bringing the FUN

Last night, Leah and Brendon came over to play Wii. They dressed the part and we had an awesome time. I am still in hysterics just looking at this picture. We spent about 4 hours playing and managed to eat somewhere in that time span. We all loved Dance Dance Revolution and the Wii sports. We should put our crazy boxing moves on you tube. Brendon amazed us with his classic Super Mario 3 skills. It was scary how much he remembered about the game. We had an awesome time. As a bonus- we ate the most incredible apple crisp I had ever sampled topped with ice cream. Brendon made it- and they even left the leftovers. Hello Breakfast!

I can't pass it by

There is one show in TV that I can't flip by without watching. It is on right now and looks as though it may be a marathon. I won't get anything accomplished today! The show is the Deadliest Catch. Is anyone else fascinated by this show? What show can you not pass by?

girls night out

Tonight, a few friends and I got together for some scrapbooking. I tried my hand at cardmaking. I had a great time and I got lots of cards made (like 10). I came home to a Patriots win (yeah!) and lots of Super Mario Galaxy. Infact we are playing Wii until the wii hours for the morning. I am typing this at 12:45 am. We have to practice staying up for the new year. haha. What a FUN night!

out with the old....

Salvation Army is coming TODAY! We have 184 items that were cluttering up the house going with them. I feel refeshed letting go of these unused items. I can hardly wait for the truck to pull up!

if Karen can do it- so can I

Karen jazzed up her page and I was so impressed that I decided to do mine as well. Good job Karen!

Also, I am not in school right now so I had no idea that yesterday was Thursday. I apologize to anyone who missed the Thursday 13. Maybe I should have made a list of 13 things I should have done instead of playing Super Mario Galaxy for 3 hours and 12 minutes on the Wii.

I am getting a little younger

Yesterday, I was 70 according to the Wii Fitness test on Wii sports. Today, I am only 59. I wonder how old I will be tomorrow!

Wii wish you a merry Christmas!

I am taking a Wii break to wish you all a merry Christmas. Wii have had SO much fun with the Wii today. Wii sports, Dance Dance Revolution and Super Mario Galaxy have been rotated out all day long. Wii are on a break right now just having eaten Christmas dinner. My friend Karen and her family also received a Wii and I am looking forward to meeting them and playing virtually. It will be so much fun. My mom must be so tired of watching the two of us play the Wii.

For dinner- I made my usual Christmas dinner- roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes and popovers. My mother-in-law gave me a new popover pan for Christmas and it made all of the difference in the world! Thanks Linda!

I have been very blessed this Holiday season. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to it in any way. If you get a chance watch the Nativity Story on HBO- It is awesome! Sometimes we all lose the true meaning of the season.

the peppermint cake disaster

OK - it isn't really a disaster, but at the time it felt like one. I wanted to make the peppermint cake for my Granny to taste. There is always so much food there that I knew I could not take a whole cake so I came up with a grand plan. I make the cake in an 8 by 8 pan and cut it into fourths making 4 little cakes. One for my Granny's house, one for us to eat with Christmas dinner here, one for the neighbors and one to serve to our friends who visited tonight. Well, the little cakes weren't exactly level so I was having to use the icing to level them out. I completed the cakes and hopped into the shower before dinner and when I came back to the kitchen I saw this.

I guess I didn't level it well because it slid right off into the floor. No big deal- we just ate a 2 layer one with the company tonight. Here is a picture of my cute little peppermint cake.

the thing I am not meant to own

Imagine if you will, Thanksgiving 2006.... Meredith and I shopping in the Pottery Barn. I see this beautiful bell shaped dome that I believe will go perfectly on my Southern Living Barley Twist Pedestal. I didn't buy it. I went home a few days later and measured the pedestal and then drove "all the way across town" (this is how my hubby refers to this area) to the Pottery Barn. The small sized dome was a perfect fit. I brought it home and enjoyed it for many days until one day I picked it up to clean it and it clanked against the pedestal and shattered into a million pieces. I cried! I went online and ordered a new one - and as a bonus online you could get it personalized. I got it with a D and I loved it even more. I have loved it for a long long time and tonight- I broke it. I had not a half hour earlier told Matt to come back over and see how cute my little peppermint cake was going to look under my bell (like he cared- but I was excited). I lifted it to wash it turned it sideways to lift it over the pedestal and CLANK. The glass in this bell is as thin and delicate as a Christmas tree ornament. I cried again! So here is a picture of the item I am not supposed to own. May it rest in peace.

random thoughts

I am so busy that I haven't had time to blog. I am waiting on butter and cream cheese to soften (yes I know I could have just microwaved it) so I am stealing a moment to share some random thoughts with you.

1) My inlaws came for the weekend. We had a wonderful time. I can't even tell you how much fun we had just hanging out, shopping and eating! Last night we opened presents and one thing I received was Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii. I am so PUMPED! I can hardly wait until Christmas morning to get to play!

2) I have a horrible song stuck in my head- the chia pet song. Chi Chi Chi Chia.

3) It looks like I have the measels. I was making the peppermint cake and at the last minute I thought- I better take my shirt off or I am going to get my clothes messed up. So there I was in my kitchen baking in my sports bra ( I hope you will be able to erase this vision from your head) and I added the red food coloring. It hit the beater and then proceeded to speckle red food coloring all over me. So- it basically looks like I have the measels. I guess I really need to get an apron!

4) I got the most incredible package in the mail and opened it right up! It was from my brother in law Keith. He had my name in the family drawing. I received a Vera Bradley lunch bag that matches my purse. I also got the most beautiful bracelet. Keith (Meredith) is really getting talented with the jewerly making! Thanks for the awesome gifts- and for just being awesome!

