Thanks to everyone who entered my latest book giveaway! I really wish I had something for each of you, however, there can only be one “Weiner” and that “weiner” is…….
Allison!! and no, the giveaway was not “fixed”! I ran the random number generator like I always do and this time I pulled #2…my neato mosquito cousin Allison! Cool Beans!
Here’s my Birthday Wish List…there’s still a few more days, folks! And of course, I’ll accept gifts anytime of the year….
Here’s my dear ol’ Dad’s response to my list:
About your birthday coming up : ) I saw your list and here is what I am going to do.
1. Aluminum & bamboo crochet hooks — I checked the recycling center and aluminum is real high this month. But, Mutt Perry has bamboo growing along his creek bank and said I could have as much as I needed.
2. Yarn buns from Purl Boutique — We don’t have a Purl Boutique but I found some yellow buns at Kroger’s.
You can eat these buns and they look like they would taste better.
3. Collage art kit — Glue and scissors…. no problem. Do you still want the rounded tips?
4. Crochet Inspiration — I can call or email you 3 times a week and inspire you to crochet. This one will be
easy because you are already so good at this.
5. Chimenea — I found a truck tire rim that will be perfect. You wanted a dark one so I bought a can of
heat resistant spray paint. Do you want a gloss black or dull black finish?
6. Reed diffuser — I found some baby food jars in the work shop… water, food coloring and weeds…easy
7. Michael’s gift card — I checked with Michael, we call him Mike, and he said the only gift card he had
was the one he got at Christmas as a gift and he wanted keep it. Sorry on this one.
8. German gingerbread house mold — I checked with my cousin Fritz Neubert and he said to tell you not
all German houses were made of gingerbread. He did offer some mold from his basement. I got a lot
of neat colors.
9. Apprentice organizer — I’m sending you my old “collectable” tackle box. Sorry about the worm smell.
I didn’t notice the box was in the direct sun until it started to smell. The smell will go away in a couple
of weeks.
10. Japanese craft book or magazine — Are you sure you can read Japanese? You know you still have
problems in English.
11. Road trip to Asheville — Do you still throw up on road trips?
12. Bento box - cutters and molds — Tupperware has a neat plastic box with a lid. How big does it need to
be? I have some scissors ( rounded tips ) and Fritz said I could have all the mold from his basement
and he also has moles in the back yard.
13. Thread — Sorry, I can’t find any thread.
Thanks for the birthday want list. Again it made things real easy and you have saved me a lot of money.
With the money saved, I’m going to buy me something real nice.
Happy Birthday,
Dad
Sheesh-a-moley, my dad is nuts!
Well, folks, we finally showed up on the right night to cook dinner at the Ronald McDonald House! We tried to cook last Monday but we were a week early! lol!
Tonight we cooked with a group that Pete has joined…he thought he was joining a student nursing group but actually it’s a group of people who want to make medical treatment available to children all across the world. Certainly this is a good cause, but our time is tight as is our money and these resources need to go to our own ministry, Gus’ Gang. So….tonight was Pete’s first and probably his last night with the group! lol!
I had a wonderful conversation with the House Manager and I think we’re going to aim at going back monthly and cooking a meal…as Gus’ Gang. I think I will also pray about volunteering in other areas there too. I was kind of surprised to find out that a lot of the families who stay there have preemies…I really thought there would be a lot cancer kids since we have a regional St. Jude’s clinic at the hospital. Interesting…
If felt good to be there and besides I got to eyeball the sweetest little preemie girl and talk to her mom. The grandmother was just tickled and was grinning ear to ear…I remember that feeling when you’re baby is finally released from the NICU. This little one has a twin sister though so it will be awhile longer until the whole family goes home.
By the way, our boys came with us tonight and were a great help! I was so pleased at how they acted and how quick they were to help out!
Monday: Fixing Dinner at the Ronald McDonald House
Tuesday: Salad with a Cup of fruit
Wednesday: Chicken Satay w/Peanut Sauce and Steamed Veggies
Thursday: Mediterranean Chicken with Pasta
Friday: Tex Mex Gooey Casserole with Salad
Saturday: Red Lobster for All You Can Eat SHRIMP Pre-Birthday Celebration!
