Confessions of a 40-something Mama Queen

Easter Decor Party

2010-03-30T19:22:00.003-04:00

Hi and thanks for stopping by! Today, I link with Lynette at Lynette's L.A.M. for the Easter Decor Party. Thanks for hosting such a fun meme, Lynette! I will warn you now that this is a long post with alot of pictures.

So, I'll show you a few of our things.

I found this cute Easter basket at Home Goods this year. I should own stock in that company! I added the Pier 1 'bunny on a stick' and butterflies, but the picture is a little blurred, so they are hard to see. The bunny was an antique store purchase this year.

This bunny is a music box I found at Cracker Barrel about 5-6 years ago.

The 3 little rabbits came from Tuesday Morning, this year.

This was my first Etsy purchase.

Got the green plate at Home Goods and the bunny basket at a thrift store several years ago.

I don't shop on eBay much anymore, but this little rabbit needed to be adopted by me.

The great room mantel

Couldn't decide which one of these pictures was best, so I'm showing both.

Up close...

The trees came from Tuesday Morning this year, I've had the planter for awhile, and the basket was a recent thrift store find.

The Easter sign came from Hobby Lobby this year, the little chicks were on clearance at Tuesday Morning last year.

I collect vintage Easter planters. This started when I first started thrifting, you could pick them up for almost nothing. Now, apparently, others have decided to collect them too, and they're not so cheap. For Easter, I like to display them in my bookcases.

The up close views...

The other side...

The keeping room mantel...

The plate came from Pier 1 clearance,

the 'HOP' blocks from 'sassytalk' on Etsy,

and I don't remember where the pink rabbit was purchased.

The old rabbit and chicks have funny faces, and I picked them up at a church yard sale. I think they are pretty old (as in, older than me :) because they told me a man's grandmother made them, and I believe he was a senior citizen. The chick's hats are removable and the rabbit has false eyelashes. The wire bird basket was found at Cracker Barrel last year.

The kitchen...

The island...

Top of the fridge

Top of the kitchen cabinets

The 'Happy Spring' sign was a $3.99 find at Ross this year. I debated on whether or not to get it, but since the green matched and tulips are my favorite flower, it was a keeper. Can you imagine handpainting a piece of slate and only selling it for $3.99?

The teapot is new, this year, from Home Goods because he matched the vase on the fridge.

See all those cookbooks? They're just for looks! Ha! :)

The bar...

My favorite Easter display this year...

except that I never got lavendar for the vase

The birds and 'Bloom' sign came from Michael's this year.

Love the cross. It was a recent Hob Lob find.

'Let life love and joy overflow from your heart'.

On to the dining room...

you saw the table featured here last week on Tablescape Thursday

I recently found this plate and I just could not walk away. I tried.

There are too many rabbits around here, so some had to be caged.

The soup tureen was a birthday gift this year. It was purchased at Tuesday Morning also.

I'm also linking up with the following blogs:

Angela @ Free Spirit Haven for What You Are Looking At

Diane @ A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words for 2nd Time Around Tuesday

Marty @ A Stroll Through Life for Table Top Tuesday

Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville for Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville

Marty @ A Stroll Through Life for the It's a Cloche Party

Thanks to everyone that has stopped by. Please leave me a comment, if you get the chance.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy Easter!

My Vintage Easter Tablescape Thursday

2010-03-24T20:00:00.052-04:00

Today, I link with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Thanks for hosting one of my favorite blog parties, Susan! If you've read my blog (AT ALL), then you might have an inkling that I like to collect. (Ha, Ha!) So, I thought I'd show you some of my vintage Easter decor.

Let's take a look at the table.

The rabbit came from Home Goods and the "Happy Easter" sign came from Wal-mart,

a few years ago.

Do you spy a baby in this one?

My olden things have been collected over time. Some are salt and pepper shakers...

One is a pitcher (not the prettiest you'll ever see!).

And one is just plain ugly, but I 'adopted' it because it was soooo ugly, I felt sorry for it.

Some are just figurines...

My favorites...

I think I bought the egg cups at an antique store some years ago, but I'm not certain.
The pink 'flower balls' came from Michael's this year.

I also used these little slag vases for egg holders.

I picked up the topiaries last year at GW for I think, $4 each. I think I intended to blog about them, but I believe I never got to it, once I found out I was pregnant. I had planned to paint the pots because the color just didn't do it for me; however, I foofed them up this year with the butterflies and ribbon, and I'm liking them a little better. What do you think, to paint or not to paint?

(Look, she's learning to Tablescape! LOL! We had to get her a toy laptop because she keeps trying to type on mine while I'm typing. Must be in her genes, huh? :)

The place settings...

salad plates - Garden Party by Spode

white plates - TJ Maxx, last year (no name on the back)

gold chargers - Wal-mart

silverware - Chateau by Oneida

green glasses - Target, this Easter

napkin rings - The Wacky Rabbit, Myrtle Beach, SC (I was told they have been discontinued)

I prefer to use paper napkins because...I'm a germaphobe and let's just say I have 'issues' with cloth napkins. LOL!

napkins - Home Goods

the rabbit candy dishes came from various places - 1 from Cracker Barrel, 2 from thrifts & I think 1 came from Target

everything else - I can't remember

And finally, our Easter table would be complete without...

a cross...

I also want to thank Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch for having a tassel giveaway because I actually won it! Amazing! I also want to thank Angela, who has the Etsy store called The Tassel House because she made the tassel and sponsored the giveaway. Isn't he cute?

