Apologies!

Do you read your posts at some point in time during the day and think

whatthecrap???

Okay, so I am the only one!

 Sometimes I go back and re-word things or

correct my spelling or grammar.

But, the fact of the matter is, I am usually...

a)  thinking crazy fast & my thoughts are moving faster than my fingers

b) stopping to put a picture up because for some odd reason it kills me to wait until the end

c) I never proof read or do spell check.

By the time I reach the end of my post I am in a hurry because...

a) Mr. Wonderful is calling for me

b) I'm at work and secretly blogging, therefore I'm rushed

c) waiting until the morning of to post something, and should be on my way out the door...

So, I'm here to apologize for my HORRIBLE grammar!

I went back and read today's posts and I sound awful. I know I'm from the country, and a small town...

but I don't want to make you think I'm incapable of using the

Please excuse me!

However, last night I had no excuse... I had plenty of time to write!

I just never seem to remember the spell check!

On the 8th Day of Christmas ....

I've sat & thought over and over again on ONE reason why I don't like the holidays

and seriously it's been tough!

I REALLY don't like when people say...

I'm ready for Christmas to come and go & for it to be over with ....

[Secretly, I think to myself]

It erks my soul, because this is happy time.

[via google]

However, because I've put my mind to this topic I began to think about the people out there

who don't have families to smile & open gifts with or lay cookies out for Santa or food for the reindeer.

 There are people out there who have no home to light a Christmas tree or get excited about garland on

their mantle, let alone a place to feel warm and safe.

There are children out there who are neglected & abused in so many ways. They don't even know what it's like to receive any gift. And we [speaking for myself] stress about getting the 48' flat screen on black friday, & are pissed if we don't get it.

There are people out there who are spending these holidays with someone they once had, who is now gone.

There are single parents out there struggling to make mends meet & put dinner on the table and they have to worry if their kid is going to get picked on when the other classmates ask what they got from Santa, and they have to say nothing.

[via google]

It makes me very sad for these people, but it reminds me of how grateful I am at the same time. Every year, we adopt a family [kids] from our home town elementary school. And it's so great. It's probably my favorite part. I don't usually share that with anyone, but since I am on this... I figured it was okay.

We don't meet them or actually know who they are, but I do know their names, ages, and what they like. It's amazing! But I can't do that for everyone, and knowing that really sucks!

I'm sitting here... it's 11:19PM. My Christmas shopping is completely done [28 people, 3 Christmas Party gifts, & 2 dirty Santa Gifts] My tree is up. My house is ALMOST ready. I wrapped more than half of my presents tonight and placed them under my tree and now I'm sad.

I am so blessed. There are so many people & families out there that have so much more than Aaron & I....

 && that's okay. I'm very happy. I am in love with my life.

 But so many people have .... emptiness.

&& That would really stink to have emptiness during the holidays.

So, the thought of people struggling to makes mends meet, or the loss of family members, or Child having no Christmas is a very good reason why I do not like the Holidays.

Never thought I'd say that... But no one has ever asked me that before!

[via google]

Spoiled Rotten

Not only did he have all the laundry done [because I was backed up due to being sick yesterday] &

Steaks on the grill when I got home...

But....

Mr. WONDERFUL just bought me the cutest pj's!

I'm obsessed with Pajamas!



&&

since I ordered them on Cyber Monday, I got these matching slippers for free!

I also ordered some of these comfy bed shirts...

&& these

Yay! He's amazing, [when he wants to be]!

♥him

On the 6th day of Christmas - DIY project

I've had so much fun this year in our new house

making a ton of Christmas arrangements and decorations!

However, I am not finished with any of them, except my garland for my mantel!

Here's the story:

I love the store Hobby Lobby! I'm in there everyday getting something, the employees think I'm insane!

I saw the garland one day that was absoultely beautiful! I wanted it so bad UNTIL I read the price tag!

$129.99! NO WAY!

So, I bought a plain one and then things to go one it. I had coupons so I got a lot of pretty stuff for great pricces! Mine still doens't look like the original one, but it's beautiful and I love it!

On the Sixth day of Christmas, I gave my Christmas List....

My Christmas List

Hmmm...

 Ya know, I could write a pile of random things to put on a wish list!

But, really... there isn't anything i'm asking for.

I think this is the first year I've never had a list.

Although, FRIDAY... black friday & it was my first time ....

[Got 19 out of 26 gifts... heck yes!!!!]

But did find something I'd love to buy myself for christmas!

It's pretty pricey, so I don't want to write it down or ask for it

 but it's something I could eventually get for myself

a Cricut Machine!

Other than that, I don't really have a list!

