MoMmY nEeDsA mAi-tAi !!!

1. Brazil - Papai Noel
2. Japan - Santa Kurousu
3. Switzerland - Saint Nicholas, Chriskind
4. Italy - Babbo Natale
5. France - Pere Noel or le Petit
6. China - Che Dun Lao Ren
7. Austria - Weihnachtsmann, Nikolaus
8. Belgium and the Netherlands - Black Pete, Christkind, Noel and Saint Nicholas
9. Iceland - Jolasveinn
10. Lithuania - Kaledu Senu
11. England - Father Christmas
12. Holland - Kerstman
13. America- Santa Claus!!
    

There is no "I" in m-e-m-e
Found this over at Paper Napkin , it looked fun!

accent: American
booze: I typically do NOT drink, but if I do, I like a Mai-Tai!
chore I hate: Doing dishes BITES!
dogs/cats: I like both. We had a dog, but she got out and got ran over :(
essential electronics: I cant live without my cellphone, my DVD player, and my Stereo.
favorite perfume/cologne: Cool Water for Women.
gold/silver: I much prefer silver. I do wear my wedding band and engagement ring, which are both gold though.
hometown: Way Up North, Georgia.
insomnia: I HAVE to have insomnia, thats the only way I get a paycheck!
job title: Night Audit/Desk Clerk at a major Hotel.
kids: 2, beautiful twin daughters :)
living arrangements: 2 story home, right close to town, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
most admired trait: I try to be fair to everyone, and treat everyone equally.
number of sexual partners: right now, 1, and that would be my husband!
overnight hospital stays: 1, but it was overnight for 5 nights, when I had my c-section, with the girls.
phobia: Spiders, and something bad happening to my kids or husband.
quote: "freedom's just another word for, nothing left to lose..." -Janis Joplin
religion: Christian.
siblings: 3 half sisters, 2 of which do NOT know that I'm their sister.
time I usually wake up: When it's time to pick up the kids from school. Only because I get off work at 7 a.m, take them to school, then come home and go to bed.
unusual talent: I can type really fast, and I can pinch with my toes!
vegetable I refuse to eat: Beets, Mushrooms, Asparagus.
worst habit: I procrastinate! I wait until the last minute to do ANYTHING!
x-rays: When I sprained my knee, when I sprained my ankle, and when I sprained my OTHER knee!
yummy foods I make: fettuccini alfredo w/ chicken, meatloaf, cakes...
zodiac sign: Cancer! I'm a CRAB!

Ahh, so did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? We did! I ate too much, was way too lazy, and didnt drink enough to deal with the inlaws! hehe. Just kidding, my inlaws are great, but it's nice to be able to visit and then GO HOME!
Things were different this year, a little bit strained, because my MIL wasnt there :( We all did the best we could do to make it normal though.
The ride in the car (5.5 hours) on the way there was LONG. I got off work at 7 a.m on Thursday morning, and at 9 a.m, we were on the road to KY. Of course, I couldnt sleep because the girls were wired. Thank goodness I didnt have to drive!
It was okay once we got there and had dinner though, there were so many people that wanted to spend time with the girls that I was able to find a bed and lay down!
We spent the first 2 nights at my BIL's and the last night at my SIL's house. The hardest part is spreading ourselves thin enough to spend time with everyone!
Let me tell you though, there was some GREAT food! Yummmmy!


Want to hear something funny? I was getting out of the shower earlier tonight and Shelby walked in the bathroom. Umm, hello, mommy's getting dressed, can you please excuse me? She caught sight of my scar, from where I had my c-section. I've already told them the story about how the doctor had to open up mommy's tummy to get them out. When she saw the scar, she said "mommy, does it hurt?" I said, not anymore. She said, "who glued you back together?" I had to laugh at that! It's so funny the things that they come up with sometimes!

Anyways, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Is everyone preparing for Christmas now? We went driving around looking at Christmas lights tonight. I love doing that :) It means that the season has officially started! Well, Goodnight all, and *hugs*

I bet that I'm not the only one who learned how to bake a Thanksgiving turkey by watching my Mama, right? Well, right up until today, I thought we were doing it right. Then, when I get to the school to pick up the girls today, I was handed a booklet. "How To Cook a Turkey, Directions by Head Start Class A and Class B" These kids really taught me something ;0) So all you ladies (and guys) who thought you knew how to fix the perfect turkey for your families...think again, listen to these ideas! *not to be taken seriously, for health reasons LOL*

*not using names of children, except for my own*

• (My Shelby) Roast it in a pan. Cook it on the stove for 8 to 10 days.

