Mandy at Mandy's Life After 30 has given a great holiday challenge that I couldn't pass up. I hope that you'll play along as well. Even if you're of a different faith that may not celebrate Christmas, please tell about your traditions and what makes them special. (1) What is your favorite Christmas movie? Hands down...Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. It is the OFFICIAL ushering in the holidays once that has been played. I know it by heart but love to watch it over and over again. (2) What is your LEAST favorite Christmas movie? Remakes of a classic like The Simpsons Christmas Carol....anything that takes away from the beauty of the classic original. (3) What is your favorite Christmas song? O Come All Ye Faithful...sung by Luther Vandross. I play that one for months after Christmas. I also love, Do You Hear What I Hear? by Whitney Houston before her voice was messed up. (4) What Christmas song(s) drives you crazy? I'm not fond of the song, Blue Christmas. (5) What is...

I SO wish I could show you what I created but unfortunately, my Secret Santa may read my blog and I don't want her to guess that it's me. But, I did make something that I think she's going to like. I also plan to make something for my Boos. Very simple stuff but yet, I know that they will appreciate it. I'm always on the lookout for something unique and different as far as ornaments and Christmas things to make. A few years ago, I used to plan a huge Christmas craft party for my daughter and their friends, sleep over style, making ornaments and then, gingerbread houses. There were games to play, shaving cream fights and lots of Christmas carols to sing. This was an every year thing and believe me, it was fun! After the divorce, the tradition continued but with the girls and I making the ornaments, together. Last year, TV Boo and Boyfriend Boo both participated and wow, it was so much fun to see what they came up with. Here are pictures of some of the creations from year...

At first, I began to feel sorry for myself that things were so very tight this year. Being unemployed can easily strip away the joy of the season. But, as I drove to my sister's inlaws for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, I turned to a radio station that played Christmas music. Before long, I was singing Feliz Navidad, Do You Hear What I Hear and some of my all time favorites. In that, I realized that the Christmas carols are what brings joy for me...even before baking and gifts and all of that. I'm a very sentimental mushpot when it comes to Christmas so I try to bring excitement into the house, no matter what the situation is. This year, though, instead of being able to head out and Christmas shop at regular stores, we've decided to Christmas shop at the thrift stores or make our gifts for one another. Both of my girls love vintage items and there's no better place to find vintage than at a thrift store or garage sales. Baby Boo isn't old enough to realize that her ...

Happy Turkey day to all of you! Today is not the official Thanksgiving day for Boo and my family...unfortunately, Boo and TV Boo have to work today and Baby Boo won't be with us until Monday so Monday is our day! In the meantime....here's a special edition of Things I've Learned Thursday. 1) A turkey can get pardoned and then go to Disneyland. I'm happy that ol Courage didn't lose his life but instead has the joy of living his life out at the turkey retirement home. 2) Even though I am very thankful on this day, I'm learning that true thankfulness exists all year round! 3) When you carve into a turkey and discover the giblet pouch still inside, it means one thing...that the person didn't A) wash the turkey and B) know what they were doing when they prepared the turkey. (I bypassed turkey that year. I wasn't into getting food poisoning.) 4) No matter how much I want to share turkey with my dogs, sad puppy dog eyes and all, I'd rather not deal with the...

I was out in the middle of hustle and bustle today. The stores are a mess with shoppers everywhere. I'm a people watcher so as I shopped, I came to a few conclusions. One - There are a whole lot of stressed out people trying to get ready for the holidays. I saw a few couples snapping at each other and even some kids smarting back to their parents. I learned something from this though. I have the choice to find thankfulness and joy in my day or to allow the crankpots and crowds and traffic move me to being in a bad mood. I chose to smile my way through the maze of people. I even browsed in the toy aisle like a kid for a bit. (I reminisced over what it felt like to look through the Sears Wish Book). I hummed and sang to myself (softly) and allowed someone to go in front of me that didn't have as many groceries as I did. I told her, "Go ahead, I'm in no rush." I really wasn't. Too many people are rushing along, some of them practically dragging their little ones....

I've been working on a mural for my Married Boo and Son In Boo's niece for quite some time. The mural was done on material close to vinyl but done so that it can be easily shipped (they live in Northern California). They also have the choice of using wallpaper glue and putting it directly on the wall, or framing it or even hanging it. Aspen's mommy wanted fairies and I hope that she likes it. By the way, I have a huge hint of something to come in the form of a giveaway...a mural done by me...so stay tuned! Were you creative today?

Have you ever had one of those days where left and right you're hitting "Aha" moments? This has been one of those days for me. I realized after watching Deidra's mom laughing so hard to the point of tears over Pink Panther that this girl needs more laughter in the house. I'm going to fill every corner with opportunities to laugh every so often and if that doesn't work, then I'm sending laughter somewhere else. I also realized that when people get older, they tend to be more focused on getting old and their ailments as they get older that they really forget to have a good time being silly. I wish I lived close to my parents in North Carolina....they'd be laughing all the time. I also realized that I often ask my dogs questions and wait for them to respond. A few minutes ago I asked Humble, "Are you tired?" I swear he said that he was so I told him that he needed to lay down and rest. I know for a fact that I'd run if they really did talk. ...

