Be back soon.

I will not be posting for a while. My father-in-law is not doing very good at all. I will be spending as much time as I can up at the hospital with my husbands family. I will be back but I am not sure when! Miss you all very much! Say a little pray for him please.

Still here

Evening all. Just a real quick note to let you know that I am still around. Have all kinds of news to catch you up on. I will post a really nice long one with pictures and tell you all about our Christmas and everything else going on in my life. Give me another day or so. My father-in-law is back in the hospital and I have to finish reformatting my computer. Miss everyone! Hope you all had a good Christmas!

Till Later Jelly Beans.......

What Christmas character are you?

That's right - your unwavering support, hospitality, and comforting touch have landed you the role of Mrs. Claus. You know how to take good cheer and deliver it wherever you go - spreading warmth even on the coldest of wintry days.

Secretly, we know you hold Santa's operation together. With your powers of planning it wouldn't surprise us at all if you were the brains behind the whole organization. And you know how to keep the peace, too, whether soothing the egos of bickering elves, or keeping flying reindeer well fed and ready for flight. You do what it takes to get things done -even if you don't always get recognised for it. So keep at it, Mrs. Claus! With your hospitality and good-natured ways, this is your season to shine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Evening all. The last few days have been some busy ones. Kids are out for Christmas break now. And finishing up a little last minute shopping for the hubby.

My father-in-law has changed his mind and is going to be starting chemo and radiation. The chemo he is starting the day after Christmas. We will be taking him to some of his appointments. We also found out where all the cancer is so far: both legs, pelvic, middle and lower back, 3 ribs on the right side, and there is a spot on his liver. The spot on his liver they are not sure about, have to wait til Feb. to see if it grows any or not. The bone cancer is stage 4 and it is the rapid speeding kind, I guess this is how it was said. Dont quote me I may be wrong. He is not doing good at all. He is in alot of constant pain. I will be spending time with him so his wife can go to the store and things. The kids are going over and just sitting with him too. I have seen people die of cancer and its not pretty, but I have never had some this close to me go through it before. It is so sad for my husband. On the way to the doctor today Hubby's dad was telling him what he would be getting. It made him cry and choked me up when he called me and was telling me about it. He has already watched his mom die of cancer and now to go through it again. Its so hard. So if I am not around much or blogging much it is due to helping out as much as I can.

Today while hubby was taking his dad out to Iowa City the kids and I did a little shopping and my daughter also had to go back to the hospital about the volunteering. She goes tomorrow and they will start training her on what to do. She is really looking forward to it all. After she got done at the hospital we went over to our little itty bitty mall to see Santa. I talked my kids into getting their picture taken with Santa this year. Right before they sat on his lap a couple of guys older than me sat on Santas lap and had their picture taken. It was quite amusing!

After the mall we came home and my loving daughter caught a major attitude and whine problem. I told her to go clean her room, cause it needs it bad exspecially before Christmas. She went storming into her room and preceded to cry like you would not believe. It made me feel like I killed the child. At this time she was acting like a terrible two year old throwing a temper tantrum. And she didnt stop there. It continued after dinner. Her friend showed up to finish her stocking and I thought for sure she would straighten up. Nope, not my daughter. She just kept going and going. She even resorted to calling me the "evil witch of the west". Still not quite sure why I was that other than I was making her clean her room! She did this for 5 hours!!! OMG! I wanted to strangle her. I could not believe she did this in front of her friend. The whining was awful. I finally told her when her friend left that I had enough, go to bed. She was driving me to want to drink! I am telling you she did not make this a fun day at all when she started in on this.

I have gotten some more done on the Prairie Star. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to post and updated picture on it. We will see what happens. I have a bunch of cleaning to do cause we werent going to have company for Christmas dinner and now we are. Which I dont mind. But I have lots to do before they come over. I am now completely wore out, so I am off to bed to have dreams of ways I can embarrass my daughter for today and pay her back. *evil laughs*

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!

Merry Early Christmas!

Get Your Own! | More Flash Toys

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

You Are a Snowflake

You live for the winter - blizzards, cold nights, snowball fights! The holidays are just a bonus!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Bad News, Stall on PS, & Something New

Evening all. Today was a bright sunny morning, but a little on the cold side. No it didnt stay cold though. It has warmed up a little bit. From the forecast it doesnt look like I will be having a white Christmas. There is still that slight chance we get some. I will just keep wishing for now.