5) I have been to the grocery store 5 times in the last 3 days. I am not going back! I don't care who wants what made- if I don't have it- they are going to have to just do without. (hopefully I am well stocked)

6) I am going out to eat mexican food tonight and I can't wait.

my favorite night of the year

Last night was my favorite night of the year. This was the night that we go out with Matt and Julie for the holidays. We eat and then split up and the girls go shopping for the boys and the boys go shopping for the girls. Last night, we went out for Japanese. It was very tasty. This year, Julie and I shopped for the last two days to get most everything completed and we went to the movies instead. It was so relaxing to just sit for 2 hours and not have to be in the hustle and bustle of it all. We saw Enchanted- a total girl movie. The boys shopped and it has been reported to me by a reliable source that presents were purchased for me. YEAH!

gift tags

I must be having some sort of mental block about buying gift tags this year. The truth is more that I haven't seen any that I like. Last night I had this brainstorm. My theme this year under the tree is blue.

livestock delivery

Today, nestled snug at my door step were a goat and an ox. They are now resting safely in my Nativity set. Thanks Linda!

living the good life

Here I am folks- the first day of Christmas vacation. I am in my cozy warm bed wearing my red Pajamas and just relaxing! This is living the good life! On the agenda today- shopping, shopping and more shopping. Also on the list- cleaning! My living room currently looks like a disaster area. There is so much crap in there! Every night my goal is to make a path to get through to the next day. Today is the day they it is getting cleaned. Everything in the pile to be wrapped will be wrapped today! All of my gifts from the kids will be put away today! Anything that needs to go in the attic will go today! Who knows- I may even vacuum... but probably not since the housekeepers come tomorrow. Tomorrow night is one of my favorite nights of the year- so I need to get everything done so I can enjoy it! Stay tuned....

UPDATE***
I am not sure who the ambitious blogger was above. I did none of these things today. I did ransack the living room looking for my keys. I told my friend Karen that if a burglar were to break in he would think the place had already been hit and move on. I went to the Doctor. I went to school to get laundry and Julie's class pet. I got Julie and we hit the stores from 12-5. I came home and made gift tags and some candy for the hubby. I am just now at 8:20 starting to clean and do all of the other stuff listed above.

cake baking class

On Sunday, my good friend Roz had a few of us over to learn to make her "famous" peppermint cake. I always tease that just hearing about this cake is what made me want to work where I do. It is true- I heard about the cake long before I had this job. Here is a picture of the cake being featured on the front of the 1998 Southern Living Annual Recipes book.

The recipe was fairly simple. It called for 2 cake mixes- a white and a yellow, a million drops of red food coloring, buttermilk, eggs and a few other ingredients. You swirl the two mixes together and voila- a gorgeouse cake! The frosting was made of confectioner's sugar, butter, cream cheese and peppermint extract. I wanted to eat the entire bowl of frosting! Here is my nicely frosted cake waiting to be sprinkled with crushed peppermint. I sent it to my husband's work since the last thing I need is a whole yummy cake in the house.

Christmas survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2. Real tree or artificial? artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? whenever I can find the time, this year it wasn't fully decorated until the about 9 o'clock last night.

4. When do you take the tree down? usually after the new year- sometimes before. It depends on when I decide I am ready to have my living room back to normal.

5. Do you like eggnog? no but my hubby does and I am making eggnog french toast for him this morning.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I always had so many gifts that I don't know which one was my favorite.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I sure do. My Mother-in-law started my collection and has built on it each year. Here is a picture. I can't believe how they match my kitchen counter tops. 8. Hardest Person to buy for? my Brother

9. Easiest person to buy for? all of the kids I know
10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? candle-itis... ha ha
11. Mail or email Christmas card? I haven't done either this year
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and my favorite cartoon movie is Twas the Night Before Christmas.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year I bought my 1st gift at the end of October. Every year I say I am going to start earlier.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? no I don't think so.. I have recycled a gift bag though
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? cornflake candy- if Kim makes it, boiled cookies-if my Mommy makes it, my cookies- which I always make.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? white
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Christmas Day- I will be home playing my Wii! (of course at this point I have no games- so if you need a Christmas idea... check with Mr. D.!)
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? sure can- I retain lots of useless information
20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star? A big silver bow. My angel broke about 3 years ago and I haven't found one I like yet.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? usually before- we will open one early just because we can't wait. Most of the gifts are opened when my in-laws are here and then again on Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? traffic
23. Do you hang up Mistletoe? I usually do- I have an artificial one, but I haven't seen it come down from the attic this year.
24. Were you naughty or nice this year? nice!
25. Cowboys or Red Skins? Neither- we are a Patriots family! What does this have to do with Christmas?

Thursday 13: The real version- on the actual Thursday

Today, the real Thursday this week December 13th, 2007, would have been my Daddy's 57th birthday. Here are a list of 13 ways I would have liked to have spent the day with him.

1) going shopping- with him buying of course (maybe for my Mom that curio cabinet she never wanted.. haha)
2) working on a project at my house
3) horseback riding
4) going out to eat
5) going fishing
6) asking him all of the questions I have thought of in the last few years
7) going with him to see Kaleigh and Donovan
8) going for a walk together
9) hanging out and watching TV
10) putting together a puzzle
11) showing him how smart and healthy Brady turned out to be (unlike the sick pup I had)
12) going to Lowes and Home Depot
13) riding roller coasters and scary rides together

Thursday 13: thirteen reason I thought today was Thursday

My friend Tiffani just informed me that today is not Thursday. You can only imagine my surprise since I spent this entire day thinking it was Thursday- and better yet that tomorrow was going to be Friday. Here is a list of 13 reasons why I may have thought it was Thursday.

1) We didn't do the calendar at school this morning during group time. We were too busy talking about the spreading of germs and we ran out of time before we did the calendar.

2) We are having a pot luck type thing at school so it felt like a Friday type thing to do.

