Christmas Present 2008

Since I have nothing else to write about without having to spend some time in Photobucket, I've decided to show you my "big" Christmas present. I've seen some other bloggers do this, and thought I would play along. I'm a "little" late, but I hope you are forgiving. For the record, I received so many presents, for Christmas 2008, that I greatly love and appreciate, but this one that I'm going to show you today, is super awesome. Plus, I know you dish lovers can appreciate it. As I might have hinted around to before, I have a slight ginormous dish problem. And because I don't really care for clutter, I needed to do something about my overloaded china cabinets. My husband, not the shopper when it comes to buying for others, usually just says, here's some money...go and buy something you would like. It takes the romance out of it, but I've learned to live with it, and have actually come to like the idea. Well, this is what hubby gave me!

As you can tell, these photos were taken at 2 different times in attempt to show the beveled glass...notice any difference?

(and please ignore that phone!)

You can't go wrong when they let you select your own gifts, can you? YEAAAA, SWEET HUBBY!

It's called a mantel curio cabinet. I had never heard of that kind before, and I don't know why it has that name. I love the beveled glass. (My flash is on the lowest setting, and there is still a glare, so I hope you can see it.) The door slides left to right or right to left.

Do you think for a minute that I was a little nervous when they brought it up my front steps? If you said "yes", you'd be right!

It would probably look better with colored glass in it, but for right now it just houses our wedding china pattern, Crown Flower by Noritake, and some of my crystal collection.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great weekend everyone!

Premier of I WONDER WEDNESDAYS

Because I'm the curious type, I wonder alot. This is not one of my husband's favorite parts of our marriage! So, because of my wondering, I decided to do something I'm going to call

"I WONDER WEDNESDAY".

at least until I can stop wondering....

Since my blog IS called "Confessions", I feel you need to know what's on my mind, right? I know, that's a tad frightening, (isn't it?), but, hang in there, no injuries have been reported...so far! Some may say my elevator doesn't rise to the top. Perhaps they are right.

So, today (and in days past), I've wondered why

would leave

for

Now, I realize some of you might think I'm crazy...it's possible, I could be well on my way, and I won't deny it! For the record, I've never thought he was as "hot" as some people do. Not saying he's a dog, because he's not...he's just no John Bon Jovi. But seriously, I do wear glasses or contacts, depending on the day, and I will NEVER GET what SHE saw in Billy Bob Thorton.

come on...what part of him is attractive? And please don't tell me about anything he may have covered up because I really can't bear to go there, unless it's a tattoo...I can stomach that, but that's it! And what was with that vial of blood thing they had going on?

Seriously, are these not signs, people? How do you dump a pretty, successful, STRAIGHT (HELLO?) female for A.J.?

And what about her history of family problems? Oh, please sign me up for that! Most family's have enough of their own baggage without dumping your current spouse to take on a new set...just my opinion. Not that any family is immune from problems.

Not to mention that she had a lesbian relationship. I know SOME people experiment, but if I were a dude, that would Ick me out...I'M JUST SAYING...

I know he's been known for some crazy trysts in his younger days, and he probably has to keep himself entertained, and I will even admit that A.J. is pretty, but he bought in to populating a family with a bunch of children that aren't even his. I do think it's a wonderful thing for children to be adopted and have a home, but I really wonder if he's in it for the long haul. I guess he doesn't have to pay child support if they split up because they're not married. But I would hope that he would, in the event they should split! Even if he didn't, those kids would still probably be better off than they were before, so that's a plus! (YEAAA - 1 PLUS!!!) I wonder who would get custody of all of those kids?

TIME WILL TELL....Stay tuned to see what happens. If I'm breathing, I sure will!

On a positive note, I do think he's made some good decisions...like helping out with the re-building of New Orleans. Heaven knows, they still need it. And, I think he's pretty smart in a lot of ways! I do hope he has found earthly happiness...for as long as they both shall live, or until they should tire of each other, whichever comes first.

