Grandkid Time

Well. Christmas at the Edgar household was a huge success! AND, it's cold, people! I couldn'tbe happier...

AND, it just gets better, my bonus daughter and her family are coming in today! Which means my grandkids will be here for a few days! Yay! I'm very excited to see them, and Charlotte is even more excited. So, it's going to be a fun rest of the week.

On Friday night all of our kids will get together here and exchange gifts and share a meal, then Saturday night is ALL of Robert's family's night up at Warren. There are close to 60 of us when we all get together. Yeah, it's pretty crazy. But fun. And pretty crazy...

So, I'm going to take a short break from "Sherra's Take" and see you all back here on Monday, December 31. I hope your holiday week is fun and relaxing. Mine will be fun, not sure about the relaxing!

Merry Christmas

Last year after Thanksgiving, I bought a little Fisher Price Nativity Set for the grandkids to play with. Peyton was 4 and the girls were 2. Charlotte, who lives about 5 minutes from us and is at our house a lot, was so excited. She was immediately taken with the Baby Jesus. She carried Him around with her all through the house. I knew right away it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the two of them.

This year, while I was taking decorations down, I came across the set and put it out on the table. The next time Charlotte came over, she played and played with the set. When it was time to pick up toys, I noticed that the Baby Jesus wasn’t with the rest of the pieces.

So, I asked Charlotte, “Where is Baby Jesus?” She looked at me, then at the nativity set, then back at me and said, “He’s gone.” I said, “What do you mean He’s ‘gone?’ “He’s just gone,” she said. “Well, we need to find Him!" I said, "You can’t have a nativity set without the Baby Jesus. He’s the most important part!”

We looked for a while. No Baby Jesus. I kept looking over the next few days: under the couch, in the toy closet, in the dryer, (yes, I’ve found toys in the dryer following visits from the grandkids.) Still, no Baby Jesus. So, our Fisher Price nativity set has been missing its main character this entire Christmas season. Hmm.

When I look around me, I realize that my grandkids’ toy nativity set is not the only place Jesus seems to be missing from. Many of our nation’s leaders don’t seem to have a place for him while they strive to guide us. Jesus is clearly missing from our country’s schools and the effects of his absence are painfully obvious.

Jesus appears to be missing from many of our homes today as well. More and more families don’t seem to look for him in their everyday lives or even in times of trouble.

Sadly, Jesus is even missing in some of our churches today. We’ve become more interested in finding the right program or some magic formula than the Savior of the world. Even at Christmas, Jesus seems to be gone. Just gone.

The thing is, just like our nativity set, Christmas without Jesus just isn’t right. It has no purpose, no real meaning. It’s like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the peanut butter. Or a cheeseburger without the cheese. Something’s just wrong without Him.

See, Jesus should be the main attraction, not only at Christmas, but every day of your life. He's the protagonist, the headliner, the hero. What I’m trying to say is, without Jesus Christ in the great, big middle of your life, what’s the point?

So, today, celebrate and spend time with loved ones, open beautifully wrapped packages of the most wished for surprises, and eat way more than you eat any other time of the year. But more than anything I hope that if you don’t know where Jesus is in your life, look for Him. He’s right there, waiting for you to discover Him. If you’ve already found Him, just like Charlotte, take Him with you wherever you go and hold Him close. Because just like the nativity set, your life is just not gonna be right without Him.

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, o come ye, to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

"Seriously, We Don't Even WANT the Bacon!"

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!!!! What, your family doesn't play the "CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!" game? That's a shame. You're missing out on an extra present. You have to be the first person to say "CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!" to someone, then they have to go out and buy you an extra gift. It's a favorite between my brother and I. We never agree on who wins.

My weekend was great! Friday we had a very successful Christmas candy and sweets baking day over at Mom's. My brother didn't help much. What else is new?

Then we watched 2 movies with my sister-in-law, Alexandrea. It was fun and relaxing.

Then on Saturday, I got my nails done, then Mom and I had lunch and did a little shopping. It was a wonderful day. We talked and talked until our tongues were worn out. We solved every problem we could think of, and wondered why we weren't in charge of the world. Our last stop of the day: "The Walmart." *sigh...and everything had been going so well...

Of course half of the population of Lumberton was in Walmart. OK. That might be a slight exaggeration. But, there were a lot of people. As mom and I got our separate shopping carts and forumlated our strategy to meet by the turkeys, I thought to myself, "It's 3 days til Christmas, I'm finally over my virus, I'm out in the hustle and bustle, my shopping is all but done, I'm going to be the nicest person in this store. I'm going to give-way to everyone I meet, smile, and say 'Merry Christmas.'"

And I did. Right up until the point that we got in line to check out. It was 5:40pm when we got in line. I know the exact time because I was picking up Charlotte at around 6, so I texted my daughter-in-law to tell her we were in line. No way we'd be late. Read on...

There were 2 people in line in front of us. Because Mom and I both (unfortunately) are frequent Walmart customers, we basically know who the best checkers are. One of our favorites is this older lady, very sweet and very quick. Except for today.

Some elderly lady was checking out. Bless her heart. I can't even begin to tell you what all the problems were. The ones I could hear included something about gift cards not activating correctly, something wasn't priced correctly, she couldn't remember her debit pin, winds were blowing from the south instead of the north, WHO KNOWS. But, it was taking forever...and I could feel my Christmas spirit beginning to wane...

The poor checker called a manager over at least twice. Mom and I were giving each other "that look." Then, I managed to comment on how the "poor checkers" were working so hard, blah blah blah, loud enough for those around me to hear, namely the couple behind me where the man looked like he might begin throwing his wife's eggs at people at any moment. Onward...

After about 20 minutes, yes 20 minutes, the elderly lady finally left, apologizing over her shoulder to all of us, along with the checker. Mom and I gave our best Christmas smiles and nods.

The lady in front of me went fairly quickly, and I felt encouraged. When it was my turn, I calmly told the checker just to breathe, everything was fine, ("You have to work til 11:00pm? Oh, my word! You're doing such a good job...") Mom was smiling and nodding...which is what she does when she can't hear what people are saying, but that's fine because the checker doesn't know this about Mom...

I was done in about 5 minutes. Time for Mom. The first issue she had was that the gift cards she was trying to buy wouldn't activate correctly either. So now the checker, our new BFF, was trying to explain it to Mom, who can't hear, and apologizing about, oh, 25 times. Finally, after I'm trying to snatch the stupid gift cards out of her hand, and saying, "It's fine. We'll go somewhere else. No, we don't need to go to Customer Service. It's fine, really it's fine," she moves on. To the bacon...

The bacon wasn't priced. See, the bacon wasn't priced. It.Wasn't.Priced. I was standing off to the end of the conveyor belt when I saw the clerk's hand was moving toward the button to turn on the flashing light for a manager. It was like it was in slow motion. I moved toward her, shaking my head violently, when Mom realized what she was doing and started to lunge toward her as well. But, alas, we were too late. On goes the flashing "8" light for our register. Mom looked at me as if she'd been kicked in the stomach, then looked at the man behind her in line, who is now eating some of the groceries from his basket. She then turned to the checker, began waving her arms crazily in the air, saying, "I don't even WANT the bacon. Really, I don't. I don't want it. I don't need it, do I?" turning to me for support.