Yummy, wouldnt that be a tasty turkey? Cooked for that long? LOL

• First you buy it at the store. I (this child) dont know how to fix it, but it's always good!
• Cook it like a horse. You put it in the microwave so long.

*Frantically looking up a recipe for "cooked horse"*

• Put it in the oven for 1000 months.

Alright! Fear Factor Turkey!!!

• Put it in a bowl, and then a pan, and then into the oven. Cook it for four (4) minutes.

MMkay!

• My mommy cooks it in the microwave for four (4) days.

Wow...mommy has issues LOL

• (My Shaleena) Put it in the refrigerator then the stove and cook it.

Okay, not tooting my own horn, but at least my kid knows I use the stove instead of the microwave!

• Hide it under the blanket, then put it outside, then you put it in the microwave. Then you bake it for 5 hours.

*translation* Hide it under the blanket, put it outside and let the wild animals have their way with it, then bake it in the microwave for 5 hours until it tastes like rubber.

• Squeeze it and put it in the microwave until it gets bigger. Then you eat it.
• The bones are on the side, the chicken is in the middle, put some salt on it so it will taste better. Cook it in the oven for 5 minutes. Then take it out. Then put more salt on it and at night you put it in the refrigerator to get the salt out.

Sounds like her mommy uses Paula Deen's recipe for "Turdunken." You know, the turkey that has a duck AND a chicken inside it!

• Put it in a pan, put it in the oven, then get it out. If it is not good, give it to the dogs and cats.

My personal favorite idea ;o)

• Cook it at home! Put it in the pan and put it in the oven and cook it for half a second. Then get it out and put it on plates.

We'll call this "tursushi." Haha, I'm so funny! Get it? Tursushi=turkey + sushi! It only cooks for 1/2 a second...

• Bake it in the fire. You cook it five minutes. The turkey is in the woods and you kill it. It only tastes good in the summer, not in the winter.
• You go to Wal-Mart and you buy it and then cook it in the oven at one hundred degrees for five minutes, then throw it in the woods. Because turkey makes us sick because we're getting old.

Dadburnit, thats why I've seen so many roasted turkeys in the woods by our house!

• Send daddy to the woods to kill it and throw it in the fire and cook it for ten minutes. Then you eat it!
• Put it in the fire for five minutes. It's in the woods and you find it and shoot it with a gun. Put it in very slowly so it wont bite you.

Ahh, this is an easy recipe. You dont have to de-feather it, or kill it. Just throw that bad boy in the oven and cook him LOL

• You only get turkey at Thanksgiving. Cook it on the stove for three minutes on hot. Then eat it!
• Go to wal-mart and buy it. Cook in a stove at hot degrees for five minutes.
• Go to wal-mart (but not today). Let daddy buy it and cook it. He bakes it in the oven at three hundred degrees for five seconds. Take out and cut in half and then eat it. Let mommy make the pumpkin pie.

If daddy would cook it a little longer, this wouldnt be a half bad idea LOL

• Get a turkey at the grocery store and then put it in the smoker for about night time at three hundred degrees. You cut it, then eat it!
• Let grandma cook it in the heater at night time because she has an old stove . She cooks it on thirty degrees. She cuts it up because its yummy with garlic on it. Then I eat it because it's oh so good, and hot and fluffy and oh good!!!

Hmm...cooking it on 30 degrees. Maybe it tastes better frozen than it does cooked? hehe

• Get the turkey at the dollar store! Cook it in a pan and a pot on top of the stove for ten hours. Cook it on high!
• Cook it in a pan like my daddy cooked the deer last night. He finally shot one! He cooks the turkey for three hours just like the deer. You kill the turkey in the woods!

Woohoo for daddy!! He finally shot a deer! ROFL

Okay ya'll. I know that these future "Paula Deens, Rachel Ray's and Emeril's" have got you wanting to try their recipes...but, for health and sanity reasons, you might just want to stick to your "wrong" way of doing it, just like you have forever! hehe All I can say is...Kids say the darndest things :) And by the way, I used the exact words that the kids did so, no, I'm not goofy LOL Enjoy :0)

*Tomorrow night will be my last night of work until sunday night. We are going to Kentucky to spend Thanksgiving with my husbands family. So, if I dont post tomorrow night, I wish you all the very best Thanksgiving. Enjoy your family being together, and eat lots of turkey! *hugs to all*

Conversation between my girls and I after recieving a letter from Drama Queen and her Momma in the mail today...

