Friday, Family & Fun!

Ok, so it's Friday----thank goodness!!! I made it through an exceptionally booked week!!! I know I've said that before, but this really took the cake. I won't even tell you my schedule, suffice to say it began hosting a meeting on Monday night, something every stinkin evening, and ended with a family dinner at home tonight.

But, the dinner tonight was in honor of my son's birthday---never a better reason to host than that. Had both sets of grandparents here, daughter, son-in-law and grandson, sis & her hubby & two kids, plus niece's new "boyfriend". We had beans & cornbread, ham, green beans w/new potatoes, cranberry salad, coleslaw, sweet potatoes, key lime pie, & brownies. Now, lest you think I really am superwoman, let me just add that some (most) of the menu was left from dinners I had cooked previously this week!!!

So I want to share the joy with you, so I'm posting some family pics--not to brag, but to show how fun it is when we all get together. I'm trying to post between paragraphs, but it may not work for me. Be patient!!

Well, better luck next time--the first pic is of son (left), niece & nephew.

The second pic is of son, son-in-law & daughter (making silly face).

The third pic is of son & his mom---ME!


It's amazing to think I have a child 29 YEARS OLD!!!! Doesn't seem that long ago that I was 29---and he was just 5!!!

I am extremely proud of both kids, and son-in-law---they are such good kids. They may never be wealthy, live in elaborate homes, drive top of the line cars, or have American Express Gold Cards, but they are fair, kind, decent, hard working, loving people. Can't ask for more. Wouldn't want to.

So, as you can imagine, I am bone tired, so I'm signing off for now. Did you by chance notice my tree has lights, and nothing else!!!!???? Gotta fix that!!!

Sweet Dreams all.

I'd Share!!!

So the picture isn't so great, BUT, thanks to those dear blog friends who posted comments to my whining!!! Just knowing someone took the time to read and then reply makes me feel so good!!!

And what a difference a day makes---funny how things always work out; we still love, laugh and live; we forget what was hurtful and look ahead; we want to have the good in life, so we ignore the stupid!!!

Blogging has put me in contact with new friends, and tho we haven't personally met, I feel a kinship with you guys!!! Well, all but Penny, and I have met her, and I do love her !!! More than a kinship, more like a "soulship" (love to make up words)

However, Phyliss---we will definitely have to take you with us to eat one of these days!!!

And, Kari, I'm not toooooo far from Texas that a road trip might be in order for me & Queenie P one of these days---after all, she has a son in Dallas & I have a dear cuz in Houston!!!

Anyhoo---life really is good. Hard sometimes, but good---there's always someone else with more problems, troubles, pouts than me. And usually those people come into my line of sight when I'm having a pity party!!!

So, dear blog friends, thanks sooooo much-------you make me smile & shine!

And, I would share my ice cream with you!!!

I Give Up!!!

I think I'm becoming a crotchety old lady!!! This weekend my mom gave me a whole lecture on how I "snap" at her and make her feel like she's "dumb" (really, I don't intend that!!), and then tonight, I was called "snippy".

I really thought I had things under control. But the past 3 days have been a whirlwind of activity, and I've had a migraine!!! It's still with me--guess I'm not seeing myself realistically. Maybe I am a b****--maybe I am becoming all those women I don't want to be like! Maybe I'm just a tired old hag!!!

And, lordy, I am tired. Not in the physical sense, I'm just tired of the same old thing, the same old routine, never having time to do what I am really interested in!

Could it be the hormones??? Is this my experience instead of hot flashes??? If so, give me some hot flashes!!! I don't want to end up bitter and hateful!!!

So, if I'm snippy and snap at people, please know I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry.

Have a great night.

Ohhhh Nooooo!!!!!

Oh my---here it comes!!! The holiday rush!!!!

Anyone else out there feel it?????? My house is a horrid mess---the decorations are not up-----the shopping is not done----catering is piling up------and I want, want WANT to enjoy this season!!!!

Add to that----I'M CONSTANTLY HUNGRY!!!!!!! Wake up hungry, go through the day hungry, end the day hungry-----STRESS MAYBE??????

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!! I think the person who wrote that was in the funny farm at the time. We listen to all these songs hailing the perfect Christmas, see magazines portraying the perfect holiday season, watch the HGTV specials showing how "easy" it is to make your home perfect for the season-----dear Lord, who are these people and where do they live????? La la land???????