Yesterday was not too good of a day around here. We got a call from my sister-in-law about my father-in-law. He had a tumor removed from his bladder last week and he will find out tomorrow if it was the bad kind of cancer or not, but they also found that he has bone cancer in his legs and hips. Now in my honest opinion I think he has known for quite some time that he had cancer and he refused treatment. At least 2 and 1/2 years he has known. Why didnt he tell anyone? That is very easy. My hubby's mother died of cancer and his adopted father seen what she went through and what the family went through. He did not want to put hubby and his brother and sister through that again. He does not want chemo and he is refusing all treatment. He has lived a long and full life. We will be there for him with whatever he does decide to do. We did go over and see him today and he dont look very good. He is a very religious man though and believes that everything is in God's hands. I believe in this too. You just have to have faith in what will be.

I am still working on the Prairie Star but I ran into a small problem. I ran out of the off white yarn for the white part around the star. Today when we ran to Wally World I forgot to get some more. I did do a little bit of the other color. Tomorrow morning after I take the kids to school I plan on making another run for the store to pick it up. Hopefully tomorrow night I will have some updated photos of it to post.

Last night when I ran out of the white I did however break one of my favorite rules. I started another project! *gasp* I did a major no no in my books. But I really didnt want to do more of the PS without the rest of the white. I found a pattern on Knitty. Its this pretty little *scarf* that is actually a pretty quick knit. I had some Shine Sport yarn that I got from Knit Picks in blush that I am using. This yarn is super soft and very silky feeling. This scarf you work on an angle. Its really neat how you do it. I actually have more done than the picture shows. Dont worry I will be back on track tomorrow with the PS and then when that is done I can finish up this cute little scarf.

After the kids came home from school I had to take my daughter over to the hospital to pick up a application. She wants to become a volunteer at the hospital. She has been looking for a job but she is still just a tad bit young. She is hoping this will help her out when she goes to apply for a job next summer after turning 16 and will look really good on a college application. After this we made a run out to our little itty bitty mall to have their picture taken with Santa. Yes they still do this for me! I love my Teens! But we have to go back tomorrow or Friday cause by time we got there they were going on dinner break.

Nothing else really going on here. My daughter's friend is coming over for another lesson tomorrow after school. She really wants to get her stocking made possible before Christmas! Then Thursday after school she will be back with a few other girls from school. I really should think about charging for this! Oh well at least they are not out running the streets and I get to pass on my love for this!

I am off to bed! Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

Evening all. Nothing much happening here. The weather still is not cooperating with my snow plan. I have a little over one week left for the snow to make it to us and I dont think that is going to happen. No matter how much I am wishing for it!!

This afternoon we watched a little Bears. And yes the WON!! barely by the skin of their teeth, but won still the same. Then hubby went into the bedroom to watch some more football and I got to watch "Arthur". Which there is a million Arthur movies out there but this one was the most recent. I still love all the movies that are based in that time period and this one is Awesome!! I have seen it number of times, but still a great watch.

My daughter is coming down with the flu that is going around. I hoping she wont get too sick and we caught it in the beginning stages and treating before it got worse. Actually I think we have all been fighting getting it. Hopefully she will be fine in the morning and be able to go to school. We will see.

I did get some more done on the Prairie Star tonight while I watched "Survivor". Now hubby and my son said that Ozzie would win, but they were wrong and I was right! WOOO HOOOO YUL WON!! I just love how he played the game! He was amazing!! This was one of the great seasons. I just wish my knit/crochet group was not on Thursday nights. Cant wait for the next one!

Well not really too much else exciting happened in my world today. Plan on doing a little wrapping tomorrow. And maybe will do a little more Christmas shopping if I can sneak it past the hubby. He told me that I dont really need to buy the kids anything else, but you know I dont listen to him very well! He will tell you that is part of our problems... LOL !! He loves me though!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!!

PS.... I should be able to get all the white and some more color added to the PS tomorrow! I would like to be done with this by Thursday or Friday!

Saturday Sky & Crocheting Family

Evening all. Today was an unseasonal warm day, but with some clouds. I cant believe how warm it is right now! This is so not right.

This morning I actually slept in til almost 9 am. This is not normal for me. I usually the first one up and the last one to bed. I must have been really tired and not realized it. When I finally did get up, I started some laundry. Did a little bit here on the computer and then headed to my lovely living room.

There in the living room I found a good movie to watch on Hallmark channel. The kids came out to join me and watch the movie after they got their showers. I started to do a little crocheting and next thing I knew the kids were crocheting with me. I figured I would document it for all times and take some pictures of this. It was really nice to have both my daughter and son sitting watching a good family movie and doing what I love to do. I didnt get all the white sections done today like I wanted, but I will get it done tomorrow. My daughter got her one scarf done that she was working on. And my son is still working on a granny square afghan that he started quite a while ago. I posted about it before and he put it done for a while. But now it is all coming back to him, just like riding a bike. You never forget how to do it!