If you have any answers, then please let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Maybe it will bring some clarity to my state of wonderment! If you'd like to participate in "I Wonder Wednesdays", you're more than welcome! I don't know how to do a Mr. Linky, so just leave me your html, and I'll link up to you, and we'll see if we can answer some of our most burning questions together! Maybe with several minds working on our "I Wonders", we can get this stuff figured out! (bad grammar, I know! - it's a High School Level blog, or so "THEY" say!)

Later this week, I'll be posting my big Christmas present....better late than never right? Stay tuned....

A Sweet Mom Award

Lynette from Lynette's L.A.M. passed on this sweet award to me proclaiming to all that I am a great mother, and I am so glad she did!! I couldn't be more honored. Every day, I know that I am blessed beyond measure for being given the chance to be a mom. That's not saying that I don't have a few gray hairs with "Sweet Baby's" name on them, because rest assured, I do! And it's not saying I always do a great job of it, but I wouldn't trade being a mom for ANYTHING in this world!

This is a picture of "Sweet Baby" when she was little. It didn't scan very well, and her hair isn't really reddish, nor does she really even look like this now, but you get the idea. She's my angel!

This award was originally passed on by "Wibeche" from ourdreams-wr and she is located in Norway. How cool is that? We're passing around an international award! Way COOL! I don't read Norwegian, but I've been told that it means:

"This is an award for being a wonderful Mom
You do fantastic work
Be proud of your accomplishments!"

Now, I have met so many great moms blogging, and some of you, I'm sure will receive this from some others I have seen this award passed on to, so I am choosing to pass it to:

1) Beth @ I Am Heading Towards My Destiny

2) Envoy-ette @ It Could Be Worse

3) Gail @ The Kramer Angle

4) Bo @ Blinks 'N Winks from Brown Eyes

5) Roberta Anne @ Little House in the Desert

6) Rebel @ Hillbilly Woman

7) Duchess @ The Daily Adventures of FourEds

8) Stephanie @ Angelic Accents (a very new grandmom!)

9) Ally @ Ally's Corner

10) Kat @ JUST A BEACHKAT

11) Darlene @ Darlene's Days

Please pass this award on to the other great moms in Blogland! Thanks, Lynette! It means alot!

Tar

Collecting

As I have mentioned in my profile, I am a collector. I am best at collecting DUST, FAT CELLS and LINT! I believe this all started when I was a child. We didn't have a lot of money, but I collected things "off of the land", such as snail shells (yuk! - I can't explain that one), 4 leaf clovers, arrowheads, lightning bugs, leaves, acorns, red magnolia seeds, rocks and seashells, probably nothing (except shells, maybe) that would qualify me to be featured in one of Country Living's books on collecting. Collecting doesn't have to cost a dime, which is probably how IT ALL BEGAN for me, so long ago!

When I was selecting the name of my blog, it was almost called "Tiquin', Tweakin' & Freakin'" because I'm usually doing one of the three. It still may be named that, if the people from a certain movie by a similar name as my blog, get their panties in a wad. When my daughter was little, I use to go tiquin' to restore my sanity after hubby had been away on LONG business trips...not military long, but long! One day, my Sweet Baby, asked me if she could go TO TIQUIN' with me. I had to explain to her, that TIQUIN' is not a place, but it is a quest for antiques or special treasures. So, I'm kind of like Indiana Jones of Tiquin' and Fleaquin' in search of my treasures!

So, while on my holiday hiatus, I was doing what I do best, tiquin'/shopping/stim-a-la-tin the economy (whatever you want to call it), and I came across a few things that I collect. I thought I'd share them with you.

I collect angels (old, new and friends qualify too ;O). Today, I'm focusing on the vintage angels of the non-human variety. I think their faces are precious and they couldn't look sweeter, even if they tried. I even adopt those who others may not love, such as this one.

You see, she's missing her wings, but she only cost $1, and I couldn't resist her. If she were real, she would just need a hug, I can just tell! And she's all puckered up, waiting for a kiss!

Then, there's the April angel. I also have a thing for rabbits and Easter (heaven help me!), so this sweetie had to come home. She wasn't as good of a deal, but her spaghetti trim was in tact, and she has part of her label on her bottom - both good things to look for when shopping for them or antiques in general!