I agreed and thought, "Well played, Mom. Now, we're out of here." But...no...

The clerk says, "Oh, no it's really no trouble. It'll only take a few minutes..."

...to walk to the BACK of the store, wading through the throngs of people, to find bacon that IS priced, when "we don't even WANT it in the first place." Thanks, from the bottom of my heart...so long, Christmas spirit.

Needless to say, Mom's checking out took another 20 minutes, for a grand standing-in-line-total of 45 minutes. And we were late picking up Charlotte after all. All because of the bacon. That we didn't even WANT.

Fa-la-la-la-la,la-la-la-la. Love ya, Christmas!

Fun Friday: Christmas Baking Edition

So. You will all be happy to know that I have crossed back over to the land of the living. There were a few moments of transition yesterday, due to a SPLITTING headache, where I truly thought of just "running towards the light," but after a migraine pill and a few tablespoons of soup, I decided to stay. After all, it is Christmas.

I've spent the morning so far today and most of last night helping Robert and Riley get ready to leave with my dad for a weekend of hunting. Robert actually just drove off to get my dad, then pick Riley up from his very last mid-term. The only thing I can add is that, with my limited diet today, it's such a shame that I couldn't have had a glass of wine.

But, on the brighter side of things, it's only 4 days left til Christmas and I have the WHOLE WEEKEND to myself!!! HEY, HEY!!! I'm going to begin my celebration today by doing Christmas baking with my mom and my brother. And my brother's dogs.

We are going to make Christmas cookies and candy. I'm actually going to try 2 new recipes this year: Orange Capuccino fudge and Shortbread cookies. Then we'll probably make regular fudge and divinity, a family tradition. I haven't been able to do this with Paul in years, but we're doing it later this year, so it's worked out perfect. It should be loads of fun, very messy, and with yummy results. I'll take pictures, don't worry.

So, today's recipe is the Divinity I mentioned earlier. It's my grandma, MY MeMe's, recipe, and it's THE BEST. EVER. Everyone who eats it says so and they can't ALL be wrong. Here's my Meme's tip: you have to make it on a day that is low in humidity, with no rain. I don't know about your part of the world, but that can be a challenge around here. But, because God loves me and I've been sick, it's in the upper 30's here today and sunny. Thanks, God, I love Ya!

Have a great weekend, get your shopping done, you're almost out of time. Oh, yeah! My dad fixed my lights again! Love, love him!

Divinity

Ingredients:

5 C sugar
1 C light corn syrup
1 C water
2 egg whites, room temperature
smidge of salt
2 C chopped nuts, we use walnuts
1/4 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in 3 qt. pan. Bring to a boil on high, stirring. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and continue boiling until temperature is around 238-240 degrees on a candy thermometer.
2. Place egg whites in large mixing bowl. Beat until foamy, then add salt. Beat until peaks form.
3. Once syrup combo has reached 240 degrees on candy thermometer, slowly pour it into beaten egg whites. Beat until mixture holds its shape and loses gloss (about 20-25 minutes by hand. This is the hard part, by the way.)
4. Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla.
5. Drop onto aluminum foil in spoonfuls. May have to "set" for a while.

I Will Survive

OK, I'm sure you all are dying to hear an update on my health...or lack of it.

I made it to the doctor yesterday, barely. My mother drove me, thank God. I felt horrible and was trying hard not to cry like a 5-year-old in the waiting room. They did a flu test that came back negative and pronounced me with a "nasty stomach virus that's been going around." Hmm. OK. How did I catch said stomach virus, you ask? I have no idea...

So, here are my goals for today:

1. To drink and possibly EAT something that stays where it's supposed to. Enough said on that.

2. Medicate myself until my head stops feeling like it has an arrow stuck in it.

3. Only lay on the couch in intervals. My back and ribs feel like I've been trapped for days under a huge rock.

4. Work on my writing project - I still have deadlines.

There. I'm already tired just reading all that. And, let me tell you - those are some pretty lofty goals for someone who has almost morphed into part of the couch.

Here's hoping for a better day!

SO Sick

Well, friends...I think I have the flu. Yep. The flu. I feel like I've been hit by the proverbial "mack truck."

I'm going to the doctor at 11:15 today to find. I'll keep you posted.

This was NOT on my Christmas list...

Oh, To Be Young Again

Good morning, everyone! Only 7 days left til Christmas!! Now, if you've finished choking on your coffee, continue reading...

Here are the promised pictures from Riley's dance last Saturday night, the Jingle Bell Ball. Known hereafter as the JBB...

The above picture, obviously, is of Riley and I. It's not black and white because I'm trying to be all artsy, it's just because Robert, like me, is still trying to figure out our new cameras and this picture was mostly orange. Why use it, you ask? Well, the other 2 pictures he took of us were wider lens and my shirt was halfway up my stomach- the pink one, thank God I had on a tank. Trust me, no one, including me wants to see my stomach. Of course, neither one of them bothered to tell me to fix my shirt. Heck, they probably didn't even notice it was messed up. These are the trials and tribulations one must suffer when living with 2 men...

Back to the JBB. After taking a few pictures at our house, we drove over to Morgan's house, Riley's girlfriend. Here's their picture:

Don't they look great?

A bunch of their friends also met over at Morgan's and we got some great group shots. Here's the guys:

All looking very dapper!

Then, the beautiful ladies:

Gorgeous!

Finally, the whole group:

Don't they look amazing? I don't think I looked that good in high school. No, I'm fairly sure I didn't. Oh well...

Here's a kind of funny story. They went to eat at the kind of fru-fru place before the dance, a place Riley had never been to before. Here's the conversation I had with "Mr. Picky" (Riley) afterwards:

Me: How was XXX restaurant?
Riley: Terrible.
Me: Really? What did you order?
Riley: Calamari. It was overcooked. It looked like onion rings.
Me: Normally, calamari is best at Italian and seafood restaurants.
Riley: Yeah, but I like calamari. And it was on the appetizer menu, so it was cheap.
Me: Ah.

And, there it is.

My take: Oh, to be young again! Except...no, don't really want to do that again. I'll just continue to enjoy Riley and his friends - they seem to be doing it well!

I'll leave you for today with a parting shot of the "Angels."

My Absolute Hope

This post will not be a normal one, filled with slightly sarcastic wit and light-hearted humor. Not today. As I sit down to post, the tears have started again.

I do not have the words to express how utterly devastated I am over Friday's shocking events in Connecticut. I have cried more tears over complete strangers' families than I would have ever thought possible. Until this.

It's unfathomable to me to think that something like this could happen in an American elementary school. I just can't believe it. 20 kindergarteners. Beautiful boys and girls who will never see another birthday. Little girls who will never put on make-up for the first time or go to the prom. Little boys who will never play in a high school football game or ask a girl out on a date. They are gone, just gone. How can this be?

As a former teacher, I am shaken to my very core at the thought of having to deal with what took place on Friday in Newtown. Teachers feel an absolute responsibility for their students. And, in this day and age, just look at what that means. To think that in just minutes the lives of your students may be gone and there's nothing you can really do to stop it. You just hide and pray. And give your life, if it comes to that.

