Thanksgiving Recapped

Thanksgiving Day was beautiful. A little warm, but at least the rain held off til Friday morning.

The 4 Flying Dutchmen arrived in the dark on Wednesday evening, they awoke to a bright morning and more space than they realized.

(The view from the door of the rooms they stayed in)

(checking out their surroundings)

Will and Pappie got started early with the fried turkey! Dutchy called it the "Magic Broom" as the bird was lowered into the hot oil.

When Will learned Wednesday evening that they were all computer geeks, he happily wore the shirt his math teacher sister, A, gave him last year for Christmas:

Will and those four visitors discussing binary and how to count in it was a hoot . . .only geeks! Gotta love mine (even though I completely zone out after my eye roll when counting and explaining begins)

As we were working away in the kitchen, we noticed out the window, our Dutch friends getting their supplies out of the cooler in the car. It was fun watching these guys discuss, with animation, their plan of attack for the dish they were about to prepare.

Here were two of them working away on the preparation for a . . . .

Dish of Sauerkraut, potatoes, cheese, white wine, bacon and sausage.

Then all the goodies were brought out, the serving tables laden with food.

And we all stuffed ourselves way too much!

See that piano in the background. I do not know the technical name for it, but it is a self playing piano. A will load the punched music sheets in it,turns it on and off it goes, much to the kids delight.

So what did they do after overloading on so much food? It wasn't walking. . . but Will and Ocho brought around the buggy for a ride around the farm - no crops, just woods and ponds and paths.

Then followed by skeet shooting. A couple of the guest tried it. I did ask about hunting in the Netherlands, since gun ownership is not allowed. There are hunting clubs that you can join, and with the proper registeration, own a gun for hunting. There is limited land for hunting so hunting is limited, but some game still needs to be controlled (sounded mainly like wild boars).

The negotiations made on Wednesday evening worked out ok. No beer or wine was brought out at Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving evening, the group huddled outside with their wine and drinks and I guess you could say the day was "toasted." A (sister in law) was disappointed that they stayed outside, but since the majority of the group are chain smokers, sipping wine and having to go back outside every few minutes might not have made for great game time.

By then, I believe, Traveler had started to relax and stopped trying to be so hard on the Dutchmen. She seemed to underestimate all of our ability to be accepting and inviting as well as the sense of humor her family does have. Sometimes, I think it is easy for young adults to believe differing values equates to judgement and coldness and closure. I think "not traveling the world" to them, means closeness of mind and inability to connect. I hope she is seeing otherwise now. We really enjoyed her company and they seemed to be comfortable quite quikly!

Friday came the rain. We needed it, but it did change a the pace of the day some. They guys did get in some target practice.

I loved looking out seeing most of them plugging their ears. (heare no evil!!)

Will got the mini-bike running and in no time The Man was flying along the lane, in the rain. Dutchy became quite alive too when heard it zipping by outside the door. I love that the rain did not deter the fellas.

Demolition D and Will still went to the deer stands in hopes of getting a buck . . .

Every time out, Demolition saw the same young buck - knuckle heads. The mature ones must have been smarter - they stayed out of the rain!

Our visitors headed back to Atlanta on Saturday and will be heading to warmer waters soon.

Cancun.

They will have definitely had an eventful holiday.

We arrived home late Saturday evening. Sunday morning as we headed out for church, I was amazed! Our neighborhood was peppered with these beautiful colors on the Bradford Pears.

The pictures do not give the color justice. Much more vibrant in person!

It is amazing how quickly the trees can turn. They are a little late, but with the grass already being brown and grayness of the rainy day, the color was shocking and uplifting.

So our holiday was full of color and flair with all the newness the holiday brought.

I hope yours was just as wonderful and fullfilling!

"So live that your memories will be part of your happiness"

HomeAgain, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

...Ahhhh, home to my HOME, to my BED.

No critters in the walls ...

And even though packing the cars in the rain was less than ideal, we have had rain more on than off since yesterday morning. THAT is a blessing, oh we needed it.

So, until the camera can be unloaded, I bid you goodnight as I nestle into my OWN BED, and listen to the wonderful rain on the roof!

