Just Me!!

My parents have always loved and spoiled my kids! Her, my mom, love language is gifts, and she constantly sends them packages full of exciting toys, food, and clothing. The Christmas Season is differnt though! She created a wonderful tradition(while my sister and are were away at college)years ago, that I will in the future continue for my children's children! It is similar to the Advent calendar. Each year she wraps little gifts, for each child, starting with the 1st of December, counting down to Christmas. Every day the children get to wake up and open one pre-christmas gift. I loved it as a college student. It served two purposes, made my last weeks of the semester bearable, and it counted down the days till I was able to be with my family. Nothing says love to a college kids, then a "care package." So, I thought I would give you the chance to count down with us. It is a fun tradition that does't have to be expensive....(you'll see)! One year Mark and I did it ...

-- I found this note while going through a stack of Val's drawings recently. It is now displayed proudly on our fridge. It shows Val's innocence and her honest heart! Val, don't be embarrassed, I think Dad's a turkey too! Reading this also made me think of my college logic course some years ago: Val thinks turkey's are cute. Val thinks dad is a turkey. Therefore Val believes Dad is cute!

Warning ...The list below contains many of "MY" favorite things. Please be aware that this is not my Christmas list, as I already own many of these items. Enjoy browsing, and I hope this helps with your holiday shopping! Sorry that I couldn't afford to include all of these lovely items as surprise gifts under your chair this holiday season! Maybe next year... 1. 13 slot file folders -I discovered this unique little bill filing system from ItchyBits , so I will let her describe why this has become one of my favorites. Instead of stuffing all my receipts, copies, statements etc. into shoe boxes, drawers, file cabinets etc. I came upon the 13 pocket plastic file folder. Exciting huh? But it is! I tab this thing out by the month and I stick all my transactions in the appropriate monthly slot and it slides neatly onto a bookshelf. I label with the year and it is organized. I've been doing this for the last five years and have them all lined up. Because they are plastic the...

I didn't say crack....I said crank! I know that it is only three days from Thanksgiving and I have a ton to feel blessed for, but I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I guess (that's what Mark calls this). I feel angry inside! Alot of stuff has been brewing inside me lately and for awhile I just push it back down, then every now and then (usually before I start a new work week) I let it consume me. So what is it you say? How about a list, for all you who are considered list lovers ! 1. Really ready for a break...to be with family! It always kills me around the holidays. 2. When in laws fail to remember us, unless we are smack dab in front of their faces. 3. When liars get unwarranted family attention. 4. The kids taking their socks off at church, even though we have told them not too. 5. Using our tithe to help a family member...not knowing if others would disapprove. 6. Spen...

Mr. Jim has kept us busy this week blogging our thanks for people, relationships, and everything else we can think of! Today I have taken a moment to name five people (apart from my family), that I have met and am thankful for. The past months, because of Journey , Mark and I have had a ton of people fluctuate into our lives, so if you are not on this list it doesn't indicate that you aren't included in our thoughts. Here is my list... 1. Wendy Knoblock (my loyal, anytime I need her, friend) 2. Holly Shelton (co-worker and friend) 3. Amanda Hunicutt (co-worker and friend) 4. Misty Morgan (friend) 5. Jerry McLemore (my daughter's horse riding instructor)

My Kids - For each little toe, foot, finger, bum, smile, curl, nose, hand that I love holding, patting, kissing, snuggling, counting, and loving. - For their health, their minds, their intelligence, their problem solving, their creativity, and awesome personalities. - For every minute, hour, day, month, year that I have been granted to spend with them. Mark - For his willingness to sacrifice his time and his career for my education. -For all the time he spends alone, missing me at night. -For his desire to pursue his doctorate...to continue his education. -For showing me parts of the world I thought I would never see. -For keeping me safe at night. -For loving me despite all my faults (not that I have but just "one"). Dad's Place -For the great tasting cup o' brew. -For remembering my "regular" -For creating a Place to come and fellowship. It allows Mark and I to have time during the week to be together (on our coffee dates). -For being better than Starbuck...

Orange Beef (I used chicken) Lettuce Wraps (they really do make it de...lish) 1 1/2 lbs boneless top sirloin steak (or boneless skinless breasts- cut in small pieces) 1 T cornstarch 2 T vegetable oil 3/8 t. crushed Red Pepper 1/2 c green onions, thinly sliced 1-8 oz can of water chestnuts, drained, then diced Orange Sauce 3 T Frozen o.j. concentrate thawed 3 T hoisin sauce (Walmart has in asian section) 3 T rice wine vinegar (Asian section again) 3 T Soy Sauce 1 T cornstarch Serving day 2 heads of Boston Lettuce Leaves (I used iceburg because we are not fortunate to have this here) Shredded Carrots (optional) Diced Cucumbers (optional) Salted Peanuts (optional) Peanut Sauce (optional...but awesome) Cooking Day Cut steak 1/8 in thick strips. In med-bowl combine steak and 1 t cornstarch; toss to coat. Set aside. Next make orange sauce in bowl; set aside. In skillet heat oil and red pepper over med high heat until hot. Add beef (or chicken) and stir fry for 1-2 min just until brown on all...