3) My friend is going out of town and I spent some time thinking that I didn't want her to take her crock pot from the potluck out of town and that I was going to take it home and wash it for her. (now I know she can take it home herself since she isn't going out of town tomorrow)

4) I can't find my personal calendar- and that is messing me up. (I can hardly wait to get a new planner for the new year!)

5) Thursday would have been my Daddy's birthday so Thursday has been on my mind all week.

6) We went to my Husband's office party tonight and in college all good parties happened on Thursday.

7) I was really looking forward to the weekend- and now it is one day further away- boo!

8) Tiffani has a show at her school on Thursday and I actually called to see how it went and to my surprise- that is how I found out it is tomorrow.

9) I am going out with Leah K. for Mexican on Friday and I wanted that to be tomorrow.

10) It has been an insanely nutzo crazyo week!

11) I was looking forward to stressing out about what my Thursday 13 topic was going to be like I do every week.

12) Meredith is babysitting her sweet Perrin on Friday- and for her sake I wanted it to be one day closer. She is so flipping excited and being an Aunt rocks!

13) I think the main reason I thought it was Thursday is because I am getting CRAZY in my old age!

Sandy 2007

12 months about me! I found this on one of the blogs I read. It might as well be titled "Things Sandy Can't Remember". Enjoy!

♥JANUARY♥
1. Who kissed you on New Years? Mr. D.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolution this year? no but I will make the same one this year.
3. How did you ring in the new year? we were at the Hats and Horns ball
3. Does it snow where you live? umm. no!
4. Do you like hot chocolate?.. Boy do I especially with lots and lots of marshmallows!
5. Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop? I have been there but not when the ball was dropping

♥FEBRUARY♥
1. Who was your Valentine? My hubby and my dog
2. When you were little did you buy Valentine’s for the whole class? Yes... I think it was mandatory
3. Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not? I love Groundhogs Day! So.. yes!
4. What did you receive for Valentines Day? I don't remember
5. What did you give for Valentine’s Day? I don't remember

♥MARCH♥
1. Are you Irish? no I don't think so
2.Do you like corned beef and cabbage? no!!!!
3. What did you do for St. Patty’s Day in 2007? I remember I didn't wear green because I don't own anything green and I feel as though we went somewhere but I can't remember where.
4. Are you happy when winter is pretty much over? I would be happy if winter ever really started.

♥APRIL♥
1. Do you like the rain? sometimes
2. Did you play an April fool’s joke on anyone this year? no- afraid of retaliation
3. Do you get tons of candy for Easter?No but I did give treat bags to all of our guest.
4. Do you celebrate 4/20? no
5. Do you love the month of April? not really

♥MAY♥

1. What is your favorite flower? daisies
What happened to 2 ?????
3. Finish the phrase “April showers…” brings May flowers!
4. Do you celebrate May 16th: National Piercing Day? no I don't celebrate this
5. Is May anything special to you? not really

♥JUNE♥
1. What year did/will you graduate from high school? 1992.
2. Did you do anything fun during this Month? Celebrated my 8th wedding anniversary.
3. Have a favorite baseball team? The Braves

♥JULY♥
1. What did you do on the 4th of July? Had our annual cook out- the SSDC.
2. Did you go to the fireworks? heck yeah... we never miss them!
3. Did you blast the A/C all day? Yes- it was Hot Hot Hot

♥AUGUST♥
1. Did you do anything special at the end of your summer? Went on a fabulous vacation to Lake Tahoe.
2. What was your favorite summer memory of ‘07? Seeing Chris and Jill in PCB
3. Did you have a sunburn? This is actually one of the first years I didn't burn
4. Did you go to the pool a lot? no

♥SEPTEMBER♥
1. Will you be attending college/school? I teach school
2. Do you like fall better than summer? yes- I love Fall
3. Anything happen this month? I started a new school year with lots of new students.

♥OCTOBER♥
1. What was your last Halloween costume? I don't remember- maybe a M and M in college.
2. What is your favorite candy? reeses cups and tootsie roll pops
3. What was your favorite thing(s) about this month? all of the fall social events

♥NOVEMBER♥
1. Whose house do you go to for Thanksgiving? My Mother-in-law and Father-in-law's.
2. What are you thankful for? my family and friends, a wonderful job and of course Brady
3. Do you love stuffing? depends on how it is made

♥DECEMBER♥
1. Do you celebrate Christmas? Yes
2. Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe? yes
3. Get anything special last year? I always get lots of special things

2 fun girls

Here is a picture from my friend Kate of us wearing the crowns on Saturday night. We loved them and both wish we could just wear a crown all of the time! Enjoy! Also- check out Kate's hair because it is the cut I want when it is time to cut my hair for locks of love.

next Saturday is going to be a let down

I had so much fun at the party last Saturday and then last night was my office holiday celebration at the same house. Who could have imagined it would be any more fun. I just know after 2 weeks of fun-next weekend is going to be a let down. Last night, we got to try on the feather outfit from one of the dancers from the week before. Here is a super bad pic my hubby took on his camera phone of me wearing the head dress. I am waiting on some friends of mine to email me better pictures, especially of me with the pop up wings I tried on as well. I will update this as soon as I get the other pictures.
The head piece was extremely heavy. One thing I have is an incredible sense of balance. It took a few seconds but I finally got it balanced and was able to move around some. I do not know how people dance in these. The head piece came with built in hair which was really cool. My new friend Jonathan made this head piece- what a talent! Another cool thing that we got to do last night was try on crowns. Real crowns that the Goddess Raven has won in competitions. It was so much fun! Stay tuned for more photos soon (hopefully!)

update: Here are some pictures from one of my friends, there may be more later because I am stil waiting on another friend's pictures. Here I am with the head piece and pop up wings.