We went up a visited my father-in-law this afternoon. Hubby said he looks a little better than he did yesterday. He is still having pain in his legs and the doctors cant figure out what is causing that. They will be running some more tests to see if they can come up with anything. We didnt stay very long due to everyone and their brother went up to visit him today. He was a little wore out by time we got there. Probably go back up tomorrow to spend a little time with him.

After we got home I had to make a run out to pick up one of my daughters friend that was going to spend the night. Then son took off to the youth center to hang out and play some pool and video games. While he was gone, I made up some more no bake cookies. My daughter and her friend wanted to know if I could teach her how to crochet so we headed back to my favorite spot and started the
teaching. Heck all these girls are wanting to learn I am going to have to start charging! She is doing pretty well. We are up to now 2 friends learning to crochet. Anybody else out there want to come over and learn to crochet??? Free lessons! cause my daughter thinks I should just do it for everyone and their brother...LOL

Well that is about it for me tonite. I am off to bed and dream a little dream about something good for a change! Have a good nite everyone!!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

Weather, Prairie Star, & A Gift

Evening all. Today has been just one of those days that you would like to crawl back into bed and wake up hoping all would be well with the world.

Lets start with this horrible weather that we are having. Yes I said horrible. It has been up in the 40's and 50's for the last week or so. We went from this (pic on the left) on Dec. 1st to this(pic on the right). Those 2 patches of white is what is left of my snow! Between the rain and unseasonal warm weather we are having it just all melted away. This is so not right for December! Come on I want some more SNOW!! Just is so not fair. I want my white Christmas! Santa if you are reading this, I don't ask much. Really just a tree or two and some SNOW on the ground to make it look like a winter wonderland! So if you would consider dumping some on us by next weekend and letting me keep it til the day after Christmas that would be completely wonderful!! Thank you!

Next on my really not so right day.... My father-in-law who I mentioned before about having his kidney removed due to cancer, had to have another exploratory surgery done today. But they just didn't explore, they removed another tumor from his bladder. Hubby said that he doesn't look too good. So maybe you could say a little prayer for him. We are going up to see him tomorrow. They will know Tuesday for sure if it is cancer or not what they removed.

My day did perk up a little bit when I got the mail today. I got a very sweet, thoughtful, and totally unexpected gift from a friend. I have to say that out of all the people I have met in my life you gals out there in the blogging world are the best! Nett from "Nothing but Nett" sent me a lovely snowman ornament(I so love this ornie. I almost bought it a while back when I seen it), some candies, and a sweet card that I just totally adore the picture on it! Looks like something my sisters and I would have done! I would like to send a very big THANK YOU! to Nett. It really made my day!

Well as you might now I didn't do much of anything today. I worked on the Prairie Star a little bit and figured out my color dilemma. The sky blue is suppose to be there. On the last post about the navy and country blue, those are the darker colors I was debating between for the very point of the star. Which ever one I used would also be the border color for the whole afghan. After putting both the country blue and navy tip on the star side by side I decided to go with the country blue. It looks the best in the sunlight. So I got all six points done and I started the white section tonight. I am moving right along with it! The light blue in the picture is not the true color. It is more muted in person than here. Maybe tomorrow will be a sunny day and I can get a really good picture of it.

Well really not much else going on other than teenagers and husbands. For some reason none of them can get along tonight no matter what. I really need a nice long vacation some place cold and where they have snow!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!!

Decisions! Decisions!

Evening all. Today has been unbelievably warm. We got up to 57 degree, which just is not normal. Tomorrow I will post a picture of what it looks like outside. You would not believe me if I told ya! Tomorrow it is suppose to be a little cooler and by next Tuesday we are suppose to hit the normal temperature.

I got some more baking done today, well sort of. I got the dipped pretzels done. I was going to make some oatmeal cookies, but for some reason my batter flopped. I think I let the butter sit out for too long. They were as flat as a piece of paper. Ugh!! I will be making a fresh batch tomorrow and hopefully get the peanut butter cookies made too. Also I will get the sugar cookie dough made so this weekend the kids and I can make cutout cookies and decorate them.

I got an email from my holiday exchange swap partner Donna, letting me know that she got the box I sent her. So now I can finally share with you my secret projects that I have been slaving over for the last month or so! She loved everything. Even her dog Wyatt loved his toys and stocking. I am so glad she liked it all. You really should check out her Esty store and Ebay store. Exspecially this Snowman Tree Topper and Snowman series. She is very talented and has some great stuff at both stores! This is one of the best swaps that I have done and I am so glad I got to met her and be her swap pal! Thank you again Donna for making this great!!

