definitely not cat and mouse! Tom and Jerry recipe

6 eggs, separated and room temperature*


2 1/4 cups superfine sugar, divided**

Salt to taste (just a small pinch)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup powdered milk

Boiling water

Rum, brandy, or whiskey (your choice)

Nutmeg



* I know that they say you shouldn't use raw eggs anymore! We do and have for many, many years. Just be sure and purchase very fresh or pasteurized eggs to use for this wonderful drink.



** If you can't find superfine sugar (also called Baker's sugar), use regular granulated sugar. I like to use the superfine sugar because it dissolves easier.





Preparation:



We usually tripe the recipe for our family.



In a small bowl, beat egg yolks until thick; set aside.



In a large bowl of your electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/2 cup superfine or granulated sugar slowly into the egg whites.



Fold the beaten egg yolks into the egg whites.



Add remaining 1 3/4 cups superfine or granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.



Slowly and gradually fold in the powdered milk.



Store, covered, in the refrigerator, and use as needed. Will keep up to one (1) week in the refrigerator. Mixture will probably separate in the refrigerator. No problem - just stir and use. The drink will still turn out frothy and delicious.



Serves many.







How To Make Tom and Jerry Drinks:



Make each individual serving in a large cup or mug:



Place 1 to 3 heaping tablespoons of prepared Tom and Jerry batter into each cup (amount depends on size of cup and to your taste preference).



Add boiling water to fill cups to 3/4 full.



Add 1 ounce of either rum, brandy, or whiskey to each cup (use the amount of liquor you desire - for children, leave the liquor out).



Stir until well blended



Sprinkle with nutmeg



Serve and enjoy!







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Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide and Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed.[1] Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.[2]




Over the centuries, differing churches and sects of Christianity have changed the actual traditions, time frame and their interpretations. St. Stephen's Day (or Boxing Day), for example, is 26 December in the Western Church and 27 December in the Eastern Church. Boxing Day, the first weekday after Christmas, is observed as a legal holiday in parts of the Commonwealth of Nations; Boxing Day was traditionally marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to service workers (such as postal workers and tradespeople) in the United Kingdom. 28 December is Childermas or the Feast of the Innocents. Currently, the twelve days and nights are celebrated in widely varying ways around the world. For example, some give gifts only on Christmas Day, some only on Twelfth Night, and some each of the twelve nights.

Her Choice at Christmas

This is one of my new ornaments I bought for "my" tree. Everything on this tree is white, silver, cream or sparkly. I decided to do this tree a couple of years ago as I've always loved having two trees and I love glittery ornaments but the kids ornaments were really taking up so much space on the family one. I also bought four silver ornaments each a little differet representing each of my chidlren. I have done that every years since Lauren came back into my life! So, I love my very own tree and I'm enjoying sitting in my chocolate room with my new antique sewing table and my newly painted white cabinet. Yay! My house is finally the way I want it. I love all the new paint and texture on the kitchen walls. I even looked up a tutorial on how to recover a chair. I've had my green chair for 14 years and I've always wanted to have it recovered but I just never did it. I looked at it closely and decided I can do this. I took all the pieces off of it after taking about a million upholstery staples. I saved the pieces to use as the pattern for the new fabric. I haven't decided what fabric to use. I'm excited though that I'm learning how to do this!

This morning Rick and I went to Prince of Peace and loaded up all the fun baby/chidlren items from breakfast with santa. We delivered them to Her Choice which is a counseling place for crisis pregnancies. It is a wonderful place that has been around since 2003. They deal with woman from all races, ages and socioeconomic back grounds. I would love to volunteer there, maybe I could make a difference in someone's life. That was me at one time and with support and prayer and guidance from caring people, everything worked out fine. The person who helped us get the items into the building asked Rick and I to pray as there was a woman at the center 14 weeks pregnant considering termination. We prayed as we left the parking lot. I want her to know that being pregnant isn't the end of the world for her. It is really a short time and there are so many people who would love to be the parents of her child if she chose adoption. That was my prayer for her. That she would feel that in her heart that she could carry her child to term.

Tonight, we are going to dinner with friends! Teresa came today and my house is so very clean. I just did my cheesy Biggest loser work out which is perfect for days like today. I didn't make it to spin this morning and I just didn't feel like running or doing the elliptical, so Bob Harper it was!

HOly MOly!

Goodness, I'm on break! Seriously, this first semester has flown by. It always does. Football season always makes fall go fast. The babies in the baby room are starting to walk and they're even starting to talk. It always amazes me that when we start right after labor day, their still babies but once the holidays roll around, they're little people. (I know babies are people, but you know what I mean) We ended the playschool semester with another successful breakfast with santa. It's always fun seeing the families outside of our usual mornings. After breakfast with santa all of us girls got together for lunch. We sure are a fun group and I love all of my coworkers! I feel truly blessed to work with such neat girls! We exchanged gifts and laughed and laughed and laughed at each other's stories. Always a good time! I've been a little stressed with trying to finish all the playschool ornamnets. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to do them and I love being able to give back to the playschool too. They're all done and they all turned out super cute! Also, in the mean time I've been redoing the kitchen,dining room and family room as well as moving furniture around from the living room and we are getting a bid to do the builtins for the basement! I'm so happy with the way the kitchen and family room have turned out. I don't recommend redoing during Christmas but it's all done and I love it! I ordered burlap curtains so I will change the brown curtains out from the family room, put them in the dining room and hang the burlap with a ruffle curtains in their place. When I have time, I am going to make pillows for the sofa and I have promised myself that I will learn how to recover my 15.00 yard sale chair that I bought 14 years ago. It has moved and moved and moved with us and I will get it done one of these days!

This paragraph brings me to Tim Tebow. He's been in the news a lot recently and I've only caught a glimpse of the headlines, I'm not even sure what team he plays for, I think the Broncos. I don't really follow the NFL as grown men playing football doesn't really appeal to me. Living in SEC country, Tebow has been a household name for years. I remember him when he was a senior in highschool playing for Nice, Florida. I believe Nice played Hoover for the first game of the season over 6 years ago and it was the first episode of Two A Days on Mtv. It was so hot that day, Kate was in 6th grade. We didn't go to the game but Rick and I watched it on tv. The commentators for the game talked a good bit about Tebow that day I remember them talking about his family and that he was home schooled for years. I don't think I remember a time when Tebow wasn't giving praise to God and donning the eye black stuff with scripture on it. I love it. He is true to himself and true to his beliefs and in a world where football players are jailed for murder, rape, drugs, dog fighting, Tim Tebow is a breath of fresh air! I love that my boys have him as a role model. I don't understand why anyone would have an issue with him. It's really beyond me. I truly believe that God has given him the gift of athletism so he can be an example of a successful Christian. Maybe with all the mocking and such, maybe that is just modern day persecution. I don't know but I do know that if I had to pick a role model for my boys, you better believe I'd pick Tim Tebow over who was the guy who was convited of dog fighting? MIchael Vick,thats it.

Yes Virgina there is a light at the end of the tunnel

Thursday, the last day of the semester for me. I cannot believe this first semester has gone so fast. My two's have really grown and I've so enjoyed them. Our time together in Decemeber is so short. We've done some wonderful Christmas crafts, one's I believe their parents will cherish year to year. Each year I buy a Christmas book, one because I love children's books and two because I love Christmas books that are for children. I have my collection of Christmas books in a basket on the table and I love seeing the kids go through them and pick one out to "read".  I'm not a huge santa fan but I do have several books that have santa in them. When I talk about Christmas to my two's I really talk about baby Jesus and his family. They are so eager to learn about this time of year.

