Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Good Deals!


Well it has been quite a while since I updated my blog. My sweet granddaughter, Emma, is one year old. I can hardly believe it! She is walking and talking some. Of course she doesn't yet say "Gramma" but hopefully it won't be too much longer. She can even use the "potty" if you catch her before it's too late. Good Deal!
Dear daughter and son in law have moved, not once, but twice. They have their own place so now we have our own place. Good Deal!
Hubby has found a job! After 26 weeks of unemployment, he started working full time again in August. Another Good Deal!
We had quite a scare for a while with My Mama. She has had serious heart problems and we nearly lost her. But after several months of hospitals, nursing homes and recuperation, she is on the mend! Can you guess? - Good Deal!
Hopefully I will find the motivation I need to pop in here for updates now and again. Here's hoping for lots more Good Deals!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

My how time flies!




Emma is 9+ months old now! Wow! It just doesn't seem possible! She is growing up so very fast. She can say words now: dada, mama, mommom, bob, dog and uga (ugly the kitty), and NO. Her Mommy wishes she didn't know that one. :-) She can crawl and stand but she hasn't taken the first step yet. She also has 2 teeth on the bottom and two trying to come through on top. She has had her first ride on a Merry Go 'Round. She has taken her first dip in the pool. She has had her first cotton candy. And eat - My Goddness - how that child does LOVE to eat! The only thing, she is a little afraid of dogs. This has to change. Anyone who knows me would agree that no grandchild of mine can fear dogs. LOL
I am sorry to ramble on so, like some kind of Grandma, oh yeah - I AM a Grandma. I take my apology back now. I am only doing what is expected of me, right?

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A Wedding Story

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in a Florida , are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in.

Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers, "Yes."

Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds "

Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

Jacob: "How about suppositories?"

Pharmacist: "You bet!"

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer's?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"

Pharmacist: "We sure do."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."

Jacob: "Adult diapers?"

Pharmacist: "Sure."

Jacob: "We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

Monday, June 8, 2009

Up, Up and Away!















My DMIL and a close family friend went on a Hot Air Balloon ride this weekend. It was our gift to DMIL for her 66th Birthday! They had such a wonderful time! We followed the chase car and watched them the whole time, taking pictures along the way. The ladies were taking pictures from the air. They saw deer, albino deer, farms, irrigation, fox, etc. The pilot, Captain Kirk, dropped them low enough to the tree tops that they each could grab a handful of leaves. I love those glowing faces! It feels wonderful to have made their dream possible! :-)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Adventures in Camping!

We went to Trap Pond camping this past weekend. And of course, a must when camping at Trap Pond in the summer, we went fishing. This entails taking our little 16 ft Jon boat and a couple dozen worms along with our fishing gear and hitting the pond.
Now, when we were young, we used to swim at Trap Pond. Every weekend, my mom and aunt would take me, my brother and my cousin to Trap Pond and we would spend the entire day swimming and playing! I guess it was in the late 70's or early 80's that they decided that the bacteria level had become so high that it was no longer safe to swim and then we started to go to Philips Landing.
Anyway, when we go camping, I still love to fish even though we would not eat the fish from the pond. I mean, if the water is too dirty to swim in, I don't want to eat the fish. Know what I mean? Well, we had a lovely few days fishing. We caught a bunch of blue gills, crappy, a small bass and even a cat fish. I caught him by the whiskers! He swam by and got snagged I guess.
Well, Friday, when we were fishing, I had just snagged one on my line. I told hubby that I got a fish. He leaned back in his high backed, swivel stool to watch me reel in my big catch! At that precise moment, the bolts holding the chair to the boat decided to give up! The bolts came loose, the chair broke off, hubby fell into the middle of the boat, breaking his tackle box, I don't know how he didn't get hooks and lures attached to his behind, and as he started to tell me how close we came to tipping over, he heard it! A definite SPLASH from the front of the boat! Yep! The rocking boat tossed me right out of my high backed swivel chair and into that high bacteria infested, green, slimy pond! Of course, I was over my head. I tried to pull myself into the boat and just couldn't do it without turning the boat over. I started to panic and then hubby reminded me that if I swam just a few yards, I could WALK to shore and he would pick me up!
So, that's what I did. I swam a few yards, found my footing in that slimy mud, and walked to shore. He came up behind me and I got in the boat. We then laughed all the way back to the dock! Thank God I have a sense of humor!
The good news is, I haven't yet started to glow in the dark. So I guess I wasn't in the pond long enough for the bacteria to do any lasting damage!
:-)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