Sunday: Beef Stew
Visit more menu’s over at Laura’s blog!
Better late than never..right?
Bible:
Must Do:
Home:
Zone:
Train Them Up:
Visit more Monday Meanderings over at Tiany’s!
Well….these apples are somewhat mummified I guess. Pete noticed that the little flip-top thingy on the lid was open…it needed to stay closed. Oh well, all I have to say is that I’m glad we didn’t use the chicken like we originally planned!
As we’ve been studying Ancient History, we’ve come across some really interesting stories and books. Gilgamesh the King retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman is one of those books! This is the first book in the trilogy of Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh was a god-king who was a fierce ruler over his people. His people prayed to their gods for relief from Gilgamesh….and in comes Enkidu, a crazy wild man who lived out in the wilderness. Gilgamesh sent a lovely young woman out into the wilderness to lure Enkidu back to the palace. Enkidu does come to the palace and ends up saving Gilgamesh’s life….they become friends and Gilgamesh discovers humanity!
Of course, this is only one version of the epic tale, but I think it’s perfect for the younger folk. The illustrations are wonderful…except there’s something about the eyes that kind of creep me out…but that’s just me! lol! This book was fun to read and was enjoyed by all….there are two other books that we need to read too! You can’t leave a trilogy unfinished! Never, ever do that!! lol!!
Here are some Gilgamesh links:
You shove a McDonald’s napkin up your nose and then you go to sleep! It seems to have worked for Belle. Look at her booster seat…I think it’s time to move to one that is not so tiny. Man oh man, that kid has grown….sigh
Another book I read to my Pre-K kids yesterday was Raindrop Plop by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and illustrated by Pam Paparone.
The kids loved to help me “count” the drops of rain and we all loved the dog’s antics throughout the book! It is a bright, fun, interactive book that kept my Pre-K crowd engaged…that’s always a good book! lol!
This book was one of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library selections this month. If you have a child 5 or under and you live in the state of TN, you’ll want to sign up for this neat service! You receive free books!! Neat!
Nik has recently finished Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini. I am so impressed with Nik..have you seen these books?? They are what I call “Fat Books”….no, these are “Fat Honkin’ Books!”….they are huge! It would take me a gazillion years to get through these…really, it would! I usually have to stick with the “skinny books”…but not Nik…he’s a super reader and I think that’s great!
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and I have a nature walk planned for my Pre-K Science class….and it is pouring the rain…sigh. Fortunately, I was able to make some quick changes to my plans and we’re going to be making a Nature Museum with a glass votive and bits and pieces of “nature”…I have acorns, leaves, sticks, etc. I was hoping that we could go out and gather our own “nature” for the museums but that’s not happening. If we have extra time to fill, I will help the kiddos plant grass seed. I have two stories, a drawing activity and two hands-on activities….here’s hoping that these fill up an hour…sheesh…and why did I volunteer to do this?? I’m a nervous wreck…
Today I shared a wonderful book with my Pre-K Science class. It is titled Lost in the Woods and was created by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick. It is a story about a little fawn who appears to be lost…through the book you discover that he’s not lost at all. His mother is actually protecting him from danger and allowing him to gain strength. You know, there have been times in the past that I’ve heard people talk about a poor little abandoned baby deer. After reading this book, I now realize that these little creatures are not abandoned at all and if I were to try to jump in and take care of a supposed abandoned deer that I would certainly be causing more harm than good!
Not only is the message good but the photography in this book is incredible. My little Pre-Ks loved looking and talking about the photos. I was pleased that this book kept their attention for around 10 minutes….now that’s amazing and definitely is a sign of a good book! lol!