SupperThyme

My friends and I went to SupperThyme USA again on Saturday. This month we will be feasting on deviled talapia, chicken almandine, meatball stew, pork chop potato bake, and three cheese ravioli with vodka cream sauce. Tonight, we invited the neighbors over and enjoyed velvet chicken in wine sauce. It was very tasty. I am glad to be heading deeper into the busiest time of the year with a freezer filled with meals!

add to my Christmas wish list

One new pair of polarized sun glasses, slightly less chewed than my current ones-- thanks Brady.

Christmas survey

1. Christmas tree up yet? up yes, fully decorated no
2. Any Christmas decorations up yet? for the most part
3. What are you asking for for Christmas? mostly practical things
4. What do you usually do on Christmas Eve?We go to my Granny's house and have dinner and a dirty Santa gift exchange
5.What do you usually do on Christmas? Have monkey bread for breakfast and open presents
6. Do you own any Christmas clothes or jewelery? I think I have a necklace and a pin... oh and a turtleneck somewhere.
7. Do you use white or colored Christmas lights? white - this is the first year we have added a colored light element into the outdoor decor.
8. Do you bake Christmas cookies? yes I make a special recipe each year
9. Do you buy Christmas presents for your whole family? pretty much- unless we have other arrangements (draw names, dirty Santa, etc.)
10. How many friends do you buy presents for?Several
11. Is there a Santa Claus?Heck yeah!
12. Favorite Christmas Carol? O Holy Night
13) Would you rather it be a white Christmas, or a warm Christmas?A white Christmas... it would truly be a miracle in Alabama
14. What is the cheesiest things you do at Christmas? I sign the gift tags of my gifts to my niece and nephew From: Sandy Claus
15. Which Christmas color do you like better? RED or GREEN? Definitely RED
16. Do you get a real Christmas tree, or is it artificial? Faux tree- I am SO allergic. If I even think a tree is real I will get sick. I take lots of allergy meds this time of year.
17. Was last year a good Christmas? I guess
18. Do you hang stockings? yes
19. When opening presents, does your family all open them at the same time, or do you take turns? depends
20. What is usually in your stocking?chap stick, candy, trail sized stuff
21. Do you get up early on Christmas day? When the dog gets up- I get up... we will see
22. Does your family eat breakfast before or after opening presents? kind of all at the same time
23. Do you have a favorite ornament you hang on the tree? lots of them
24 What Christmas movie do you like to watch the most? Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation
25. What do you like better, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?Both!!

Thursday 13: thirteen things I did tonight to prepare for the holidays

So, I didn't even realize that it was Thursday until I went to Meredith's blog. Here is a list of 13 things I did tonight to prepare for the upcoming holiday.
1) climbed up and down from the attic a gagillion times
2) organized and displayed my little nutcracker collection
3) made a "wish list" for my hubby
4) put down the tree skirt- under the fluffed up tree with only lights so far
5) open a Christmas card from the Courtney Family
6) wrapped gifts
7) complained about how sick I am of the gift wrap I have been trying to use up for about 3 years- (I got it at Costco)
8) fussed at myself for not being appreciative that at least I have gift wrap and presents to be wrapped.
9) made a shopping list for things I need for the upcoming parties.
10) set up a cool scene for the holidays on the bookshelf
11) looked online a Christmas villages- we are thinking of starting one this year
12) thought about how I wanted to decorate the mailbox- decided I didn't
13) resting- with all I have planned-- I will need my rest

my genealogy study...

If you clicked on the video on this post a few weeks ago- then you know about Lucy. What you may not have known is that when we adopted Brady (who was called Blue) on his adoption form there was a note that read "Lucy's pup." I contacted the lady we got Brady from and asked- hey is that Brady's mom? Well the answer was yes. Here is a picture of her. Now- she is a pretty big dog and we know Brady's dad was a black lab- so I am thinking when they told me he would be about 30 lbs that it was one of those little white lies. He is 87 pounds. So anyway the lady also emailed me that she had personally adopted one of Brady's sisters. Here is a picture of her- she looks just like Brady to me (except for the color of her fur).

Last night-- my husband said

"I had to slap the reindeer on the butt"

I don't know why- but this was hysterical to me. What he was talking about was that the back half of the reindeer didn't light up so he tapped on it and the lights came on. Later he replaced a faulty bulb-so hopefully this will not be an every night occurrence.

don we now our gay apparel

Last night- we went to the most interesting party I have ever been to! It was honestly something I had never even thought of before- but I went with an open mind and actually had a lot of fun. I don't even know where to begin! Imagine if you will...

The most gorgeous historic home you have ever seen. (I got this picture of it off of the internet) It is well over 100 years old. Each room has been remodeled and restored. It definitely looks like something out of Southern Living. I can't image all of the hard work that Jonathan and Kyle have put into this home. Each room I toured was better than the next. I just kept looking in awe. They have an entire wall that is a fish tank. I loved it! The back yard was incredible. They have 3 peacocks (all boys) in a large gazebo cage. They also have the most amazing pool area you have ever seen. I just wanted to move in. Everything was so nice. The food was great and the presentation impeccable. The atmosphere was jolly. Now- sprinkle into this this incredible setting... about 300 people and umm.. 5 drag queens. Here is the invitation!