{{{computer off}}}}

It's Official - Thanksgiving has passed- CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS!

May Grace be ever present in each of your lives!



Note: Isn't post options great?!?



I am snuggled up in my bed, in my little room at the farm.



Deer, outside, are probably running willie nillie from hunters.



No Black Friday for me! Just black coffee once I decide to get up, dressed and walk over to the lodge.



Fresh Air.



Quite. (was that a gunshot??)



Simple pleasures.

And Our Strangers From Afar . . .

Arrived.

And ladies and gentlemen . . .

We have . . . .





the flying dutchmen!



The beginning of the story here.

International talks started early on.

Negotiations ended in the following:

1. Imbibing on beer permissible but not at Thanksgiving lunch or to the point of intoxication or in the lodge.
2. Drink alcohol - no handling of firearms
3. Wine would be fine for supper Thursday night.

They have already been great guest - the wine is a hostess gift and Dutchy even made a dish for Thanksgiving- sourkraut(sp) mashed potato dish with cheese and bacon and sausage.

The first night they enjoyed the chili we made, one especially, he amazed me how much he ate - and he is not a teenager! We had Georgy Porgy Pie for dessert. Wow, it was so rich.

They were so excited to have beds to sleep on - they have been sleeping on couches since arriving in the States last week."

A year ago when Traveler was talking about Dutchy (before we had actually met) she corrected us about saying he was from Holland. It was the Netherlands. Saying Holland was a no-no.

So for a year we have said Netherlands.

After meeting the group we started chatting. They told A (SIL) that they were from Holland, then when MIL joined us, she asked them if they all were from the Netherlands. They said yes. A said, "so, do you we say Netherlands or is it Holland" Three of them said at the same time "same thing."

Yay, the general vicinity is OK. Holland is much shorter to say and type then Netherlands! And since everything is so close . . . hehe

I loved that the Guy Cousin and the four could talk soccer. Guy Cousin plays and coaches soccer in North Georgia. They discussed the various "leaques" (I guess that was it). Guy Cousin talked about the style of many of his players - some from south america, some from mexico, etc. One background is more physical and aggressive. Another background was "physical but very fluid." More was said, but I was lost in the exchange about a very physical sport and the word fluid being used. It was like listening to someone critique a dance routine. I enjoyed the exchange and how soccer could bring together strangers so quickly.

hmmm, so does blogging!!

Cheers!!

Wordless Wednesday, View At The Farm

More great Wordless Wednesday Pics . . . Visit www.5minutesformom.com

Some Added Spice This Year

So tomorrow marks the beginning of the gathering for Thanksgiving.

Every year there are a couple new faces or at least faces we have not seen in a long time. It is a very nomadic group. For example, my parents will not be there this year, they are joining my brother and his wife and her family. Next year they will be back.

This year there are two cousins that will be joining us Wednesday-Friday. One of those life interrupts and people lose touch situations, now contact has been re-established and they were invited by my husbands other sister – Cindy.

And then we have Traveler. . . {{this makes me chuckle}}

Traveler met a Dutch man (he’s 28), a year and a half ago, interning here in the States. A couple months into dating, Traveler decided that the degree an career she was pursuing will most likely not be lucrative enough for her spending habits. So the answer is to finish the chosen degree and then shoot for gaining a law degree. International. From Amsterdam. Which was great, this wisdom had been handed to Traveler 3 or 4 years earlier, and to see her thinking line up with the wise counsel offered was interesting. {ok, I know it had nothing to do with the wise counsel offered by her dad (hubby) and her mom – I know it is the late 20-ish heartthrob having the great influence and provides the true agenda for jaunt to the Netherlands.}

So Traveler spent January until August in the Netherlands trying out some criminal justice classes and learning Dutch. She has since decided not to be a lawyer but maybe pursue some kind of international public relations something. But that was a few weeks ago, might be back to the lawyer degree.

Anyway, I digress . . .

