Christmas at the Lake, Christmas in my kitchen and Merry Christmas!

Okay, I thought I’d just cover a few things since it seems I’ve lost my blogging mojo lately.     Every year we do our family Christmas at the lake house and this year was no different.    All the “little” kids are getting so big and next year we’ll have another little once as my niece is due to have a baby in June.

Before I share a few pictures I’d just like to say thank you to every single one of you that commented on my last post and kept me in your prayers.    You’ll never know how much that meant to me!     The day after I posted my “debby downer” post, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who said she’d dreamed about me the night before and she’d had a very symbolic dream about my illness which she knew nothing about…the dream was very much related to my illness and within a day or two my problem had vanished!    I know some people might not believe in that type of thing but I just know that with all the prayers offered up the Lord honored them and healed me!    I tried to respond to each and every one of you but if I didn’t get to you, please know your words and prayers mean so much to me.

Then last Monday morning around 1:30 a.m. we got a call that my 92 year old mom had fallen at her assisted living home in the bathroom.    I rushed out, we were in the ER until 5:30 a.m. Monday morning.   They did a CAT scan and x-ray on her leg but no concussion or brain trauma although she had a big goose egg on her forehead.    After getting her settled back in her room I came home to rest.    That afternoon we went out to check on her….she not only got up to eat lunch in the dining room but her goose egg had almost completely vanished!     Now she is just black & blue (and sporting a black eye) but that lady is a real trooper!     God has been so good to her.

Alrighty now, moving on.    I did very little decorating this year.    Just a little hot chocolate station in the kitchen and I decorated the mantle in the den.    That’s about it and truthfully, it’s been very liberating!    After I got over feeling inadequate about not doing my usual “all out” Christmas decorations, I was good with what I’d done.    

I sat out hot chocolate fixins’ on a round wicker charger.   We’ve really enjoyed our hot chocolate station this year….right now there’s not much left of it!    Hubby keeps eating the “smarshmallows” (our granddaughter’s name for marshmallows) and the white and chocolate chips!

 

I found the tin of Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix at Big Lots of all places…I think it was like $5.00!

 

 

I loved these cute little napkins!

 

I’ve started collecting these vintage Santa mugs….so far I’ve found 3.    I think they are so cute!

 

This is a $$Tree frame and I printed out the wording and just inserted it where a picture ordinarily goes….funny story, when our handy man was here installing my new plate rack, I heard him ask my husband what was “that” referring to the Hot Chocolate Bar…so I made this little sign so he’d know next time he was over here!

 

In my 3 corner cabinet I added a Christmas plate, another of my Santa mugs and some sprigs of faux greenery

 

 

Here’s a couple of collages I put together showing the mantle in my den

 

 

Our day at the lake was beautiful…not a cloud in the sky and not too cold.    Everyone brings a dish so there is plenty to eat.    The kids can run around like crazy.   It gets kind of loud at times but this is the one time of year we all get together and we really enjoy ourselves!

 

The water is really down and I found a huge piece of driftwood that I had my son pick up for me….I know just where I’m going to put it in the house (once I’m sure there are no little critters inside it!)

 

 

 

I just love this picture of my son and grandson!  

 

My brother in law has a real green thumb….look at this plant!

 

Let’s go inside and see what’s goin’ on….

My granddaughter Taylor is in l-o-v-e with Stephanie who is engaged to my nephew….a wedding is planned for next summer

 

My sister fixed these sweets from one of her “Pinterest” pins….don’t you just love Pinterest?

 

Stephanie is enjoying the fire

 

My sweet grandson Jackson (Taylor’s twin) loves nutcrackers so when I found this one I just had to get it for him.    When we’re at the lake the kids just get little gifts with the big ones coming Christmas Day from the grandparents.      Since we’ll be gone Christmas Day, we’ll see daughter and her family on Monday and go see son and his family after we return.

 

On Thursday granddaughter Taylor had her class Christmas party….she invited me to come!    I love that she always wants me to be involved with her school activities and I’m lucky that I’m able to be there for her! 

 

We’re going to the beach with sister and her husband on Christmas Day.    Since I doubt I’ll be posting anymore until after Christmas I want to wish everyone a very blessed Christmas.     Enjoy your time with family and friends and don’t forget the “reason for the season”!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In Support of Sandy Hook Tragedy

 

I’m Just Not Feelin’ It!

This month I’ve been blogging five years and in all that time I’ve never hit a blogger’s block like I have since just before Thanksgiving….like my title says “I’m just not feelin’ it”! this year.    We had a death in the family the night before Thanksgiving, I’ve been having some health problems and then last week my daughter had a health scare…fortunately it seems like we’re both on the road to better health.

I’ve done very little, almost none, Christmas decorating this year.      I have two rooms full of stuff down from the attic but every time I look at it, I just get frustrated so I do nothing.    I set up a little hot chocolate bar in the kitchen (which I plan to share soon), put a lighted garland on the mantle in the den and a simple vignette in the dining room.    Not sure what’s wrong but I just don’t feel like doing anything.    However, I have really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful decorations all of ya’ll are sharing.    