Tonite was the crochet/knit group at our Public Library. My daughter and I went and I for one had a good time. Its really great to be around other ladies doing what I love to do. There is some really talented ladies there. I manage to get some more done on my PS. Except for a small dilemma that I am having with the darker blues. I can not make up my mind which I like better. So here is the question of the night, which color do you prefer? Navy blue to the right? or Country blue to the left? Let me know what you think!

Well that is really it for me tonight. I am off to dreamland. Have a busy day planned for tomorrow!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

Buckeyes

Here is the recipe for buckeyes. They are very rich and almost taste like a Reeses Peanut Butter cup.

1/2 lb butter
1 lb peanut butter
1 1/2 lbs powder sugar
chocolate for melting

Mix the butter, peanut butter, and powder sugar together. Roll into balls, about an inch in size. Place on parchment paper on cookie sheet. Refrigerate for a couple of hours. Melt chocolate. Stick a toothpick in the balls and dip into the melted chocolate. Place back on parchment paper and let set up. Eat and Enjoy!

This is my grandmas recipe. She use to make these for me all the time. One of her best ones!

A Prairie Star and Yummies!

Evening all. Yesterday was one of them days that I tried to get things done but just never actually managed to do any of it. So we are just skipping Tuesday all together.

I made a run for the store and picked up a few things. I found this darling place mat with a snowman on it with a black and red check border. The snowman on the left I had bought a few years back and its a napkin ring. I could never find any place mat that matched it til this year.

Today I decided that I would like to do a little Christmas baking. I use to send tins of my delicious goodies to my family cause they never get to come here and we never get to go to their house for the holidays. Plus they all love everything I make. I only got a few of the items made that I wanted to due to the fact I forgot a very important item at the store when I went. Vanilla.... which meant no sugar cookie dough, peanut butter cookies, peanut blossoms, or oatmeal cookies. I did manage to get some Buckeyes, No Bake Cookies, and some chocolate candies made. Tomorrow I will get some more baking done. I would like to at least send out a couple of tins this year to my loved ones. So for the next few days if you don't hear from me it is cause I am baking and getting that done.

Something else that I am proud to announce is that I can finally show some of my lovely crocheting again. I am making a Prairie Star afghan for someone. She basically said I could choose the colors. I started on it last nite and worked a little more on it tonite. Its coming along nicely. I decided to lean towards the Americana colors and she agreed that it would be lovely.

My daughters one friend came over again today for another crocheting lesson. She worked on her cuff for her stocking but made a couple of errors so she did a little rip job on it again. But tonite she got it all to come out perfect. She even did the top part of the stocking and started working on the leg of it. This is one of the most simply pattern out there. Basically sc all the way through it. She even had some extra credit as she put it. She started a simply sc scarf. Made a few little errors in the beginning, but there is a way to make it all match up when she is done with it. I will work a little of my magic on it! She is really doing awesome. This feels really good to teach another young person out there how to do this. Like passing on a tradition. After the holidays I am going to help my daughter setup some kind of meeting for teenagers who like the fiber world. Be kind of neat for her to have people her own age to crochet/knit with. Will keep you posted on it.

Well that will be it for me tonite! I am off to dreamworld. Have many things to do tomorrow, including laundry.... I can never get away from this job! Ugh!!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

News Cast of my Life.....

Sunday News........

Middle school band Christmas concert took place. I have been trying to upload a little video that I took during the concert. They did this one song that my son had a small solo part in that "HE NAILED". I was one proud parent. As soon as I can figure out how to get it uploaded I will be sharing with you!

In other important news..... I manage to work on the second part of my Holiday Exchange Swap. While working on that my daughter had her friend come back over for another crocheting lesson. She has now advanced to making her first project, which will be a Christmas stocking. She got the cuff all done only to have to rip it back out for missing stitches and not doing the right stitch. She will be back Wed. to pick up where she left off.

Monday news......

Today found it cloudy outside with a little dizzle going on. They are calling for more showers. This makes this blogger one unhappy person. If we get the rain they are calling for and it keeps warming up there will be no snow! If there is no snow, there will be no white Christmas! *crys*

Also today... Holiday exchange Swap items are now completed and boxed up. They will be shipped out in the morning. I will be able to show you what was made by Friday or Saturday. It all turned out cute and perfect. Stay tuned for further details.

This afternoon my son and hubby made a trip down to the Quad Cities to the Mark. My son as you know plays the sax. About a month ago he wrote an email to the promotion people for the Quad City Mallards. He asked them if he could play the "Star Spangle Banner" before one of the hockey games. The man emailed him back and told him to call and setup a time to come down for an audition. He has been practicing for the last few weeks (meaning I have had to threaten him within an inch of his life to practice) and going to school early to get help from his band teacher. The band teacher also rewrote his part a little bit to make it sound better. She did some really good coaching with him on this and I made him play scales for me to work on his note tones. Well all this practicing has paid off for him. He will be playing the "Star Spangle Banner" after Jan 1, 2007 for the Quad City Mallards game. Not sure which one yet. The man told him he could pick the game he wants to play at. Bonus... He gets tickets for the family, pick the seats he wants to sit in after playing, and autographs from the team. I am one very PROUD! mom!! Now he really needs to practice some more so it is beyond perfect when he plays it. Stay tuned for further updates of this story.