I thought I'd clear something up with those of you who think cooking is my latest venture. I have been cooking for years, but will admit in the past 5 years it has become more of a hobby than a chore! Apart from the one time read of a popular fiction novel, I often read my cookbooks like I would a novel. Devouring every page, breaking the spines, and dog earing the pages! I will have to admit though that I like to see a picture with each of the recipes! I had one day off yesterday, so I thought I'd spend some time in the kitchen making a special meal for the family. Mark helped by making the rice (yummy it was), and I cooked Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps from my newest cookbook called, Don't Panic Dinners In The Freezer (pictured above). The food was great, but the conversation was tastier. They ranged from Mark's story about the first time he tasted peanut sauce, Ethan saying everyone's full name, Valerie's love of soy sauce and how it will likely lead to hyp...

Last year, Mark and I had the extreme pleasure of seeing a Live Transiberian Orchestra concert in Little Rock. We received it as a pre-Christmas gift from his parents. We knew the concert was going to rock, literally and figuratively, but we were no where prepared for the intensity and talent this group of singers/artists brought to the stage. It was incredible, complete with a light show, and snow. We were moved by every song that they sang, and the story line that accompanied it, wrapped it all together. This year, our circumstances have allowed us to purchase those same tickets for Mark's mom and dad to see the show in Seattle, whom are the original avid fans. I hope they receive the same joy as we did when we went last year. If you've never heard of the group, go to their website and browse around. I've attached a YouTube video for your listening pleasure (it is not one of the Christmas ones though). If you're still undecisive and would like to hear a sample with ...

I always get excited when I see a new business in town. Yesterday, I ran across this little store tucked neatly next to the local Piggly Wiggly. Unfortunately it was closed, and I was too tired to peer in the window to see what they had to offer. Today, with a whole day ahead of me and some sleep, I ventured into see what this place was. I discovered Kinsarmars is a store filled with (yesterday was the grand opening) childrens/ adults hair bows . Now, of course they have other trinkets in there but mainly they have every color, character, and size hair bow you could ever dream about (granted that is if some of us dream about such things!). The owner is very friendly, and will tell you immediately that it is his wife with the bow making talents. The store is named after his three grandchildren (using the first three letters of their names). Stop in and enjoy this new store, it is very uptown for our small town. I love the growth that our city has seen recently!

Mark had a ton of fun with his little get to know me quiz, so I am following suit. Show me your stuff and take my fun little quiz . How well do you know JUST ME?

Photo: Arkansas Post National Monument One of my favorite articles on MonticelloLive is always the featured photo essays by R. Spencer! I love photo's, and wish I could produce ones that move people emotionally. My husband seems to think that I have that ability, but I just need to begin training my eyes to see something marvelous that others might disregard. I don't plan to win any awards...just open a few eyes to the glory around. I begin here. The photo was inspired by a quote from a Stampin Up stamp set I own. In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous. - Aristotle

Am I crazy or does Beta Blogger have the same crappy features of the original? Oh, sorry it has a LABEL option now. Wow. I just signed up for a Google account for nothing....! Atleast they could have given us more template options!

Really, I will stop apologizing for my lateness and lack of blogging at some point. We had a great October month! We topped off the end of the month with trick-or-treating at a local church (since the rain started pouring the minute we stepped out the front door to go around the neighborhood), and had a family spooky party complete with eyes balls, calzone mummy and witches brew! Hope your HALLOWEEN was just as FREIGHTENING!

Mi casa es su casa. 1) Tell us about where you live: -Southeast corner of Arkansas. I think! 2) If you could change one thing about your home, what would it be? -The question is very significant because it is one of the reasons I had my breakdown 12 year cry this week....the answer CLUTTER. Can't stand clutter. I am not a knick knack person, so when stuff is hanging out everywhere I suddenly get in this wild and crazy tossing mode. I just signed up for FLYLADY.net to help me out with the problem...the clutter that is. First chore she assigned...to clean the sink till it sparkles. Gosh, I think I'm going to like this woman.... 3) Do you do laundry on a regular schedule? -Every day! God blesses me with a full laundry basket daily....just wish he'd bless my bank account the same way! 4) Describe the place that you sleep: -A two year old Simmons Backcare bed! My 12 year old pillows are flat as a pancake, but I sleep best with them that that way. A burgundy colored duvet with ...

My fridge is not only a place to hold food, but it also is used to display pictures of the kids, their school drawings, our family calendar, coupons, and various magnets. One thing that has remained over the last three years (I love throwing things away...so this is really amazing that something would stay for so long) is a quote. I have no idea where I got the quote, but it continues to remind me of why it is that I continue on from day to day. I thought maybe you would enjoy it as well! Every truly worthwhile achievement of excellence has a price tag. The question you must answer for yourself is, How much am I willing to pay in hardwork, patience, sacrifice and endurance to be a person of excellence? This month has tried my emotions for various reasons, yet I see changes in myself that have been along time in coming. I think God maybe trying to change me. I resist consistenly. Luckily He is a faithful God, and continues to press and mold me. I am tired though. I am in need of true re...

Sorry I haven't blogged. Jeff is working hard on my ideas for my new blog. Can't wait for you to see it...please be patient a few more days. Thanks.