Pete treated me to a Sonic Peach Smoothie last night. I had been wanting one because I had seen the commercial like a gazillion times…obviously the Sonic commercials are quite effective on people like me. Anywhoo…I was sooooo disappointed in the size and the taste. It was small and it tasted like an armpit…yes, you heard me right and no, I’ve never actually tasted an armpit but if I ever do, I’m sure it will taste like this smoothie…ack! Sonic…what happened??? Your Strawberry Cream Slushes are so yummy but this Armpit Smoothie has got to go and soon! Ack!!
I was right about the rain…we were not able to go gather any “nature” so we made the nature museums and planted our grass gardens. No glass was broken but one little fellow over turned his grass garden onto the carpeted area..now that was lovely!
Not only was it a rainy day but there were three extra kids in the class that were not on my roster. I had planned for five and only five because my roster only listed five students…not eight. So, I didn’t have supplies for all the children….and this made me want to stick a fork in my eye. I should have bought extra supplies but my budget is so small I hated to waste it on items that may or may not have been used….sigh….it all worked out though.
Belle and Jake loved all three of their classes. Nik wants to switch from photography to brain games…he says he’s too old for the photography class…we’ll see. I can make no promises! lol!
So….Friday is going to be a honkin’ long day for us. 7:30 until 5:00….I need a jacuzzi!!
Congrats Kymberlin….you’ve won Sushi for One!! Well…the book that is not sushi…not sure that would ship so well!
Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. I’ll be giving away another book in a few days!
Pete and I were married on September 11th, 1993. My mom and dad worked very hard to make it a lovely day for us. We were surrounded by lots of friends and family…it was a wonderful evening…even if I did put Pete’s wedding ring on his right hand rather than his left! lol!!
We spent our honeymoon at Panama City Beach which was a blast. Here’s a post I wrote last year….
September 2006:
Even though to most people, September 11th is a day that is remembered because of the extreme tragic events that took place in 2001, this day conjures up different memories for me! You see, this is the day that I married my love, Pete. I wanted to post some wedding pictures but I didn’t get them scanned in…so instead I thought I would take you (YOU–Pete! Because only 3 people really read this blog! lol!!) on a virtual honeymoon…making stops at some of the places we went on our real honeymoon!!
Our first stop in Crossville, TN or maybe it was Cookeville…not sure because it is dark!. We are eating the little ham sandwiches that Mollie Hill made for the reception…you know the ones….little rolls with swiss cheese and ham…so yummy. I probably ate most of them because they are one of my favorite things!
photo courtesy of The Honey Baked Ham Co. Show 653
you can get the recipe here too!
The next day, we’re on our way to Panama City Beach!
photo courtesy of hcs.harvard.edu
Of course we stop at many fast food restaurants along the way…our car has “Just Did It!” shoe-polished on the front window…how embarassing!! We finally arrive in Panama City Beach where there is…well…no one around! We have come after the busy season is over…we think this is good. Now we just need to head on over to the Days Inn to check in. After checking in we go shopping…because I don’t have a bathing suit! I pick a cute little multi-colored floral print one-piece and we purchase it and are on our way. We find out soon that there are very few restaurants open…since the summer season is over. Choosing the bright colored restaurant is a good choice..we will be eating there several times! The tables are on a deck overlooking the beach and the plates are bright fiesta ware…just wonderful and romantic. I think that it may be Salty’s Beach Bar…
photo courtesy Panamacitybeachfanatic
Beautiful and bright Fiestaware…
photo courtesy HappyHeidi
The next day we head out to visit Zoo World but before we go we have to stop off in the lobby and have our picture made with Willard Scott….the cardboard version that is!!
photo courtesy Tuft E-news
Now…we can head off to the zoo.
When we get there we see lots of exotic animals. Our favorite is the capybara…he is so ugly that we can’t help but love him. He is also the biggest rodent in the world!! Impressive…we take a picture of him that we’ll leave on our fridge for several years…
photo courtesy Curragh’s Wildlife Park
After we stop to take my picture with the peacock walking around,
photo courtesy Cullagh Wildlife Park
we head over to feed the camels and the giraffe.
photo courtesy Declan McCullagh Photography
This zoo is wonderful but we get thirsty…we order drinks but there are no straws. Why? Because straws could be dropped and the animals could get ahold of them and choke…and d.i.e. Not good. The drinks are good though and they quench our thirst!