Traveler returned to the States in August to finish her current degree. Dutchy had been invited for Thanksgiving and the plans were on for him to join us. About three or four weeks ago Dutchy informs Traveler that he needs “space.”

hmmmm . . . space you say?? You are in the Netherlands??

Well, there are only about 4,398 miles and ocean and at least a 9 hour air flight. (But that is a nice let her down easy approach, we will see how many circles this approach will take)

But Traveler said it was not a break up even though she was quite devastated.

That put the visit on hold.

Two Fridays ago Traveler called and said Dutchy is in fact joining us. He has purchased his flight and is coming to America.

And . . .

Bringing three friends with him!

Now, we are not sure if this will be the 4 Flying Dutchman joining us: Dutchy, Hans, Dirk and Christian. (made up names)

Or if these 3 are crony’s of his are from the Atlanta area: Jim, Tom, John and Frank. (made up names)

But it is cracking me up thinking about these fellas coming to the woods in South Georgia, especially if ALL are from the Netherlands.

Why? Well, It has been interesting hearing about his and his families’ views.

• We had a video visit with Traveler at their home, they were BIG into American Politics – and very, very liberal.
• Before Dutchy returned from his intern, he came to meet us and visit. Traveler warned him that we would have a separate room for him. He asked why and she explained the “we are not married and at Dad’s house we will not sleep together.” He said in the Netherlands, parents start expecting overnight visits from girlfriends/boyfriends around the age 16. hmph!
• Every picture we have seen from her visit, the table does not just have beer or wine glasses, the center is covered with the hard stuff! And I don’t mean one or two bottles –rather quite an assortment. They are also very use to their after dinner coffee laced with their favorite “flavor.” (My Brother-In-Law is a tea totaler, so it is an alcohol free spot, unless you head over to his son’s house)
  
  

So I am cracking up thinking about the what if they are all Dutch? The differences and the "spice" to be added to Thanksgiving when the poor live as you like, drink as you want, shack with whom you will, anti gun liberals coming to the tea-totaling, gun totin, Bible thumping, no shacking republican minded South.

I hope they leave, though, having had a great time and having experienced true Southern hospitality and will want to come back!

Deer, And Turkey And Pecan Pie, Oh My!

Excitement is setting in.

Thanksgiving use to be just a ho!hum! kinda holiday.

Then I met Will.

Back in the mid 90’s, Sister-In-Law (A) and Brother-In-Law (Pappie) bought what had been at one time a commercial hunting plantation. This wonderful land of field and wood and pond has become affectionately called “The Farm.”

There is a lodge. It has a fireplace with a mill stone hearth, a room with a pool table. Plenty of space for gathering and eating. There are two rooms for those staying overnight. There are two little “motels” – a quadplex, if you will, of rustic rooms, each with their own bath. Deer feet hang on the wall as jacket holders, and antlers as hat holders. There is skeet shooting and hunting for those hunters in the group. There are two ponds for those who wish to fish and plenty of walking area for those who are just getting away.

Will and Traveler and Ocho were invited that first Thanksgiving after the Farm was purchased, to come out and stay. The Farm is only about 25 miles out of town, but it is far enough away from stores, you pack what you need before heading out. It is as if you are much further away from home than you really are.

So until 2001, just A, Pappie and their crew, Will and his, would travel out to the Farm. Then Will and I started dating, the boys and I were invited out that first Thanksgiving, 2001. The three of us had a cozy room and had a great time with the crowd that gathered on Thanksgiving Day.

And again another tradition began.

We have spent Thanksgiving out there since. We head out on Wednesday evening, loaded with chili or hamburgers and then all the grub for the rest of the week. It is a laid back break from the hectic everyday pace. There is a phone, but you don’t think about. There is satellite (gotta watch the parade and the great Christmas movies that start), but there is no internet (I will survive!). Unless you are a hunter, whose day then begins before the sun comes up, you sleep as late as you want and stay in your P.J.’s.

Well, at least until 11 or 11:30. Only on Thanksgiving Day. That is when the rest of the family, Mother In Laws, cousins, friends etc. start showing up. The covered dishes come in and are laid in buffet style. I love it, because I take this holiday off from cooking – there is always to much food, I opt for paper goods! There is always a fried Turkey, roasted turkey and ham.