I'm inspired by the things that you also learn so be sure to share with me after reading. 1) Never spend 80.00 on a doghouse that the dog refuses to sleep in. He'd rather freeze his tush off than be in it. 2) Previously mentioned dog is having breed identity crisis. I guess that's what happens when he's raised around 2 shih tzus. He doesn't know that he's a Pit, he thinks he's a shih tzu...lap dog. Having a 70 pound dog trying to climb on my lap isn't a very pretty sight! 3) There's a Chinese proverb that says something to the fact of learning from everyone is like plucking a feather from every goose that you pass. If I was to pluck a feather from all that I've learned from all of you, I'd be in the pillow manufacturing business!! 4)I tend to take fortune cookie fortunes seriously. Boo got one the other night that said, "You will inherit a large sum of money." For real? When?? From who? 5) Boo's tastebuds are challenged. I'v...

Head on over to Hallie's place to blog along with her Is It Just Me Or.... 1) The older guys get, the higher they wear their pants? 2) I can change clothes at least three times if I feel like I look fat in the shirt or pants I've chosen. 3) Cleaning out my closets and drawers is exhilarating. I feel so good when I'm clutterless. 4) I'd rather help the homeless by giving a loaf of bread, peanut butter, jelly and fruit than giving them money. 5) The old school candy like Jujyfruit, Milk Duds, Mike N Ikes, Hot Tamales, Bit O Honeys, Chick O Sticks, Now or Laters, tasted way better way back when than they do now. 6) It takes me awhile to get used to Boo when he cuts his mustache off or shaves his hair off. I get shy around him until I'm used to him again. 7) When a bill collector calls and they ask for me by name, I'll say, "She's not home at the moment, can I take a message?" 8) I am struggling with hearing Christmas music right now. It just seems a ...

Today, we all celebrate my niece's 14th birthday. She isn't just my niece though, she's one cool kid. Seriously. What makes her the coolest besides the fact that she is adorable and beautiful all at the same time but that she doesn't even realize that she is. When Mariah was born, (she hears the story often), I was given the pleasure of being in the delivery room with her birthmom. My sister was 3 1/2 hours away, doing the best she could to get there in time to be a part of her birth. When I first saw her, it was love at first sight. I just knew that she was going to rock the world and she has. The nurse allowed me to go into the nursery as she was bathed and then left for me to have a girl to girl chat with her. Instead, she held my finger and looked right at me as if to say, "You are going to be my most favorite aunt in the whole wide world!" (Well, it did look like that was what she was saying.) I told her about the crazy, goofy, loving family that she was ...

No Vlogging tonight. I got creative with some ceviche. I'm good at following my cravings, most of the time so I went to the store and got all the fixings. I know how to get TV Boo and Boyfriend Boo over to visit...just let them know that I've made ceviche. Here's the recipe...unfortunately, there's no pics but you'll have to trust me on this one..it's good! Ceviche 1 - 8 oz of imitation crab flakes 1 - package of medium or small cooked shrimp, deveined and tail off 1 - 24 oz can of diced tomatoes 2 - fresh tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup of cilantro 1 cucumber, chopped 2 jalapenos, sliced and then diced (take out seeds if you don't want it spicy) 5 - sprigs of green onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped fine 3 to 4 limes or 3/4 cup of lime juice 2 avocados, sliced tostada shells cheese Pour lime juice on crab and shrimp and set aside for 5 minutes. Put the rest of the ingredients in a bowl that can be refrigerated. Add shrimp and crab mixture. Stir until blende...

My girl, Sherry Lee at Everyday Possibilities inspired me with this post. Today is national suicide/depression and self-mutilation awareness day. Although it's Friday the 13th, which actually means nothing to me so I joined those in support and I'm wearing the word, LOVE on my arm to raise awareness. I suffer from depression and have since I was a teen. I have family members that also suffer from it. It's not talked about enough and in fact, depression is one of those topics that most people want to shove under a rug and say, "Awww, you are just feeling blue today." Depression is not one of those "get over it" ailments. It can grip you and change the whole direction you're going in. Even more, it can be debilitating for some where they spend their lives in their homes, not wanting to venture out any further. If you are feeling like you'd rather disconnect from life and those around you or you're dealing with anxious thoughts or the urge to ...

My cup of inspiration runneth over...here goes.. 1) In the face of unemployment, I've come up with a few new inventions that may bring in a little extra cash.... A) A food product called, Psych! You put the caramel chocolate chip cookie in your mouth, relish the flavor for 10 seconds and then it melts away without any calories or memories of having had it. It's instant gratification without a trace. B) Once a month tampons. You wear one tampon for the duration of your period. When the period is complete, the voice activation in the tampon turns on and says, "Period complete, please remove and have a wonderful day!" C) A dog toy called Tear it up, Again and Again...This toy is designed for dogs to tear it up and then shove the stuffing back in for them to tear it up all over again. D) Personalized tampons with fortunes...sorta like fortune cookies. Sayings like, "You will find joy in your circumstances today." 2)There's something about a nut roaster that ...