It was the perfect recipe for a fun time. I have to apologize dear readers- it never occurred to me to take my camera. Here is the usual sub standard cell phone shot. My friend Tiffani took some pics and if any of them are stellar, I will add them later. The performers were The Goddess Raven, Obsinity, Dee Ranged, Trinity Taylor, and Genesis. I am sure if you are interested you can check them out on You Tube. Anyway, the show started off with the Goddess Raven on top of the pool side cabana. The costume was AMAZING. Here is the pic, again- I apologize for the quality. She was so comical. After her performance, the others performed about the poolside. Now, I don't want anyone thinking they stripped or anything. Basically they danced and lip synced (is that a word?). It was clean fun with a lot of foul language sprinkled in. If it were in a movie it would probably be rated PG 13 except for the language part. There was some excitement in that the police came at one point- but just to ask people to clear the alley way and for the music to be turned down. I have never been to a party before where the police came. Anyway, at the end of the show, Raven has a fire baton act where she lit the entire area around the pool on fire and for the final climbed up on top of the cabana and dove into the pool. It was crazy and I am glad that she didn't die doing it. I have already RSVP'd yes for the party next year. I had fun hanging out with Adam and Erica while we were there. Kudos to Kyle and Jonathan for kicking off the holiday season in style. Here is a picture of Tiffani and me at the party.

a quote from the hubby

" tell me- did we actually have this place professionally cleaned yesterday"

The living room basically looks like a tornado hit. There is an unfluffed tree, a light up buck and doe, a piggy back with coins all around it that Parker was playing with, box after box of lights and all of the bags from shopping yesterday. It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

let there be shopping... and lights

Today- I shopped. We went to Toys'r'us. In and out in less than 15 minutes with gifts for Donovan, Kaleigh, Parker, Caleb and Reid. Check, check, check, check, check. So those are 5 people off of the list. It was probably the easiest shopping I will get completed all season long. continued to shop for about 3 more hours and only managed to find 2 more gifts (one for my secret pal at work and the other for the Kotulak's). I was not very productive after Toys'r'us. No worries- there is plenty of other days and lots more stuff to do. So we came home. I am lying in the bed letting my feet recover, watching Martha's holiday special and that sweet guy of mine is out hanging the lights. We are going to our first holiday party of the season tonight! I just love December!

Christmas... a little bit at the time

Tonight, I brought down the Publix Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers and my Willow Tree nativity set. I also brought down a brand new box of mini lights that I meant to use last year but didn't. That is all I got completed yesterday. I did have 2 shocking things happen. Thing one- I moved the book shelf out of the living room- I did this very begrudgingly due to the fact that it was my favorite holiday decorating element last year. I will try to find a picture and post it. Anyway I was home alone and moved the shelf to the master bedroom because it was closest. I centered in under the print of New Orleans. I put straightened everything- stood up- and fell in love. It looks great in there. Sure, it makes the room look more crowded- but it looks awesome! Thing 2 that totally surprised me is that because I was moving the bookshelf- I had to take everything off of it and put the things on the counter in the kitchen. Well when I walked back in the nativity looked perfect on my counter tops. The coloring is very similar. I hadn't thought about putting them in there, but now I am. So there it is- 2 things I didn't expect!

Thursday 13: thirteen out of the ordinary things I did today

1) worked 7-3
2) said goodbye to my coteacher for who knows how long
3) spent almost $3 a gallon for gas
4) got the car washed
5) was told not to cook dinner
6) straightened the house from top to bottom- for the housekeepers to come tomorrow.
7) watched internet tv while cleaning
8) hung out in my guestroom
9) went shopping at the office supply store
10) text messaged Natalie
11) told the story of Brady's adoption to one of my kids
12) got a card from Meredith (Thanks!)
13) listened to Tiffani reading the news to me while it was playing as if she were the newscaster.

an angel

This is a news story I found today about the lady who took care of Brady before I got him. She is an angel in real life and I am so glad that Brady had her before me. Check it out.
http://www.wiat.com/news/local/11897111.html

Why am I the luckiest girl in the world?

I am the luckiest girl in the world because I snagged the left over Aunt Pam's best ever Chicken and Dumplings. MMMMMMMMM! I have been thinking about the all day!

my treat

Today, my friend Kate brought me a charm for my necklace- no reason, she just saw it and thought of me. That is the kind of girl she is. She also named it for me- so meet "Penelope Cruz around the fishbowl". That Kate is a funny girl!

the tree

The tree is out of the attic and put together but not fluffed out or in the spot where it will be. I am decorating in bits and pieces as to not get overwhelmed. For those of you who do not know me well- I am allergic to real trees so we use an artificial one.

And the winner is

My mom is the winner of my contest. I will be getting her a super fun prize. Thanks to all of those who took the time to enter. For the first dirty santa I went to I took a mixing bowl/kitchen towel/kitchen gadget tower. It looked kind of like a 3 layer cake. It seems to go over well. I should have taken a picture.

two fun girls and their dogs

Click here to see a fun video of my friend Tiffani and myself hanging out with our dogs Winston and Brady.

Thursday 13: Thirteen things I did for Thanksgiving

1) slept in

2) ate an onion bagel for breakfast

3) watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

4) spent time looking up how much a fire hydrant weighs. I did this because Katie Couric said that the cape on the Hello Kitty balloon weighed as much as a fire hydrant. I didn't feel as though it was a good point of reference because really- who knows how much a fire hydrant weighs.

5) Went to Kroger to purchase a candy thermometer for the turkey fryer since we forgot the turkey fryer thermometer at home.

6) helped to fry a yummy cajun turkey

7) played barbies with Kate

8) ate way to0 much food

9) drank a whole - non diet mountain dew... a rare thing for me!

10) talked to lots of people

11) won $25

12) ate dessert even though I wasn't hungry

13) slept like a baby (this one hasn't happened yet but I am sure I will)

guess what I am making

I am making the annual Thanksgiving Chex Mix tonight.

This is the 10th year I have made it. I have really streamlined the whole process. I have learned a few shortcuts along the way that have not affected the taste at all. I guess it is pretty good because after a decade, they are still asking me to bring it and they seem to look forward to eating it.

update on the corn and butter bites

I have now had them both baked and microwaved. If you are going to try them- please bake them. They are more crisp this way. Microwaving made them kind of gummy and gooey. Enjoy!

a perfect gift for Tiffani

Tiffani and I went to this crazy store that was going out of business. I saw this tacky mirrored horse head and called Tiffani over. I was making this big deal about how I knew that she had gotten rid of her unicorn collection and that I wanted to buy her the mirrored horse head. Tiffani was like- but it doesn't have a horn. This other lady shopping came over and explained how we could mount a taper candle on the horses head and light it for special occasions. I thought I was going to wet myself it was so funny. I think it was so funny because the lady was so serious. I snapped this picture from my Blackberry and then we left the store. I may go back and get it for Tiffani and hot glue a taper on it just for kicks.