Me: Look Girls, it's a letter from Drama Queen!!
Shaleena: Who's Drama Queen?
Shelby: I like Drama Queen!
Me: Drama Queens Momma is my friend on the computer. *proceeds to read letter*
Me: Stickers!
Shaleena: Give me my stickers! I want to be a Drama Queen.
Shelby: Me too!
Me: Dont worry girls, you got a headstart, you are Drama Queens in training!
Girls: *looking at mommy like she has two heads*

They were really excited to get mail today! It really balanced out the bad mail. I also recieved the bill from the Emergency room for when I was sick. Thank God the girls have insurance is all I'm sayin'!

We got our first snow flurries of the year today :) It actually came down pretty hard for a few seconds, then it was like *ooh, theres a snowflake* every 3 minutes LOL

I made a really yummy, easy supper tonight. My version of Chicken Parmesan (yah, I know thats not the right spelling, but who cares? LOL). Boneless chicken breasts, baked, topped with spaghetti sauce and shredded cheese! It was yumdiddlyumptious!

I've got the prettiest ornament to send to my exchange partner, I just need to get it in the mail! It's actually not a tree ornament, more like something you'd hang in your window, or somewhere like that.

I've been fretting over the fact that I havent got my Christmas gift exchange package put together yet, I'm having a hard time deciding what to put in it. I better get it done soon though, because times a wastin'!

I've been playing around on a generator site and these are some of the results :) I made my very own award to give out, which I have already emailed to Kailani. She is very deserving of it, and so are some others. So, watch out, you might just be the recipient of the next "Sam's Favorite Blogs Award." But, you dont have to feel obligated to show it on your blog or anything, it's just something I made that I thought was cute. And arent those fonts down there cute? Now, if only I could figure out how to use different fonts all the time, I'd be happy!

We've had this new local radio station (97.1 f.m. "The River") since the beginning of the year. All it plays is classic rock. So, this Monday Memory is about songs I remember from childhood, inspired by this radio station (some of the songs I'll mention are NOT classic rock though). Maybe you all remember them too? Oh, and I'm not sure that I have all the titles absolutely correct, so if I make a mistake and you catch it, let me know :)

• Sundown (Gordon Lightfoot)
• Hurts so good (John Cougar Mellencamp)
• Kiss an Angel Good Morning (Charlie Pride)
• Thriller (Michael Jackson)
• Whip It (Devo)
• My Angel is a Centerfold (J. Guiles Band)
• Really Love Your Peaches, Wanna Shake Your Tree (Steve Miller Band) (Cant think of the right title for that song)
• Like a Virgin (Madonna)
• Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
• Dude Looks Like A Lady (Aerosmith)

Can any of ya'll think of some songs that you remember from growing up? I LOVE music, and it looks like my girls are going to be the same way. I like rock (classic rock, especially), country, SOME rap (but not much LOL), heck, there's even some folk music that I like, and even some heavy metal. I'm the one that you hear singing to herself when she thinks no one is listening LOL And usually it's an old song :)

Hi ya'll! How's everyone tonight? I wanted to tell you guys about my Ornament Exchange Partner, Heather. She's FABULOUS! She's just too cool! You all need to go and visit her :) Also, (Boy, I'm soooo LUCKY!) I have a great Gift Swap partner too! Her name is Mandy. These two ladies are wonderful, and I'm very lucky to have been introduced to them :)

In other news, I downloaded Windows Live Messenger, so if any of ya'll have it and want to add me to it so you can talk to me Instantly (woohoo LOL), you can add me by typing in my email address, which is sweetstargreeneyes@yahoo.com . Hope you all have a wonderful evening :) *hugs*

I saw this at Stranded in the Mountains who saw it at Big Blueberry Eyes and A Penny For Your Thoughts . It looked cute so I thought I'd give it a go. :)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate! I like to add Peppermint Mocha Coffee Creamer to it :)

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
He wraps everything! Even the stocking stuffers :)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
This year I put colored lights on my tree, but I have white icicle lights to put outside.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
I never did until this year!


5. When do you put up your decorations?
*looks at calendar* Today is the 19th of November, I put them up on the 17th of November! hehehe

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Spiral sliced ham! With potato salad!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child ?
Everyone coming to Grandma's house. The aunts, uncles, cousins, EVERYone! We had a huge supper and opened presents together. It was wonderful :)

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
The truth? What truth? Santa still comes to my house every single year!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We open all of the family gifts on Christmas Eve. Special Santa presents are reserved for Christmas morning, along with the stockings!

10. What kind of decorations are on your Christmas Tree?
This year, I have little wooden teddy bears, and pinecones. Also, my mom buys the girls and I each one ornament a year, so those are on there too.


11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
OOOhhh, I LOVE snow!