As a parent, I just don't have the words. I was literally sick at my stomach and fighting back tears while driving Riley to school today. It would be so easy to just live in fear now. Every day.

My take: Again, I am speechless. My heart aches for these families who have lost the most precious thing they have 10 days before Christmas. I don't know what to say, what to think, what to do, so I just pray for all of them. This will be a terrible week for Newtown, CT, as they bury their babies. Next week, Christmas, will be worse. I have so much to be thankful for. But, as I write these words, I just keep praying: God, please protect my son. Return him to me today. I haven't had enough time yet. Protect his school, our whole district, all of the districts across the state and the country. Protect our babies. Because YOU are the only one who really can.

So, that's what I do. I pray for these precious families and for my own. Because truly, God is my only hope. And at Christmas, that's what God did for us. He sent His Son and made a way for us to get through something like this. To have hope. He is my source, He is my protection. He is good and I trust Him. Even in the midst of chaos, when everything is upside down, He is my absolute hope.

Fun Friday: Shop and Shop...Then Go Shop Some More - It's Christmas!

So. I chose the above picture today to remember how lovely my house looked when all my lights were working. Which, OF COURSE, is no longer the case. Can you guess which lights aren't working? Uh-huh. Apparently there is a demon living in my bushes that is struggling to come up with ANY Christmas spirit WHATSOEVER. Don't you hate it when that happens?

Today is a BIG shopping day for me. My mom and I will be out most of the day. Me - trying to finish up odds and ends, plus some extras just added to my list at around 7:00am by my dear husband. Thanks, Babe, love ya. Mom - trying to get a real idea of what everyone has on their list for her to buy.

For instance, Robert has asked for a camp stove. Well, my mother doesn't own a camp stove, has probably never used a camp stove, and honestly, more than likely, doesn't even really know what a camp stove is. I mean, I know that all of that is definitely true for me. I figured a camp stove at least resembled a real stove top, maybe just portable, right? Nope. It's much smaller. Actually, I would've named it "Stove-in-a-Can." There it is.

In other news, one of my bonus sons is graduating tonight from EMT School. Yay! We are so proud of him. I think he really loves his work and I'll bet is great at it. Go, John!

Also, tomorrow night is the big Christmas dance at Riley's school - the Jingle Bell Ball. Omigosh!!! They've been talking about this weekend for months and planning the wardrobe. Less than 3 years ago, I was very concerned that Riley would never remember to wear deodorant and lacked the ability to match clothing colors. My, how things have changed! We put together his outfit weeks ago - this dance is kind of semi-formal - and even yesterday he was concerned that maybe another color shirt would match Morgan's dress better. Anyway, they are all very excited and I will hopefully have some good pictures to share with you on Monday.

Then, this Sunday evening is our church's Christmas party. We've invited 3 missionaries to come as our guests. There's going to be lots of yummy food and great fellowship. Actually, I just remembered I'm supposed to be writing a poem for that evening. Hmmm...add that to my list here....OK.

Finally, late Sunday evening my brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Alexandrea, will be getting here from Wisconsin!!! Yay! I absolutely can't wait. Their arrival is actually one of my favorite days of the holiday season every year. Paul is a professor at a university, so they usually get to stay for almost an entire month. It's so awesome!!! Also, they'll be introducing a new dog to the family this year, Sutton. Half St. Bernard. Yeah, big. Did I mention that I can't wait?

Yes, big weekend for me and while ALL of this is going on, I've been contracted to write a 6-book graphing series, 1st grade reading level. Uh-huh. Not the best timing you say? Well, when you're a struggling writer you take the work when it comes, am I right?

My take: Whew...I'm already tired. Check in on Monday and see if I'm still alive, will ya? I wouldn't want to be unconscious under the Christmas tree and no one realize it. And, yes, that could really happen at my house!

Happy weekend, be merry!

So today's recipe is my mother's "go to" dessert, meaning when she makes it, everyone "goes to it," and it is gone. So yummy! Try it this Christmas!

Buttermilk Pie

Ingredients:
1-1/2 C sugar
3 T flour
1 stick butter
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 C buttermilk

Directions:
1. Mix sugar and flour. Melt butter and add to sugar and flour.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Add vanilla and buttermilk, mixing well.
4. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then continue baking at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

Living La Vida de Loca...at Christmas

Well, it's another very busy day here in RahRah land.

First, I'm going to my mother's Bible study Christmas party, where my friend, Beth and I will be singing. Yes, singing. Really early in the morning for singing, when you're old and your voice is out of shape. So, it should be interesting. But, the thing is, the ladies in this Bible study are the absolute sweetest people on the planet and they will think we're awesome not matter what. So, that's a relief.

After the luncheon following the Bible study, I'm dashing back to Lumberton to try and catch Riley's band's performance at the Intermediate School. Mainly because I'm missing the real concert tonight because it conflicts with Robert's office Christmas party. I figure I can't miss that and since I do have an option, I'm just going for it.

My take: I gotta get off this computer and go! See you tomorrow for another Christmas recipe!

No Flu

No flu at my house! Hallelujah!

I took Riley to the doctor yesterday, as you know, and he only has a sinus infection. I'm so relieved. No flu so far this year.

The pediatrician's office was a zoo. Kids everywhere. Some people came in with 3 kids, all of which looked sick. I just don't think I could've handled 3 kids PERIOD, let alone 3 kids sick at the same time. These are the days we're all thankful for wine.

The other funny thing about the pediatrician's office was that most of the kids in the sick waiting room were around 5 and under. Then there was Riley - 6 feet tall, in need of a shave. It was pretty funny. But it made me think about when Riley was that age - he was so cute, very quiet and reserved, always a book in his hand. It made me feel kind of sad, really, knowing that my "baby boy" is grown.

Until we got in a room with one of those "5-year-olds" next door, who was screaming bloody-murder and kicking the wall. Actually, before the visit was over, there were screaming "5-year-olds" all around us, in stereo, if you will, and we decided Dr. Hubbell must be a saint.

My take: 5-year-olds can be cute, but grown kids who don't injure nurses and doctors while being treated have their charms, too!

Happy Hump Day!!

The Un-Project Files

Well, dang it, Riley is sick. He's been puny since Sunday and I was hoping it was just allergies, but I had to pick him up early from school yesterday with fever. After he'd tried to call twice, the school had called twice and he'd text me. Twice. My phone, as it were, was in my purse on silent while I was trying to help my mom with a "project." Yes, it looks like I have become "that" parent.

So, I'm taking him to the doctor today. At this point, I'm just praying it's not flu. He gets the flu every year, bless his heart, despite the fact that we take the flu shot. How unfair is that? Anyway, he may just have a sinus infection, which means he still feels lousy, but that he probably doesn't feel as lousy as he could AND he won't infect anyone else. Like me. Did I mention "bless his heart?"

About the "project" with Mom...yeah, EPIC FAIL. And, it was all my idea, I'm sad to say.

When I was in Colorado a few weeks ago, I came across these cute spiced mug mats. They are these little fabric squares with spices inside of them that you put your hot drink on and the heat makes the scent really come out. I'm using mine right now as I'm writing.

Anyway, my mother is a really good seamstress and she's always looking for a little gift for the ladies in her Bible study group, so I thought she and I could make these. The ladies would LOVE them!