I could always use:

Shoes

Clothes [Daily & work]

Victoria Secret goodies

Home Goods

Kitchen Ware



Tis the Season!

We got our Christmas Tree today!!!!

Yay!

It's a pretty, fat, eight foot tree! :)

We are not decorating it until tomorrow!

I'm going out for our cousin, Lindsey's 21st birthday tonight.

I didn't want to rush!

Day FIVE - 12 Days of Christmas

Favorite Christmas Movie

Definitely would be the movie ELF with Will Ferrel!

This movie makes me laugh throughout!

Aaron & I make it a tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve together,

althought, we watch it year round!

Here are some of my FAVORITE scenes

On the 4th Day of Christmas - Budget Saving Tips

I'm not sure if you have heard of the name Dave Ramsey?

He's a famous Financial adviser! He's great!

Aaron went to one of his counseling classes a few years back & since then

we were taught a new method for saving money!

Its seems kind of cheesy, or that's what I thought when he introduced me to it, but it works!

You mark an envelope for each bill, hobby, or expense

divide your paycheck up [according to how you get paid]

and each paycheck you put a certain amount of money in there.

For Example:

Let's just say you get paid $100 your next paycheck -

My Envelopes:

Gas- $10

Electric Bill - $20

Clothes - $2

Christmas-$4

Doctor - $5

Groceries- $12

Car Payment - $15

Emergencies- $10

Birthdays- $5

Extra-$17

You don't take a anything from that envelop until the time has come!

You may add vacations, certain people, crafts, etc. It doesn't matter, whatever you spend your $$$ on!

Any $$$ left over [after putting your regular amount in the envelope], you place in the extra envelope!

Simple as that! It works!

Since Aaron & I started this, we've paid a LOT of stuff off. We are very close to being debt free!
That's right, I said debt free!

We pay everything with cash!!!!

That's one method we use for saving!

Another random method I use, and just recently started using is...

I save my dollar bills!

Nooo, not every dollar that comes my way, but the ones that have the letter B on them!

[Let's see if you can figure out why I picked the letter B]

[via google]

You don't have to save the B's. You can save any letter!

I did this for Aaron's birthday too. I saved the A dollar bills!

& I started saving the C's for Christmas a couple of months ago.

I don't have many, but it's money toward my hugh Christmas list!

You don't necessarily have to match the letter to what you are saving for. Depending on where

you live in the U.S you may not see many A's, B's, or C's.

I think the lowest letter on the alphabet I saw was the letter L, and that's because Aaron

brought it back from Indiana!

So, have you guessed why I'm saving the B's???

Other than that, I don't do anything else really.

Besides try to shopping as early as possible... which most of the time never happens,

I don't have much advice!

Oh wait... I am a proud coupon shopper! I use them all the time, when I can!

B is for Bride!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks
Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season
Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special
Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs
...so let them know!)
Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)
Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays
Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe
Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles
Day 11: New Year Resolutions
Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)
Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe
Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

I am very thankful for the life I have and especially the people to share it with!

My wonderful boyfriend, My parents, Family, Friends, My job, &  My house.

God is GOOD!

Here are a few family traditions or Must haves on Thanksgiving at my families feast -

The Menu -

What will be served; Northern & Southern dishes

A Nut Bowl, A fruit bowl, Olives & Stuffed cerely, & candy mints

- ALL must haves

Each person is served, their choice of fruit cocktail or Tomato juice!

You don't have to eat it, but you should take it anyway!

[Gannys demand]

Northern Style & Southern Style Food

My entire family is from Long Island, New York...

When they ventured down here back in the 70's, they all married

Southern! Whoop Whoop!!!

Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Blueberry Pie, and Cherry Pie

will ALWAYS be found on the PIE table,

on Thanksgiving Day!

We have many traditions for THanksgiving!

Where they came from... I believe my wonderful Grand mother, Ganny!

But.. it's a big holiday for us!

We also sit together at ONE table. Putting many tables together. The food usually goes on the table we are eating on, but Mom had too many people last year and wasn't able too.

But we pass each dish a long [to the right] and before you know it, when it's time to dig in...

your food is luke warm.

Candles must be on the table & wine should always be available,

Here are some more pictures of last years THanksgiving Day & More traditions...

Mama teaching me the right ways to do THanksgiving...

Stuffing the Turkey...

My First Ham!

Our THanksgiving Ham must have pineapple & Cherry, with Cloves
on it for taste & looks!
[The Cloves come off, after being cooked]

My Brother in law, Tommy & my Two Aunt

Helping prepare for the big feast!

The Beau getting something down for Mama...

Her cabinets are too high!

When I was a little girl, we came up with a game

where on Thanksgiving Day you make a hat...

If you win... you get recognition. [haha]

Here are a few from last year...