Oh but there is also.

Hashbrown Casserole

Dressing

Mac and Cheese

Pineapple Casserole

Some Salads.

And

DESSERT!


After lunch, Pappie will bring out the wagon, hooked to a jeep and take those who would like, for a ride around the property.

You know, I cannot remember ever a yucky Thanksgiving Day at the Farm. I remember cold, but never rainy. Never unbearable. Always beautiful.

Can you see the deer?

Song of the Week for me!

Simple Gifts

Today is the day I have gone on and on about for the last week, our 5th Anniversary.

This is the song sung at our wedding. I felt it was so appropriate for not only our wedding and the gift it brought, but for family and friends and Thanksgiving that soon followed . . .




May you find yourself in the place just right . . . in the valley of love and delight!

...The Best Is Yet To Come

It is Photo Phinish Phridayhosted by the amazing Carrie) and I will Phinish my phond wedding memories . .. phor this anniversary anyway!

A co-worker had talked about Will for a year and a half before we finally met. He was either dating someone or freshly broken up (same person, just two break-ups). What is funny, is I had been visiting the same church he attended, for over a year.

I decided one Sunday to change the area I sat. As I headed to a different area, I spotted a seat. As I entered the aisle, I saw this blue eyed cutie that fit pretty close to the description of this fictional fella my friend had talked about for so long. I sat in the seat in front of him. We shook hands during the greet each other time. I decided near the end, that after the service, I would turn and introduce myself. And that is what I did.

Ha! He might of said he did not want to meet anyone, but he had! I went home and fell into my funk of how hard it was to meet a nice non-freak guy in this town!

A week later, as I sat down at church, my friend came and sat with me. The blue eyed cutie was there, a few rows away. After the service he approached and re-introduced himself. A few weeks later found us at a special Wednesday prayer service for the 9/11. We chatted a little after the service. Later he emailed a mutual acquaintance to ask me if he could have my number.

We went out the following weekend.





Two years after that, after a lot of sweet moments, a few fears of entering another marriage, we said "I do." While there are many stories that can be told, and probably will be through the course of this blog - the "I do" was the best!


We had a grand time with family and friends. Our wedding and reception was held at the old train depot, that has been converted into a museum and event center. But it held more meaning than that. My parents met on a train. My dad, a Marine, returning to base and my mom on her way to spend summer with her sister in Florida. This very depot is where my parents parted ways. But just a temporary parting . . .just until they married a year later.

(Ok, I left off the list last week one of the other hurdles with the ceremony - photographers. One became sick and the other's camera broke. So some of the pics are off and the color is not exactly right - BUT, I have pictures! And I think technology has given me the option to "fix" some of these that I love [actions maybe??]) Oh, and my dad was most likely saying something he thought funny - I get very few pictures of him that are not of him talking or making a face - hehe)

Will asked me the other day what I would like for our anniversary. What he doesn't know, is he already has given me my gift!

A husband to brag about.

A helpmate.

A best friend.

A happy marriage.

No further gift needed!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Counting Blessings

I picked up my husband's devotional book and loved the passage and the message the writer shared.

Here is the passage:

I Kings 18:41-48

41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back."
44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' "
45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.

The devotion person (devotionalist, devotionee, hmmm) wrote of how great to have the faith of the servant and Elijah. The country was in a deep drought and Elijah and the servant were praying and watching for the rain to come. How many of us would be so excited about a "cloud as small as a man's hand" let alone head off to report it, to a king no less? His point was that we should recognize and celebrate God moving in our lives, to recognize the beginning, small movements.

I have mentioned briefly in a few posts about the frustration and concern with work as we move through this tough economic time. I mentioned Tuesday how I was praying for an influx of customers and the bills that needed to be paid.

God is good. I recieved my hand size cloud that grew. I have had more sales in a day and half than I had all last week. It feels wonderful to know there is enough to cover the bills that are due this week. I continue praying and believing that it will continue on this path, for the next week there are bill too!