12. Can you ice skate?
I've only ever been one time. It wasnt for me LOL

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
The year I was pregnant with the girls (3 days before they were born) I got this huge honkin' soft, fuzzy moon and stars blanket...from Santa :)

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
For my family to be together.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
Pumpkin, Chocolate, and Lemon Pies!

16 What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Having a light supper of finger foods on Christmas Eve, right before we open our family presents :)

17. What tops your tree?
This year I was given an Angel from my (step) Great Grandma. She made it from plastic canvas. It's beautiful!

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving?
Giving to people, and watching them enjoy what I give, makes me so incredibly happy! Of course, it doesnt hurt to recieve either!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
Silent Night

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yummy?
Yummy! I love mint, especially peppermint.

At this point last year, I was pulling my hair out! I was expecting everyone at my home for Thanksgiving supper. It was my FIRST time putting on a big supper for EVERYone! I cleaned. Every room, top to bottom. I cooked. Turkey, ham, pies, salads, everything you can imagine. I was terrified that something would go wrong. I just knew that my turkey would burn, or that it would still be frozen in the center. I just couldnt stomach the thought of someone coming into my house and it not being perfect. What if my toilet wasnt sparkling? What if no one like my side dish choices? Good Grief, what was I going to do? It took my husband threatening to hide for the whole day if I didnt calm down. He said if they dont like it, they dont have to eat it. If they're not satisfied with how clean our home is, they know how to leave. But this was my family. Didnt they expect everything to be perfect? I think for a little while, I forgot what that special family gathering was all about. Not how good I cook, or how clean my house is. Not wether we have sweet potato pie or pecan. It was about thanks. I realize now that I should have been (and was) thankful for my family all being there. Thankful that we had food aplenty. Thankful that we could be together, because so many families were (and still are) seperated because one (or more) of them has been deployed to Iraq, or somewhere like that. Or because they had lost a loved one. How many of us stop to think about being thankful? This year, we lost my Mother in Law. This will be our first major family holiday without her, and it will be tough. But this year I realize I should be thankful that she is not suffering anymore. I realize that I should be thankful for the ones that ARE still here. So, if we all just sit back for a minute and look at the things we need to be giving thanks for...it will make this an even more special time with our families :) Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Eat turkey, enjoy your family, and be thankful.

*note* Last years Thanksgiving turned out fine, by the way! Nothing got burned, no one complained, and my toilet wasnt too dirty for anyone LOL

This week's questions are all from Ammy , who was the winner of the Friday Feast Contest!

Appetizer
Do you believe there is intelligent life on other planets?
More intelligent than us? hehehe!! To be honest, I do believe there is life on other planets. Intelligent or not is an entirely different story!

Soup
What is one thing you said you'd never do, but you eventually did?
Get married. Hands down that is it! I NEVER thought I'd find the right guy. But I did. :)

Salad
Who is the teacher that influenced you the most in school?
His name was Mr. Flanagan. He was my US History teacher in my JR. Year of high school. He NEVER gave anyone a perfect 100% because he said NO ONE was perfect!

Main Course
If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be and why?
I cant honestly think of anyone I'd like to be. I'd like to continue to be myself, but maybe add a few good things to my OWN life.

Dessert
What is your favorite dish to prepare?
I like preparing all kinds of dishes. I just love to cook! It makes me feel good to see my family enjoy something that I made for them.




**I'd like to say, about my T13 this week (about some great charities) that although I only listed 13, there are TONS more that are wonderful! Thirteen doesnt even cover a tip of the iceberg. And it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to hear in my comments that so many of you give to different charities :) *hugs to all of you special people!*

**I'd also like to thank you all for the great comments you left in my post about my mama. She is an angel. I'm NOT exaggerating! So, Thank You ALL :)

**Anyone enjoy the McRIB Sandwich at McDonald's as much as I do? ITS BACK! I dont know for how long, but they have returned!

**The girls talked me into putting up the Christmas Tree today, and Christmas decorations LOL I know it's a little early, but who's counting? hehehe

Thirteen GREAT Charities for Those Who Like to Give to Others :)

1. Toys For Tots Who doesnt want to give to little kids that dont otherwise have anything?

2. Boys and Girls Club of America Dont you think that it's great that there is a recreational place for kids to be, instead of on the streets?

3. National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Is it even necessary to elaborate on this one? We all know that it is very important!

4. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence We all know it's there, cant we try to stop it?