This pair of sweeties were dirty, and needed a little bath with a little soapy water and Soft Scrub. (not endorsing - just telling you what I used!) Again, for a $1 for the PAIR, I couldn't leave them there! They needed adopting too!

Aside from angels, I also collect sweet girls. There were 2 of these, so I feel a tad guilty for leaving 1 there (like they're real & have feelings - I know), but she was just like this one, but her little flower was slightly chipped. This one was reasonable too, but not as good of a deal as the angels. She cleaned up nicely too.

And finally, I bought this angel and her little cherub because it reminded me of the ones I used at my wedding many moons ago (minus the little cherub ;O)...that might have sent the wrong message!) They needed to come home with me too - I just know they did!

And that's all of my sweet angel and girl purchases over the holidays, but I'll show you the rest of my angel collection before Valentine's Day. Thanks for dropping by and have a great weekend!

Best of luck, Mr. Obama! You're going to need it!

As President-elect Obama is sworn in today, I wish him the best. He has a huge job to do to turn this economy around, and I wish him Godspeed! Not only do I think our country is depending on him, but so many others are too! My only request is that you don't bail out everyone that cannot run a business. Please do not make my child and potential grandchildren responsible for cleaning up the mess made by all of the politicians prior to your administration. Please allow our children the financial freedom to have a life better than their parents too.

I am proud of the fact that you will make history today! I wish you well President-elect Obama! Sadly, I fear you're going to need it! My thoughts and prayers will be with you!

Photo Tag

Bo, over at Blinks 'N Winks from Brown Eyes, tagged me to play photo tag. So, to play, you go to your 4th folder, and show your 4th photo. Well, you've already seen that picture (see the fish ornament pictures below), so, I'm showing you all this picture (that was close to the 4th one), that I believe I scanned (and not very well, I might add) from an issue of Southern Lady magazine. It is just a delicious photo to me...especially those dishes.

So, you're then suppose to tag 4 bloggers, so I tag:

Gloria @ Happy to Be

Gail @ The Kramer Angle

Robyn @ There is Always Thyme for.....

Michelle @ Doublewide Dreamer

Pam @ Antique or Not

I know, that's 5, not 4, but I like to cover my bases....if one of you ladies has done this before, you do not have to re-post. And, if anyone else wants to take this tag and play along, by all means, do so!

Thanks Bo, as always, it was fun to play along! Be sure to visit these ladies and see what kind of pictures they have for us!

Crushing

Sorry Mick (Jagger), I've moved on! Maybe I'm stuck in the 80's, or perhaps even the 90's, and this is going to date-stamp me, but that's a risk I'm willing to take! I know I'm a 40-something Mama Queen, and happily married, by the way, but I think I'm still crushing on

and maybe even

Gaaaaahhhhhh...couldn't you just listen to them sing to you all day? I know my D.H. has got to go with what God gave him, but he just can't sing like that...not a lick...not that I can do much better! But, just think how sexy would it be to have a husband that could sing like John Bon Jovi or Edwin McCain! Do their wives really know how lucky they are? I guess they're my Elvis!

When I left Myrtle Beach, after the holidays, they flashed Edwin McCain's name on a sign advertising the House of Blues. What timing? I'd been there 6 days, and had not seen it advertised once before, but I'm leaving and....I couldn't even look to see if he was going to be there the night I left - I'm sure he WAS...my luck! He has 2 kids now....I know he needed me to help put food on his table, for Heaven's sake! :O) Not that I think Edwin McCain is that hot, but I did use to heart his long, CLEAN hair (which I've heard he's since cut)! Now John, that's another story! (he's STILL HOT!!!, can I get an AMEN?)

And they're both married, and I'm pretty sure they're not crushing on me (I know - "YA THINK?")!!! (BUT, I'm over here @ Confessions, if you ever want to stop by and tell me THAT YOU ARE, I'll be right here!) And they both have brains (because I've heard them both being interviewed), and that's sexy too (the brain part)! Just think, a guy with a brain (that works) and HE CAN SING! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Does it get any better?

And that's all I've got to say about that! I think...

Now, back to reality. I think at least one of them and myself support differing political parties, so it probably wouldn't have worked anyway. And I can live with that!