Next week is Thanksgiving. I am thankful. I am greatful. I am counting my blessings with a dance and a smile!

Wordless Wednesday - Watching His Mom

Jumping on Pay It Forward's and Soap Boxes

Veronica at A Day In The Life, posted this great Pay It Forward post! And I jumped on board for my first Pay It Forward! I received my goodies in the mail the other day - see . . .


Just in time for this feeling of Christmas that is overcoming me! (suppose to be 25 in the morning!! Of course, being this far south, next week could be back in the 80's ) SO excited!

Here is the deal - I will send something handmade or just a small gift, to the first three people who tell me that they are interested.

The catch is that you then have to grab this picture and Pay It Forward on your blog!





You can send anything you wish! If you are not interested you can still comment on this post, as I will only choose the first three people who express interest in Paying It Forward! Let's spread the love through blogland!

As I invite you to indulge with me on the materialistic side of Christmas . . .

I saw this video on See Through Faith

And now to step up on my soap box. I know the economy is in bad shape. I know that as I sit in this quiet shop and prepare for the influx in customers I am praying for. I know that as I hold one eye shut and look at what bills are coming up next.

BUT, as for all these big company bailouts . . .I think if you get a government bailout, you therefore become an extension of the government, and therefore should be set up on the same government pay scale as say, let's see, the Department of Family and Children Services or the Department of Ag or the Federal Rangers. CEO's have to give up their million dollar salary for the sake of the company/country. Want a bailout? But bought a $30 million dollar retreat on pay from the company sinking? Sell it and reinvest in the company, in the workers that are not getting paid millions and cannot afford to or deserve to lose their job due to your short sightedness (one word or two?? hmm) and greed.

So CEO asks for government bailout, government says yes, company is now funded by government, CEO and executive staff now live on normal wages. Company saves millions in the first month alone! Problem solved. Or, could the company make some changes that would take care of their squeeze without burdoning every tax payer in America, just so they(executives) can continue to recieve their excessive salary?

Fall Into Flavor - Dip and Chops - updated

I am sad to say, but today
is the last "Fall Into Flavor" with Linda at
2nd Cup of Coffee. But it has been fun! I still have
many recipes to try from the list !


On The Fat Track:


This is a four ingredient snack dish that Demolition D loves!

Chili Dip

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1 can chili (bean in or bean out)
Desired shredded cheddar cheese.

Spread cream cheese in pie plate or dish (microwaveable).
Spread chili on top and sprinkle with cheese. Heat in microwave for 45 -60 seconds. (Check at 45 seconds)

Now this


On The Light Track


This one is for Becky. She seemed to think my other recipes had too many carbs! hehe - they did, not to mention fat too, but that was the fun of the meme!

So this dish is for you!


Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin Chops

3/4 cup mushroom slices
3 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon oregano (I added some rosemary too, very good)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 boneless pork loin chops, cut 3/4" thick, cut a pocket in each with a paring knife
Worcestershire Sauce

Mix the first 4 ingredients. Stuff each chop with about 2 tablespoons of mixture. Secure with toothpick. Drizzle each chop with Worcestershire sauce.

Pre-heat indoor or outdoor grill.
Grill uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until done (160 deg) and juices run clear, turning once halfway through grilling. Or bake, 350 deg oven, for 20-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Remember to remove toothpicks after cooking.

Serving Suggestion: Baked Potatoes and Sauteed Asparagus.


Calories: 241; Carbs 4; Fat 14; and if you watch points: 6

Updated: Recipe is easy to cut in half. Also, each stuffed chop can be wrapped and frozen. for another time, makes several meals at once! Just thaw chops needed, and cook according to directions.

Odd Shot for Monday

As I was taking a few minutes today to read through those blogs I follow, I came across a link on Authorblog for Katneys Odd Pictures and thought it would be fun to play!

The summer after Will and I married, we decided to take the kids on road trip. We set out for a week long trip to Washington DC and places in between. While that is a great story in itself, this is a shot from the trip, that was odd, at least to Ocho. Ocho asked the camera and then proceded to take this shot:

We watched him take the picture and we asked, "why did you take a picture of a fire hydrant? We have those at home?"