5. Ronald McDonald House Charities We can help provide affordable housing for families with hospitalized children.

6. American Red Cross Help them help others when disaster strikes.

7. Children's Miracle Network It could be one of our children someday...

8. Make-A-Wish Foundation One of my personal favorites. They help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

9. Love Our Children USA WAY to many children are being abused, we can help prevent it.

10. Wildlife Conservation Society Animals need love too!!

11. Disabled Veterans Charities This one hits close to home for me, a very special man in my life...My Papa, is a disabled Veteran from the Vietnam War.

12. Operation Gratitude Send a care package to help one of the heroes that are fighting for us and our country.

13. Gifts for Sight Donate your unwanted boats, cars, timeshares, furniture, real estate, etc...they'll pick it up at your doorstep for free AND it's tax deductible! Maybe you could help someone recieve the gift of sight.

**NOTE**

If you are wary of a certain charity, or you would just like to know more about it, you can go here to check it out, they even have them rated :)

*note* I'm not trying to push charities on anyone. I'm not saying that to be a good person you HAVE to run out and donate money or something. I'm just saying that if you cant think of the perfect gift to give mom and dad, or sis, or uncle bob, you can donate a few dollars in their name to one of these great charities. If that doesnt make you AND them feel good, then nothing will! *hugs*

Chaotic Mom is having a contest! She wants to know why we are thankful for our mothers, or those who are LIKE mothers to us. Or we can tell her why we are thankful TO BE mothers. Since I have 10 billion reasons to be thankful for my Grandma, who I call Mama, because she raised me, I dedicate this post to her. Unfortunately at this time, I have no pictures of her to add to this post, but, all you have to do is picture, in your head, love and graciousness; warmth and harmony, and there she is...


Lets start at the beginning. My Mama adopted my mom on the day she was born. My mother was very young when she had me. (barely 15) She was still in school, still living at home and being a child herself. I'm not saying that some young mothers dont do the best that they can, but my mom chose to leave the care of me to my Mama.
From the time I came home from the hospital, I slept in mama and papa's room. Mama rocked me, fed me, changed me and loved me unconditionally. You may be asking, what's so special about that? She and Papa were already raising six daughters of their own. Mama was 40 when I was born and should have had her own kids about raised and ready to be on their own. Not taking care of a newborn.
Years went by, my mother turned 19, got pregnant again and this time she got married. From the get go my stepfather hated me. I was four years old and I was in the way I guess. So back I went to Mama and Papa. When I was seven, my mom decided she wanted another go at being my mom. She had recently divorced and was dating another man. I went back to live with her. Not because I wanted to, but because Mama thought that maybe she would start acting like a mom. It didnt happen. This time it lasted until I was 9. I couldnt handle being with my mom. I wont go into all the things that I had to go through, but I will say it was the best decision I ever made to go back home to mama.
By this time, all my aunts had moved out on their own, so I was Mama and Papa's only kid. I was SPOILED! (Still am, but shhh!!) They loved me and took care of me and spoiled me, and in turn, I was a good kid, did my chores, got good grades... Then we moved to Georgia, in 1996. We rented a small house with a huge yard and a beautiful waterfall. We were the picture of happiness. Then the unimaginable struck. Mama was diagnosed with cervical cancer in early 1997. Thank God they caught it before it spread. They were able to take care of it with 30 radiation treatments and 2 radiation implants. She came through it wonderfully.
In October of 1998, my mom calls. She has decided that she cant handle my sister, can she come to georgia and live with us? So what does Mama and Papa do? Pack us up and go to Florida to bring back my sister. She was 12. What did Mama and Papa not know? She was pregnant. So now, it's me, Mama, Papa, and pregnant sister. Sister wants to quit school, but mama and papa wouldnt hear of it.
June 11, 1999. Sister gives birth to bouncing baby boy (Chad) and decides that she wants NO responsibility for THAT! So again, the raising of a newborn child is left to Mama. But Mama isnt 40 anymore. She was 58. I was raised. I was 18. I was still living at home, but I was fending for myself, I didnt have to depend on Mama for everything. But I had to help raise a baby, because I could see that Mama wasnt able to do everything like she used to. (Dont get me wrong, I loved helping raise Chad!) When Chad was 2, Mama and Papa officially adopted Chad. Sister asked them to.
Well, now Chad is 7. Sister is married and has 2 more children. Chad is a very happy, and very spoiled little boy. Mama is 65 and has just recovered from breast cancer. She was diagnosed last november (1 year ago). She went through chemotherapy, lost all her hair, and had a double mascectomy (sp?). She (again) has recovered beautifully and is very ready for the holiday season :) I know this might sound like a bunch of senseless rambling to some, but I'm not the best with words, and I just had to get out how special this woman is to me. She is my rock. My best friend.
This post is not even a tip of the iceberg compared to all the great things that she's done in her life. She has adopted 3 children (my mom, my aunt, and chad) and took sole custody of me. She invited a teenage boy into her home off the streets (referred to as Uncle Mikey), he is still part of the family today. I was 6 months old when he came to live with our family. Before she married my papa, she had been in an abusive marriage for 21 years, so she divorced and raised 4 daughters on her own for 4 years. When she married papa, he brought 2 more daughters for her to raise. She's been through cancer twice. And all I can say is ThankYou God for my Mama.