Most of the playschool ornaments are finished. I have to redo one because I did the handprint upside down and Jude's looks like a turkey with antlers. I have to do two more tomorrow at the breakfast with santa and then I'm done! What a great experience it has been organizing and doing all the ornaments. I love that the children will have this keepsake from their time at Adventure Ark! I was also very happy to be able to give back to the playschool.

Kate and Jack are in the throws of exams. I know they'll do fine and I know they're ready for a break. We are all ready for some time to just chill.

Half Way Through Advent...Have I MIssed It?

Dear Jesus,




It's halfway through Advent and I'm not sure what happened. I really wanted to make this a reflective and calm season, preparing for your birth and pondering how you came into this world in such a stunningly humble way. But it's so busy and I'm distracted and sometimes even short-tempered with those I love the most. Where are you in THAT?



I am discouraged and wish I could start over. But as I sit here in the rare moment of silence, I contemplate your birth. In a bed of straw, with the smell of manure everywhere. It's a mess in that stable ... and come to think of it, my life is a little messy, too. I suddenly see that it is not just into the mess of the stable but into my mess that you enter the world. You came into a humble place and that humility is often where I live my life - feeling guilty or distracted and wishing I were a better person. But if I stop thinking of myself and focus on you, I realize that there you are, waiting to love me, even though I have so many unfulfilled good intentions about prayer, so many desires of how to change this fleeting Advent season.



I can begin Advent today and make this season deeper by making room in my heart for you. I can take just a moment before I get out of bed in the morning and feel the empty place in my life I so often fill with my busy-ness. It is there I need you the most. Come, Lord Jesus. Come into that dark and lonely spot in my heart. You know what my needs are more than I do. Let me feel your love. If I only carry that thought with me each day, it will prepare me for Christmas.



Thank you, Jesus. It's not too late. You are waiting to enter my life today, where ever I let you in. Help me to open my heart in these remaining days.

From Creighton University...

PIcs to go with the previous post....

Vintage burlap sacks used as valences! I'm loving this!! And, our fallen angel. In our haste to get our tree back up this morning we left the house and didn't realize we'd left our angel upside down all day. :( sad...

Crash!

Woke up to our very cute and overly decorated real Christmas tree on the floor this morning. Ugh! The cat must have knocked it over. I was really more worried about Owen peeing on it than I was about Smokey knocking it over. I thought we were over that with him...I guess not. So, I stood in my family room at 6am with my head in my hands. Rick got it cleaned up and Kate helped too while I took the dogs out. We lost a couple of ornaments but I thought that if this is the worst thing that happens today then I'll take it.

I sewed the casing for the burlap valences last night. I love the way they look on the french doors. These suckers are definitely vintage and they really bring about a very warm primitive feeling in the kitchen. I'm very ready to finish all pottery orders so I can enjoy my house!! Come Friday, I'll be done working and done with orders. That will give me a good week to enjoy! Yay!!

Do you ever feel like this?

I know I totally feel like this all the time but when the guy who is selling the steaks out of the back of his truck is ringing my door bell I have to answer! I am so not buying steaks, I'm not, I"m really not going to do it but then of course, I always end up buying the steaks even though in my real life, the one where I buy meat at the store, I only buy organic grass fed beef. I think that there is no way on God's green earth that I would want to be out selling meat so I feel bad and buy it from the guy. I really do best when I can just peek and see who is at the door and if they don't see me and I don't want any then I will not answer. I can't turn down the sweet boy scout selling pop corn or the soccer player needing funds for his travel soccer team and he is selling children's books. I love children's books!

6th grade dance and 7th grade too?!

This post is mostly about my baby boy! Last night was his first school dance. The boys and girls had dress up for this 90 min. affair and man did they look nice! My friend, Pam wanted to get the boys together for a little mingling and munchies and a couple of pictures before the dance. Good idea Pam! I saw some other pictures of kids and everyone looked so nice. One picture had kids looking like they were going to hc. Lots of time for that!! Joe is a social guy and Rick and I are so happy he has such a diverse group of friends. He really takes after Rick at least when Rick was in school. Rick knew everyone and everyone loved him. He was friends with the nerds, jocks, pot heads, brainiacs, all of them. I think Rick being able to like everyone equally has really helped him be so successful with being in management. Anyway, Joe had a wonderful time at the dance and then we picked him up and took him to Sidney's Christmas party in bluff park. Sidney is a 7th grade friend at Simmons and somehow Joe and Sidney have become friends. I told Joe that by the time he gets to HHS he will know everyone! I just want him to always be respectful. I forgot to put Joe's change of clothes bag in Rick's car and I knew Joe would be upset because he didn't want to wear khaki's to the other party so we ran into Kohls and bought a pair of jeans and then I squirted him with some men's cologne haha. Rick and I went to eat. After trying three of our usual locations and they were had an hour wait we decided to try the new bbq place. It was really good!! We picked Joe up and went home and went to bed. It was a good night. Kate went to the soocer tournament with Alex and Jack went out with friends. I still have decorating and shopping to do! I'm feeling the pressure of time.

I am so happy my sweet Jack decided to not pursue baseball after last year. The list is coming out about who has made the freshman team and it is just so sad to see the kids that aren't on it. I know it is good for kids to not make things sometimes but gosh, it can really hurt. I suppose the ones who truely want it will go on and continue with their dream and there is always that annoying few that have just been in the "in" group from the beginning but man, its tough. I have no doubt Jack Leventry will be making huge business deals on the golf course in 20 years!

first in awhile

Well this is our first Friday in about four months that we aren't donning our black and orange Hoover Bucs shakers and cow bells. Kind of sad I won't see my fav's on the 50 but it's okay. All good things must come to an end and it is Christmas and I have so much to do it isn't even funny. I've retired the Hoover cheer until next August. Last night was the BGIS and Bumpus choir performances. The event was held at the new Bumpus and the gym was jam packed with families. I don't think they thought that many people would come but come on it's Hoover. There are always a million people there. Mr. Rodas does a great job with the kids. He is so passionate about his job and I love that. Joe has really enjoyed being in the choir not so much for singing although he did sing but its been fun. Also, we are blessed to live in a city that still values Christmas. This is what the season is about. If Jesus had not been born, there would be no Christmas and I'm so tired of all the dumb politically correctness out there. Merry Christmas!! The program had Christmas trees and they sang of Mary and the saviour being born. Love love love!!! So proud to be in this community!

Kate said something about having to run to Maddie's yesterday because Maddie forgot to turn in her beauty walk ap and she is out of town so Kate went and got it for her and turned it in. I asked Kate if she is going to do beauty walk and she said, "mom its not my thing." So, I get to go to beauty walk and just enjoy! I love that my girl is not a pageant girl and her friends aren't either and I understand that its probably fun to dress up and be a part of it but its okay that Kate isn't. I love that she is herself and could really careless. Its always fun to see who'll win or gosh who'll make the cut for top 30..

I had to put my etsy shop on vacation because I have run out of time to do any more orders. I'm working on the last ones today and hoping to ship out by Wed. I have a lot to do around the house, finish painting the family room is top on the list and I really need to finish shopping! Our friend, Kale is coming to measure for the basement entertainment center thingy. I"m hoping the bid isn't too much! We'll see!!

cozy and warm!