We’re supposed to leave for the beach Christmas Day with my sister and her husband but I keep going back and forth on that too.    If we don’t go with them, we are planning on a little trip to the beach for New Years like we did last year.   

Our family Christmas will be at the lake (like every year) on the 22nd and I still haven’t bought the grandkids presents to take to the lake.    Those are usually silly, inexpensive little presents and then they get the “big” gifts from Mimi and Pop on Christmas Day.    

Last week I got my Christmas present from my husband which was having my plate rack in the kitchen rebuilt for the 3rd time!    Seems like the first two times just didn’t work for me so our friend Scott (who I call Chris…inside joke) does all my Honey-Do projects and he did a bang up job.    I will share that too…maybe after the holidays and things settle down a bit.      Whenever I need Scott to do something for me, I always e-mail him with the reference being “401-k project”…my husband says he is funding Scott’s 401-k with all the things I keep adding to my list!    

I hope to get my “groove” back and start blogging again soon….in the meantime I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope your day is filled with family, friends and making wonderful memories!  

Too Busy To Blog!

Starting Monday morning until Thanksgiving week I will be MIA from my blog a good bit.    Here’s how the next two weeks are shaping up for me:

• Monday – my mom and I are going to visit my sister who lives a couple of hours away for the day
• Tuesday - Dr. appt., voting, pick up clothes from alterations, pedicure
• Wednesday - Clean house
• Thursday - Grocery shop and misc. errands
• Friday – Going to Birmingham with daughter for the day
• Friday night – cook a couple of soups & meals for husband (you’ll see why a little further down)
• Saturday – pack and drive to sister’s house (same one I’m going to see Monday)
• Sunday – my sister and I leaving for Gatlinburg for a week!

Was that TMI?  

I’ll be returning the weekend before Thanksgiving.   This year we’re celebrating at my daughter’s house so I’ll be helping her get the house ready and doing lots of cooking.  

Whew!    I’m really looking forward to spending a week in the mountains with my sister.     We’re going to do a lot of sightseeing, shopping, eating (of course) and hope to have a spa day too!     We always have such a good time together…talking about our kids, husbands and our favorite subject….our grandchildren!

I’ll be checking in from time to time on Facebook and blogs but I’m looking forward to unplugging and just enjoying being with my sister.    

Here’s something I pinned today that I try to do every single day…I know no amount of money or “things” can make me feel better than a kind word

Hot Spiced Cider

Last year when we took the “kids” and grandkids to Calloway Gardens for the Fantasy In Lights show we stayed at The Lodge (gorgeous place!).   Every day they served the most delicious spiced cider in a huge silver urn.   Ever since then I’ve been on the hunt for a good recipe to make here at home.    I found one I liked on Pinterest that I basically followed.     The great thing about this is it’s made in a crock pot so you can leave it on and not have to watch it and it makes the house smell soooo good!

HOT SPICED CIDER

• 1/2 gallon apple cider (the original recipe called for 1 gallon but I have a small crock pot and since it’s just the two of us, I didn’t need to make a huge amount)
• 1 cup brown sugar, or more to taste (I used about 2 cups since I like my cider sweet….like me!)
• 1 tea spoon whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange slice

Pour apple cider in crock pot.    Add sugar and stir.    Put the cloves in a tea ball and add to pot.    Layer the cinnamon sticks and orange slices on top.    Cover and simmer on high, stirring occasionally.    Once hot, turn on low to keep warm.   

 

 

We’re having a “cold spell” here in Alabama this weekend so it’s a perfect time for a hot drink.    In fact, I’m going to have a cup right now!

Happy Birthday Sweet Daughter!

36 years ago today at 1:59 p.m. was one of the happiest days of my life!    My daughter was born and my life has never been the same.   She was 3 weeks overdue and she’s been running late ever since  (sorry Shannon) but I love you anyway!

Oh yeah, she was a butterball…as we say here in the south, fat and happy!

She was a beautiful baby (doesn’t every mother think that about their baby?) and she’s turned into a beautiful woman, both inside and out

My two at Easter in front of my mama and daddy’s house

 

One of her wedding photos…yeah, look at all that hair, her hair is gorgeous!

Her lakeside wedding…October 17, 1996 (they just celebrated their 15 year anniversary)

 

Shannon (in black w/feathers) with friends at Ball

 

Shannon and her husband at another Mardi Gras ball

I’m so fortunate that she lives close by and we talk every day.    She calls me every morning on her way to work and tells me the latest on the twins…I try and go by her office a couple of times during the week.    Today I’m taking her to lunch. 

I’ve been very blessed with both of my children…they didn’t give me too much trouble growing up, they’ve both made wonderful choices in their spouses, and have given us a total of 4 grandchildren.     

You make me proud to be your mama Shannon…I love you!