May Same Image Swap


Such a cute image. I am not entirely happy with the results. I have had too much going on this month and I was very late getting it done. I feel like it was just too rushed. I think I will refrain from participating in any more summer swaps. Then I can concentrate on all of the festivities that are demanding my attention and hopefully even find some time to float around in the pool. Thanks for looking!!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Emma and Me

OH! The joy of being a Gramma! Emma and I had the BEST day on Saturday! We picked up Grandmommie and we went to Pizza King for breakfast, where we shared the "Two, Two, Two" with eggs over medium, cinnamon raisin french toast and scrapple. After breakfast, we went shopping at Walmart! She certainly loves people! She was a big hit to everyone, young and old. And she is just the best baby! We shpooed for about two hours and she didn't get fussy until we were waiting in line. And of course waiting in those Walmart lines will make anyone cranky!
We left Walmart and by the time we got back to Grandmommies, she was down for a power nap. So we dropped off Grandmommie and went home. Once Emma woke up, we had our lunch (a bottle, bananas and mac & cheese) and then we went for a walk. A little cranky about getting in the stroller but once the wheels started turning she calmed a bit. By the time we got to the swing, she was ready to play. She played in the swing until she was falling asleep sitting up. She was just so cute. (No biased here!)
Then home for a nap before Connor's birthday party. She had a lot of fun at the BBQ. Of course she was the life of the party. She went home to sleep over at Mom Mom's.
We met again at church Sunday monring. She was once again a perfect little angel. She even "sang" with the congregation. Being as happy as she was, she was a "little" loud during the service, but Pastor Mark can talk above her.
After church we went to McDona;ds for lunch. Emma shared some nuggets and fries as well as some baby food. But the best part was the ice cream. Unfortunately, Emma had her first "Brain Freeze". Let me tell you - she didn't like it! LOL
Her parents picked her up when we were done and then us older folks could get some rest. She is a handfull but man how I love that little girl!


The beauty of Spring!


How lovely the Day Lilies are this spring! They have really multiplied this year. Somehow the moles didn't get them which is surprising when you consider all the trails in the yard this year. It is very difficult to walk through the front yard without twisting your ankle. I do love the colors of these. They just shout SPRING to me!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Date night tonight!

Not the greatest photo of hubby - he really doesn't like to have his picture taken! :-(
Hubby and I have a date night scheduled for tonight. Nothing fancy - just dinner out. But it will be awesome to go out, just the two of us. We haven't done much of that lately.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Mother's Day - it was!



Thanks to my sweet, sweet family, I had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Hubby went to church with me, then we all went to lunch at Grotto's Pizza (Me, Bob, Mama, Mom, Pop, Aunt Evelyn, Sam, Corey & of course Emma). For Mother's Day, I received numerous beautiful cards, a box of Russell Stover's caramels :-) and yes - a bushel of crabs! Yummy!!!
I also got to spend some time with my precious little granddaughter!

Mother's Day 2009 Cards













The red, white & black cards were made using my new stamps and ribbon that I bought "while shopping with my sister".
The off white card was made using my new threading water punch and part of a note card I found at the Dollar General store.
Hey, bargains are bargains no matter where you find them. ;-)

Friday, May 1, 2009

Birthday Card


This was made for a coworker. I used card stock, papers and ribbons that I have had on hand for a while. The stamp set is an unmounted acrylic set that I bought at Michael's while shopping with my sister (aka: TheLadyScraps, Peggy). I have had a gift certificate that the kids gave me for my birthday back in September but did not have the motivation to use it while I wasn't creating.
Maybe I'm back for good (or at least a long while).
TFL

Caught a Bug?

I did this card for a SWAP on Cuppas and Cards. Isn't that a cute image?
I used my prisma color pencils and chalks. I also used the threading water punch and layered several colors of cardstock and ran the ribbon through the green cardstock.
I wasn't overly impressed with the results, but at least it got me "back in the game". kwim?
TFL

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Baby Shower Card


Using one of my Bella stamps along with the pretty ribbon I bought at Michael's "while shopping with my sister". ;-)

NEW DO!!!