Marriage is a place of life where the life force can come forth like a seed that is moving to fruition. It can go out and bless another life to come into the world, blessing your community and neighbors. A very powerful marriage blesses the world.




That is why you often find that the people doing great things have a marriage that is a foundation for what they are doing in the world. Behind this great person is often a really great person. If you want to meet the truly great person, go behind the first one to the one who is supporting in every way what the other is becoming in the world. It is a great position of service, and God knows who is doing that. The world does not necessarily know, but God knows.



- John Morton

Busy times

I have about two minutes to write so this will be fast. Once again its raining but that's okay because I have a lot of cute things planned in my two's room today. Vonnie and I were saying yesterday that whatever happened to it raining like one afternoon. It seems when it rains, it rains for like three days straight. At least we had a beautiful day last Friday for the Super 6 game. Joe had a dr. apt so he didn't go to school as I would have checked him out anyway at 1. The high school kids got out at 1 as to allow for enough time for them to get home, and then get to the game. I think all the schools should have followed the high school as so many families have kids at several schools but whatever, they didn't ask me. We headed over to Tuscaloosa around 2pm. We met up with friends from Prattville for an early dinner. After Newks we found an awesome parking place and walked over to the stadium where there were lots of people lining up for the Buc Walk or walk of champions. Everyone was so excited which is always fun to see. It was so crazy seeing the Kate's friends walk the walk as seniors. I know I say it all the time but weren't they just in 7th grade? After the Buc walk we still had a couple of hours so we walked down to Phils with friends and had some appetizers. We saw lots of Hoover people and actually it was such a nice evening that we were able to eat outside. As we were walking back to the stadium we saw lots of kids that have graduated going to the game. We had great seats on the 40 pretty close to the field. Rick always laughs at me and Angie as we cheer and try to figure out the plays and the game. I did have a slight mishap with my cowbell. I was ringing it in my left hand and something happened and it slipped out of my hand and flew two seats down. Thank goodness it landed in an empty seat on a blanket! Goodness!!  I would have felt terrible had it hit someone in the head. I didn't realize those suckers can be dangerous. So, as I was cheering as most people were doing because its a football game not a movie, I was thinking that there should be a section for people who want to sit and just watch the game. I am saying this in all seriousness. Seriously, if you do not want to be bothered by cheering fans then sit away from people. I totally get that people go to games and don't know the kids or whatever and don't really care either way, my dad does that all the time. But, for those people maybe don't sit in the middle of the cheering section where people clearly have shakers and cow bells. Anyway, just my opinion...whateva! Hoover lost by 1, but the guys played a great game, totally played their hearts out and Prattville survived Hoover. I'm sure Hoover wasn't favored to win as Prattville has a handful of D1 committments. We left there feeling so proud of our team, all of them, the players, coaches, cheerleaders, painted boys, kids, families who cheered, the band. everyone! Thats what its really all about. I was talking to my dad and he said had a good point. We expect a lot from our team. We really do believe that every year we'll be playing for the state title. Most schools don't do that. So true!

Ahh, now that football season is over, I can reclaim our Friday nights. Don't get me wrong, I love our fridays' with friends, food and football but when you go all the way to Christmas it gets expensive and I'm tired! I've also been redoing the house which has added some stress but its finally getting done and its looking great. I'm so excited. I'm calling the carpenter today to get a bid on doing an entertainment cabinet in the basement. That is something I've wanted for 5 years. We have this awesome space and we don't use it to its full potential. Rick just texted me and said we aren't tracking for Maui right now. You know, that is fine because we really don't have time for Hawaii in May. With graduation and family coming into town, I know I'll be doing projects right up until people get here. We've started planning sb'12. I think I'm going to have a huge group with me. I'm excited! Better keep up with my booty camp!

Ahh so here we are, the first day of December. I cannot believe it is already December! The sun is finally shining today, thank the Lord! So much is going on this week, Hoover Bucs are off to Bryant Denney to play in the super 6. We've been watching these seniors for years knowing they'd be there someday and now it is their turn. Go Bucs! As much as I love football season, it is time to be done. I'm tired and I haven't even played a game!! Before I know it, Joe will be getting ready for spring football at Bumpus. As I head into Advent, I'm remembering that this is a special time of year. Sometimes I get depressed thinking of everything I'm supposed to do during the holidays and then I think is it all necessary? Maybe I should be of the mind set, yes, its all necessary, all of it and just enjoy and have a great time. Giving glory to God at all times for all of it while doing all the necessary things!

to cheer or to just watch

Last night we traveled to Tuscaloosa to cheer on the Bucs as they played Hillcrest High. The stadium was fine, defnitely big enough and at least they had two sides unlike Mt. Brook. I wasn't loving the porta pottys on the visitor side but the bathrooms weren't far so it wasn't a big deal. The Patriots defnitely brought their best game and did well against Hoover but in the end the Bucs prevailed and we will play at home on Friday against Oxford. So that brings me to the people that go to the games and just sit and that is fine as long as you don't get mad at the people that are actually cheering and shaking the shakers and ringing the cow bells and standing up! Its a football game, not a movie! Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. I cannot go to a Hoover game or an Alabama game and just sit. Its more fun to shake the shaker, yell for the kids jump up when there is a good play or a bad call by the ref. Sometimes my jazz hands make an appearance but isn't that what its all about? I think sometimes fans of winning teams get a little complacent but when the kids on the field are doing the hand motion to us to stand up, you better believe I"m gonna stand up! Go Bucs!

Joe

This is the way Joe rolls...Joe and 8 girls and all the girls are so cute! Big brother is a little jealous.

quick minute.

It's Tues and the news from the weekend seems old now. Hoover won, Bama lost and we are all on to the next game. We did have fun at our friends house for the first half of the LSU/Bama game. I loved my cute JCrew houndstooth skirt and new red sweater. The game was a battle of the defenses. It wasn't exciting, we are used to a little more action. Rick and I thought the so called LSU interception was bogus but the refs. reviewed it really really fast and called it legit. Rick and Bubba were watching it again yesterday and the consensus is that it really should have been Alabam's ball blah blah blah. Oh well, its just a game but still. Maybe they'll be a rematch, maybe the refs will get it right and maybe the Bama kickers will make the field goals. Time will tell. I'm getting excited to pull christmas out. I'm not sure why I'm excited about this but I am ready for the house to feel all cozy and soft. I still have some Halloween on the porch and I'm feeling better since my dr. visit yesterday, maybe I"ll have the energy to put it away. I skipped bootcamp yesterday. I hadn't missed a day since the beach. I should be good to go on Wed. Terri isn't teaching spin today soooo I'm not sure I"m going. Maybe. I should, Lord knows, I need it! I told Rick yesterday that I'm making a pinterest binder. I printed a bunch of projects and put them in a folder. That way when I'm out, I can carry it with me and rememeber what the heck I was going to do. I've also found some furniture I want. Its time. We haven't bought new stuff in so long. Owen is almost 2 and doing so much better with the house. He can still be bad but its few and far between. I've also bought a couple of Christmas presents. My friend, Shawn is making a couple of more for me. I'm excited about the holidays and giving gifts! I'm also thinking of retiring the pottery for awhile. I want to turn my office into a wrapping room. I will keep a corner for crafts and such but I'm just tired of thinking of new things to make. I'm not inspired at all. The life of a creative person is never simple. Sometimes you just have to let it go so it will be better in the future. The ornaments seem to be received well at bnb so that is something I will continue to do but all the other's not so much. It's okay. I feel good about it. I kind of just want other people to make me stuff and I want to shop! I feel an Atlanta trip on the horizon and definitely a Homewood trip too!!

