, both the college boys are home (arrived last weekend) and it's been quite the week with Griff still in school (today was his last day) and having his 6th grade exams every day this week.
A few photos of the 'old' bunco group Monday night ...
Desserts ...
Ornament exchange ...
You all know how I love to wrap gifts - here are a few that I have given in the past few weeks ...
First, an 'advent' gift for my goddaughter. I always buy her an advent calendar (not shown here) and give it to her on the 1st of December with a few other gifts. This year I bought her a few things at the American Girl Store in New York ...
For the little AG kitty, Licorice and doggy, Coconut (I gave her these in the past) ...
I participated in two Christmas swaps. My gifts for the first swap ...
My gifts for the 2nd swap. This one was to include a holiday recipe (I couldn't decide, so I did three) ...
Griff was very sweet to think of his momma and dad when he was on his 6th grade field trip to Williamsburg a few weeks ago. He picked out these 2 ornaments for us ..
Red wine for me and a cigar for DCal :)
I received the most wonderful package from my Christmas swap partner, Kristen. Just look at all the fabulous, preppy gifts she sent me! ...
I have tried to find this Lilly cookie cutter for some time now and I finally have one :) ...
And a Lilly ornament frame ...
A little 'pink' cocktail mix and recipe cards ...
Darling pearl Christmas ribbon necklace. So cute! ...
And this fabulous monogrammed ornament. I can't wait to get my little flocked pink tree up and place this front and center! ...
Thank you so much, Kristen. I love each and every special gift!
One of Barret's friends had a party Wednesday evening for all the college kids (as well as some of the parents) that were home for Thanksgiving break.
Barret and his friend and roommate, William. The soccer jersey was one of Bear's birthday gifts. He loves European soccer ...
Another friend and roommate of Bear's, Sam with his mom ...
Birthday Boy Balloons ...
And ... my little boy, Griff is home from his trip to Kansas City. So, so glad to have him here. Of course he immediately went to watch the UF/FSU game when he got home. Both the brothers are there and Dan flew up this afternoon with a friend in his (the friend's) company business plane and back tonight.
So much to be thankful for this year - my family, our health and happiness! We had a very nice Thanksgiving day, just the 4 of us. Griff was missed dearly and I can not wait for him to return home (Saturday evening !!). I am just not use to being without my pal! :( After our family dinner, we went to our good friends for dessert and a little more holiday fun. The boys (they have 2 in college also) all ate dessert quickly and were off to a more exciting night.
I failed to take any photos except for this one of Barret making the Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. Last week he called from school and asked if I could email him the recipe for a pre-thanksgiving dinner one of his best friends was hosting at college. This friend, Tyler, is an excellent cook and is always having dinners for his friends. For this party he asked the guest to all bring a side or else they could do the clean up and wash dishes. So ... my bear boy made his first ever side dish (actually, his first ever anything, I think!). It was a huge hit at the party, so he asked if he could make it at home too for Thanksgiving. Sweet words to this mom's ears! Not one of my boys (Dan especially!) has ever been helpful in the kitchen. Griff does like to help out once in a while with baking, but this is less and less as he gets older. I love a man that can cook - and I even love a man (Dan) that can't!! ;)
He even managed to do most of the work with one hand, due to his cast.
Both Barret & Connor left this afternoon - both up to Tallahassee for the big UF/FSU game tomorrow. Although their visit home was very short, it was so wonderful having them here :)
Daniel Barret
11.26.86
22 years old today and I remember this day like it was yesterday. God blessed us with our first born child, a beautiful, healthy, 8lb, 10oz baby boy. Barret was born the night before Thanksgiving and never have I been more thankful. All I had ever wanted to be was a mother and my prayers were answered with my sweet, first born baby - my bear, bear. Barret has grown into such a wonderful young man and I am so very proud of him.
Clemson Girl's Preppy Christmas swap deadline is tonight - Sunday, Nov. 9. I'm in!!
Murph, the littleBIG piggy. I couldn't resist this costume that barely fit. Murphy has an eating issue, he can't get enough and chows down so fast (we are working on this, he is on a program!). The hat was off in a minute, but he let me get a few shots ...
Baxter in his 'puffy pumpkin' costume from last year. He didn't like it then, and even more so this year. It took me 20 minutes to get him and put it on. He kept running away and hiding. He especially hates the hat! ...
After this afternoon dress up and photo shoot took forever, Bax and Murph ended up wearing their Gator jerseys in the evening for the trick or treaters. They were much happier boys (as was Dan - he couldn't believe I would dress them in those costumes) ...
Griff wore his usual Gator 'costume' - Tim Tebow jersey. I think he has worn a Gator jersey for the past 3-5 years! ...
The candy, all ready for the trick or treaters ...
Griff's 'masterpiece' all lit up ...
Griff carved this pumpkin over at his friends a few days ago - all free hand! He had a picture of a halloween cat, but just used it as a sample. No tracing or sketching out, he just cut it. I must admit, I am quite impressed!
And, sharing a tag I made for a friend. She makes homemade cinnamon bread and gives it as as gifts. Another friend got a few loafs from her to give out to their guests this weekend at the big Florida/Georgia game. I made the tags to tie on the loafs - what a combination, Gators & cinnamon bread together!