YUMM-O

I had something totally yummy tonight. It was Green Giant Giant Bites in corn and butter. It was basically a little nugget filled with corn and butter. They were so good. I ate 6 of them. Try them!

Thursday 13: thirteen gifts I would not want to open at Christmas

Here is a humorous list of 13 gifts I would not like to receive this holiday season.

1) tickets to any sporting event
2) a dulcimer
3) any type of hardware
4) anything Nascar
5) one of those earrings that looks like a rivet or a big hole in your ear...they creep me out!
6) a corded phone
7) a bicycle (even though I really want one, I am totally uncoordinated and can't drive one)
8) an eye patch
9) any type of farm animal
10) tickets to any concert
11) an 8 track
12) a crock pot (I have 6 so I think I'm covered for all crock potting events)
13) a cornish game hen

me in anime

As you know- it doesn't take much to entertain me on the Internet. Today, I built myself in anime at http://illustmaker.abi-station.com/index_en.shtml . I am sure you will agree that it looks just like me. It was fun. Try it out for yourself.

Mondu Monday (Fondu Friday, moved to Monday)

Tonight was Mondu Monday. This is Fondu Friday that was moved to Monday. We went to Leah, Brendon, and Reid's house. We brought the fondu pot, a side of mushroom and rice casserole, and the makings for smores. Brendon made a fabulous broth. We cooked chicken, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus. This is the 3rd attempt we have had at Mondu Monday. For the last 2 weeks someone has been sick and we haven't been able to do it. But today, the stars and planets aligned and miraculously all 5 people here healthy. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It was a night filled with comical errors and hilarity. Here is a short list of crazy things that happened.

1) 2 people burned their hands on the mushroom/rice casserole pan.

2) Their dog became instantly addicted and obsessed with marshmallows.

3) A piece of cauliflower flew off of the skewer past the baby and landed on the floor.

4) I took over hour to cook our dinner.

5) Someone had their fly down (on accident.)

6) Broth was flung onto onlookers as someone pulled their skewer from the pot.

7) While mini mashmallows in theory were a cute idea, skewering them and roasting them was a challenge.... especially when the host built an actual real fire to roast them over. We ended up using the sterno flame to roast them.

8) Reid got to lick a marshmallow and liked it... but not as much as their dog did.

After dinner, we were putting the fondu pot away and started reading the "rules". We were very surprised at how many of them we broke without even trying. We were really a reckless bunch according to way we should have done things. Who knew!

Here is a somewhat bad picture of us roasting the marshmallows on our skewers. While I did take the real camera, I didn't take the actual battery that makes it work so I had to use the Blackberry. A good time was had by all. My hubby even said that it was so much fun that they should call it FUNdu. What a comic. I can't wait to hang out with this fun couple and their sweet baby again.

soup anyone?

I just made 3 batches of the super yummy (well..) O point weight watcher's garden vegetable soup. I made one fresh batch for me. I chopped up everything and sealed it up with my food saver to take to Leah tomorrow night for having us over for dinner (hostess gift type thing). The third one I froze. So here I am with a big pot of soup and I am the only one in the house who eats it. Can anyone guess what I will be having for lunch everyday next week?

the hysterical conversation with my nephew

By popular demand- here is what happened. Imagine if you will, I am at the mall with Tiffani and the phone rings. It is my nephew who is singing to me and wondering why I am not singing with him... ummm, I am at the mall sweetie... let me talk to your dad. I tell my brother I will call Donovan back from the car, and about the fabulous Christmas gift that my Mom and I are sending Donovan. I continue shopping and then call Donovan from the car on the way to dinner. I dial the number and...
Donovan: H E L L O (he actually spelled it out instead of saying it)
Auntie Sandy: H E L L O yourself, what's up?
Donovan: no answer
Auntie Sandy: Donovan are you there?
Donovan: no answer
long pause and then
Donovan: BOO! (laughs hysterically)
Auntie Sandy: screams and acts totally scared
Donovan repeated this about 4 more times, I screamed and acted more scared each time. He laughs harder each time.
Auntie Sandy: So, did you go Trick of Treat
Donovan: laughs hysterically and says not tonight silly
Auntie Sandy: well, you should totally go tonight and see if they have left over candy
Donovan: beside himself with laughter then said for me to knock on my head and call myself a knucklehead.

What a funny guy. I am sure you can see why I couldn't have this phone conversation in the mall! We get pretty silly together!

and we're back

Lapy (my pet name for the laptop) is back in commission- or better yet the new router is installed. I am blogging to you from my pj's again. Blogging from the laptop is much more fun than blogging the last two entries from the Blackberry!

how I spent my Saturday

Today was a very crazy weird day. I got up with tummy issues which I am sure could be blamed on my poor food choices the night before. I worked on a gift for Reid most of the morning... you know since I couldn't get online. Then we went to the Honda dealership. We went to look at the 08 Accord. Well 3 hours later we're getting one. I wanted to climb into the trunk like the people in this post but... you all know I would have been embarrassed to do that! The deal is worked out and now they just have to find it and get it to us (right color and all of the bells and whistles). After that we went to Best Buy and exchanged our router. We went to Blockbuster and rented We Are Marshall and Reign Over Me. Then we went to dinner at one of my favorite places to eat... J. Alexanders. I had a super yummy steak! We are still celebrating the birthday and now the new car too.