Oh have to add this to the quick minute...Friday, I got an email from Mr. Jackson's one of Joe's teachers. I guess Joe had lunch detention because he and another boy were having a last clap competition during the choir assembly...haha Joe had to write a paper on why this is not good and why he should do better next time. Silly boys!!

There is a magnificent turning point in all that Spirit reveals which is unconditional love, mercy, and a call to rise up and step fully into the Light, beginning with acceptance for all that is, seeing the good in all that is, and placing trust, complete trust in the presence of the beloved one.




- John Morton

Busy Week. Go Bucs...Roll Tide!

Ahh, busy busy week. Is there a week when I'm not busy? I don't think so. Had a great week at the playschool. The babies are doing great and starting to walk. I love to see them grow and change throughout the year. My two's are growing too and they're all playing well together and grasping the rules of our room and circle time and eating our growing food. I always read them a book during lunch time so they'll sit for at least 15 min. Their favorite story is How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight? They love it and ask for it every day. We are doing the handprint ornament fundraiser again and I'm blessed that I get to be a part of it. I love being able to use my time and talent to give back to the playschool. I can't do everything but I can fire some cute ornaments. Last night we met friends for our last tailgate in the light at Buccanear Stadium. The next time we get together God willing the Bucs win on Friday at Bob JOnes, it'll be dark due to daylight savings time. We all had a good time sitting on the 50. Kate was there too which was great. She looked so cute and had fun with her friends. Alex was out of town playing in a tournament with Montevallo. He won his game too. I was happy Kate could enjoy her time with the seniors and have fun. She ended up at Wings with everyone and we laughed this morning when she said, "wow mom, I was out late last night." We were all still in a party mood so we headed over to Beef's for some yummy fatty appetizers. It was fun and I always love seeing more friends at Beefs. WE were going to go to Tuscaloosa today to see friends there and stop by a couple of tailgates but I'm still not feeling 100% so we decided to stay home and go to our friends house this evening. I told Rick my very cute houndstooth skirt is too cute for the man cave. Jack was up early this morning to play golf, Joe is going to a friends house for a birthday party/sleep over. Kate is chilling just enjoying the quiet time.

Happy Halloween

Peter Peter Punkin Eater

Kate and Alex carved the two big pumpkins today. They look great! Kate saved all the seeds and I think I'll actually attempt to roast them. Pumpkin seeds are chock full of vitamins and fiber. They're so good for you!! Here is a recipe for roasting seeds. Enjoy!

boil pumpkin seeds in salted water for 20 min. let dry over night. melt 1tbsp of butter. mix butter, 1tbsp olive oil and seeds and spread on a baking sheet. bake at 300 degrees for 30 min.

PopEye!!!

Why Eat Spinach?


Spinach nutrition is amazing. The calcium content in spinach and the other dark leafy greens mentioned above strengthens bones.



The A and C vitamins in spinach plus the fiber, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients help control cancer, especially colon, lung and breast cancers. Folate also lowers the blood levels of something called homocysteine, a protein that damages arteries. So spinach also helps protect against heart disease.



The flavonoids in spinach help protect against age related memory loss.



Spinach's secret weapon, lutein, makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent cataracts, as well as age related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in the elderly. Foods rich in lutein are also thought to help prevent cancer.



As you can see, the health benefits of spinach are numerous. The vitamins and calcium in spinach, combined with the overall nutritional value of spinach, make this vegetable and its dark leafy green cousins top picks for healthy food choices.



Fresh or frozen, add these greens to your food menu as often as you can.

fright by the fire = success!

So last night was a huge success! Yay! The rain moved through early and we were able to be outside for most of the evening. We were missing a couple of kids but everyone who came seemed to have a good time! Kate loved being here and meeting all of Joe's friends and we were talking about all of the parties she used to have when she was in middle school. We were laughing about who kissed whom behind the house and who went out with who and broke up with who.  It really seems like yesterday that Kate was having those parties. The kids were really good and even though I wasn't feeling so great with this cold or sinus thing I had fun seeing them have fun.

Fright by the Fire

Looks like we might have to come up with a plan B for fright by the fire. The rain that was supposed to come through yesterday didn't and now it is supposed to rain today. Soo...that might mess things up for Joe's get together. I asked him what he wanted me to get for this evening and he said he didn't care, they just want to hang out. I am trying to kick this cold and I really need to get out to the stores and buy the goods for the party. The Thursday night game threw me off but we had a great time. Being back at Buccanear stadium made me appreciate the space we have especially after being at Mt. Brook last week. Hoover played great and pulled off a win! Yay! Now on to the play offs. HOpe the weather holds for next weekend. Hoover play off game and the huge bama/lsu game. Rick and I are looking forward to being in Tuscaloosa for tailgating.

Almost Friday

It's almost Friday! Friday is my favorite day of the week. I don't have to work and its my pay day and in the fall there is Friday night lights. Tonight, though, Hoover plays so a Thursday night game is kind of throwing me off. Hope the Bucs can recover from being beaten by Mt. Brook. Ohh speaking of Mt. Brook, I never did write on here how awful and rude they were last week. Of course Mt. Brook has quite the reputation of being snobby, blah blah blah, well, let me tell you, from what I saw in their closed off parking lot at 5pm to Hoover people, they lived up to their rep. We knew the game would be packed especially since Mt.B only has one side of seating so we left early and headed over to the other side of town. We naively thought we'd have enough time to hang out a bit, visit, eat a little and then head into the game and we even thought, we'd get a good parking place in the parking lot! Knowing the parking lot was fairly small, again, we left early, we got there a little after 5. Mt. B. police were telling people to park on the side streets because the parking lot was full. Well okay then, we did that but what we learned after we were in the game is that the parking people were asking before cars turned in if they were Hoover or Mt. B. If they were Hoover they were directed to park on the street. What in the world? There was a s'mores table set up by the entrance gate but the s'mores were only for Spartan fans. Good grief!! I was good though, I wasn't sassy, maybe an eye roll here and there. Then, we're sitting in the game, and some dumb kid on the mt. b side starts mocking the national anthem. Thankfully, a Brookie daddy grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and put him in his place. Then about 20 min. later a water bottle was thrown into the Hoover parents section from the same group of rude mt. b. kids! Really? Who does this kind of stuff? I think they should have been kicked out, They weren't. Its just a bad idea to have everyone sitting on the same side. With all their money, they need to build a bigger parking lot and a bigger stadium. And this year, the Spartans are good which made it even harder to take! I know a lot of the surrounding communities love to hate Hoover when it comes to football. I totally get that. We're good, and we've had lots of national recognition. I guess jealous spoiled brats take that as opportunity to tell our middle schooler's that Hoover kids are ghetto because they like flat billed hats. Well, I'll take our diverse ghetto flat billed wearing kids any day over rude spoiled mt. brook kids!

Ohhh! I love this!!

Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you meet up with the challenges in the world. Trust that God is always providing whatever you truly need that serves your Soul and all of the creation.




- John Morton

not remembering...harder than it seems

All your dilemmas and romance, your suffering and confusion, will be dissolved instantaneously if you just give it all to the Traveler Consciousness in your moments of meditation, contemplation, quietness, and spiritual exercises. But you must also give up the memory or you will pull it right back on top of you.