Dining Room Sideboard Dressed For Fall

I’m really enjoying seeing all the talent you all have been sharing with your fall decorations this fall.      I especially look forward to seeing what Yvonne over Stone Gable shares….she is uber talented!     Recently she shared her harvest buffet  which inspired me to do something similar in my dining room.    

 

I used one of my wicker trays, added some Dollar Tree pumpkins that I spray painted white, and a fall foliage bush from Hobby Lobby.     

 

I removed the stems from the “baby boo” pumpkins and sprayed them a creamy white…leaving some of the green showing.

 

I’ve looked everywhere for the real baby boo pumpkins locally but can’t find any.    I went to our local farmer’s market today and they were sold out

 

 

 

 

Since I took these pics earlier this week, the tray has actually been swapped out for another one I bought today that I like better than the one I originally used…..do you do that too?

I’m loving our weather we have been having lately…cooler mornings and beautiful afternoons.    This weekend hubby and I are going to a new flea market “down the road a piece” (that’s southern speak!); eating at Bates House of Turkey and topping that off with a stop at Priesters Pecans!   Hope you all have a glorious weekend too!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Saturday afternoon I decided to make one of our favorite soups…chicken tortilla soup.    It’s quick & easy and soooo good!    Although there are many recipes you can find for making this soup, here’s the one I use:

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

• 6-8 chicken tenders
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 can corn
• 1 can cream style corn* (undrained)
• chicken stock
• 1 block Velveeta Mexican cheese (cut into cubes)

Cook chicken until tender.     After cooking, cool and then chop in blender.      Put chopped chicken and Velveeta cheese in large pot, add chicken stock and cook until the cheese is completely melted.  (I used almost one box of chicken stock).    Then add in the can of corn and Rotel tomatoes.  

 

*DO NOT ADD THE CREAM CORN UNTIL JUST BEFORE SERVING*!  Cook 15-20 minutes on medium-low.     Just before serving, add the can of cream corn.      

You can serve this in bread bowls too.    We like ours with tortilla rounds.     You can also adapt this recipe to use ground beef instead of chicken…either way, it’s delish!   

 

I forgot I had this little tureen…when I found it in my dining room sideboard, I brought it out to use for this soup.     It’s perfect for fall!

Focus On Fashion

Before we get to some of my recent fashion finds, let me apologize for my absence on the blog….for the last 2-3 weeks we’ve been knee deep in renovating a half bath at my mom’s old house (which we recently rented out – yay!).   What started out as what we thought was a quick fix in the shower of her 50+ year old house resulted in completing gutting the entire bathroom and starting from scratch.     While the bathroom did need a complete overhaul, we didn’t need the $3,000+ price tag that went along with it.     So here’s a big shout out to my husband and our wonderful friend Scott for all their hard work and dedication on this project.

Now, onto the “fashion show”.   I don’t think I’ve ever shared my love of clothes & shoes on my blog but trust me….I LOVE CLOTHES & SHOES!    But since I’m no longer working I can’t justify my shopping addiction and have had to create a wardrobe that is suitable to wear around the house but with the addition of an accessory or two, looks good enough to go out.     Of course, Pinterest has played a large part in the revamp of my wardrobe.      I pin outfits I like and make notes of what I have and what I’d need to get a similar look.     I spent most of Tuesday shopping and think I did pretty good recreating some of my favorite looks.   

First I’m going to show you photos of some of the outfits I pinned:

 

 

Simple, simple…white button down shirt, jeans & leopard shoes

 

 

 

Black turtleneck, jeans, gray scarf & black boots

 

 

I’m on the hunt for a red vest and purse

 

 

I recently bought a cute white quilted vest for this look…and I love the yellow purse!

 

(source)

Love, love, love the gray and white and doesn’t that scarf pull it all together?

 

 

I’ve wanted this outfit since last year….I have a red stretch bracelet and still looking for a red infinity scarf

 

Love the gray knitted scarf

(source)

Too cute (I love the turquoise paired with gray…have to try this)!

 

Leopard scarf and yellow accents

(ALL IMAGES VIA PINTEREST UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

I had a few basic items such as a white shirt, black tops and jeans.    My shopping list included finding a gray scarf, leopard scarf, gray & white zebra scarf and leopard shoes.   I also picked up a chunky silver bracelet…I wear a lot of silver jewelry.

I think I hit the jackpot on all three!   I got the gray knit scarf at K-Mart ($7.99 on sale); gray & white zebra scarf at Ross ($9.99) and brown leopard scarf at Target ($14.99).    

I also found these cute leopard shoes at K-Mart.

I haven’t cut off the elastic tying the shoes together until I made sure they were going to be comfortable.    The price of the shoes was $19.99 but they rang up for $7.99!   

I also found these adorable velvet pumpkins at Ross….

Can you believe $2.99 each?!?!?!   The large ones were $4.99 but I only got 2 little ones…might go back and get a few more.    I’ve seen a couple of DIY velvet pumpkin tutorials so I might try my hand at making some but really, you can’t beat $2.99!

Our anniversary is this Friday…9 years!      See ya’ll later!!!