AND--family gets extremely creative with their jabs and insults this time of year. Tried to "just suggest" a help to my mom yesterday and she BIT MY BUTT!!!!! Thank goodness we were on the phone! Otherwise, I think I would still be bleeding. And, of course, I'm more sensitive this time of year--could be the lack of sleep! And, dearest hubby comes home from work with that "kill" look in his eyes!!! Add that to the fact that he doesn't hear as well as he used to and it makes evenings so much fun!!! You try managing stress with the TV at earthquake decimal level!!

Ok, so I'm feeling a bit stressed this morning----just wanted to let those out there (who haven't reached perfection yet) know that I'm here holding the flag over the fort of "Good Grief, This is a Hard Season"!

AND, now I get to go to work at the office --- and smile when asked to do "just one more thing"!

Hey you guys----have a great day!!!! SMILE, it'll make em think you have it under control!!!!!

Let Them Eat Cake!

This is my latest--a cake for a baby boy's shower. Used a whipped icing this time instead of the traditional buttercream. It was actually quite good!! The buttercream is much more rich, much more labor intensive, but for a change this is good!

Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving--ate too much, laid around too long!!! I know I did!!! Both my parents & Gy's parents live within a couple of miles, so we don't have to do the "long distance" travel thing- We have a rather new tradition in my family (about 8 years running) of visiting an "outdoor" shopping center in the older part of the metropolis near us, for a "lights on" ceremony. Even tho the whole event takes only about an hour, it's fun to pack on the coats, drive like mad to make the light show, and walk around the mall, shoulder to shoulder, with the other people, looking in store windows, drinking hot cocoa. This year we took our Corgi, Abby, and my sister's Jack Russell, Petey; they dressed in matching patriotic sweaters (will have a picture of that later) and had a grand old doggie time!! Lots of people bring their dogs to this event, and some get quite creative with dressing them--kind of like a Halloween for dogs!! Abby was quite impressed and showed her best behavior!!! No growling at other dogs, jumping up on people, or trying to pull me this way or that--she was in awe of the crowd and just focused on taking it all in. So cute!

Friday we made a trip an hour away to pick up Hank so he could spend the night. He's now 20 months old and too cute for words--no, I am not biased!!! Then he went to spend the morning with my sister on Saturday while I prepared for a shower and anniversary reception Sat am and pm! We all have to schedule our "Hank fix" when he's in town!!! The reception was for 200 people and wore me plum out!!! When I got home had to ice 3 cakes--two of which are the pictures above--and then church on Sunday morning, lunch at sisters, shower, and church decorating Sunday evening!!! A full, full Thanksgiving break!!! And, now it's off to work in the morning. I have a rather quiet week, but come Sunday, I have events every day or night through Saturday!!! Ah, the joy of 2 jobs!!! But, hey, I want to take the whole family (at least my kids) back to Lake City this summer. Reservations are already made, so gotta keep working!!!

Enough for now. Let's get some well deserved rest; will check in later.

Sweet Dreams

It's Not Easy Being Green---or Is It?????

I took the color personality test thanks to Tuesday Update, and found out I'm green!!!

You may wonder what that means, so------

"You are green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum--reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!"

Now, after taking another personality test last night (which you can read here on my blog!!!), I have been called a giver or giving twice. Guess that's true. And both descriptions pretty well fit me in my eyes, but I guess it's more important how others see me. I hope they see me as a Green Giver (better than the Green Phantom!!!).

Gotta run--gotta go to church, and attend a business meeting. Want to see how the Kitchen Meals account has faired!!!

Later from greenie!!!

One More Post For The Evening!

I found this personality test that was quite on the mark. You can access it at:

www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/ As for me:

The Giver

You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much--and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations. . .where you shine.

In love, you are very protective and supporting. However, you do need to "feel special" -- and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.

At work, you are a natual leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential. You would make a good writer, human resources director or psychologist.

How you see yourself: trusting, idealistic, and expressive.

When other people don't get you, they see you as: bossy, inappropriate, and loud.

WOW--I think this pretty well sums me up!!! I have been called bossy & loud too many times. Now I know that is just people who "don't get me"!

Have fun & visit this!