Loving this time of year

I love this time of year, I always have but it is so fun with the two year olds. We always have fun crafts and treats and books and so much to talk about. Thursday is dress up day for the kids. I always tell the parents to keep it simple. I'm excited to see their cute costumes! Also, this time of year is so full of football but last night was Joe's football wrap party. They had a terrible season, Joe didn't but the team did. The coach did a good job telling the kids that they all improved from the beginning which was true. We had half a team that had never played tackle football before. I'm glad we have our evenings free now. Joe is excited for spring football, I'm not really because 7th grade football is rotten!

note to self!

It's never ever a good idea to eat a fiber bar before bed, a banana in the middle of the night, cheerios and strawberries for breakfast an apple for snack and veggie soup for lunch and then go running!!! OMG! Hello colon! The Price I pay for eating healthy!!! Ha, Good times! Exercise is never ever pretty and if it is, you're not doing it right!

Can't believe that its already Sunday evening. Goodness time goes so fast! I was thinking earlier that I can't believe its the end of October already. It seems like last week we were at the beach with the fam and it was 4 months ago! whoa!!! We had a good weekend. The kids were all super busy and Rick and I went to the Hoover game as a date night. We did not have one child with us! ha. Hoover lost which was sad but Mt. Brook was a better team. Hopefully, we'll have some better answers during the playoffs. We ended up back at Beef O'Bradys with friends and Saturday, I cleaned and ran 4 miles, went shopping and then finally sat down and watched Alabama roll over Tennessee. We are super excited for the LSU/Bama game. I don't think the time has been announced yet but we've already decided to go to Tuscaloosa and tailgate no matter what time. Usually, I only like to go if its an evening game but we'll go no matter what. This Friday is Joe's Halloween party. I think the weather is going to hold out and be nice. It'll be fun to see his friends and see their costumes. Alex is traveling with soccer all weekend so hopefully, I will have Kate here to help. She loves seeing JOe and his friends. Wednesday is my personal me day! I found a sub for work and I'm headed to homewood for new hair color! Gah! I need it!! I'm still loving my shorter hair although, I think I'll love it a little more when its about an inch and a half longer so hopefully by Christmas!

It is always important to consider that your first and truly only relationship is with yourself/Self and God.




Once you experience the inner mastery available to you through the high self and that which is God, you can then fully appreciate the perfection always present with you regardless of who else is involved and the outer conditions in your life.



- John Morton

doubting Thomas...I think not!

Doubt is what I call having a double mind. Doubt says, "I want to do this, but what about this?" So there are now two things to do.




This type of doubt can be a burden and source of confusion. "I think so, but I doubt it." "I think I'm getting well, but I'm not sure." "I'm sure she loves me, but I don't know." "They might, but maybe they might not." "How's the day going? It's just wonderful, except my back hurts." It's often referred to as the evil eye because there is a lack of willingness to fully embrace the goodness in life.



- John-Roger

I think October is one of my favorite months in Alabama. It is still warm but not ridiculous and don't get me wrong, I love ridiculous hot hot hot and humid but after several months of ridiculous it is refreshing to have it just warm and the mornings are so pretty at least when it isn't raining. Joe had his last football game last night with the Hoover Rec league. They didn't win but he sure had several tackles that helped the score not get out of control. He came home with a bunch of war wounds which he proudly showed to us and after a few tears, he ate some yummy chicken tacos and proceeded to pull one of his molars out! This molar had a cavity and the dentist knew it was going to come out soon so when he showed it to me, I showed him the hole in his tooth and reminded him to take good care of his new teeth. Jack went to the freshman game last night. This freshman football team is really really good. They won, beating Vestavia by some huge number to nothing. Go Bucs! Kate spent the evening with her bestie, Maddie. They made dinner together and had some good girl time. I think they were shopping for Halloween costumes, Kate couldn't find what she was looking for. The Halloween dance is coming up so she better get going. So speaking of Halloween. I came across an article on line this morning about Christians being conflicted about trick or treating. OH MY GOODNESS!!! People. Seriously! You are over thinking this! Why does everything have to be this huge deal? It's fun. dress up, get your candy and enjoy! God wants you to have fun. You're not hurting anyone, its just sugar for goodness sakes! Just makes me crazy that it would even be an issue! Gah!!!!

recap

Here I sit, Monday morning once again. Our weekends in the fall are so jam packed with football and food, it literally wears me out. We did have a great one though and I think I gained 10lbs...Maybe all the food I eat over the weekend helps speed my metabolism up for the week when I work out and don't eat as much. Gosh, I can only hope so. Friday night, we met friends at a yummy pizza place in Vestavai and then walked to the game where Hoover gave the rebels a run for their money but not without our punter getting hurt and needing surgery. Poor Tuck. He has had such a great season. As always though, we had a great time sitting by friends, laughing, joking, watching the game and all the kids. We always say we never quite "get" the routines the dancers do and the whole thing with the frames and easles is a bit strange and seems like a hassle to take out on the field but Kate has some sweet friends on the  team and they always do a great job. Saturday brought another trip to the grocery store. I proceeded to spend another 150.00 on game day food which was fabulous and so yummy!!! I always budget for it so it isn't a big deal. I made my famous tailgate bbq and we had rice crispy treats and Angie brought beans and we even ate real ruffle potato chips! What a treat. It was a great night to watch the game outside in front of the fire. Alabama pummeled Ole Miss, Auburn continued to make all of us mad by beating Florida. Gene Chizick really really needs to ditch the mock collared short sleeve shirt with the zipper. I mean, seriously? Is the guy married? Does his wife see what he is wearing? Dude, it is really bad! Joe had a great weekend hanging with his friends, Jack did too. He had his first golf lesson with Wayne. It's good to know Wayne. He has changed Jack's golf swing already and whoa! What a difference. He and Kyle played golf at the Highlands while Wayne taught his lessons. Kate was with Alex this weekend, no surprise there. She did get in 4 more belle's hours. She only needs about 10 more! Come on Kate, you can do it!!! I worked in the nursery yesterday, went to the grocery store once again for the weeks food and watched the Amazing Race! Gosh, I want to visit Thailand. What a beautiful place it seems to be. This week is Joe's last football game. He is over this team and his mind is thinking about spring workouts for Bumpus. Bumpus football never thrills me. Gah, 7th grade is hardly ever a good experience for the boys unless you're one of the early bloomers....which my boys are not...sigh...

New Hair!!

So yesterday brought a win by Hoover once again beating the Rebels of Vestavia and me chopping 7 inches off my hair! Ahh. Yes. I love my new cut which is actually a fun version of the rachel. I always wanted the rachel 20 years ago but no one ever cut it right. I had been thinking of cutting my hair for awhile and i was looking at cute cuts on pinterest. I came across one that is super cute but its a little short. After my shower yesterday, I thought, okay, let's just run to great clips and get it cut up to my collar bone that way at least I can get used to this and I won't totally freak my two's out on Tues. The girl there did a really good job. I love it. It was time. My hair was just too long and for what reason? it was just too much. So, I love my new hair!!

So, I have my first sweet two year who is potty trained. She is precious, so cute and fun and smart. She is so excited to be going on the potty!! Now that she is going on the potty, everyone thinks they need to go on the potty. hahaha. I love being a part of these families lives. I realize I'm not saving the world working with toddlers but I do feel that I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

Tonight is the biggest rivalry of Hoover's season. Hoover/Vestavia. You'd think the Spain Park/Hoover game would be bigger but nope, it's Vestavia. People still talk about the year that the Rebels put the cow manure under the visitor's bleachers when they played Hoover. That was during the Two a Days series. Nasty!!