So, I've resolved myself to just keep them on my playlist, that way, I can still enjoy the gifts God gave them! Hopefully, you will too! ;O) Is anyone else excited that American Idol begins again on Tuesday? WOO HOO!

** To those who left me comments on how Amelia told me to resolve spacing issues in blogger, go to my profile, and e-mail me, and I will tell you how to correct it. If I leave you the answer to it as a comment in blogger, you won't be able to see the code because it does what it's suppose to do, and leaves a space.

An Angel among Us

See this beautiful Christmas card? It's almost as pretty as the one who sent it!

It came to me (in NC) all the way from Texas from a dear, sweet angel in Blogland!

I bet you want to know who, don't you? Don't worry, I'm going to tell you! ;O) I've never been good at keeping secrets for too long!

I know that many of you already know her because she visits tons of our blogs daily and leaves us the kindest words of encouragement.

You know this angel as Bo at Blinks 'N Winks from Brown-Eyes.

You see, when I first started my blog back in October of 2008, it was truly pitiful. So pitiful, in fact, that I almost considered not publishing a blog altogether. Looking back, that might have been for the best because I spend WAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY too much time skipping around Blogland now, and working on my posts. At one time in November, I even feared getting a lecture from D.H. about the amount of time I was spending in Blogland! (I hear ya, Deb!) Whew!!! So far, so good! (Pray for me! It's a hard habit to break, AMEN?!)

Anyway, sweet Bo always encouraged me, and even offered suggestions. In her gentle Texas manner, always mindful not to offend me, she even suggested I move my "Followers" up higher on my sidebar (she was almost my ONLY FOLLOWER at the time - she's #2 on my list)! I don't think she has a mean bone in her body, and I bet she's never said a cross word to anyone (right, Sonny?)! I mean, I've always heard, "don't mess with Texas", but I don't think that's what they mean! LOL! I think she must have sensed I was getting discouraged, although I never said anything.

She's also helped me when I had questions about blogging and offered hints. As I've told some of you, I didn't even know how to work a digital camera until September, (some might say I still don't ;O), so I've come a long way!

Anyhoo, one day, I read a meme (who ever heard of that word before blogging?) over on her blog about some really bad things that have happened to her in her life. One, alone, would have been tragic, but she has had several, and yet she still perseveres.

So, even though my real mom is still alive (thank God!), Bo is like a mother to me in Blogland, because she watches out for me, and shows me the ropes, just like a mother would look out for her child, so, I heart her dearly, even though we have never actually met in person. Isn't that the beauty of blogging? Only bloggers get it!

As she posted earlier, I sent a few gifts to her for Christmas, that I just felt she should have. I tell you this because she sent me the sweetest thank you note I have EVER in my 40-something years received. I literally cried and cried, and didn't think I could get through it. That my friends, was really my BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT! My heart was full. She is just a dear.

But, I told you she was sweet, and do you know that she also sent my family a gift that arrived just before Christmas? I was so excited, I forgot to take a picture of the box! Sorry!

As you might have noticed, I have a slight (A-hem) "Christmas problem", and one of my favorite gifts to receive are ornaments because each one tells a story. I don't remember ever telling Bo this before. For me, they represent something you enjoy like a hobby, something you collect or that's beautiful, or they are generally given to you by someone dear to you. They mean alot to me whether they are homemade or store bought. They just all have sentimental value to me!

Well, that is exactly what she sent. So let's take a lookie at them, shall we?

These beautiful glass fish ornaments that she sent me, went on my beach house's main tree.

Not trying to brag, but aren't they gorgeous?

And she sent Sweet Baby these beautiful fairy ornaments, that of course look perfect on her pink tree. Bo said they are collectible, and was so kind to pass them along to my sweetie.

Are they sweet, or what?

I think they're just beautiful! They have an ethereal quality, don't they?

And she didn't even forget to include my husband. She sent this golfer ornament to him, which is now on another tree at the beach! (Yes, they're still up!)

Isn't he cute? My husband loves him!

Bo knows us so well! She could have sent nothing, and I would still think she's the best thing since sliced bread! But now all of you know how great she is too!