Now, understand that when I say "she and I," I really mean HER making them at my house while I serve refreshments and say things like, "Yeah, those are looking great, Mom, good job!" Number 1: I am an encourager; Number 2: I do not sew. At all. No hemming or even buttons.

So, we went ahead with the before mentioned plan and it was doomed from the beginning. The potpourri Mom bought wouldn't crush up small enough. Then, I was supposed to be ironing on this fleece stuff, (I did end up with a simple job), I guess that was the heat part, and my iron kept powering off and not working well. Which I would've known if I EVER use my iron. Which, I don't.

Finally, Mom made an executive decision to save all this fabric stuff for next year, seeing how she needs these gifts this Thursday, and find something else. Like Hershey kisses inside little stockings, etc.

Then, next year, we'll attempt the spiced mug mats again a little earlier. And we'll use her iron.

Shout Out to the Parental Units

Good Monday to y'all!

I'll begin today with an update on affairs:

Robert and I had a nice weekend trip to Houston, where we put a major dent in our Christmas shopping. This has become a little tradition for us, except the past years we've been in Dallas. But, scheduling difficulties fixed it to where Houston was the best option this year. So, we went to our beloved Omni Hotel and had a great time. We have quite a "group" to buy for, plus we bought things for a children's home our church is blessing this Christmas. Needless to say, there was barely room for Riley in the car on the way home...

Speaking of Riley, he made All-Region band over the weekend. Yay! So very proud of him and to have him as my son. You make me happy, Boy...

In case you've been trapped under something heavy all weekend and are not aware, Johnny Manziel from Texas A&M is this year's Heisman Trophy winner - oh, yeah, baby!!! As a freshman, too. He SO deserves it, in my book. Gig 'em!

Finally, I want to give a huge shout-out to my parents. In short, I don't know where I'd be without them - and, trust me, it wouldn't be anywhere I'd want to go! They are the most amazing parents in the world! They've always been and continue to be a constant support in my life - through the good, the bad and the ugly.

They're very close to Riley, too. I truly believe he'd move in with them and never miss me if I'd let him- and, actually, that's not a terrible thing. It used to bother me, but now that I have grandkids, I totally get it.

Anyway, my parents are the main reason that I can travel some with Robert. They always keep Riley, shuttle him around wherever he needs to be - and there's ALWAYS SOMEWHERE he needs to be. They help with homework projects, feed him (a feat all in itself), and spoil him, of course, which I'm pretty sure is rule #1 in some grandparenting book somewhere...or, at least it should be.

They even came over to help me before I left for Houston on Friday.

Here's Mom gathering up all of Riley's "things" for the weekend.

Love her.

And, here's my sweet dad, fixing the Christmas lights in the bushes - yes, they're working!

Love him.

My take: my life is oh, so much sweeter because of my parents. I hope I am HALF the parent to Riley that they have been to me. Meme and Pawpaw forever!!! Love, love them!

Fun Friday: I Have WAY Too Much to Do

Well, the lights are still not on. You know who I sound like? I sound like the father-in-law from Christmas Vacation. After Clark Griswold finally gets all the lights to come on and the whole family is outside looking at them, Clark is crying and going around giving Christmas greetings to everyone, and the father-in-law says, "The little lights are not twinkling, Clark." What a Debbie Downer. He's my least favorite character in that movie.

Anyway, all I can say today about the lights is: Oh well. No time to deal with them today.

Today I'm leaving to meet Robert in Houston for the weekend, just a needed chance to get away and do a little Christmas shopping. Every time I've talked to him in the past 2 days, he's in Austin for work, he's moved the time up. Geez, just give me a time and stick to it, OK? How am I supposed to plan and get everything done when you keep changing the time? I love that man...and it's a good thing I love him...

In other news, Riley's Christmas choir concert was excellent last night. Their choir is just huge, over 100 kids when all the different groups get together and they have a great sound. The concert was at a church, so the acoustics were wonderful. They sang some cute Christmas songs and some more classical Christmas songs and even a small ensemble did their Area try-out music. Wow, it was gorgeous. Check out some pictures:

The top picture is of Riley and his choir teacher, Mrs. Stanton. She's great, she makes choir fun and the kids really love her.

Riley is in the mixed choir, meaning guys and girls, and this is a picture from their part. It's kinda hard to see him, he's tall, so he's in the back.

This was the last piece, with all the choirs together. Again, I promise he's back there.

And, these are he and some of his friends practicing being teenagers after the concert.

They wear the teenager thing pretty well.

Home Alone 2: Electrical Edition

OK. This is how lovely my outside decor looked from the street. Key word there is LOOKED. This morning, for some unknown reason, all the lights in the bushes are out. Yep, every last one.

Here's a quick news flash: the reason this post is called "Home Alone 2" is because I am indeed home alone. Again. I mean, I'm always home alone during the day, unless you count Cassie, and I TOTALLY do. What I really mean, since I'm sure you're confused, I know I am and I'm writing this post, is that Robert is out of town again for work. There it is.

So, seeing that my lights were out I did what any smart woman would do in my shoes with no husband around: 1. I wiggled the cords. 2. I unplugged, then replugged. Yeah. Nothing.

Now, I'm not sure what to do. I unplugged them all, as I do every morning, and am hoping that when I go to plug them all in, BAM! there they will be. I may actually go pray over them in a minute...

One option would be to go into town to Hobby Lobby and return some tree lights that I don't need and get new outside lights, since these outside lights just might be as old as Riley. Yeah, I can feel the hives coming up on my body at just the thought of going to Hobby Lobby. I'm sure standing in line for hours wouldn't be great for my foot..which is still hurting, by the way...I haven't mentioned it lately, because when I think about it, I usually burst into tears...and that makes my family kinda nervous.

My take: I don't know what I'll do about the lights. I think, for now, I'll just hope for a Christmas miracle...then possibly brave the aisles at Hobby Lobby. Tune in tomorrow for another Christmas recipe and pictures - with my new camera - from Riley's Christmas choir concert. And hopefully lights in my bushes that actually light up and all. That'd be good...

Nothing to Say

Someone get the thermometer: I can't think of anything to talk about today.

Yes, I know this is shocking news, heck, I can't even believe it myself! I've been fooling around on the interent for about an hour now, trying to get inspired. Huh. Weird.

Well, you know, it's not like I had the most exciting day yesterday. I went to my nail appointment, only to find out that it's today, not yesterday. I had lunch with my friend, Terri. That was fun.

As I started to drive back to the high school, it started raining like crazy. I mean, monsoons, OK? But, that's fine because we need the rain in these parts. I sound like a farmer.

Oh, wait, I did actually do something unique and somewhat fun yesterday: I made chicken-fried steak for the first time. It was pretty good, too, according to Riley, who considers himself an authority on chicken-fried steak. Lucky for me, he didn't see the first two steaks that I threw in the garbage. I seem to always fry things at too high a temperature. But, it's tricky, you know, I mean you're FRYING something, right?That speaks HOT to me. Thank God we're only a family of 3, and they usually package meat in 4's and 5's. Dinner was saved.

So, all in all, not the most exciting of days. But, you know me: tune in tomorrow,'cause something crazy is bound to happen around here!