Immigration Law

"Legal citizens have nothing to fear, and I think the legal immigrants are beginning to see that. They were told immediately that there would be all these problems, but I think the legal immigrants are beginning to see this law does not affect them. They are welcome here, and everything is going to be just fine," Beason said.

I've said this all along. If you're legal, you have papers to prove it then by all means, stay, work, pay taxes, contribute and enjoy living in USA! If you're not legal then you need to pack you bags and go home and go through the right channels. I feel so strongly about this issue. I do not know of another country that would knowingly allow illegals to continue to live in their country w/o the right papers. This is something that should have been handled many years ago. I love this country and I love that we have always had open arms to all people but do not come in here and live under the radar. It's not fair to the one's who go through the legalization process and its not fair to the people born here. I understand that the illegals are probably not taking jobs away from Americans as most Amercians aren't willing to work in the fields for less than minium wage or move all over to do so but with this economy you never know. Prices will go up but I think it's a price we'll have to pay. Another issue, one that is related to this is babies born here in the US to illegal women. If mama isn't legal, baby isn't either. end of story!

just do it!!

If you are letting your fears and insecurities run you, turn around and confront them. Face them.




Devour them. Consume them. Do it so well and so enthusiastically that you clear all your karma.



That's liberation! And that's moving into God consciousness.



- John-Roger

twitter

I do tweet a tiny bit. I still think its kind of dumb but whatever. Its something to do when I'm waiting for the noodles to cook.

Altogether now… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?




Unless you work for the CIA, FBI or other some governmental agency, what possible reason could you have for protecting your tweets?



Nothing turns me off faster than seeing this… no one, no company is that important that I need to see their tweets that I will go to the length of asking for permission.



Give me a break...

from an article in the ny times.

computers, phones, games....

Yesterday, Rick, Joe and I went to lunch after church. I noticed a family to my left sitting at one of the pub tables. They were all looking down at either a phone, computer or game device. It was the strangest thing. We were there probably 40 minutes and they did not interract one time other than to order their food. The Leventrys are certainly not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I did mangae to be sure that Joe understood that St. Paul was actually writing to a group of people, The Phillipeans and I did get out of him who the latest girl he likes is and he told Rick and I all about his great day in Tuscaloosa for the Bama tg. I just found it so sad that this family couldn't put their devices away for 45 min. If they're doing that in public, I can't imagine what their house is like. Ha, probably quieter than mine.

The weekend!

Its always nice when Alabama and Auburn play evening games because am able to do so much during the day and then chill in the man cave and watch the games. I cleaned a bunch this morning and now I'm getting ready to run the neighborhood so I can enjoy yummy food. Rick and Jack are playing 9 holes, Joe is in Tuscaloosa representing the Leventrys for the tailgate and Kate is sleeping as she is sick with an ear infection. Alex is traveling today for an away game so for today, her world is sleep. We had a great time at the Hoover game last night. I wasn't sassy and Hoover won and our little tailgate was fun too! Lauren was supposed to visit this weekend but the fall is so crazy busy and she has been so busy with weddings and the flights were so expensive. We both decided it was best to just let it go and we'll see her in Dec. She'll visit for spring break and of course graduation!

The thing that's interesting about truth is that you may have to sacrifice part of what you call truth to fulfill another part of what you call truth. At some point in your search for truth, you will place some things in a subordinate position to others. An example might be that although it's true you love to go out dancing until three in the morning, it's also true that going to bed earlier means doing better work the next day. So you give up one aspect of what is true to gain another.




You may say, "Yes, it was fine to run around town when I was younger, but now those things must go. I must sacrifice to reach into new and greater things which hold promise for me." Whether or not that promise is a spiritual promise, you have to decide.



John Roger

BEars Win!!!!!!

WEll, Joe's team will not be shut out this season! Yay! They won last night. Joe had several good tackles and recovered a fumble. They've yet to score a td on offense. There is a handful of kids on this team that have never played tackle football. You can tell which ones have been exposed to it at young age. The flag football kids are finally coming around and tackling. Joe loves the guys on his team, he's having a great time and thank goodness we only have 2 games left plus the play off's. I'm anticipating a short run in the play offs. Kate went with us last night as well as Jack. It was fun having everyone there! I got a cute message last night on fb from one of Joe's friends, SC. She said, I'm going to the dance with your son. I had no idea they had a dance coming up. SEe,, already, I know nothing with having a boy!! lol. I said, that is so great, when is it? I asked Joe about it and he said, yeh, mom, everyone is starting to ask. I don't think Kate's group asked people, I do remember some boys asking girls when Jack was that age and I'm not surprised JOe's group is asking. There are a lot of kids in this class that are the babes. They've seen older siblings go to dances and get asked and they are a little worldly. They always have been. I remember Joe's first grade class, most of that class were the youngest child of at least 3 kids! Poor Mrs. Green. She was not dealing with type A over achievers. haha
she had the babies of the family. The ones who were coddled a little more by mama and given pretty much whatever they wanted. Should be interesting to watch them grow up!

We made it to church this morning. The boys weren't thrilled with going to Sunday school and church but I told Jack and Joe that if we don't take them to church then my grandchilden won't be taken to church so I'm doing it for my grandchildren! ha....

A Prayer to be of Service




Let's pray together:



Lord God of creation, again we're here, humbly waiting. Always open, praying, seeking, waiting for Your reply, looking for the next step, wanting to have that direction of service that is Yours.



In this do I find my greatest happiness and joy. In this do I find my greatest calling of the heart. In this do I willingly sacrifice the world. For in this, I gain myself, for it's not of the world.



It's of You. And it's You I seek, over and over. And one day I shall surely find you, and we shall find that that oneness has always been the Beloved.



I only pray to make myself available to You, as I know you've always been available to me. Keep the heart open and the eyes firm, and the mind steady on this that I have chosen to come into You.



Let that that would distract me be placed away for others who need to learn of that. But keep me in the heart of Your heart. And keep me in the hearts of my fellow men, that in that place where I reside with them, they find comfort, and that I am not a stumbling block for them. That they would look upon me with a joy, and with the pleasure of saying: "He's my friend." This, then, is the way the cosmic force of love and Light works.



Amen, Lord.



If you care to have that as your own, you may just silently say Amen.

Boots!

I have a few min. before I have to leave for spin. I just got an email saying I won the boots I bid on this morning. I thought forsure someone would come in and outbid me but they didn't! Whoo! I'm excited. Rick gave me a chunck of the bonus to buy some new things and new all leather boots were on my list. Every year I say I'm going to splurge and buy some, well this year I did! Love these boots. They're blk/brown all Italian leather 4" tall and very sassy! Perfect for fall and winter. So, spin is today. I'm sore from bootcamp yesterday. Tatum is really taking our class to a new level and its tough but its good. I think we did 150 pushups total and by the end of class I felt like my arms were going to fall off! I have to finish Kate's senior ad for tomorrow. I'm excited about the pictures we picked. She could care less about this thing but I think she'd be sad if I didn't do it. I picked out a belle's pick, a pick from prom with she and Maddie, a family pick, one from when she was little and one with Lauren. I know it will turn out great. Lauren was supposed to visit next week but I don't think its going to happen. Airline tix have jumped and its just a crazy time of year. She is in a wedding this weekend and Rick and Jack aren't even going to be here next weekend so we are going to see her when we go for Christmas and hopefully she can join us on sb12 and  she is def. coming for graduation. I don't think Kate is doing beauty walk so no need to worry about her missing that. Jack is going to start his golf lessons and Joe is just plugging away with football. His team hasn't won a game but he is still having fun. A lot of the kids on his team haven't played tackle before and this is their first year. I don't think parents should have their kids play flag through 5th grade. GEt them in the game and let e'm get hit! Joe loves to say, Hit like Hoover! Go Bucs. Tomorrow is finally Friday. NOt sure if we'll go to Pelham for the game or just stay home. Might be a nice night to go.