I have a few new Christmas designs up on my etsy shop. Thank you, Tonia for reminding me ;). These are 5x7 flat note cards with envelops, set of 12. These can be designed in a variety of different ways and more Christmas images are available (ornaments, gift, etc.) ...
I also have some personalized Christmas stickers, 2'x2' to use on envelops, gifts, baked goods, etc. More images available ...
Christmas return address label - again, more images available ...
And Christmas enclosure cards ...
So, how about a GIVEAWAY? Just post a comment here and I will draw a winner on Monday (Oct.27). Your choice of Christmas stationery , or 2 sheets of Christmas stickers. return address labels or enclosure cards.
Lisa was so kind to pass on her candy corn recipes to me. Thanks so much Lisa, but there is no way that I am making these scrumptious delights. NO WAY! I am seriously addicted to sugar, it's like a drug to me. I can not just eat a piece or two of candy, can not! Therefore, I can't have it around. I think I have mentioned this one or 10 times?!!
Enjoy :)
Great candy bar recipe tastes in a bowl:
Snickers - candycorn, salted dry roasted peanuts, m&m's
PayDay - candycorn and dry roasted peanuts
Chunky with raisins - candycorn, peanuts, m&m's and raisins
I made these cookies for a party yesterday. They didn't turn out as well as usual though :(. I used a different icing recipe and had a hard time with it, but they still tasted good!
Also, I am so happy to see that I am not the only one with a candycorn addiction! I swear, I don't even like the stuff all that much (many other types of candy that I love), but can not stop eating it if it is around. NO more allowed in my house, for sure. Oh and Lisa, you are in big trouble my friend for passing on the candycorn/m&m/peanut mix recipe!! ;)
Julia Child: My Life in France (Movie Tie-In Edition) (Random House Movie Tie-In Books)
Jeannette Walls: Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
Another memoir from the author of The Glass Castle. This book is story of Jeannette Walls' grandmother .. and a fabulous story at that. (*****)
Anita Shreve: A Change in Altitude: A Novel
Somewhat dull and a bit dissapointing to me. (**)
Diane Chamberlain: The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes
Thank you, Jacki for sending me this book. I really enjoyed it - a real page turner! (****)
Laura Moriarty: While I'm Falling
I really enjoyed this story ... and I pray I never have to experience this poor mom's situation. I don't think my boys would welcome me showing up at college and moving in with them! ;) (***)
Kristin Hannah: Firefly Lane
Compelling book of life, death, and the meaning of friendship. So hard to put this book down and I cried buckets in the end. (****)
Richard Russo: That Old Cape Magic
While this book has received mostly positive reviews, I was a bit disappointed in it. Just didn't grab me. (**)
Pat Conroy: South of Broad
Lots of mixed and negative reviews on this book, but I throughly enjoyed South of Broad. Beautifully written and the diverse cast of southern characters really draw you into their lives. (****)
Robert Jones: Looking Younger: Makeovers That Make You Look as Young as You Feel
Colm Toibin: Brooklyn: A Novel
About half way through and moved on to another book. This one wasn't grabbing me, will come back to it later!
*Finally finished this - well written, but a bit 'slow' (***)
Jonny Bowden: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why
The way we were meant to eat! Very informative and helpful with making the right food choices. Basically, 'eat real food', whole food with minimal processing. The 'stuff' your grandmother would have recognized as food. The more plant foods, the better. I, myself have been processed carbohydrate and refined sugar free for almost a year now and have never felt better!
"If you are what you eat and you don't know what your're eating, do you know who who are?" - Claude Fischler (*****)
Heather Gudenkauf: The Weight of Silence
A very suspenseful and emotional story. It grabbed me from the start and was so hard to put down. (****)
Jennifer Weiner: Best Friends Forever: A Novel
I thought the story was a bit far-fetched, but I enjoyed this book. I especially loved the childhood sections ... Addie and Valerie who were very different girls with very different lives and become such close friends.
(***)
Alice Eve Cohen: What I Thought I Knew: A Memoir
An amazing story. Heartwarming and funny. So compelling - I had a hard time putting it down and only did so once (read it in 2 sittings). (*****)
Gin Phillips: The Well and the Mine
A heartfelt southern story, beautifully written with such wonderful characters. (*****)
James McLendon: Papa Hemingway in Key West
Since I was visiting Key West and the Hemingway home, I wanted to read a bit about the history during his time spent there. Quite interesting and informative. (****)
Dorothea Benton Frank: Return to Sullivans Island: A Novel
I was so dissapointed in this book. Not at all as good or funny as her previous novels (**)
Kate Morton: The Forgotten Garden: A Novel
An enjoyable read although a bit long and confussing. (***)
Robin Romm: The Mercy Papers: A Memoir of Three Weeks
A very sad and moving memoir. Beautifully written. (*****)
Elizabeth Berg: Home Safe: A Novel
A bit of a dissapointment for me. I enjoyed Berg's previous books much more. (***)
Jane Green: Dune Road: A Novel
Just a fun summer read (***)
Jen Lancaster: Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending,Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase
Cute, fun, easy read. I have yet to read Lancaster's previous books - need to do so this summer. (***)
Kathryn Stockett: The Help
A must read! One of the best books I have read. Loved the characters, the 'southerness' and the story - wonderful book and one I will not forget. (*****)
Anita Shreve: Testimony: A Novel
A gripping and very haunting story. After reading this book, I will certainly not being sending my son away to boading school ;) (***)