I love you Mama :)

Dear Flu Bug,

I. HATE. YOU.
I would like to find you and squash you into a nasty little puddle of goo.
I am not sure of your gender.
I AM sure that you are NOT prejudice.
You do not care what color, race, religion we are.
Nor do you care what walk of life we hail from.
I. HATE. YOU.
Why must you bring your lousy family and invade our bodies?
Sister sneeze, Brother fever, Cousin Achy...GO. AWAY.
It's not bad enough that you can make a grown adult feel worthless and helpless; but you have to go and latch onto children too?
WHY?
Antibiotics. Flu Shots. Cough Syrup.
It's not enough.
You just wont go away.
I. HATE. YOU.

Truly wanting to squash you,
Samantha

Hi everyone. I'm going to make this post short and sweet. I'm tired, I'm sick, I'm not feeling well enough to be at work, but here I am. Maybe I'll have a better post tomorrow night. It's been a long weekend. Yesterday, I had myself, Shelby AND Shaleena at the Emergency Room. All of us running raging fevers and hacking up our lungs. We're all on antibiotics and strong cough syrup. Hope all is well with everyone else. *hugs*

*Hugs to all* Okay ya'll. I'll be off for the next two nights! I know you will miss me hehehe My Thursday 13 is up. For all you guys that come and DONT leave comments, go check out Kailani's T13. I'm on her list of 13 Great Bloggers! See, so I AM loved! I'll be back Sunday night. Goodnight! *hugs*

13 Of My Guilty Pleasures :)

1. Rocking my girls to sleep every night. I dont care if they're about to be 4 years old! This is a habit that I cannot let go of!

2. Blogging. Uhh...I guess I should say DUH! LOL

3. Hershey's Kisses and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. MmmMMmm!

4. Cheesy Ooshy Gooshy Romance novels! The more historical the better :)

5. Butter! I probably use as much butter as Paula Deen the "Butter Queen" hehehe

6. Anything fried! French fries, fried chicken, you name it. I'm probably a walking heart attack!

7. Baskets. I dont need them, but I constantly buy them. How silly is that?

8. All the CSI and Law and Order shows. I LOVE EM!

9. Breakfast from Mickey D's! Gimme a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel any day :)

10. Comments on this here blog! I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning when I have new comments LOL

11. Listening to my Gramma tell stories about her childhood. I never get tired of hearing them!

12. Snuggling up with my big comfy blanket on my recliner, after the girls go to sleep. With the remote OR a good book!

13. Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops...Anywhere I can dig through someone elses junk that they dont want anymore hehehehehe

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Today started off kind of crazy! For starters, I forgot that they didnt have school today because of it being Election Day. So, when I got home from work at 7:15 this morning, what did I do? I dressed them and I took them to school! Once we got there, it did not take me long to remember that there WAS.NO.SCHOOL. Uh huh, I felt pretty stupid! I was so tired. Ready for bed. I called my sister, and asked if the girls could come hangout with her and her babies so I could get a little sleep. She said yes, I said Thank God! Anyways, I took them to her, I went home, I passed out!

At 2:30 she brought them home. By that time, I had been awake, cleaned house, AND started my supper. Not to mention, caught up on some sleep :) The girls wanted to "do art" so, after thinking for a few minutes of what to do...here's what we came up with:
We went outside and collected some fallen leaves, we found some gorgeous ones! I got out my blank craft cards from my craft box, gave them some glue and crayons. They glued a leaf to the card and colored it with fall colors. I helped them write "Happy Thanksgiving" on each one. So, now we have beautiful cards to give to the family :) They love art; drawing and gluing...etc.. At school, they go to different "centers" of their choice. Shelby and Shaleena ALWAYS choose "Art" or "House" So, what does that mean? Are they going to grow up to be Artsy Housewives? LOL Do you ever wonder what your kids will become when they are adults? I mean career wise. Shelby tells me she wants to be a baby Doctor, and Shaleena says she's going to be a singing fireman... Hmm. So lets hear what your kids want to be!

Everyone has the personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?
Answer the questions with what describes you best, add up all your points (which are next to the answer that you've chosen). Then look for you results below. Do NOT cheat by looking at the end before you are done.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?