Thanks so much for EVERYTHING, sweet Bo (and Sonny too)! WE LOVE IT ALL!!! More importantly, thanks for being a great friend and mentor! I BIG PUFFY HEART YOU!

If you haven't met her, please take yourself straight over to her blog (it's linked above) and meet her. I promise you will never regret it!

PLEASE NOTE: I am STILL trying (hard) not be so OCD over this spacing thing, or the lack thereof, in my posts. If anyone figures out why they won't hold, for my sanity sake (what's left), please come over and tell me A.S.A.P.! THANKS!!!

PLEASE KNOW THAT I COULD JUST KISS AMELIA @ Amelia's Musings RIGHT NOW! (I'm not gay ;O) SHE HAS TOLD ME HOW TO SOLVE MY SPACING PROBLEM! GOD BLESS HER! I'LL KEEP MY SANITY A LITTLE LONGER!!!

FRIENDS AWARD

Kristen, over at Something about Nothing and Pam at Antique or Not, gave me this pretty little award, so THANKS, Kristen and Pam! Be sure to visit her, and check out her blog, if you haven't already had the chance to get to know her!

Kristen said the Friends Award is given to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. (Kristen said to omit that self-aggrandizement part - see below for the reason!).

Neither of us knew what that meant, so she googled it and decided to take that part out because it means, "the act of making oneself more powerful, wealthy, etc., esp. in a ruthless way" because she didn't like the "especially in a ruthless way" part! The hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

The award is supposed to be passed onto 8 bloggers. And, since I consider all of you my friends, I'm just going to pass this along to those of you who are kind enough to still stop by and visit on a regular basis, even when my blog posts tend to get boring - in my opinion, true friends are always loyal. Note, that it was hard to find 8 of you because so many of you have already received this award!

You are:

Envoy-ette @ It Could Be Worse!

Deb @ Deb's Country Kisses

Janie @ Sounding Forth

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer

Darlene @ Darlene's Days

Kitty Scraps @ A Bit of Fluff, Quite Messy Really...

Rhonda @ Scooterblu's Whimsy

Ally @ Ally's Corner

and because I never follow rules, I have a 9th:

Amelia @ Amelia's Musings

Thanks again Kristen and Pam!

Now go forth and propagate those friendships!

My 1st award Received in 2009!

I think I partied too much in college, because I didn't learn "big words" like these! I had to get my special translator, the Duke grad, to tell me what it meant! So, Kathy over at Emptynester and Kitty Scraps @ A Bit of Fluff, Quite Messy Really... was kind enough to bestow this award on me. You see, I've been told it means that "Bloggers who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming'. This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement (Duke grad had to explain that one too!) Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who must choose 8 more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Sorry the photo is so honkin' big! Don't know where I went wrong there!

Please know that if you're not one of my 8, I still value your friendship. I chose to pick those I've been blogging friends with the longest, those to whom I haven't already passed along another award this week, or those who haven't already received it! So, here are my 8:

1) Donna @ Our Adventures with Tassie

2) Melissa Miller @ Melissa's Heart and Home

3) Eve @ Tranquility...& Turmoil

4) Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick

5) Debbie @ Confessions of a Plate Addict

6) Terrie @ Terrie's Lil" Piece of Serenity

7) BJ @ Sweet Nothings

8) Gloria @ Happy to Be

Woo hoo - it took me forever to find 8 of you who haven't already received this! Go forth & spread the love! Thanks Kathy and Kitty Scraps!

Lemonade Award

This week's blog posts are devoted to catching up on all I didn't have time to do in December a/k/a "taking care of business". That being said, I received the Lemonade Award, thanks to Kristen at Something about Nothing (sorry it took so long to post) and Donna @ Our Adventures with Tassie! The purpose of this award is to give it to someone who is showing gratitude or a good attitude ("if life hands you lemons, make lemonade") within their life or blog.

The rules:

1) put the logo on your blog

2) nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude and/or gratitude.

3) have your 10 pass it along to 10 more!

These rules are the easiest EVER, but narrowing it down to 10 is the hard part because I follow over 180 blogs, and I wouldn't be following them if they didn't demonstrate great attitude or gratitude qualities!