Happy Hump Day - let's get over the hump!

Where the Heck is My Car?

Great news! Cassie's Christmas pajamas from last year still fit! This is a big relief...one less thing I have to buy this year.

Good girl, Cassie...hee, hee...

So, yesterday I did a little more shopping. Actually, a couple of returns and went to spend my Kohls cash...I actually remembered I had it this time. Just in time for the last day to spend it. I.AM.AWESOME. Except for the part about losing my car...

Apparently, I have a disorder. Said disorder could be called "I never remember where I parked my car" disorder. I went to 3 stores yesterday and upon leaving the store, EACH TIME, I could not find my car. Seriously, all 3 times. I don't understand how I can lose my car. And, I mean, REALLY LOSE IT. Once yesterday, I was about to call Robert and tell him my car had been stolen. My normal routine when I can't find my car (yes, that's how often it happens, there is a routine) is I keep clicking the lock button on my remote, then simply follow the beeps. But, at Target, I was so far from the car that I couldn't hear the beeps. Huh. Weird.

I really do try to notice where I park, you know? I count the rows, look for weird trash or oil stains on the ground around the car, any point of reference. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be working. Or, at least nothing worked yesterday.

But, today is a new day. And, as far as I have planned for today, I'm only going to have to park in 2 lots and one is tiny. If I get lost in the salon parking lot, someone feel free to take my keys. I'd love to be chauffeured around anyway...

My take: Couldn't someone invent a "Where's My Car?" app? I mean, they have a "Where's My iPhone?" app, a "Where's My iPAD?" app. I always know where those things are. Maybe I can invent it myself and become rich. Or, maybe I just need to have better batteries for my car remote so I can hear the beeps from another parking lot.

Parades, Decorations and Pictures, Oh My!

I had a really good weekend, and, as you can see, did a little decorating!

Actually, I only have like 3 things left to decorate, then put up all the boxes. Yay! Riley helped me get the yard done yesterday and Robert helped me get the tree put together, artificial, and then he helped me with the lights and ribbon. And, then, I had to make Riley help me with some ornaments. Nothing screams "Christmas Spirit" quite like threatening to ground your teenager if he won't help trim the tree. But, hey, it worked. Genius.

On Friday night, Charlotte spent the night while Robert was in Warren. I wasn't feeling terrific so we hung out all night on the couch watching Christmas movies and playing. And watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," because that's one of her favorites. She doesn't understand seasons and holidays yet.

Then on Saturday Robert got home and we drove down to ride on our church's float in the Christmas Parade in Groves. It was a blast and I really think our float was the best. We had music blaring and all the people watching were dancing and having a good time. There were so many people out, too! It kind of blew our Christmas parade out of the water, really. Oh, well, Lumberton, there's always next year.

Also, last Friday Angie and I got together and made our picture frame wreaths. What do you think? I love mine and Angie's turned out great, too. Robert actually said it was very creative. Now THAT, my friends, is a compliment! They were fun to make and really pretty easy. Unless you count all the times I got burned from the hot glue gun.

By the way, I took these 2 pictures with my new camera! Robert and I bought "his and hers" Nikon Coolpix cameras on Black Friday and they arrived over the weekend. It has a 21x zoom lens, can you believe it? And, it seems easy to use, which is always a plus for me, because a fantastic photographer, I am not. Yet. Most importantly, since it was a Black Friday purchase, we got a GREAT DEAL!! Anyway, there's a bunch of settings on it, so I'm having to figure it all out. I offer this as an explanation in case there are some not-so-great pictures on the blog in the near future. Please be patient.

So, folks, that was my weekend! How was yours? Let me know what's going on with your decorating, Christmas shopping and the like. Happy Monday!

Fun Friday: Home Alone 1 Edition

Hallelujah...just sayin'...even the dog is gone. No worries, she's with Robert, which is right where she wants to be, trust me. He's gone to Warren and she is probably about 6 inches from his body at this very moment...she loves that man...

All I'm saying is that sometimes, I need a little quiet time, is that such a crime? No, I think not.

Well, I have sad news: the house isn't finished. After my writing lunch yesterday, I opted for Christmas shopping. And it was successful. But, today, it should be done. Or at least by Monday, when you tune in again. Pinky Promise.

The above picture is from the Lumberton Christmas Parade. We had such a good time...after I finally found Katie and Charlotte. Apparently, this is a big deal in Lumberton. I've lived here for 7 years and had no idea. So, I was in the middle of making supper, which was an EPIC FAILURE, by the way, details later, when my daughter-in-law texted me and says, "OK, I've pulled over on XXX Road." It was an hour and 15 minutes before the parade was supposed to start. I'm like, "HUH?" She then told me that it would be very crowded and I shouldn't wait much longer to come. Of course...

So, I get it in high gear - gather chairs, make hot chocolate, grab snacks and run out the door. She told me where she was and I knew exactly where she meant. Except, no not really. I pulled down a couple of streets, but not the right one. All the while my sweet Katie is texting me, "Do you see me? I'm flashing my lights and waving out the window." Yes, but that would require me to be on the right street and all. Finally, I pulled down one of the wrong streets into a parking lot and almost started to cry, I was so mad. How could I have lived here for 7 years and not know where XXX Road is??

Then, I saw a policeman working the parade. Now, normally I'm not that happy to see a Lumberton policeman, because they are, shall we say, overly zealous about their jobs. I was once pulled over when Riley was about 5 because the officer said it looked like my inspection sticker had been taken off and put back on. Really. Anyway, last night, he was a sight for my sore eyes.

So, in just a few minutes, I'd found them and parked next to them. Our next worry was Robert. Who is always late. Always. So, I called him and told him how crowded it was, that he wouldn't be able to drive down XXX Road after 7, hurry up, etc. He works about 15-20 minutes away. 10 minutes later I called him back, he hadn't left yet. Charlotte kept asking where he was and I finally said, "I don't know, Sweetie. We'll watch for a white suburban IN THE PARADE." But, he zoomed down the street at about 6:55, parked at the primary school, then hoofed it back to us just as the police cars, ambulances and firetrucks were starting the parade. I thought maybe they were expecting an emergency, but Katie said they did this every year. Thank God for Katie.

Anyway, a good time was had by all. Riley's band played and Charlotte was so excited to see him. It was hard to tell which trombone he was in the dark, so we finally just picked someone on the outside and told her that was him. She was elated. She's also a little confused about Santa - who he is, when he's coming, and why there isn't snow.

Charlotte, these are all questions we've been trying to answer since the beginning of time. Welcome to the madness!!

Anyway, if you've never been to a lighted Christmas parade, try to attend one. They really are beautiful, with all the lights and a true small-town ambience. There are several other communities around this neck of the woods having a lighted parade this weekend - our church, Encounter Church, will actually have a float in the one in Groves tomorrow night - so check one out!

This week's recipe is a Christmas party favorite of mine. If you're like me, you'll be attending at least one holiday function this year where you'll need to bring a "goodie," right? So try Cheesy Christmas Trees - easy to make and yummy!! Happy weekend, see you on Monday!