• a) candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
• b) fun/theme park (2 pts.)
• c) painting in the park (5 pts.)
• d) rock concert (1 pt.)
• e) going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?

• a) rock and roll (2 pts.)
• b) alternative (1 pt.)
• c) soft rock (4 pts.)
• d) country (5 pts.)
• e) pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?

• a) comedy (2 pts.)
• b) horror (1 pt.)
• c) musical (3 pts.)
• d) romance (4 pts.)
• e) documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you could only choose one of these?

• a) waiter (4 pts.)
• b) professional sports player (5 pts.)
• c) teacher (3 pts.)
• d) police (2 pts.)
• e) cashier (1 pt.)

5. What do you do with your spare time?

• a) excercise (5 pts.)
• b) read (4 pts.)
• c) watch TV (2 pts.)
• d) listen to music (1 pt.)
• e) sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?

• a) yellow (1 pt.)
• b) white (5 pts.)
• c) sky blue (3 pts.)
• d) dark blue (2 pts.)
• e) red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat right now?

• a) snow (3 pts.)
• b) pizza (2 pts.)
• c) sushi (1 pt.)
• d) pasta (4 pts.)
• e) salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday?

• a) halloween (1 pt.)
• b) christmas (3 pts.)
• c) new years (2 pts.)
• d) valentine's day (4 pts.)
• e) thanksgiving (5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?

• a) paris (4 pts.)
• b) spain (5 pts.)
• c) las vegas (1 pt.)
• d) hawaii (4 pts.)
• e) hollywood (3 pts.)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time?

• a) someone smart (5 pts.)
• b) someone attractive (2 pts.)
• c) someone who likes to party (1 pt.)
• d) someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
• e) someone who is very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points to find out who you are!!!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield: You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definetely know how to have fun, but sometimes you take it on the extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy: You are fun, you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you never are out of style. You are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned. Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times.

(24-28 points) You are Elmo: You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer, if not you will have many conflicts with life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: You are the classic person that everyone loves! You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never want to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people, and then you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points) You are Dexter: You are smart and definetely a thinker. Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. Maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes.

Remember When:

We played outside till dark, when Mom called us in?
We thought we couldnt have more than one best friend?
We thought boys were disgusting?
We sat on Santa's lap and told him what we wanted for Christmas?
We didnt have to worry about raising our precious children in a hate infested, terrorist filled warzone?
We enjoyed things without being so critical?

Just some thoughts that were running through my head tonight. *hugs to all*

My Step-Great Grandmother (as she refers to herself) sends me stuff via my mom all the time. It's usually junk that I throw away, but once in a while, I'll find something worth keeping. I dont know why she sends it to me. I'll probably never know. But I do know one thing; I'll never let her know that most of it goes in the trash. I couldnt hurt her feelings like that! Well, yesterday she sent me a box full of craft odds and ends. That's something I'll keep, because I make a lot of crafts. Well, tucked away, in the box was a bundle of newspapers. I thought to myself, Ugh, just more trash! But then I started to browse through them. That's how I discovered "The Black Bear Advertiser." It's a free newspaper that she picks up at a little country store weekly. I got so engrossed in them, I just couldnt put them down! So, I wanted to share a couple of things that I read in them. I'll probably do this frequently because there's a lot of great things in them. So, without further ado...


For Those Who Thought They Knew Everything...

• No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times.
• Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes.
• You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.
• Oak trees do not produce acorns until they are fifty years of age or older.
• The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley's Gum.
• The King of Hearts is the only King WITHOUT A MUSTACHE.
• American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class.
• Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise. (Since Venus is normally associated with women, what does this tell you!)
• Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
• Most dust particles in your house are made from DEAD SKIN!
• The first owner of the Marlboro Company died of Lung cancer. So did the first "Marlboro Man"
• Walt Disney was afraid of MICE!
• Pearls MELT in vinegar!
• The three most valuable brand names on earth? Marlboro, Coca Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.
• It is possible to lead a cow upstairs...but, not downstairs. (Umm...who wants to try?)
• A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
• Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush. (OMG thats NASTY!)
• Turtles can breathe through their butts. (I know some people like that, dont YOU?)

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven, I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I dont know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God sad, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

Is that not the greatest story? I loved it! Well, I'll give you some more tomorrow :) I hope you all enjoy these things as much as I do! *hugs* Goodnight!