about last night

Last night several things occurred.
1. I met Tiffani for shopping at the mall after work.
2. We ate a yummy after school snack at Aunt Annie's
3. I bought like a year supply of my can't live without facial cleanser: Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse.
4. Unbeknownst to me last night was the night Santa arrived at the mall. There were singers, dancers, way to many kids and lots of chaos!
5. We called the hubby and invited him to dinner... and we ate wings!
6. I had a hysterical conversation with my nephew.
7. When I got home the wireless router was fried and I couldn't get online.

technology amazes me

Technology truly amazes me. I just recently found out that you can watch TV shows on the Internet. Gone are the days of me being super sad about missing my shows. I can just tune them in on my computer. My good friend Julie recently asked if I was watching Samantha Who. I said no, and she suggested that I watch it. I was able to watch all of the episode on the Internet and now I am caught up. Isn't technology great??

contest

All of my blogger friends have had contest... so I have decided to have one to. I have several gift exchanges coming up for the holidays and I am all tapped out of ideas. Post your best $30 gift idea for the "dirty santa" game. You may enter as many times as you like. I will have a drawing on November 25th. I am not sure what the winner will get yet- but I will think of something awesome to mail you. The more you enter, the better your chances. Be sure to put your name on your post.

It's a birthday

Today is my hubby's birthday. I won't tell you how old he is, but just know it is way older than I am. We are going out with some friends tonight to a cool place up the road. There should be lots of sombrero wearing and singing.

confessions of an addict

It starts every year, sometimes earlier and sometimes later... but this year it happened today. I went and purchased my vice for the winter. It is Lip Balm. I love the stuff and I can't get enough of it. I found a 4 pack today called Blistex Fruit Smoothies. I have Melon Melody, Orange Cream (which I am wearing now), Triple Tropical, and Berry Explosion. I will put one in my purse, my school bag, my car and my nightstand. I should never be without... but don't be fooled, I will probably buy lots more as the cool weather sticks around.

new kind of survey

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?
1. Produce: red grapes
2. Bakery: bread
3. Meat: sausage
4. Frozen: Smart Ones Meal
5. Dry goods: toilet paper

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?(besides under garments, right?)
1. jeans
2. a shirt
3. shoes

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
(at school)
1. "please choose a lesson"
2. "does anyone need to use the restroom?"
3. "did you wash your hands?"
(at home)
4. "can I use the laptop"
5. "Brady, get off of the bed"

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you'd probably be in a pretty irritable/bad mood?

1. sleep- I love sleeping!
2. eat- If I don't eat- I get grumpy
3. check the blogs

What are 3 things that you have in your room that have been with you for the longest amount of time? (I am currently in the living room)

1. My hubby.. not really a thing, but I have been hanging out with him of a LONG time
2. There is a picture on the book shelf that is 8 years old.
3. My engagement ring is even older than that.

If you were only allowed to listen to 5 of your CDs for the rest of your life, never adding anything else, which 5 could you listen to & be content with?
1. Jessica Simpson's Christmas CD (I am still heartbroken over her divorce from Nick Lachey)
2. Alanis Morissette's Greatest hits
3. Eagles Greatest Hits
4. Beyonce
5. Colbie Caillat

You're driving down the road, and suddenly you're hit with this sense of road rage. What 3 factors probably contributed to it?
1. people who drive up the side of the road when traffic is stopped like they are more important than the rest of us.
2. people who wait until the last minute to merge over when a lane closes and then expects you to slam on your breaks to let them in.
3. Kids without car seats

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

1. napping
2. watching TV
3. surfing the net
4. getting a manicure/pedicure
5. Shopping

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?

1. pandas
2. elephants
3. tigers



You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

1. vanilla
2. butter pecan
3. pralines and cream



Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
(thank goodness I have cleaned it our since my last purse entry)

1. Drivers license
2. insurance card
3. NO CASH!!
4. assortment of ponytail holders
5. Bobbi Brown Lipgloss



If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school and inform yourself of 6 things that you should or should not do what would it be?

1. It is o.k. to quit a job just because you hate it.
2. don't collect clutter
3. save more, spend less
4. go with your gut feeling more and don't be afraid of the consequences
5. don't let anyone make you feel inferior or second guess yourself
6. meet a girl named Karen the MINUTE you get to college

the plan... and the plan revised

Last month, I went to the SupperThyme USA with my pals. It was super fun. Since then I have been thinking about how much time I spend going to the store and cooking. I knew there had to be a better way. So I surfed the net and found this concept of once a month cooking. Well, I didn't really want to do that as much as I wanted to do once a month shopping. So, when the hubby came home with a great cook book for me last week I decided to implement this concept. I should be able to figure this out- I mean I was president of the Future Homemakers of America in high school. First I made a calendar for the month of November. I wrote in there all of the dates that we would be out of town or eating out. From there I took the days that were left and simply filled in the recipes I chose from the new cookbook. Then I made a list of all of the ingredients required. I took the list into the kitchen and marked off anything I already had. I made two list, a grocery store list and a Costco list. Then I organized the list by the layout of the grocery store for faster shopping. Yesterday I went to the market.. but I was limited on time. I bought as much as I could in the hour that I had before I had to pick Brady up from the pet resort. Thus- the plan revised. I am actually going to have to go to the store twice, but still this is going to be better than the weekly trips plus all of the stopping for this and that during the week. We are going to be eating some incredible and easy recipes. I am pretty excited about the whole concept.

another big catch

I am back from the fun filled weekend in the Georgia mountains. Here is a picture of the fish I caught on the lake. We were told to use marshmallows and corn as our bait and voila! Here is the fishie I caught on the 1st cast. I must admit- it was the only catch we had all day. The company on the boat was great. The scenery was breathtaking- what more can a girl ask for!

Thursday 13: thirteen reasons I am excited about going on vacation

Tomorrow, we are headed to the mountains for a 3 day weekend "rated R for relaxation". Here are 13 reasons as to why I am excited about it.