That evening we go to THE restaurant…yep, the one with the deck on the beach and the fiestaware plates. Again dinner is great and it’s still very romantic. I think I have a virgin banana daiquiri…maybe.
One day we take the cruise to Shell Island. I plan on gathering a ton of shells to bring home to Elizabethton. I hope to find some sand dollars too. A lady on the boat explains to me exactly how to find sand dollars…you have to go out into the water and wiggle your toes around and then you’ll find them. I have a net so I can scoop up shells …you know the big ones…but all I seem to catch are crabs. I yell back to the shore that I have crabs! LOL!! I yell at you (you Pete..because remember there are only 3 people who read this blog!) to come out and get my net…but you just laugh at me and take my picture…humpfff. I don’t find many shells that day but we both get the tops of our feet completely burnt. On the way back to the hotel we stop at one of those wonderful Souvenir Shops and buy ourselves some flip flops..ahhhhhh….a little bit of relief!!
We spend the rest of our vacation in the pool,
photo courtesy Days Inn
walking on the beach, ????????, eating at THE Resaturant and having a great time. Toward the end of our honeymoon we decide to drive up the coast where we’ll meet our friends Randy and his wife(who I can’t remember the name of at all) and we’ll go to the casinos in Biloxi, MS. (All I could find were post-Katrina photos) When we meet up with them, we’ll buy THEM ice cream…now what’s the deal with that??? They should buy US the ice cream…geezzz…cheapskates!! Later we go to several casinos where I discover that I can eat my weight in naked shrimp and that drinks are free forever. It’s also confirmed that I probably should never set foot in a casino again since I have an addiction to the slot machine…that one-armed bandit! We also find out that you are not supposed to take pictures in a casino..ooops!
The next day we’ll head back home. The drive will be long…but we’ll sing and talk and just be happy to be together!!
Pete….I know that I have left some things out that I’m sure you remember. You’re memory is so much better than mine. Ever since “the accident” you know my memory is not so good! lol!! What I do know is that I love you very much and that I am so blessed to have you as my husband. These past 14 years have been a wonderful adventure…with the birth of five children, my very own home, and all our kooky and funny memories!! I can’t even imagine doing any of these things with anyone but you…you make them all perfect!! Here’s to many more years!! I love you!!
Jenny
Well..actually this is called Chicken and Vegetables in Wine Sauce but it really is Heavenly! This was easy to throw together and made our house smell sooooo good. And let me tell you about the gravy….yum-o! This was my first attempt at making gravy and I’m just gonna have to brag a little because it was “rock-awesome”!! Really…it was lump-free and very tasty…almost to the point that it was sinful! I really think I deserve a gravy boat now that I am such a pro! lol!!
Recipe:
4 medium red-skin potatoes, quartered
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 small onion sliced
3 pounds chicken boobs
1 Tbs snipped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 Tbs butter
3 Tbs all-purpose flour
1. In a crockpot, place potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Place chicken boobs on top of veggies. Sprinkle with parsley, salt, rosemary, thyme, pepper and garlic: add broth and wine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken boobs and veggies to a serving platter; cover with foil to keep warm.
3. For gravy, skim fat from cooking juices; strain juices. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour; cook for 1 minute. Add cooking juices. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 more minutes.
My notes: Being the Cooking Rebel that I am, I used white pataters instead of reds. I also added baby portabella mushrooms because they were on sale at the store and I felt “fancy” using them! I didn’t measure any of the herbs…nor did I measure the wine. A dash of this and a dash of that….and a slow “pour around the crock” worked well for me!~ I served this with Jasmine rice.
Everyone loved the meal and it was rated as a “definite REPEAT”!
Bible Study:
Must Do:
Home:
by Elizabeth R. SkoglundZone:
In the kitchen this week! I’ll be getting rid of plates, platters, appliances that I just don’t use….someone else can use them instead. It’s all taking up space!