Ocho: "but ours don't have leaks."

Point made!

Photo Phun Phriday - Tux's Were A Must

On November 22nd, Will and I will celebrate 5 years married. It was wonderful! Will's philosphy was "you don't get married that often, so it should be a real celebration." And that the boys should wear a tux . . . with tails - they looked great!


The Man here, was having a blast - he was wearing a tux and thought he was most definitely the man!




All went well with wedding plans until the 24 hours before. But by the above picture, you would never know that:

• My mom's bouquet fell over after being picked up - and it broke, and the florest helper that had not had the right box to give me the flowers in, talked so ugly to me (a friend fixed it for me, I would not let ugly lady touch them after that)


• The above tux was picked up and the sleeves were 4" inches too short . ..Yes, Aleta, 4" does matter (hehe)


• That the groom's cake was decorated with white frosting and peach flowers ...and it was just too late to do anything about it. So the grooms cake, was very feminine . . .and the lady setting up the reception room insisted it had to go in the center of the table (I had four different cakes/flavors, it was a second marriage after all, I could do what I wanted :))


• That Traveler's mom decided Traveler needed to help her take her car to be serviced, an hour and half away on the day of the wedding, even though Traveler needed to meet the others singing at 1:00 to practice the song they were singing - having not sang the song together (she did make there around 3:00)


• One of the ladies that was to help set up, decided to be late (and not tell anyone) since the caterer was known to be a little . . . ummmm . . . thorough and to the point (translated controlling and gruff).


• That the bride burst into tears when the above was found out, the last straw.

Now take a look at Demolition D . . . .

Wasn't he cute! But oh was he mad - we were going on our honeymoon and not taking them with us! He only smiled like this when I was more than 20 feet from him.

If I was close by, that smile would disappear and he would put on his best "I am not having a good time" look(trying to make me feel bad and take him with us). When I walked away? Was having fun!


Traveler and Ocho were decked out too!



Ocho had entered his serious, not showing teeth phase. He, also, was ready to go to the Miss {high school} pageant. . . (they had been through a couple weddings with their mom, so this was no big deal to them)


Travler had just been named, two nights before, Miss {her highschool}. It was a busy week! Before leaving for the {high school} pageant . . . she did get a dance in with her dad . . .





The picture I wish I had was of Will and me cleaning up afterwards. There were 4 or 5 ladies who said they would stay and clean up so we could go ahead and have a traditional exit. That did not happen. They got tired and left WAY early - as in before 9:00 (the wedding reception started at 7:00). So Will and I, my parents and a few others got it cleaned up (in our wedding best, no less!!). Our really cute buckets of bird seed did not get thrown at us as we left, instead we had a bird seed fight with the SIL that was still there and with Demolition D and The Man.


The poor tux rental place - The Man, enjoyed his tux to the fullest, no tears or stains, but oh was it dirty!



NOW - you, go check out more photo phun at Candid Carries, the gracious host for these phestive phridays - and enter and play with us.





Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Look into my eyes, you are feeling sleepy!

The Man brought home his school pictures . . .Cracks me up.

He said they told them to act really serious, like they meant business. (They were taking the kids ID picture at the same time).

Well, he did make a serious look...

I can't figure out if the eyes are saying, "ya, I'm watching you!" Or "you are feeling very sleepy now. . . when you awake you will cluck like a chicken"

His mouth is trying not to laugh!

This picture is so not The Man (other than the grin trying to escape or when he is mood swinging like last night)

I have dared him, on the next picture taking day, right as they say cheese, to point to the camera real fast and give 'em a big smile and a wink .

I think that would be the best school picture!

Estrogen vs.Testosterone

The other day I was flipping channels and came across reruns of Roseanne. When the series first began, years ago, I really hated her nasal, screechy voice and sarcasm. But I would catch snippets and it really grew on me. I eventually came around and watched it often.

Well, I decided to see if it was a good episode. It was a priceless one. In this episode, Roseanne was planning a surprise birthday party for Dan – while she was experiencing the most ridiculously dramatic swinging PMS ever documented. It was so extreme and silly. So out there, no way it was for real.