My eye has been twitching for about 4 days. I used to call it my "bionic" eye but I know now that my eye begins to twitch when I'm stressed or over doing it. So, today I'm taking a time out to watch the Little Rascals. I've got a set of 88 to watch...not that I will watch all of them but some of my favorites. I may even paint or play with play doh for a bit. Anyone want to join me?

with my teddy bear. C'mon, ya'll! I know you were wondering, "What has she gotten herself into now?" But you know me better than that...my Boo is my numero uno love affair. This guy comes pretty close to second though. I'd like to introduce to you Teddy Little Bear Franklin. He has been a part of my life since I was three years old. He has caught many, many tears, heard all of my embarrassing moments, even times when I wet the bed, he was there. He was there when I was afraid of the dark and found out that I had to wear glasses when my twin sister didn't. He want on vacation with me just about everywhere, except for Disneyland because my dad didn't want me to lose him while on one of the rides. I humanized him while I was growing up. I knew that he "felt" things. Like the one time, boy cousins that we were visiting in Missouri sprayed bathroom cleaner on him. I cried and cried. "It would make him sick. He'll never smell the ...

I cried even though my big brother would've called me a wimp for shedding tears over him. I cried because I realized that I no longer have a big brother to lean on, laugh with, gain wisdom from and to share the greatest joys in my life. I cried because Craig made my twin sister and I a part of his world. From him, we learned wrestling moves (he was a wrestling coach), to laugh at life and not waste time on B.S. He valued us and proudly called us his little sisters. As I cried, I reminisced over the one night when I was sound asleep in my bedroom when there was a knock on my window. Then another harder knock. Then a high pitched voice. I bolted to my sister's room, shaking. We both hesitantly went back to my room to bravely look out the window. It was Craig. After a wrestling victory celebration, having lost his voice from yelling and cheering and have quite a few brews, he came to share with victory with my sister and I. We laughed out of sheer relief. Last night, I cried at t...

Creative Saturday from Simone Moland on Vimeo .

Is there such a thing or am I searching for an excuse for my out of control taste buds? I am normally an "I can eat just about anything" kind of girl. As long as it's not crab poop - disguised as crab butter but I know differently, or liver, or cow's tongue (although I've never had cow's tongue...just thought of it mooing one minute and then silenced the next....is horrifying.) When I have a craving for something, there is usually a reason behind it. For example, I crave Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey when I'm feeling blue or just a need to pat myself on the back. I sweet potatoes in the fall, because subliminally, they are orange and orange represents to me, fall. I crave collard greens when I'm thinking of corn bread because, well, they go well together. Lately, my cravings have been for fried jalapenos. There's no fancy recipe, just fresh jalapenos, sliced and dipped in egg and then in corn meal and fried. No, I keep the seeds in, for the hea...

Baby Boo is back with her mom and I am so worn out. One thing I realized is that times sure have changed since I had kids. Parents are way more cutthroat and competitive. For instance, I take Baby Boo to storytime at the library for kids her age. They sing songs, do crafts and listen to the teacher read stories. I noticed that first of all, most of the parents there only wanted their kids to sit next to another kid that appeared to be "smart". Little Heather Sue sat next to Baby Boo and instantly, her momma said, "Honey, why aren't you sitting next to your friends?" Heather Sue was 4 years old and could give a rat's you know what who she sat next to. Then, as the kids pointed out different colors, the parents were smug when their kid knew the right color before the other kids. It was like I had stepped into this, "My kid's smarter than your kid" clique. So, Baby Boo, being that she is not paper trained (toilet trained that is) and isn't use...

First, before I get into my busy three days with Baby Boo, I've got great news...PJ at Seens From the Backs of My Eyelids has a GREAT and I mean GREAT blog giveaway going on. I so want to win!! Who doesn't need a $75.00 gift certificate to Amazon??? ***************************************************************** Some of you asked for my Slump recipe. I am queen of creating recipes and this is one of those that isn't written from a recipe but from my head so here goes... Slump 2 large cans of sliced peaches - do not drain juice from can (or fresh peaches) in pear juice (you can use a combination of fruit) 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar 2 teaspoons (or less depending on how cinnamony you want it) of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 cup butter Put all in large saucepan or heavy iron skillet. Simmer for 25 minutes....breathing in the aroma. Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to a bit of the mixture in a separate bowl. Stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into slump mixture and stir...

At least, that's what I think. I'm a sucker for Halloween candy the day after. In fact, as my daughters were about 8 and 9, I started a tradition of having a family harvest party the day after Halloween. They did have the opportunity to trick or treat but in October, it's so cold that it's hard to feel any joy walking from houses that are 1/2 acres apart. The family harvest party consisted of buying at least 15.00 worth of candy discounted by 70 to 85%. The girls never saw what kind I had bought but they knew that it was usually something good and quite a lot of it. Then, my then husband and I would hide the candy all over the living room, family room, and kitchen while the girls stayed in their room listening for us to yell, "Come and get it!" They would scramble all over the place, lifting up vases, looking under the table and on doorway ledges until we were certain that they had exhausted the hiding places. Then, they dump it all and we'd count and find...