Well that is about all the news for this night. Stay tuned for coming crochet news.... Should be tomorrow will have pictures to post of the new project.

Signing off........ Til next time.....

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!

PS.... was bored waiting for the Bears game to end. Hubby has it on as I type in the bedroom.... ugh!!

Christmas MeMe

Nett tagged me to do this, I am one of many she tagged. Enjoy!


Attach a photo of one of your current holiday displays:Here is my snowman tree. I still have some bare spots to fill. But I will over the years! That is the fun of a Christmas tree!

1. Egg Nog, Mulled Cider, or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog Milkshakes and Mint Hot Chocolate with whip cream on the top.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? He has us elves help him wrap boxes to put under the tree. And on Christmas eve he does his magic and twitches the nose to make the presents get in the box. (yes I am a kid at heart and I still believe)

3. Do you decorate the outside of your home with lights? Any other displays? I have colored lights across the front with lights and garland going around my windows. Also have two deers in our front yard.

4. Poinsettias, Holly or Mistletoe? Mistletoe

5. When do you put up your decorations? I would start the Monday before Thanksgiving if hubby would let me get by with it, but normal I start the day after Thanksgiving and have it all done by that Sunday.

6. Do you prefer to give or receive? Give

7. Cut tree, live tree, artificial tree, or Festivus pole? Artificial mainly cause I love having the tree up for so long. Secondly I dont think I could handle having a real tree in the house with our allergies and the cats.

8. Have you ever made a gingerbread house? No, but son is bugging me to make one this year. So if I can get my crocheting done I will probably try and do it next weekend just for him.

9.Do you display a nativity scene?I dont have one. This is on my list of wants. Soon I will get one.

10.When did you learn the truth about Santa? What are you talking about... the truth about what? I know there is a Santa. You just have to believe!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Snow! You know the answer to this one I hope! The more the merrier!! I LOVE IT!!!

12. Can you ice skate? Never have tried.

13. Do you open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?The hubby and I open ours Christmas eve and Christmas morning is all about the kids!!

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you? Spreading the Christmas cheer and spending time with my kids and hubby!

15. What is your favorite holiday cookie? Sugar cookies and those peanut butter blossoms with the Hershey kisses!

16. What tops your tree? My toy tree has a globe of the world with Santa, sled, and reindeer going around it. My snowman tree has a snowman bottle hugger on the top.

17. What is your favorite Christmas song? White Christmas, Santa Baby, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Deck the Halls, Jingle Bell Rock, A Holly Jolly Christmas.... are you getting the picture yet? LOL

18. What is your favorite Christmas movie or story? White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Polar Express, all the cartoon ones, and any and all that I can get my kids to watch with me.

19. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? If Yum, how do you eat them? Usually bite off small pieces.

20. Do you send Christmas cards? If yes, do you enclose a letter or picture?Yes. I only write letters in 4 cards... my one sister, my stepmom, my uncle, and my grandpa. I also only send pictures of the kids to them. My hubbys family gets to see them all the time if they choose too.

21. What kind of lights do you decorate your Christmas tree with? White lights, or another solid color, multi colored, candles, or a novelty light such as bubble lights? My toy tree has color lights and my snowman tree has white lights.

22. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?

23. Best present that you have received? I have two really.... The first was when I first moved in with my hubby. He asked me that year what I would like for Christmas and I told him if he got me a tree and a few ornaments I would be the happiest person alive. Thats what he did.. a little 20 dollar tree with some bulbs and color lights. We did manage to get an ornament from Hallmark that year for our first Christmas together. I still have that one to this day. Sits that the top of my toy tree with my Kiss Kiss Bears. The second one is just a couple of years ago.... I jokingly told him one day when I was looking at a sale paper that I would love to have an emerald ring with diamonds. I told him how much it was and said oh wait here is one cheaper without diamonds. Now I was not expecting to get this cause I knew we did not have the money for it. But he surprised me and got it. It is not one of them man made emeralds either.... its the real thing tear drop shape with the diamonds on both sides of it. My most treasured gift that I never take off!

24.Turkey, Ham, Seafood, or Soup for your holiday dinner? Ham

25.Describe your favorite Christmas ornament. Hallmark Keepsake Glass ball with raccoons hanging ornaments on a tree by a fireplace saying... "Love decorates are lives with joy."