1) I love fall and there is no better place to spend fall than in the mountains.
2) The ride there and back- 6 hours of fun filled one on one time in the car.
3) I get to see lots of fun people.
4) I get to eat food that other people have prepared.
5) rest rest rest
6) lots of laughing
7) pontoon boating/fishing
8) outlet malls with the shopping fairy
9) sleeping in- no letting the dog out at 6:30am
10) sitting on the porch in the cool fall weather bundled up in a blanket
11) There is a pumpkin farm nearby with a corn maze
12) Hiking
13) Birthday cake!!!!

Halloween Hullabaloo

It was a great night. We set up for our annual candy-o-thon in the driveway. 4 households were represented. It was basically a candy smorgasbord. We had a fabulous dinner cooked lovingly by Julie's Mom, Bonnie. We had meatball subs and pasta salad. It was great. Parker was a 50's guy, instead of the boxer he had started out to be. Caleb was the cutest little dragon on the block. Julie's sister Laura came bringing a very cute gentleman with her. Matt's dad and brother joined us as well. So all in all there were 9 adults and 2 kids. It was fun. We all took turns taking the kids trick or treating and passing out candy. We kept a tally and had around 90 trick or treaters. Julie and I gave out "booyah" awards for people we deemed best dressed. The first one went to a kid dressed as a pimp- but when we asked what he was he said "I'm the Mac Daddy". The treat was a full sized Hershey bar in addition to the candy buffet. I took Parker down the road to trick or treat one of of his teachers (and my coworker). We got there and she invited us in. Parker took off his shoes and socks and told me I could go home. It took about 15 minutes of negotiating to get the kid to leave. It was really funny. I hope all of my readers had a safe holiday and that you all do not have belly aches from eating the candy.

Brady on Halloween

I came home from school today wearing this necklace and I put it on Brady. He strutted around very proud of it. I had to take a picture to share.

 

it's here

The candy has arrived. I waited as late as I could about buying it because I knew I will end up eating it all before Halloween. I stopped and got it today. I know you can't tell from this picture how much there is, but this is a fairly big tub. (Mer- it is our Cape Cod tubs that we got for Christmas one year). My friend Tiffani and I estimated about 325 pieces of candy based on the wrapper and how many they said was in each pack. I have to subtract one piece because Brady and I shared a peanut butter kiss. He thought it was just as YUMMY as I did.

 

braggin' on my guy

While I was away at the Baby Shower last Saturday, my guy was in the garage building this beautiful case to hold his collection of baseballs. He is very talented at wood working and this is his latest creation. Just thought I would take a minute to brag on him.

 

I do not exist

My friend Whitney had a post on her myspace about this website that would tell you how many people with your name there are in the US. I put my name in and was shocked to learn that I don't exist. Who knew!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

drumroll please....

Here is a picture of me from the Fall Festival today.

Kudos to Kate

Kudos to Kate for being so much fun!

how I spent my Friday night

Look what I did tonight...
The color is called Light Reddish Brown. I like how it turned out. It is a pretty color for Fall.

kudos to Babies 'R' Us

For those of you who may not know me well... I don't hang out alot at the Babies 'R' Us. However today I ventured in. I was very impressed with the whole operation they have going on there. I pulled Leah's registry very quickly. A sales lady came over to me while I was reading it and helped me to locate what I was looking for. I checked out and then I saw the coolest thing ever. At the door leading out, they have a complimentary wrapping station. They provided paper, scissors and tape. I wrapped my gift on the spot. It was incredible. I wish all stores had this cool feature- especially at Christmas time!

The Friday 14

O.K. I know I am a total slacker. My day got away from me before I did the Thursday 13. So, as a bonus to my readers, here is the Friday 14- for those procrastinators who can't get it all done.

14 things I need for my fall wardrobe/look
(this is by no means a wish list for anyone to purchase for me.. just a fun list of things I want)
1) a smaller pair of jeans (yeah!)
2) a black turtle neck
3) a new sweater
4) a new pair of black shoes
5) a new pair of brown shoes
6) some cute boots-- maybe in pink
7) a few new pairs of striped socks.. fun ones!
8) a lightweight jacket
9) new undies
10) a cozy pair of fall pajamas
11) a sweatshirt (that is not sports related)
12) something dressy for the fall holidays
13) a cute fall headband
14) new fall skin care and makeup!

7 year wait begins

Someone in my house ATE an entire pack of citrus mint orbitz gum today, wrappers and all.

2 surprises on Sunday

On Sunday, I got 2 surprises. The first was when my Mom took me on a shopping spree at Walmart after our flight. She said she was treating and that I could get anything I wanted. I chose a toaster and a food processor. We got a computer game, razor blades and a new wireless laptop mouse for the hubby and then I stocked up on groceries. We even got a toy for Brady. It was great to get such a treat! I still like to be taken care of every now and again.
The second surprise was that while I was away, my sweet guy made a pot of Chili and cleaned the house for my arrival. It was so nice to come home to a clean house and dinner prepared. Another awesome treat!

the basement life

My room was in the basement and one night I said "goodnight- I am going to live the basement life" and Donovan thought it was hysterical. He decided every time we were there that we were living the basement life. Here are a couple pictures of us living the basement life. We colored, we watched movies, we played games, we told ghost stories and we slept. Every time someone would come down to the basement Donovan would say "hello (insert name here) and welcome to the basement life" even if they had just been down 2 minutes earlier. It was so funny! I talked to Donovan last night and asked if he had lived the basement life since I left and he said no, that he was just living the middle of the house life. (they have 3 stories. This kid really cracks me up!

K-Bug

Here are some pictures of my sweet Kaleigh Grace. She is so sweet, lots of fun and has the craziest fly away hair I have ever seen. I just love her to pieces!
For those of you who haven't met my Mom- she is in alot of these pictures too.