Cheesy Christmas Trees

Ingredients:
1/2 C mayonnaise
1 T dry ranch-style salad dressing mix
1 C shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices firm white bread
1/4 C red bell pepper strips
1/4 C green bell pepper strips

Directions:
1. Preheat broiler to low. Combine mayonnaise and salad dressing mix in medium bowl. Add cheese; mix well.
2. Cut bread slices into Christmas tree shapes using large cookie cutter. Spread each tree with about 1 T mayonnaise mixture. Decorate with red and green bell pepper strips. Place on baking sheet.
3. Broil 4 inches from heat 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbling. Serve warm. Makes about 12 appetizers.

A Little Bit of This, and a Little Bit of That

OK, so I'm not quite finished decorating the house. Yes, yes, I hear you all gasping with shock and surprise. I'm just taking my time, being more methodical about it all, blah blah blah...whatever, it's just not finished. But the above picture, as poor quality as it is, is just a little taste of what's coming. Isn't it lovely? I did something a little different with the table this year. In years past I have put this long strand of garland with poinsettias, glitter, greenery and berries down the middle of the table. My men hate it. So, I tried something new and I like it. Go, me!

Angie and I had a great time yesterday and actually ran into another friend, Kris, the one I quoted yesterday about hump day, and had lunch with her, too! Isn't that funny? Anyway, Angie and I bought all the stuff for our wreaths, so cross your fingers that they turn out well. I think they will. The power of positive confession and all that...my pastor would be so proud if he read that statement!

On a less happy note, there's a lot of CYBER drama going on at Riley's high school. I won't go into any details, but it makes moms like me nervous for their children, even though Riley isn't involved at any level. It's too bad teenagers' hormones kick in BEFORE their ability to understand CONSEQUENCES does, huh? Geez...God, help the poor teenagers...

And, speaking of teenagers, our community parade is tonight, which I'll be attending with my Charlotte and my Katie. Riley's band is marching and it's supposed to be a "lighted parade." I have no idea what that means, but since it's happening after dark, I'd say lights are a good idea.

My take: This is a little on the short side today, but, you know, LOTS TO DO! See you tomorrow for a holiday recipe and hopefully pictures of a fully decorated house! Happy Thursday...there's not a littly rhyme about Thursday that I know of...sorry to disappoint...

Oooohhhh, We're Half-Way There...

Do you remember that song? Bon Jovi? I love that song! This children's camp that we used to go to would take the kids on a train ride the last night and would play that song. Good times...great song...and, who knew Jon Bon Jovi was so hot underneath all that hair?

Well, here's an update: after feeling completely AWFUL yesterday - headache and, yes FOOT PAIN...geez - I am proud to say that all the fall decorations are packed and the house is about half-way decorated for Christmas. Minus the "main" Christmas tree and who knows when we'll do that since Riley has a research paper due next week and we have something every night this week after last night. And, I spent last night sitting on the couch watching my husband sleep...even snore. Yay, me.

So, I finally turned on "A Christmas Carol: The Musical." I love that version of the Christmas Carol. I guess it's because it's a musical and, you know me, I love music!! Anyway, having that on helped me to only be half-way mad (apparently "half-way" is big for me today) that Robert was asleep on the couch on our only night at home this week. I feel the chill of tax season in the air...

On today's agenda is going with Angie to Hobby Lobby and to lunch. Yay! She left me, you know, during Thanksgiving week, so we have to catch up AND we've both decided we want to make the wreaths you're seeing around town with the Christmas balls hanging from ribbon inside a window or picture frame. Yes, I'm going to try this. Not sure why. I mean, they're gorgeous, but we've all seen my painting...enough said.

Then, I'm going to come home and work more on the house. Hopefully by tomorrow I will have pictures, so make sure you come back tomorrow. By the way, the picture I've posted the last 2 days is from Riley's All-Region Jazz Band concert. Aren't we a beautiful little family? I think we are!

Happy Hump Day! As my friend Kris always says, "Hump Day! Hump Day! Let's get over the hump!"

Somewhere in the World, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I went to my first holiday party last night and it was a huge success.

It was the women's department's party at my church. We had it at one of our lady's house. Her house is absolutely gorgeous, not to mention her backyard, which is to die for. The party was really laid back and fun, my favorite combination in a party. I'd say a good time was had by all.

So, on today's agenda: working out, undecorating and redecorating.

First, we'll discuss working out. Uh, yeah, it's not going well, and here's why.

I have pampered this stupid foot of mine for the past couple of weeks, after having the shot of blazing flame and fire put into it. I'd like to pause here and say how DISAPPOINTING it is that my foot is still hurting after enduring the shot. That, my friends, should be against the law. I mean, if you're willing to go through all that agony, isn't it only fair that it should actually HELP? That's all I'm saying...

Anyway, back to the working out. My doctor said I absolutely could not run right now, so I haven't, but I asked him about the elliptical and the stationary bike and HE said after a couple of weeks, it should be fine. Then, why, may I ask, did my foot hurt worse than ever after doing the bike and elliptical yesterday? (Yes, I did both, but only 15 minutes on each...remember, the elliptical is my arch enemy.) I'm a little discouraged, OK? I mean, how am I supposed to be able to eat all that I want to eat during the holidays if I can't work out? It's just going to mess everything up! Well, today is weights day, so maybe that will go better...

Moving on to the undecorating and redecorating. Here's the thing: I love decorating! It's so fun and you feel such a sense of accomplishment when you look at your home and it's so beautiful and festive, right? Yes, but here's another thing: I hate undecorating. It drives me crazy just thinking about it. It's so boring and I can never remember how everything was packed and there's always some box that is missing. Yuck.

But here's the problem, and there's no getting around it: you can't have harvest AND Christmas decorations up at the same time. This, I have been told. So, somewhere I have to muster up the courage and strength to take everything down so I can shout "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" to the world...even though it was 75 degrees at our Christmas party last night and we were all sweating since we had a fire in the fire bowl and were wearing sweaters and scarves. It's kind of like living in a magical world of make-believe, is it not?

My take: It would be so nice about now if I could twinkle my nose like Samantha did on Bewitched and all my harvest decorations would be gone. Magical world of make-believe!

A Week Off the Grid

So, I'll bet you guys think I've been carried off by the Turkey of Thanksgivings Past, huh? Well, here's what really happened...

I got up early Tuesday to get Riley off with his grandparents to Austin. Then, settled in with a cup of coffee to do my post - my normal routine. However, Blogger was apparently having issues and I could never get on. So, after about an hour, I just gave up.

Then, I cooked most of the day on Wednesday with my mom, we had an awesome time, and the rest of the week is kind of a blur. But, hey, it's the holidays, right? So, please forgive me for appearing to drop off the face of the earth...

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine was amazingly good! We, along with my parents, spent Thanksgiving Day with my in-laws and 3 of Robert's sisters and families. We had so much food, you would have thought we were a 5 star buffet. But, hey, who's complaining? Not me!!

Then, we spent the rest of the day visiting, playing games and planning our Black Friday shopping strategy. Yes, I'm one of THOSE people. My bonus daughter and daughter-in-law talked me into going Black Friday shopping 2 years ago and I was hooked. So, this year I talked my mom, MeMe, into going with us. She may never be the same, poor girl.