Granddaddy's hat. He is a farmer!

My Sisters family. She made the hats for each one of them, even Emily!

Although, you can see her face.

Mine & Aaron's Hats.

The back of mine...

Each feather had something I was thankful for!

& Last but NOT least!

We have always made turtles out of walnut shells.

Crack the walnut in half. Clean the middle out & pour hot wax

into the shell. THen you make a head, four feet, & a tail.

Again, Notta clue where this came from.. but we have always done it!

Here are some of my cousins working on their turtles from last year!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recap of last night

So I made my first pumpkin pies!

After two trips to the store ....

[I bought two ground ginger spices & not a ground cloves &&& then got back to notice I had regular pie shells & not deep pie shells]

&& an extremely messy kitchen...

Here are my Pumpkin Pies!!!

It's another MUST HAVE to cut out a pumpkin to bake on the top...

But I added leaves to my third pie!

I also made these cute Turkey Cupcakes I saw in a Magazine!

[Excuse the Phone picture]

Now, I'm off to make Green Bean Casserole [easy]

&

Squash Casserole [never made before, ekk!]

Wish me good luck!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 

On the Third Day of Christmas....

One the THIRD day of Christmas my true love [Grandmother] gave to me.... A Scarf & a Purse!

My grandmother, Ganny is truly an amazing women.
Who doesn't think their grandmother isn't amazing???
To read about her, and understand her a little better... Read GANNY!

Ganny never was a rich woman, she didn't need to be!

She showed everyone in her family what love was and how to give!

Ganny had 17 grand children & 3 great grand children when she left for heaven 5 years ago.

She had many many talents. Sewing, Crocheting, & knitting were one of them!

She crocheted me this beautiful scarf & purse!

I don't really use the purse, but you will never find it tucked away!

It's always hanging in my closet, there with the scarf through all seasons!

I see to always wear the scarf when something happens and I need to feel close to her!

Even during Georgia's hot, humid, summer!

On everything she has ever made... which a whole bunch of stuff,

You will aways find this label inside...

Made Especially for you

Ganny

It's definitely the greatest gift ever!

It was made with her hands, & made with her love!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

12 Days of Christmas - Day TWO

 On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me....His Christmas Bonus (haha), seriously he did!Now I'm ready to be apart of....

I've NEVER participated in Black Friday!  I'm not the shopper who likes lines or looking through a pile of mess. I'm a run in, run out, I want what the manikin is wearing kinda shopper! But... My boss gave me the day off [it's a working day for the company I work for], so I figured I'd try it out. I don't see myself shopping ALL day, because I'm sure I'll get overwhelmed. But, who knows...

I've never been! I don't know the tricks or deals.. yet! I was just told to wear comfy clothes and shoes.

I've already looked up a few places I want to go; We are starting off at Bass Pro Shop.

They open at 6:00AM so we are leaving the house [30 minute drive] at 5:00AM.

I don't really know where to go from there... We will see!

Here's my Christmas [check] List -

Maybe I'll get lucky and get everyone out of the way... HA!

Aaron - Boot Warmers/Dryers, Clothes, Water Proof Camo BackPack, Grill Appliances

Portable Grill/Stove top, Stocking Stuffers

Mama - Clinique Gift Card,

Dad Aaron - ????

Daddy - ????

Diane - ????

Brian & Kerri- Stationary with their Animated Family

Kim & Tommy - Stationary with their Animated Family

Chloe-  Something Fun & Crafty

Austin- ???

Aaron- ???

Ashlyn- Something Fun. & Crafty

Angel- Fun & Crafty

Addyson- Fun & maybe Crafty

Emily Grace- Whatever is FUN for a 1 year old.

Reid -  Ride on Four Wheeler [Not a real one]

Mrs. Kandi (MIL) - ??? Perfume [Her Perfume], Baking PAns

Mr. Paul (FIL) - Callaway Golf Balls, [I forget what else he asked for]

Bridget - Fashion

Patrick - Bass Pro

Grammye & Da - Date Night Basket Full of Goodies

Uncle Gary - Golf Balls

Aunt Angel -????

Julie - Fashion

Garrett - Bullets [Aaron is getting him]

Mady - Fun & Entertaining

Yeah, so... There are a lot of question marks! Not good! Our parents & his Grand parents are the HARDEST people to buy for. They have everything they need.

I'm really excited!

It's not to late to link up!

If you would like to join the fun, go HERE!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditions

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Day 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've received

Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday season

Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

Day 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs

...so let them know!)

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

Day 9: Favorite Holiday recipe

Day 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/Caroles

Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Day 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outdoor)

Day 13: Favorite Cookie Recipe

Day 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?