I am going to tag:

Jaye
Andrea
Andi
Tabby
Priscilla

And whoever else wants to do this. Leave me a note and I will take a look.

Well I have been busy crocheting all day and I am just about done with part 2. Now I am tired and going off to bed!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!

Saturday Sky

Good Morning! Today there is a gorgeous blue sky out! Here is a list of things that have to get done today:

1. Take Saturday Sky shot ..... done
2. Start Roast for dinner .... done
3. Take shower...... done
4. Post Saturday Sky shot ... done
5. Finish up my holiday exchange gift..... NOT done!

If you dont hear from me for a couple of days, you will know why. I have crocheted my fingers to the bone.

Have a great day!! Til later Jelly Beans.......

Lookie what I got!

Afternoon all! I got a wonderful surprise in the mail today! Ok I have been talking about my secret projects and how I could not show you what I have been making. Well my partner got hers all done for me and sent it out. I got it today! YaY!! She made me some wonderful things and I cant begin to thank her enough for everything! Donna you are one sweet lady and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Look for an email soon! Excited here and cant get it all typed at once.... hehehe

First off after opening the box I took everything out and took pictures before I opened each thing. The first thing that caught my eye was a book that she wrote for me! That is one of the sweetest things anyone has every done for me! So awesome!! I am still reading it! Very well done! (yes I played with the camera and set the timer on it and took my own pic...lol)

Next I found some great ornaments for my tree. They are so cute. They are right up my alley!

She made all these great Raggedy Anns and Andys for me plus the bear. They are sooo adorable and she did a wonderful job on them! Beautiful detail! Donna you are one amazing and talented lady! Even inside the boxes were little cushion areas for them to lay in!

Also in the snowman tin were some yummy Chocolate candies and brownies! Very delish!!

This is one of the best things I have ever gotten in the mail. The time and effort that was so lovingly put into all of it! Just Wow!! Amazing! There really is no words to describe how pleased and happy I am about this!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! Its all so great!!

I have to kick it up in high gear now and get my hands to moving like they were rockets. I am still working on part two. With the Christmas program last night I didnt get much crocheting done. Today I was actually going to spend the whole day working on them, but for some reason or another the universe must be against me.

I got the kids to school, got my shower and made a run to the store. Hubby had to go to Iowa City with his dad today.... will explain about this at another time. Anyways, I was thinking this would be the perfect day to sit and crochet while everyone is gone. The house to myself! The Gods are against me I tell you... First I get a call from the band booster president wanting to know where the cheese is for the chili supper. Well it was suppose to be delivered by the companies that were donating it. They didnt deliver it like they said they would. So hubby had to call before he left and get it all straightened out, which means I had to run and get the cheese and take it to the school. After that I came home and just started picking everything up and there comes the mailman with my box! You know that was it for me and crocheting today...LOL I got sidetracked and havent gotten back on track yet! But I am getting my thank yous posted. After I get the kids I will get my butt to work and get them done. I will be crocheting with the speed of lightening!!

Well I am off... I have to go get the kids from school... And I think I will be running them back to the school for the chili supper and pep band tonite. They have a double header for basketball tonite... girls and boys!

Have a great nite Jelly Beans!!!

PS.... THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN DONNA FOR A GREAT PACKAGE! I LOVE IT ALL!!

Evening all. Today has been a blistery, cold, cant feel fingers and toes kind of day. This am when we took the kids to school the high was 9 degrees and -10 with the wind chill. Brrrrr!! that is go back to bed weather. I love the snow and I love winter, but being this dang cold is just ridiculous!!

I worked on some more of part two today for the holiday exchange. I am cruising right along with it. Part two I could probably make in my sleep. I hope she likes them. Will have more to report on this towards the middle of next week with actually pictures once she receives it all.

I did some grocery shopping today with a little Christmas shopping in there too. I even manage to get some more of that laundry done. I swear the clothes must be multiplying. I dont know where half this stuff comes from. And I dont think they have worn all these dang clothes.

Today was the High School Band Christmas concert. I love going to these. I get to hear the music and see how all that money we spent on the instrument is paying off. My daughter does pretty good with it, so it was well worth it. The band director didnt think they were going to do that well cause at rehearsal they werent sounding too good. Let me say it was Wonderful! They did an awesome job and he should be proud! The choir did an excellent job also! They always perform with the band. So of those choir members can really sing too! Like one of them is my daughters friend and I have heard her belt it out without anyone singing with her. She definitely could be on Broadway! Overall this was a nice nite!