Train Them Up:
Menu Plans:
ok…I did it! Now, let’s see if we can stick to it. I’ve picked meals that are very easy to prepare and I’m going grocery shopping tomorrow afternoon.
You can see more Monday Meanderings over at Tiany’s blog!
Helena-Skyblue tagged me with the Fab Four meme and here are my answers!
4 jobs I’ve held:
Films I could watch over and over:
Tv Shows I Watch:
Places I’ve lived:
Favorite Foods:
Websites I visit everyday:
Where I would like to be right now:
Favorite Color:
Names that I love but could/would never use:
ok…these names are ones that Pete has nixed from my “list of names”….
4 people I tag!
One of my favorite things to do is go thrifting for yarns. These are some of my finds from Friday. Pete did treat me to some new yarns too…it was a Yarny Good Day!
I unraveled the Kermit Green 100% cotton sweater and got quite a bit of yarn.
I also found a skein of brown yarn that I’ve tried to wind into center pull balls. This is what I got….Yarn Terds! I give up…really.
These are the shorty yarn threads that were not really long enough to crochet. I hate to toss them so I’ll use them for embroidery…I’m thinking frogs…duh!
Be sure to scroll down to enter my current give away….
If someone knows how to make this “sticky” please let me know! Wordpress if really new to me! lol!
It’s right around the corner folks so I thought I would help everyone out with the first of several wish lists!
1.
Susan Bates Aluminium and Bamboo crochet hooks
2. 
Yarn Buns from Purl Boutique
4. 
Crochet Inspiration by Sasha Kagan
5. 
Chimenea…preferably a dark one.
7. 
Michael’s Gift Card for yarn!
8. 
German Gingerbread House Mold
9. 
The Apprentice Organizer…I’ve been asking for this one for about two years now…sigh….
10. 
Any Japanese craft book or magazine…can be found on ebay!
11. 
Road trip to Asheville so I can pull the knob and get some cool art!
12. 
Bento Box on ebay and some cutters and molds would be nice too!
13. 
Thread….embroidery or quilting…either will make my heart beat fast!
More TT here!
This Contest is now closed!
I’m giving away my copy of the completely cool book Sushi for One by Camy Tang! You can read my review over at my pink blog.
The rules are pretty simple except for one part…which isn’t really hard, just different! I will be placing a library envelope in the back of the book and I will be putting my name, e-mail address and a quick book review in the envelope. I will be asking the winner to do the same and then pass the book onto someone else….encouraging them to do the same. Make sense?? You can pass the book along to someone you know in real life, a blog friend, give it away in a contest, give it to the hobo on the corner….it doesn’t matter! And….if you need to keep the book and not pass it on, well…I’m fine with that! lol!! So, if you are willing to play along with my little Bookcrossing, book sharing, whatever you call this kind of thingy then here are the rules:
Well folks, Teamouse is at it again! She is busy knitting up some nifty dishcloths and will be giving them away to a lucky winner.
Have you ever used knitted or crocheted dishcloths? If not, you need to because it’s a real treat! Really, I mean it…they work wonderfully and they just make you happy…especially if the colors are bright.
Teamouse’s contest will end on September 7th at 12pm CST so hurry and enter!
It’s Monday again and you all know what that means! Well….maybe you don’t so let me point you over to Life with Heathens for Mad Click Monday!
Play along and make sure you leave your info in Mr. Linky so others can visit you too! This is a fun way to discover new blogs, new products, new companies…lots of “new” things! You can see the “rules” over at Jo’s…easy peasy to follow so there really is no reason for you not to play! lol!!
I’ll be back later to post some of my “findings”!
Monday: Chicken Chilaquiles Casserole
Tuesday: Stacey’s Gnocchi
Wednesday: Crockpot Italian Beef
Thursday: Crockpot Coq Au Vin with Sourdough Bread
Saturday: Shepherd’s Pie Lori reminded me
Sunday:
A few weeks ago I came across Monday Meanderings over at Tiany’s. I think is a great way to start off your week….and hopefully, by posting my “plans” here on the blog, I’ll be more apt to complete them…ahhh, the power of accountability!