Or could it be?

After this evening, maybe it was not so extreme after all. And maybe it is not limited to women in their mid 30’s.

Maybe it can happen to a 12 year old.

How about a 12 year old boy!

Can you slip them Midol?

We have gone from happy to fussy to mad to smiling to stomping to all the while adding as much drama as is humanly possible!

Now he is happy again, and dancing his way to bed.

Whew! Can I go to bed now?

Unbelievable !!

Wordless Wednesday . . .Approaching Half A Decade

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

I am kinda sad that next week will be the end of the recipes through 2nd cup of coffee!

Of course, as Linda so kindly pointed out, we all might be rolling to Thanksgiving dinner, so maybe she will want to try a low calorie cooking meme.

So here is a goodie that is chock full of fat (but can be, lowered - use yogurt instead and lower fat cheese).



Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

2lbs mashed potatoes
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup bacon crumbled (Hormel real bacon bits works great)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup green onions
1 cup cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with more cheese if desired. Bake at 400 deg for 20 minutes or until set.

Enjoy and then go for a wonderful walk!

Feel The Beat

wordle.net

I have not had an opportunity to help as a parent of a band member so far this year. So Friday night found me at the football game as a newbie volunteer for the concession stand.

The experienced folks that were supposed to meet me there were late, so as I waited I patiently took in all the sights of the teams and families entering the stadium. I half listened to the sound of the band practicing in the parking lot. As time went by I noticed the music changed and you could hear the approach of the band.

Blocked by the wall, I could hear the marching music, but I could only see the top of the tubas with the stadium lights being reflected. I felt the catch in my throat and subtle push of tears behind my eyes. That feeling I get when I sing the National Anthem or am part of the audience of a patriotic show.

My thought? “What on earth?? It is football game for pete’s sake! . . .”

I decided it must be the tie to patriotism the marching band brings. Then the first of the band, the dance line all decked out in their best costume, entered the stadium. Next entered the horns and then followed by the drums.

Then I realized what I was feeling.

Pride.

A mother’s pride.

In the midst of those drums was a tenor player. MY tenor player! My child that has rhythm that I know not from where it comes (me nor the other half of his gene pool has any). This child that does barely enough to get by, pushed himself enough to be a good drum player and make it against the odds to be on that drum line.

It dawned on me that patriotism equates to pride – being proud of what that anthem represents, of what it took to fly our flag. I don’t know why I had never tied those words together so clearly before, but it was clearer Friday night. Of course it was, at that moment, pride in my child, pride in having raised him and pride in the battles survived. And now, faith that the future battles will lead to more opportunities of moments to swell with pride.

Photo Phun Phriday - All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth!

When Traveler's permanent teeth came, 2 did not! So for years she had a type of denture, if you will. It had the two teeth she needed, incisors. Of course, she could flip them out whenever she wanted to shock or gross out someone. She was always a good sport with it.

During a week at the beach, The Man lost a second tooth - now both HIS incisor teeth were missing. It was a definite picture opportunity . . .especially since Traveler received implants (teeth implants) not long after! So now they both have a full mouth of teeth!

Be sure to join the phestivites at Candid Carries! She is a great host!

This is my niece holding her nephew . . .

. . . three years ago!

Today he is three!

And a smart one at that! Going by a gas station a few months ago, his Pappy mentioned the price of gas going up, from the back seat, the little one says, "but not for my daddy, he uses diesel." Another day they were driving down the road they spotted a tractor (he loves tractors!), they made sure he sees it, he asks "is it made in China?" His other grandma was reading where toys were made before purchasing - and he remembered! I wish I could think of the different things he says that amaze me. Of course it is just a reminder of how smart my boys were at that age too! Really! I can't leave mine out of the smart category, even though they challenge that in their teen years . . . sometimes . . . ok, a lot.

But I digress. I have been through these great years with my cuties, BUT, watching him, not being in the middle of the parenting, is really fun! And it is amazing how fast it goes by even when it is not your own.