However.... and this is a big however.... I dont think my hubby should be allowed to sit with his friends at these kind of events. His one buddy showed up, they have been friends for 30 some years I think.. Anyways, he should up cause his daughter is in band. But when these two get together they seem to forget that we are at a school function. There is a time and place for everything and this was not the place for them. Now some of you ladies have talked to my hubby and you know what he is like, so go with your imagination on this one and you will understand my complaint here. I love him, but he is not allowed to sit with his friends no more!! LOL Somedays I feel like his mom! Geez!! And you wanna know what is worse than this??? Well hubby gets my son going too and there is no stopping the two of them. Like father, Like son! Oh well... whats a mom to do?? Ya gotta love em!!

Well this is it for me tonite. Blogger is being a pain in the rear and will not let me post comments on some blogs tonite. So tomorrow hopefully it will let me. I am off to bed! Have a great nite everyone!

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!!

Same story, different day!

Evening all. This has been one of them blah days. I didnt get much sleep last night due to hubby snoring all night long. Then when he finally did roll over he got up coughing and hacking instead. Just not a very good night at all.

I have been looking at the secret project all day today and still can not figure the stupid thing out. Its not the crocheting part that has me stumped. Its sewing the stupid thing together to make it look like it is suppose to look. No I can tell you what it is cause it may give my holiday exchange partner a clue to what I am making and I know she reads my blog! Hi Donna!!! So I am going to scratch that part of my gift to her. Sorry I have tried and wasted many hours on it. I am done with wasting time. I need to get this stuff done and in the mail to her. Right now I should be done in a couple of days. The second part dont take that long for me to whip up. So just a few more days of pictures of Rascal to keep you content!

The first picture is of Rascal worming his way into the afghan laying on the couch. We find him under all the blankets and afghans in the house all the time. If you look closely to the bottom left hand corner of Rascal hiding, you will see that I have actually been crocheting. That is part two of my holiday exchange gift. So see my friends I have been crocheting. Just cant show what I am working on. Soon ... I am almost done! The second one is just him laying there telling me to put down the camera. LOL And the last one is of him jumping up trying to snag the ribbon from my hand. It took about 15 mins and 50 different shots to get this picture.

I got some more Christmas shopping done. I am just bout done. A few more things for the teenagers that drive me up the wall and then a few things for the hubby! I even got them wrapped already. I cant wait to see their faces on Christmas morning! It is still a blast even as they get older! I so Love this holiday!!

Well that is about it for me tonight. I am off to do a little reading and then to bed.

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

PS... if you dont have your sound on ... turn it on and listen to one of my favorite top 10 Christmas songs. I just LOVE! this song!! Its by Eartha Kitt. And check out this *Santa Link*. *giggles* Its cute!

PSS... Its snowing some more! Yay!!

*%@#&^*%$#@

All I have to say is, if you do a pattern, then make damn sure you write the directions and explain it so people can actually understand the damn thing!!!! I can not for the life of me figure out this stupid thing and it is driving me nuts!! I may have to scratch this part! Or this could explain why I didnt make it the first time for myself! Ugh................................ (pulling out hair)

I am going to bed! I just cant get it!! I have tried numerous times! Stupid damn thing!!!

Sweet Dreams to everyone except me... I will be having nitemares about how to do this stupid thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From AJ

Good morning everyone! I got a text message this am to do someone a favor.. Here it is....

A Great Big Hi and Miss everyone from AJ!!!!! And hopefully she will be back online soon!

Til Later Jelly Beans..........

Things You May Not Know About Me

Things You May Not Know About Me

Four jobs I’ve had in my life:
1. Waitress
2. CNA
3. Test Scanner
4. n/a

Four movies I would (and/or do) watch over and over:
1. Gone with the Wind
2. Green Mile
3. It's A Wonderful Life
4. Pirates of the Carribean

Four places I have lived:
1. Richton Park, IL
2. Lufkin, TX
3. Horseshoe Bend, AR
4. Mesquite, TX

Four TV shows I love (or would love) to watch:
1. Grey's
2. Men in Trees
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Lost

Four Places I have been on Vacation:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Any and all Italian food
2. Reuben Sandwiches
3. Oatmeal Cookies w/out raisins
4. Powder Donuts (I dont buy them or I eat them in one day, honest)

Four of my favorite books:
1. Any by Stephanie Lauren
2. Confessions of a Shopaholic
3. Any of my knitting/crocheting books
4. Ok who am I kidding any and all historical trashy romance novels! hehe

Four friends who I want to do this:
1. Karen
2. Darlene
3. Andi
4. Priscilla


This is it for me tonight. I have been busy working on the part two of my holiday exchange. I am getting closer to being able to share this with you. Right now though I am off to bed. Have a great night everyone.

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!!!