OK! So I couldn't handle the long locks anymore. I decided to get it cut short again. And Boy Oh Boy do I feel better!!! I think I overed the desire to grow it out now! LOL


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

OBX





We had a wonderful trip to the Outerbanks! The weather was spectacular and the skies as beautiful as always. No matter how many times I visit the OBX, I am in awe of the skies! We also discovered how much our little Odie loves the beach!
We stayed in a pet friendly motel, a first for us. The first night, poor little Odie was so timid and uncomfortable. The second night, he was a little more confident and it was cute to watch him walking down the hall of the hotel as if he owned the place! He even knew exactly which room was ours.
We found an awesome campground in Rodanthe! It has tennis courts, indoor & outdoor pools. Hot tub. Beach front, full hook up, Recreation room. Beautiful! Rodanthe has grown a lot since our last visit. I guess having a major movie production (Nights in Rodanthe) is incentive enough for a sprucing! We visited the house from teh movie. I was star truck from standing in the same spot that Richard Gere had stood (swoon!). Too bad he wasn't still there.
We will try to visit again either in the Fall or next Spring. It would be most fun with a group of friends. (That's you Paul & Patti, Bob & Terry!)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Poem to Mom

My Sister in Law sent this to me and it is PRICELESS!!! I just had to share it with all of you!

Poem to MOM

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

'Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known as C.S.D.'

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store.
I told him, 'Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D ...
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best. '

I said 'No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine.'

He asked 'Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?'
'Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D.?'

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I'm Back!


The first card in 8 months! Maybe this is just the start. I have really missed creating.
This was created using my chalks, prisma color pencils and my Snoopy Red Baron stamp. TFL!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Fiesta Ranch Chicken

We made this recipe up this weekend and it turned out so yummy I wanted to share it with all of my friends and family.

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
McCormick Southwest Seasoning Grinder
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Fiesta Ranch Dip Mix
16 oz. sour cream
Monterrey Jack Cheese, shredded
Jalapeno slices (optional)
2 limes, halved
Tortilla strips or broken tortilla chips

Add Southwest seasoning to chicken and grill chicken until done. Remove chicken from grill. Place chicken in a glass baking dish.
Mix Fiesta Ranch Dip mix with the sour cream. (there will be a lot left over for snacking later) Add a generous dollop to each chicken breast. Cover with Monterrey jack Cheese and place a couple of jalapeno slices on each, if desired.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime on each chicken breast just before serving. Place each serving over tortilla strips.

I serve this with Goya Mexican Style Rice and Southwest Corn Medley (Green Giant).

Monday, February 23, 2009

If I Didn't Have a Dog...

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without tripping over a fuzzy body who beats me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space a furry body would need to get comfortable.

I would have money and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with my veterinarian, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come,no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

I would not talk 'baby talk'. 'Eat your din din'.'Yummy yummy for the tummy'..

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E-E, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having a dog ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading 'mud' season.


I would not have the joy in my life of knowing I am loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

Whether I am laughing, crying or screaming in fits of rage, I am certain that I will always have a friend by my side. Regardless of how many times I have to say "No", there are no angry words, slamming doors or acts of revenge. When I walk in the door at the end of a day, I can guarantee, that someone will be cheering and jumping up and down as if the most famous rock star walked through the door! I couldn't imagine how it would be if I never had the joy of sharing my life with such a happy, kind creature whose entire purpose in life is to love me with all of their heart.


How EMPTY my life would be!!!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

I've been tagged...

My friend Jeannelee has done gone and tagged so here are the rules;


Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.


1. Pick the 6th Folder, then select the 6th picture in that folder.


2. Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture.


3. Tag 6 other people that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.


This is my photo... This is Odie. We had out of town guests (family) and they were paying so much attention to Emma that poor little Odie was pouting. So DH started rough housing with him and this is him in action. I took this photo with the high speed option. He is such a happy little dog!
Now it's my turn to tag 6! Hmmm ...
Shari - A very sweet online friend that I have had the pleasure of spending a couple of crop weekends with.
Lisa - my online buddy from Nova Scotia, sorry girl - Jeanne made me do it! lol
Melissa - my online "walking" buddy. I really need to get back to it!
Peggy - My online buddy in the deep south (Louisianna)
Sarah - another online friend with an amazing talent
Jen - my Florida online buddy. Man - I wish I was in Flordia about now - I am sick of winter!
I can hardly wait to see all yours pictures! Have fun with it! And keep it going!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Our very own Gerber Baby!

I had to share this precious picture of our Granddaughter! Isn't it just perfect! Does the Gerber baby even have a curl anymore? lol

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Life goes on...


After the bittersweet holiday season, with the loss of my nephew, we are continuing to put our lives back to normal. A new normal without one of those we loved.

As proof that life continues on, our sweet granddaughter, Emma, supplies us with smiles and laughter as she is growing into a delightful little person! I have posted a picture here of her first experience with sweet potatoes. She has decided she really likes FLAVOR. Her little feet kick wildly when she is introduced to new flavors. Thank you Emma for the constant reminder that life does indeed go on.