I know you will all think I'm crazy, but, with each day that passes, I'm already getting excited about the upcoming holidays! I find myself thinking of turkey and dressing, and humming Christmas Carols. Wondering what I'm going to send my partner for the Christmas Grotto Goodie Swap and where I can find the perfect Ornament for the Ornament Exchange! I cant stop thinking about what we should get the girls for Christmas. But, you know what? I was also thinking about what I could do this year to help the girls learn the real meaning of Christmas. They need to know that it's not only about presents, and Santa Clause. I want them to know about God, and Jesus, and how it all started. I want them to know why we celebrate Thanksgiving, not just that we get to eat all that yummy food! There are so many things to be thankful for. I personally can think of quite a few. I'm thankful for my children, my husband, my friends, my extended family, my job...among other things. Recently we had a loss in our family. My Mother in Law passed away. It's hard to find the positivity in that. But, we have to know that she's gone to a better place. She wont have any more suffering, no more sickness. We'll always miss her, but she's always with us in our hearts. This may sound like just a bunch of babble, and I dont mean to bore anyone, but I just needed to post it. For myself. I'm so grateful to all of my friends out there, you guys ROCK!
I would like to know what you all are thankful for this year...wanna share?
*hugs to all*

OOOooh I am SO excited! I got my email today telling me who my Christmas Grotto Goodie Swap partner is! Her name is Mandy, and her blog is Scrapping Through Life. You should all go and visit her, she has pictures of her little girls, they are sooooooo cute! She's from the United Kingdom! So, I'm off to learn more about her so that I can come up with some good stuff to send for Christmas :)

Being as I'm not the best person in the world to try to put things into words, I just copied and pasted this. The "chef" of Friday's Feast is on vacation so read this...


Restocking the Pantry
There's some exciting stuff going on here in the kitchen at Friday's Feast!The chef will be on vacation until November 17th. Please don't cry; your tears might fall into the soup and make it too salty. ;) From 11/1/06 to 11/17/06, we are running a contest to replenish our stock of questions. Here's how it will work:-- Send an email to fridaysfeast@gmail.com with at least 3 unique, original questions. (Please do not send questions that you find on other memes or in books. The best questions are the ones you make up yourself!)-- For each group of 3 original questions you send, your name will be entered once into a drawing to win a $25 Amazon.com Gift Code! (So if you send 30 questions, your name will be entered 10 times.) Your questions will be used in future Feasts. (If you win the contest, but are unable to use Amazon.com Gift Codes, I can send you $25 via PayPal or mail.)-- Please spread the word and post about this contest on your blog! I'd love to have lots of participation in this contest (because it's fun and it will help me out, too!).-- All entries should be emailed by 10:00PM EST on Thursday 11/16/06. At midnight on Friday, November 17th, there will be a brand new Feast, and the winner of the gift code will be announced.I want to thank every single one of you for making the Friday's Feast a success over the years. I've said it before, but I really mean it. This is just as much fun for me as I hope it is for you!

I know it's a little late, and I know it should have come before my T13, but I wanted to post this picture of the girls and my husband :) I thought it was sweet!

1. The Scandinavian's believed that the number 13 was unlucky due to the mythological 12 demigods being joined by a 13th, an evil one, who brought misfortune upon humans.

2. Walking under a ladder - A leaning ladder forms a triangle with the wall and ground. Triangles represent the Holy Trinity, and violating the Trinity by breaking it (walking through it) would put you in league with the devil himself.

3. Black Cats - In ancient Egypt, the Goddess Bast was a black, female cat. Christians, wanting to rid society of all traces of other religions, convinced the ignorant that black cats were demons in disguise and should thus be destroyed. In the process, they also destroyed the kindly ladies who cared for the cats, believing them to be witches. Being demons, a black cat crossing your path would create a barrier of evil, cutting you off from God and blocking the entrance to heaven.

4. Bad Luck: Cutting your nails on a Friday

5. Bad Luck: Breaking a mirror

6. NEVER pick up a penny unless it's on heads! (courtesy Sam's Grandma)

7. Never set your purse on the floor because all the money will run out and you'll find yourself short.

8. Hold your breath while going past a cemetary.

9. People used to think (some still might) that if you stood on your head after sex you had a better chance of getting pregnant.

10. Hiccups are unlucky because when you have them you are believed to be owned by the devil.

11. If you see a shooting star it will bring you good luck.

12. Carrying a rabbit's foot in your pocket will bring good luck.

13. My Husbands family ALWAYS eats cabbage and black-eyed peas on New Years Day because they believe it brings good luck :)


I hope you all enjoyed this. I, for one, am a VERY superstitious person. I guess it stems from being raised by my grandma, because she believes in all of this. The funny thing is, she believes that instead of the number 13 being unlucky, that it brings her luck!