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!!!!