Evening all. Today turned into just being lazy around the house. I didnt get to bed till late last night. Part of the reason is I wanted to get some presents all wrapped up. My kids went to this youth center that is part of the church. So I got a wonderful 3 hours without them. It was the perfect time to get the wrapping paper out and get busy. I managed to get them all wrapped. I finished up the ribbons on them this morning. I am not even done shopping for my devils yet. But hopefully by next week I will have everything that I want to get them.

As normal Pumpkin had to help in his own dear way. He will climb into in box, no matter the size of it. And what is really funny is most of the time he dont really fit in any of them. Rascal was right along beside me the whole night trying to swat at the ribbons and pounce on every little thing. I even manage to talk hubby into making a run to get me an eggnog milkshake, my favorite this time of year. Rascal wanted to help me drink it.. LOL

This morning found me giving the kitties a bath and doing a little laundry. Laundry is one of them tasks that never seems to go away. I could do 2 loads a day and still feel like it is piled to the ceiling.

My daughter has a friend that wants to learn to crochet. She said that she could crochet a while back, but she really didnt remember how. Her friend came over today and we spent 3 hours watching Harry Potter movies and teaching her how to crochet. Started with the basic chain stitch and after she had a very long chain, I showed her how to do the single crochet. She did a complete row of that and then it was on to the double crochet. She is pretty good at it, just needs to learn how to hold the hook and yarn a little bit better and she will be making all kinds of things in no time flat. Really sweet girl. All three of us had a blast this afternoon. Its really nice to see other girls take an interest in this art and to help carry it on.

I have finally completed part one of my holiday exchange gift, onto part two. Part two will only take a few days. I should be able to put it in the mail by Saturday if all goes well. Keep your fingers crossed that I get it done. I would love to do a few things for myself before I have to make the Prairie Star Afghan.

My Christmas cards are finally ready to go in the mail. I am really late on getting them out this year. I usually try to have them all mailed on the 1st of Dec. With everything going on I just didnt get them done. I guess its ok, I am behind on everything else why not the cards too...LOL

Kids get to go to school tomorrow. My son is probably welcoming that considering her wore himself out so bad that he was in bed by 6:30 tonight. And this is after falling asleep on the couch and then the floor. Now you are probably asking what wore him out so bad. Well that is easy... Going snowboarding for 3 hours after spending the night at his friends house... LOL He had fun and that is all that matters.

Well I am tired and ready for bed. Have a great night everyone.

Sweet Dreams Jelly Beans!

Saturday Sky and Rascal

Afternoon all. My Saturday Sky shots look completely different from yesterdays snowy blizzard shots. It looks gorgeous out today, even though it is a tad bit chilly! I am been in staying warm, drinking mint flavored hot chocolate.

~Today I was suppose to go take my recertification test for nursing assistant. The teacher who does the testing called and canceled last nite. She was still buried and was waiting for someone to come along and plow her out. She canceled all of her classes because of the weather. But she did tell me not to worry, that she understands the ones that are retaking this test have not worked in a while. She also explained a few things to me over the phone. Most of it is basic common knowledge and I should be fine. I will know Wed. when we will reschedule me to take it. Hopefully it will be before Christmas.

~Today I plan on doing some laundry, which I have already started. After I get off here I am going to get my secret project all finished up today if it kills me! I have a couple of other things that I want to get whipped up for my Holiday Exchange partner and I know they wont take long to make. Then it will be on to some snowmen. I have one pattern that I want to make for sure. I already bought the stuff for it! I cant wait to make it!

~My friend AJ from "this life of mine" is moving today and I wont get to talk to her for a while. I am going to miss her and I hope that everything goes smoothly. Also that they stay safe and dont hurt themselves! Miss you already!! Hugs!!

~Rascal's new favorite sleeping spot is under the Christmas trees. It has been one year ago today that I brought him home, even though my hubby didnt want me to. Rascal has wormed his way into everyones hearts, even the hubby's. He name definitely fits him to a T. But he is so sweet and loving! Everyone should have a pet like him!

~Well that is it for me. I am off to do a little crocheting and more laundry. Tomorrow I am hoping that I can get some holiday baking done. Stay warm and safe!!

~Later Jelly Beans!!!

It SNOWED!!!

Good morning all!


I got my snow!


Yay!!


Different shots from from the front of my house of our street.


The ones of the house and car is mine. A friend asked if I had a snow blower and my driveway is the reason for having one. Where I am standing to the car is half way. My drive goes past the garage on the left. It would take 1 1/2 hours to shovel before the snowblower.


My son is working on our driveway now. They cancelled all the schools for our area!


SNOW DAY!!!! Speaking of that. That sounds like a real good movie to watch today!

Well I am off to make sure the son is doing it right and not playing! hehehe

Have a great warm and snowy day Jelly Beans!!!!


PS... be back later with a picture of a snowman that I know my son will build for me!