Quick note

Had a wonderful weekend. We (me and Rick) didn't do one thing! Whoo! Friday night we made a fire outside and sat out there and watched HOover win on ihigh. The kids were here, hanging out, they joined us from time to time. Sat. I ran a bunch of errands in the morning, which ran into early afternoon. Got a text from Angie asking to meet up for the Bama game but none, (me, Rick, Angie and Eric) were prepared to leave early to get a good table so we decided to do it another time. I was at Target at 1pm still picking up food for that night. I did a 20 min. sprint on the ellipitcal, 10 pushups and some pilate leg moves and then I walked up the hill to meet Rick and Sal and Michelles to watch the game. They called around 2 to see if wanted to join them. Michelle made a yummy french onion casserole and we just sat and watched the game in comfy clothes and chairs. We actually stayed there for the Bama game and most of the MSU game. Yesterday, I worked in the nursery, the boys made it to Sunday school, Rick worked at the lease, Kate stared at Alex and told me all about the fun she had at Montevallo the night before. We looked at pictures for her senior ad which is due on Fri. We have to pick 5 pictures out, we have about 50 to go through to narrow it down. Crazy!! She says she doesn't care about the ad which seems to be what a lot of the kids are saying but all of us moms want to do them. I think its good for us to do this, kind of like a closure type therapy thing for moms with seniors.

sweet memory

Woke up this morning thinking of my Grandma Mary Ann. As her 3rd grandchild, I have sweet memories of her. My most vivid memory as a child of Grandma Ann as she called herself, was when I'd walk into her house she'd always say, Tracy baby come here. She'd give me a hug and it was as if she was just waiting and waiting for me to get here. If she was sitting down like on Christmas Eve, and I'd sit by her with one of my new toys, she'd smile big and she'd put her arm around me and pull me close and pat my leg and not really say much at all. She didn't have to. She always made me feel special and you know what else was so great was that she did that for all of us. All of her grandchildren. I loved that about her, I loved that she loved me and that she loved my sisters and my cousins. Now that I'm grown up and I know the dynamics between mother in laws and such it is funny. But, I loved the way she loved me and my cousins. I find myself holding my kids like she held me and I do the same with my babies and 2's at school. I think thats a pretty cool thing to pass on.

Homecoming Weekend!

Homecoming 2011 was a great weekend! We had beautiful weather for the big fancy tailgate which was a huge success but Carrie and I decided that for the next game it is just going to be a small group because we were worn out and we didn't get to visit. But we had tons of food and fun and I felt terrible that I left her to put the tables away but I was trying to be good and go with Rick into the game and I told Carrie we'd save seats but when we sat down in our usual spot we noticed there were people saving seats....Ahh! anyway, I felt super bad but it all turned out okay. Hoover won by tons of points and I didn't say anything about anything so that was good. Kate was with Alex taping the soccer game at Montevallo. Yesterday was so busy. I had to get ready for Jack to go to the dance. It is very interesting being on the boy's side of the dance. It is a lot easier but as hard as a boy mom tries, she will never know exactly what is going on. I saw a lot of friends at the Hoover flower shop picking up corsages. Man, Corsages are expensive. 30.00 for a couple of tiny roses. I think Teressa liked hers. It was very pretty, small pink roses with some baby's breath and a pretty ribbon. The freshman are just so darn cute. Jack had no idea what to do with the corsage and the girls were shocked when they realized the flowers were real. lol. It was cute and I was enjoying their innocence. Teressa looked so cute and her personality is adorable. Carrie and Kim took the kids to their dinner destination and then to the dance. I came home and picked up around the house and set up for the after party. They got out here around 10:00. The last couple left at 1 b/c the boy's dad had fallen asleep and he was late...It wasn't a big deal, but I was tired. Kate chose not to go to the dance and do the whole hc thing this year. She said it was her best homecoming ever! Alex surprised her with a dinner date at the Pita shop downtown and then to Vulcan but Vulcan was rented out so they didn't get to go there. They were eager to get back here and see Jack's group. Rick set the fire up outside and the kids finally sat out there and talked.  It was a good night. I'm glad its in the history books. I told Rick that this weekend we are just hanging out at home. Hoover is out of town and we can watch it on ihigh. ahhh...yes! easy breezy. I had to get up and work in the nursery this morning which was fine. Sunday school started today. Jack and Joe both went... I think we'll be on a good church routine again! Yay!!!

And then there was senior year....The year that all high schooler's wait for and dream about...They think its going to be magical and awesome and easy...Often times, its quite the opposite. They've outgrown friends and they're ready to move on even though it isn't quite time. They're learning that being like everyone else isn't so great and God made each person to be unique.. Crossing their minds every now and then, is that it is perfectly wonderful to just be themselves! Yes! Just be who you are. Whom ever that may be. Grow up, make good choices and serve people..Ahhh Senior Year....

Monday Wrap

Wow what a fun weekend we had!! Rick's parents came in for the Hoover game. We enjoyed tailgating with them and hanging out with them. Rick's mom looks so good and we were laughing because she cannot eat any veggies or fruit right now b/c of her colon issue. I mean, how ironic is that???She is the queen of fruit and veggies. So when she ordered a roast beef with french fries we all laughed. We all know the ovarian cancer will be a chronic thing. I think the cancer has made all of us thankful for each and every day especially healthy one's! OUr tailgate was fun as usual but Carrie and I are planning a big fancy tailgate for Friday. haha I say fancy b/c I told her I was going to bring this yummy greek salsa I made. She said, oh wow we're getting fancy. I made an event on fb and invited a bunch of ppl and made it open to where others could invite ppl as well. HOpefully we'll have a big fun fancy group! :) The HOover game was crazy. Hoover was losing until the 4th qt. no points on the board. Oak Mt. could taste the victory, they were so close and then....The Bucs finally came alive and did their thing. Whew. To lose to South Panola....that was expected...To lose to Oak Mountain...Not so much. Soo that brings me to the precious Oak Mt. fan who yelled at me.... GEezz. what is it with me Lauren and Kate? anyway, thats another post. Me and the fam were walking out of the stadium to the car and I was just saying wow that would have been kind of embarrassing to lose to Oak Mt. b/c we were favored to win. I also said, the local sports guys would have loved it b/c they love to hate HOover football. That is not a secret. But I was just talking to my family and we all said that had we lost to SP,MS that would have been somewhat okay b/c we weren't favored...WEll, this oak mt. husband and wife turned around and the wife said...I can't believe you just said that. You just disrespeted all the players and they worked so hard. I said.. well first of all, I wasn't talking to you and second of all I wasn't disrespecting anyone. It's true. Hoover was favored and a loss would have really hurt us. blah blah blah. The woman was almost in tears. I get it. I know that the surrounding teams get tired of hearing about Hoover football. But geepers, take your loss and just go home and go to bed. They should have been happy they played such a tough game. This is homecoming week. Kate is super excited. She and her friends made fun glow in the dark neon tshirts and they did lots of tie dying and I know they'll have fun with powder puff. Her homecoming group is huge. I have no idea what their plans are. This group of friends always goes to the dances in a huge group. I know they'll all have a great time and Kate is happy Alex is going with her. Carrie and I are excited to see Jack and Tristan all dressed up!! yay!!