We went to Target at 9:00 and got there about 5 minutes before they opened the doors. Mom decided she'd push the cart, her with her eyes as big as saucers. We shopped for around an hour, then headed to the check-out line, which, of course, was wrapped all the way around beauty, pharmacy and grocery. MeMe decided to call Robert and ask him to come get her. And, thus concludes her Black Friday shopping debut.

My sisters-in-law and nieces and I continued on to Kohls and Macys after hitting Target and finally made it back to my in-laws' house around 3. I really did get some good deals, though, and have made a definite dent in my Christmas shopping. Definite dent, definite dent...

Then, Riley got home on Saturday, oh joy, oh happy day! I miss that guy when he's gone. He had a good time, too, and got to see some of the sisters-in-law before they left on Sunday. He DID NOT eat Thanksgiving Dinner at HOOTERS like I thought he said he was going to do, either. He had actually said HOOVERS, but I thought he'd said HOOTERS and had a small fit before I was coherent enough to realize he was shaking me, saying, "HOOVERS, MOM, HOOVERS!" Oh, well, that's altogether different. Anyway, I guess his dad wanted to avoid the whole issue and they went to The Austin Club instead. Good call...

Also, Robert and I went to see Lincoln last Wednesday night. It was a fantastic movie! It reminds me that Lincoln might be my favorite president. If you haven't seen it, GO. That's an order. OK, not an order, but a strong suggestion.

Anyway, we are back on somewhat of a regular schedule, with Robert back at work and Riley back at school for 3 more weeks.

My take: The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are NEVER normal, however, so I better get with it. The whole holiday depends on it, know what I mean? Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but sometimes I feel like it does!

Return of the Mötley Crew

So, today's post is about Riley. I'm posting a little later because I didn't get much sleep last night.

First of all, Riley made the all-region jazz band and his concert was last Thursday night. It was amazing! As Riley said, it was all "legit" music, very difficult, and the band performed very well. Their clinician, Bobby Guess, was great, took the all-guy band through kind of a history of jazz through the pieces he chose for them to play. He also spoke at length with them about being able to play jazz their entire lives, despite the careers they chose. It was great.

Riley will be going to Austin tomorrow for the rest of Thanksgiving break, so he wanted to have "the Bros" over again. So, we did. I cooked his favorite meal, made a few snacks, and they've had a great time. I fell asleep on the couch and woke up at 3:00am and realized they were all mostly asleep, except Zach, who was still hungry. Anyway, I went on to bed, and guess what? The house is still standing!

My take: I am so thankful that Riley has such great friends! I'm very proud of him and the choices he's making so far in so many areas. And all I have to say is, Thank God! This parenting thing is hard...

Fun Friday: Concerts, Movies, Pictures and Thanksgiving Edition

Well, this post may be late, but, as you can see, there's a lot going on in my life right now.

First of all, I made the symphony chorus, YAY!! It's been a long time since I've been a part of a classical music group, and, since I spent four years of my young adult life engrossed in it, I kinda miss it. So, I'm excited. Plus, we're going to perform one of my all-time favorite classical works, Carmina Burana, by Carol Orff. Yeah, it's awesome...

Secondly, here are the promised pictures.

I'll start with the painting that I told you all I had to paint. It's OK for a strictly no-talent individual like myself.

Next, we have some pictures of the hotel and its surroundings.

First, there's the Main Broadmoor hotel building. Beautiful, is it not?

Next, we have The Broadmoor West, where we stayed. Lovely, yes?

Then, I'll share just some outdoors pictures of the lake between the buildings, the mountains, etc. Just breathtaking...

And, last but definitely not least, here's the wonderful spa. Heaven!

And, there are my promised pictures! I hope they were worth the wait, I'm no photographer...

So, for Fun Friday, I'm SO EXCITED!!! I'm going to see Breaking Dawn, Part 2, with my former teaching partner/good friend!!! Yes, I'm a Twilight fan, it's just the romantic in me, I guess, seeing as how I'm not a fan of blood. But, Erin and I read the books tegether and have seen the movies together, so tonight is something I've really been looking forward to: a girly movie with a great friend. You can't go wrong!!

Finally, for this week's recipe, I've chosen a famiy Thanksgiving favorite: Cranberry Jello Salad. This was my grandma's recipe. Some of you may already have a similar recipe, but everybody loves this dish, even your picky kids, so if you need a good Thanksgiving recipe, try this one out. Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!

Cranberry Jello Salad

Ingredients:
1 lg. package red jello
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 sm can crushed pineapple, drained
2 medium bananas, mashed
2 C chopped nuts, optional
8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
milk

Directions:
1. Mix jello with only 2 C boiling water. Stir well til dissolved, then refrigerate for 10 minutes. Save 1 Tbsp liquid in container
2. Add cranberry sauce, mix well, then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. Mix pineapple, bananas and nuts together and add to chilled jello mixture, then pour in glass casserole dish. Refrigerate until set.
4. Add the leftover tablespoon of liquid to cream cheese, then add just a little milk to make mixture spreadable
5. Spread over top of salad. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Back to Life, Back to Reality...

Well, we're home. And, honey, it was no small feat getting here.

I'll spare you the painful details, but our flight that was supposed to take off at 8:20am finally took off at around 1:45pm. For those of you, like me, who are a little slow with math, that's about 5.5 hours later than planned. And guess what? We didn't even get a bag of pretzels or peanuts for all of our trouble. Nope. What is this world coming to?

Then, the pilot proceeds to come on the PA system, while we're all strapped in, about to take off, and tells us how long and hard it was to repair our plane. Huh? What is that all about? Note to United Airlines: correct me if I'm wrong, but I would think calm passengers make for the more peaceful plane rides. I'm just sayin'...

On Friday I'm going to upload some breathtaking photos from my trip, but for now, just rejoice and be glad, with me, that I am home! I'm tired, people...

Plus, tomorrow is my audition for the symphony chorus. And, just In time, I went to 0% humidity Colorado and my nasal passages are so dry that I feel like I've had cotton stuck up my nose for 3 days. Yay, me.

If you're noticing a tiny bit of extra sarcasm tonight...people, I'm tired.

My take: I'm going to bed. Tune in Friday for a new recipe, beautiful pictures and a much more me version of myself. Or something like that except that makes more sense. I'm tired, people.

Alas, All Good Things Must Come to an End

Well, we're headed home...

Yep, it's just after 6:00am and I'm sitting on a shuttle, going to the airport, so I'm gonna make this quick...I get car sick, you know...

So, last night was really fun. Robert and his firm got their awards, yay, the food was amazing, Baked Alaska for dessert, and the after band was maybe the best we've heard at this event. In following the theme, they started playing swing music, not many true swing dancers present, however, so they shifted into typical oldies dance music and everyone thronged to the dance floor! Pretty fun...

So, it's been a great trip. See you tomorrow, Texas side!

Breakfast of Royalty

So, I've decided that I'm going to live at The Broadmoor. I mean, why not?

The people are so nice here and treat you like you're royalty from another country...I never get that at home...the scenery is just breathtaking, deer walking all around, ducks on the lake, snow covered mountains as the backdrop. And the room, gorgeous! So, why wouldn't I stay? OK, I'd miss Riley. Probably. OK, I would.