Bible Study: This week I’m going to memorize Psalm 116: 1-5
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave [a] came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.4 Then I called on the name of the LORD :
“O LORD, save me!”5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
When I memorize the above verse, I’m going on to Psalm 147: 3-5
Must Do:
*Send out a batch of Gus’ Gang mail
*Update the Gus’ Gang site
*Plan Crochet Day for Share a Square and have it added to bulletin
*Register for ATC class at art center
*Co-op Plans completed
Home:
*Read Chapter 1 of The Welcoming Hearth by Elizabeth R. Skoglund
*Decide on color for kitchen
Zone: This week I’m working in the Front Yard, Back Decks and our Multi-Purpose room. I’ll be reclaiming my beloved craft table that I snagged from FreeCycle awhile back. Then as a treat, I’m going to create some crafty goodness! The yard work is going to kill me because it’s hotter than Henry’s crack here….
Train Them Up: We are talking about “courage” this week…how God helps us to be courageous. Along with discussing courage, we’ll be talking about ways to settle disagreements…a much needed conversation! We will be reading about Sargon the Great, the Sun, and Scientific Inquiry and Method. Nik will be learning the proper way to trim the bushes out front. What he has completed so far looks like he held the clippers with his feet…sigh….
Menu Planning: I’ll be honest, I’m at a loss here! It seems like everything I plan, fails. I’m quite discouraged in this area….any advice?
You can see other Monday Meanderings over at Tiany’s blog!
Running a little behind this week! Better late than never, right?
The Song of My Soul: Crystal is a homemaker and jewelry designer. She designs with her mom and they have a neat little business called Two Belles and a Bead. They create lovely jewelry that I’m sure you will love…I have my eye on several pieces.
Problem Girl: Neat blog! Right now you can enter to win CHOCOLATE!! Woohoo!! All you have to do is leave a comment telling who you are proud of and why. You’ll want to stick around to read her other posts too!
Embrace the Adventure: Carol’s blog is just lovely and is full of lots of different info…like a CHOCOLATE contest! lol! Her husband is an Army Chaplain and she is a teacher…I found her blog through the End of Summer Blog-abration and I’m glad I did…and not just because she posted about the chocolate contest! lol!
Enjoy! Friday Link Love is the baby of Shelly over at This Eclectic Life…
Just found this over at Helena-Skyblue and thought it would be fun!
Situation 1) You have won tickets to Dr. Phil or Oprah to discuss what is very important to you. What do you discuss? Can you talk about it live on TV…if it meant you will win 1/2 million to discuss?
I would talk about organ donation, especially pediatric organ donation. This is something I would certainly be able to talk about on tv and I would do it for free however, if they wanted to give 1/2 million I would not turn it down!
Situation 2) You are out shopping in a neighboring city. You are at this stop sign where it seems stuck on red. As you look around at the surrounding area….you notice your spouse’s in-law leaving a motel room with their boss. Do you tell your significant other, or your in law…or do you pretend like….the character in Hogan’s Hero…Shultz…I hear nothing…I see nothing! What do you do??
I would tell my husband…
Situation 3) You are out on a date with someone that you like…but yet you do not really know them. You are out on their boat on the ocean…they accidentally fall over, you reach for the life ring to throw them…(life ring=floatation device)..it does not reach them. You not knowing how to swim…what do you do? The boat radio was never an option…it was never hooked up. You also have no cell service…what do you do?
Ok…this is a hard one for me because I really, really don’t like water I can’t see through! lol!! I’m going to assume that this person can dog paddle and I’m going to lean over the side of the boat and cheer him on! You can do it..paddle, paddle, paddle…I would probably throw out something like “Paddle ’cause I’m not coming in for you…”..you know, to get him motivated. If he insisted on drowning, I would have to jump in and try to save him. Now…if this were my husband or one of my kids I would be in that water with no thought….ugh…I don’t even want to think about this anymore! The end!
Sheesh…I’ve done this right before bed…way to set myself up for a nightmare!!
Collage Art Kit