Rick and I hung out in the man cave on Sat. We enjoyed watching the BAma game and the other SEC games. WE watched most of the Michigan and NOtre Dame game and I was pulling for ND who was winning most of the game and then I guess MI came back and won. I went to bed. I spent most of yesterday working around the house. Pinterest has given me five bajillion ideas and I've used several of them including several recipes which brings me to the jeans I bought on Friday...I ate so much this past weekend, I don't think they'd button right now. Back to bootcamp today and spin tomorrow!

Homemade By Holman: Chicken Enchilada Soup

Homemade By Holman: Chicken Enchilada Soup: It’s cold and gloomy here which is perfect soup weather. Especially when that soup has a little heat of its own from some spicy jalapeno pep...

Ahhh it's Thursday. I'm definitely ready for the weekend. It's been a strange strange week with a rainy yucky labor day and then "Lee" decided to stick around for a while. It is finally sunny or at least not completely overcast today. Hopefully we'll be able to go outisde today at the school. Yesterday, Kate and I made a little time for homecoming dress shopping. We quick ran over to Saks and she found a really fun sassy dress for her senior year. I had enough time to come home and go to bootcamp  and then Joe had to be at his game which they lost but he had some really good tackles. I was tired y 9pm! I think our weekend is going to be beautiful. We're looking forward to the Hoover game tomorrow and then watching Alabama play Penn STate.Good times!

Put on my jeans I bought right before spring break and they're too big on me!! Yay! I could tell I was losing in my legs and hips but I wasn't sure. My guess is I've probably lost a good inch around. Went to bootcamp this morning and spin yesterday and I think the pilate leg circles thingy's are really helping. Kate and I need to go dress shopping but our schedules are not matching up. I don't think any of her friends have dresses yet.. Hopefully we'll find something this week. Tomorrow is the first day of play school. I'm very excited to see my 2's!! Yay!! Tropical strom Lee is bringing lots and lots of rain. I think its supposed to be a beautiful week the rest of the week. Friday night will be fun for the tailgate at the Hoover game. The LEventry's are coming for it. Yay! Go Bucs!

In focusing on what you want, you will be further ahead if you stay balanced. Part of balance is to recognize that the abundance that comes forward is God's abundance. As such, it is a blessing for everyone. If you think the abundance is just for you as an individual person, then we're not talking about the same abundance. You may be talking about personal greed.

SEC Game DAy!

Roll Tide! We didn't actually get to see the game b/c it wasn't on a channel we had. Go figure. OH well, I think it was a blow out anyway. I don't really care about Kent state. I did watch the Auburn but I fell asleep. Rick and Jack went to the golf shop to get Jack's clubs fitted. Joe is taking a nap, he is slap wore out and Kate is working her last day at Wrapsody. There are some good games on tonight and I'm excited to just kick back and watch. We had a good day yesterday. I was a little grouchy though, I was just hot. I love summer. I'm a summer girl through and through but I'm done with it being 99 degrees. This heat and humidity makes my head hurt and that makes me grouchy. We did have a nice little tail gate with friends before the game but we sat in the parking lot too long b/c we had sucky seats. We had to sit by the Buccanettes which was all the way at the end of the field. Oh well at least we were with good friends and that was nice. I wore my super tall fun shoes so I didn't get up and walk around but I did see Kate and she was having a great time. All week we had been hearing through the local sports guys who are dumb that it was Spain Parks year blah blah blah. I was thinking, seriously? You have got to be kidding me if you think SP is going to be Hoover especially after our big win last week. Its just annoying how much the local media loves to hate Hoover. Well, Hoover won, 21 to 0 or something like that. SP had a big goose egg up there until the time ran out. They've never beaten Hoover in 10 years and 12 games. Maybe next year will be there year but I doubt it. We live on the poor side of HOover but we have the better football team and more fun! We are expecting lots of rain with this tropical storm coming ashore. I'm very eyeoreish about rain. I hate it! We do need it though.

game day...go bucs

My favorite day of the week is once again upon us!! Whoo. Its nice and sunny and a great day for a Hoover football game. I just ran 3 miles and now I'm about to get some arm work in. Kate just texted me and said she forgot she needs $35.00 for the senior spirit pack. Soooo I will run that money up to her when I head out for the day. I have tons to do. We have nothing to eat here and I have to buy food for tonight. MIght even pop in and buy our tickets for the game. I'm super excited to set up our tailgate and see everyone. I'm sure HOover is fired up about this game especially after coming off such a huge win last week and on the flip side, I hear that Spain Park is pretty good this year and they've never beaten Hoover so they'll be fired up too. Time will tell.

homecoming

Yesterday was crazy busy!! We had teacher meetings in the morning with Kara and then we all sort of worked in our rooms. AFter that I came home ate lunch and took a quick nap before bootcamp where we did 160 real pushups. First of all I can't believe I can do 1 real push up let alone 160. Now we don't do 160 at the same time but with in 45 min, we did 160! whoo! I'm feeling it today. I need to do some good yoga stretching today. After bc Jack went with me to Belk to get some new clothes. He really needed them and then we bought very sweet baby orange roses so he can "officiall" ask Teressa to hc. We drove to her house last night and he asked her, I got a piece of thread from the dress so we can get a matching tie. She is so sweet and she didn't want Jack to see her dress so he couldn't look. Kate had a great day, it was Maddie's bday so she planned a little surprise lunch at Zoes for her and then she saw Alex in the evening. She said this morning she really needs to go shopping for her hc dress. Joe had practice last night and that was about it. This is my last Tues home, next week I'll be with my 2's! Can't believe it! I have a lot of orders to work on today. Thankfully Theresa is here cleaning so I don't have to worry about that.

Have you ever set a goal for yourself, only to find yourself falling short of it? Maybe you have come very close but haven't reached into the success of completion.




Use the theater of the mind to envision your success -- your accomplishment, completion, achievement. If you create this vision strongly enough, it will happen for you. Even when a part of you seems to give up -- consciously or otherwise -- there is another part that will hold the vision. Then, perhaps when you least expect it, you will "suddenly" have accomplished your goal.



- John-Roger

wrap it up

Well, it's time to wrap up a beautiful busy weekend. We are all tired! Monday will for sure kick our butt's! Woke up this morning with a majorly swollen eye! I knew it was coming on last night while we were rewatching the game. I should have put medicine on it then but I didn't. So this morning when I woke up my right eye lid was puffy and swollen. I didn't think I had to work in the nursery this morning so I put medicine on it and went back to bed. Kara called about 8:45 making sure everything was okay? I was like umm yeh, why? She said, oh I was just making sure b/c you're on the schedule. Whoops!! I told her my eye was a mess and I look like frankenstein and I can't even come in late!! Anyway, the day turned out fine. My eye is almost back to normal and tomorrow I"ll be there for more work week stuff.  Went to Joe's scrimmage this evening. He did good but his team has some work to do. Kate had a great day with Alex, Jack golfed and Joe just chilled.