Just finishing up a buffet breakfast here, maybe the best ever! Made-to-order omelets, every type of pastry you could ask for, thick, crispy bacon, even this bread pudding that melts in your mouth. AND, my personal favorite: cheese biscuits covered in sausage gravy. Now, the biscuits are great, bit the gravy-well, let's just say I could eat the gravy by itself, from a bowl, like soup. Uh-huh, I really could...so, yep, I'm having fun and eating well, which is a big part of fun for me.

I've been trying to upload pictures unsuccessfully, but I'll upload them on Thursday...if I go home.

Tonight is our formal event. Robert will be in his tux and I'll be in a ball gown. It's an awards thing with a live band afterwards, lots of fun.

My take: I love The Broadmoor! Did I mention I might just live here?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Coming to you LIVE from the distinguished Broadmoor Hotel in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado. And, people, it's cold.

No, seriously, the high yesterday was somewhere around 25 - Fahrenheit, not Celsius. When we walked back to our room last night, the Broadmoor grounds are quite extensive, different buildings for different events, my face was actually hurting from the wind. Now, that's cold.

Anyway, we are having a great time so far. This is the company's 20th anniversary, so the theme is "The Great Gatsby" and "The Roaring 20's." After our speaker, which was a retired military man turned VERY motivational speaker, we went to dinner where all the ladies were given feather boas, longs strands of pearls, and headbands with flowers standing up on them, while the men were given gangster hats. Robert looked so cute as a gangster...heh, heh...yeah...

In just a few minutes I'll be leaving with "the spouses" - this company always plans things for the spouses to do while the financial advisors are in their meetings during the day. Most of the ones I've been on are super fun. Today, will be a challenge, however. Today, they are going to want to teach me how to paint a picture.

Something you may not know about me yet, is that I have NO artistic ability. None. Na da. Zip. When I signed up to go on this little excursion, I missed the part about the painting. The only part I saw was the part about shopping, lunch and cocktails, and I thought that was right up my alley. So, last night I notice the painting part. And, I'm immediately distressed.

My husband says, "Babe, you'll be fine. It's just for fun." Uh-huh. Dude, it's never just for fun. I love women, I really do, but you and I both know how women are: everything is a competition. I'm just praying I can sit in the back.

My take: At the least the shopping and lunch are first, which should give me some momentum. And the cocktails should help

Fun Friday: Cultural Edition

Well, I'm sure you're all wondering about my doctor's appointment yesterday. And, I'm going to tell you about it. But not today. Because I might burst into tears if I try to tell you about it today. People, it was traumatic...

On a happier note, guess what WE'RE doing for Fun Friday this week??? If you're struggling, check out the above picture. Yep, that's right! We're going to Houston tonight to see Les Miserables!!! Robert surprised us, well, it's really all for Riley, who's never seen it, and got us tickets. Riley and I are both drooling, we're so excited! I've seen it twice before, but it is my all-time favorite musical...and, that is a long, distinguished list, by the way, because I love musicals!! Another favorite is The Sound of Music. But, I regress...

So, we're leaving early enough, all dressed up in our best duds, to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Pappasito's, then head to Hobby Center for the performance. Yay!!!

My take: a little culture in cow-town is a good thing! I spent 4 years of my life in the music department at Lamar University surrounded by fantastic musicians, going to and performing in concerts and the truth is, I really miss it. So much, in fact, that I'm trying out for Sympony of Southeast Texas Chorus next week...hope I make it...

Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend. I am leaving Sunday for beautiful and COLD (yay!) Colorado Springs, Colorado with Robert for a conference, but I'm going to take my iPAD and will hopefully be able to post. Meanwhile, check out this week's recipe. It's one of my favorite desserts because it's SUPER easy and EVERYONE raves about it. It's called Dump Cake because you just dump all the ingredients in and bake. Enjoy!

Dump Cake

Ingredients:
1 can pineapple chunks
1 can cherry pie filling
yellow or white cake mix (I prefer yellow)
1 stick butter
chopped pecans, optional

Directions:
1. Dump pineapple chunks, WITH JUICE, into 9x12 baking dish, spreading over entire bottom of dish
2. Dump cherry pie filling on top of pineapple chunks
3. Dump cake mix over fruit, covering
4. Cut butter into small pats and spread over cake mix
5. Sprinkle pecan pieces, if desired
6. Bake at 350 degrees for abou 45 minutes or until browned on top and bubbly

A New Doctor: oh Happy Day

So, I'm going to the doctor today. Yep. Going to the doctor. I can hardly wait...OK, that might be a slight exaggeration...

If you have been reading my blog for very long, you know I'm having an issue with my right foot. (OK, I just have to stop here and say that when I first typed that last sentence, I typed "root fight" instead of "right foot!" Ha, the things I do before I've completed my cup of coffee!)

The truth is, my foot is extremely painful. I can barely walk. I'm trying to walk on the ball of my right foot and just not even put my heel down because of the pain. You know what I look like? I look like one of those mythical creatures whose body is too big for his goat legs, so he sways back and forth and does a little hop when he walks. Uh-huh, that would be me. And, honey, that ain't the look I'm going for...

I'm going to see a new podiatrist, one that my mom, who is 71 goes to. I mention my mom's age because she is probably younger than the average patient's age in a podatrist's waiting room. Podiatrists and retina specialists, yeah, mostly for the elderly. And, just as I have to go to a podiatrist, Riley has to go to a retina specialist yearly due to an injury he sustained a few year ago. It's a good thing we are fans of old people.

Anyway, my mom really likes this doctor and he is the son of some friends of ours, which is a big thing for Robert. He is a huge fan of "supporting friends' businesses," which usually translates into his clients. He always wants to purchase things at the stores where "so-and-so owns that store, he is the son-in-law of a cousin of a brother-in-law of a niece of a client of mine." Uh-huh. I usually don't argue because I usually don't even understand what he is saying. I'm fine with shopping at clients' establishments most of the time. It's the part where he wants to wait until "said establishment" (see long list of relatives above) has a sale. Yeah, and that may never happen. And, that's just what my husband is hoping for. Probably. Although I should tread carefully here, hence my new refrigerator and dish washer. Love you, Babe!

So back to the doctor, first of all, he looks like he's about...12. Now, we've all seen the show "Doogie Houser, MD," but really, it's a little discouraging to me when I realize that this doctor doesn't even know most of my favorite 80's music, BECAUSE HE WASN'T EVEN BORN YET!

But, my mom says he's very personable and funny and that I'll like him. Let's hope so, because I hate trying new doctors. The thing is, I am a Google enthusiast. I have Googled this foot pain probably 20 times and I have narrowed it down to about 2-3 possible diagnoses. Yes, me with no medical degree. I'm so bad that my family doctor, who has treated me for 20+ years, usually ends our appointments with "I know you're going to Google this, so let me give you the correct spelling." See? An enthusiast, I am. The thing with new doctors is how long do I have to wait to interject my thoughts from Google? What if he doesn't mention one of said 2-3 diagnoses I have come up with on my own? It's very tricky with new doctors, you see. I mean, you want to put your best foot forward and not be blacklisted on the first visit, but, seriously, who has time to play?

My take: I have to wear heels next Tuesday night in Colorado Springs at a formal event - we need to get this show on the road! The above picture is from last year's event. We clean up pretty good, right?