I have seen several catching up on posting this award to day, so some of you may have already received it or will get it more than once, but that's ok. It's the thought that counts, right? That being said, I've chosen to pass it along to:

1) Bo @ Blinks 'N Winks from Brown Eyes because she's dealt with alot in her life, and still remains positive.

2) Laurie @ Bargain Hunting with Laurie who may have icky RMS trolls that harass her, but I LOVE her enthusiasm for decorating!

3) Chris @ Chris's Corner because she always provides inspiring words of wisdom!

4) Beth @ I AM HEADING TOWARDS MY DESTINY because she lost 54 pounds in 2007 alone! If that's not inspirational, what is?

5) Shelia @ Note Songs is just the happiest little song bird I know!

6) Dee @ Drama Mama who makes the best of the hand she has been dealt.

7) Claire @ Life of a Southern Belle who also lost a lot of weight in 2007, despite her trainer quitting. She's also a "straight shooter", and I like that about her!

8) Kathy @ Emptynester who is a sweetie & a relatively new blogger - so please visit, if you haven't already.

9) Theresa @ Take a Sentimental Journey who has fought cancer, and is hopefully winning the fight.

10) Jennifer @ The Beaufort Lookout who is battling Parkinson's disease, and was in a wreck just before the holidays, but she still keeps going strong!

Way to go ladies, just keep doing what you're doing!

Now, go make some lemonade and spread the Bloggy love! Thanks again, Kristen & Donna!

Let's Blog-scotch, shall we?

SHE'S BAAAAA-AAAAACCCKKKKK!!!!

I would say my December was my worst ever for having too much to do, and not enough time in which to get it done, so you may have noticed that I didn't do the best job with posting or visiting. BUT, while roaming around your blogs, I stumbled across a few "cool", or shall I say "interesting" things I thought I'd share, just in case you missed them. Take your pick, look at 1 or a few or none, whatever you feel like!

Cool thing #1:

If you never made it over to Vanessa's Halloween Party back in October (which I just recently saw that she was featured in Artful Blogging), then please go and take a look at her cute little creations - what an imagination she has! I love all the colors she uses! Click here: Twinkly Wishes for a Magical New Year! (+ collecting your wishes). And don't miss the post of her trip to her parent's home for Christmas. Her parent's live in an awesome "Miami-ish looking house" (that's not in Miami) with lovely decorations, and tablescapes! And get a load of those trees - what eye candy! I hope I'm lucky enough to spend Christmas 2009 there! :O) Still waiting to be invited *HINT* *HINT*! Click below for the tour! http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/a_fanciful_twist/2008/12/merrily-down-the-holiday-road-i-find-my-way-back.html

Cool thing #2:

A candy chandy! Take a hop over to Sandra Evertson's blog at

http://sandraevertson.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-santa.html

Can't you just see children dreaming of one of these in their rooms? (Or adults!) And there's a sweet little story to go with it, in case you want to go "awww....."


Cool Thing #3:

I would say this was one of the most interesting posts on which I've ever laid my eyes. Do you know how you sometimes go blog-scotching (like blog hop-scotch)? WELL...one day, I did one of those blog, to blog, to blog hops, and came across some very interesting information. As my blog name indicates, I am "40-something" (the lower side ;O) years old, and I thought I knew a thing or two, but apparently I'm not as smart as I think I am. I have NEV-A, EV-A read anything about styling a muff, trimming one's hedges, or "landscaping a lady garden", as the Broke Ass Bride calls it, so.........if you want a tutorial on that, just please feel free to click on the blue Broke Ass Bride above, and blog-scotch on over there and take a little look-ie - you might learn something too! :O) I'm thinking "Broke Ass" might be related to Nikkicrumpet because she's a hoot too!

And speaking of Nikki, if you haven't seen her Diet Plan for 2009 that she's offering for a "small fee", well then just cruise on over there too. I'm convinced she's going to be Oprah's new diet guru! Both posts are things that make ya go hmmmmm is just all I can say!

Happy New Year, Everyone! May you be blessed beyond measure in 2009!