I hope to show you a little more of my vintage Easter decor at Lynette's Easter Decor Party on March 31st. Be sure to join her!

I'm also linking to The Vintage Easter Blog Hop on March 28th hosted by Joan at The Potting Shed - Anything Goes Here. Be sure to join her too!

Thanks for stopping by! I also want to thank those new Followers that have joined me! I use to go by and thank each one personally, but I'm not sure how to do that since they've changed the way 'Followers' is now. I don't get to post as often as I would like, but I will still post and visit as I get free time!

Have a Happy Spring, everyone!

Valentine's Day Blog Party

2010-02-12T00:06:00.006-05:00

Today, I join with Laurie at Bargain Hunting & Chatting with Laurie for her Valentine's Day party. Thanks, Laurie, for hosting this fun party! I didn't decorate alot this year because it hasn't been that long since I finished putting the Christmas decorations away. SIGH...They didn't jump back in the boxes as easily as they came out, for some reason. (And it's not because I did alot of after Christmas shopping! REALLY!)

So, welcome to our home. This is the back of the front door.

The foyer table...

up close...just realized I forgot my red rose wreath on this mirror that so many of you commented on last year. Don't you hate when you do that and have to wait another year to use the decoration?

the living room...

can't wait to get this room painted...

a kissing ball...(the wall really isn't this green!)

(Melissa Miller, that picture was for you! LOL!)

the great room mantel...

still wish we had a mantel without the tv hole. They invented a cordless phone, why not a cordless tv/dvd player?

told you I have a dish problem...SIGH.

wish I had taken a better picture of this...the angel is sitting on a red leather heart shaped box. SORRY.

the keeping room (does anyone know why it's called that? We're not really keeping things in there that we're not keeping in the other rooms! lol!)...

(yes, I stay up late. I like Letterman, but can't wait until Jay's back on at 11:35! I was never a Conan fan, were you?)

So, of the few (don't laugh!) things I did buy in after Christmas clearance sales, I happened upon some heart ornaments, so I decided to have a "Love Tree" for Valentine's Day. Let's take a look...

The same angel as used at Christmas. The gold angels are from Bed, Bath & Beyond after Christmas clearance 2 or 3 years ago.

the goldish-red hearts (above and below) were purchased at Dillard's after Christmas 2009. The L-O-V-E sign came from a local thrift store, but orignally came from Target because I bought one years ago, and it's pictured on the great room mantel photo. Some of these angels were also on either of our Christmas trees.

the little red birds were from Dollar Tree after Christmas clearance 2009.

The same for the red hearts pictured below, except they came from Tuesday Morning.

The white angel and the cloth "Happy Valentine's Day" heart were thrift store finds.

Some vintage reproduction cards on the pantry door.

And finally, I thought I'd show you a Valentine card I received from my parents growing up!

Isn't she sweet?

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day weekend! Sounds like we're going to get a little more snow. I'll be soooo glad to bid winter farewell!

I know that Christmas is over, but....

2010-01-06T23:16:00.003-05:00

I never had the time before Christmas to post my Christmas table for 2009, so...today, I link with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch. In addition, I'm also linking with Leigh @ Tales from Bloggeritaville because many of the items shown are thrift or consignment bargains. Thanks ladies, for hosting such fun blog parties! This is a warning that there are alot of photos ahead.

Each year, I like to change things around, and being that I have more decorations than I have room to display them all neatly, I usually display too much. If you remember my Christmas table last year, as seen here, I used greens and browns because my dining room had been painted an orangey-red shade and reds seemed to clash with the paint color. This year, I didn't care, and went with a plaid theme. Let's take a look.

Tablescape items were purchased:

Santa salad plates -'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Noble Excellence were purchased at Dillard's last year after Christmas, but they had them for 2009 too.

white dinner plates - aren't marked - TJ Maxx last year

chargers - Z Gallerie after Christmas in 2007

red silverware - seen in Dillard's last year, but they were too expensive, so I purchased it at Tuesday Morning this year

margarita glasses - Pier 1 in 2006 or 2007

napkins - no clue

table runner - BJ's for $15 this Christmas

red candle votives - Cracker Barrel this Christmas

Believe sign - Big Lots, last year, I believe

placecard holders - Bed, Bath & Beyond, last year, I believe, but Michael's carried similar ones this year

placemats - Target years ago

placecards - old Christmas tags

The centerpiece is a red/crystal ashtray. The elves were sitting high atop it. I bought it at an antique store earlier in the year, and thought it would also be pretty for displaying ornaments.

This etagere' is new this year, and it quite frankly, makes my dining room look cluttered, but I have no where else to put it, so here it stands. For fall, I displayed fall items on it. For Christmas, I displayed some of my Santas.

This is a music box, I found at either a thrift store or a church yard sale. It plays "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

This is my newest favorite thing, as I found it right before Christmas for $1.61. Woo hoo! How could anyone get rid of that? It's a music box, and it works. It plays "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".
The thing with thrifting is that I want to bonk the people on the head for getting rid of such cool stuff, and yet I want to thank them, at the same time, for donating it!

We won this music box from a charity event that benefited the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. It has the Biltmore house at the base, and plays "Carol of the Bells".
A cousin passed along this Santa to me after going through a divorce. My husband and oldest daughter gave this one to me 5 or more years ago.
A look around the dining room. Bought the runner just before Christmas at a thrift store for $2. For the longest time, I've been looking to buy vintage ornaments. Because I'm too frugal to pay $7-$8 an ornament, I've been keeping my eye open for them at the local thrifts. I found a bag of them, as seen in the bowl below, for 80 cents. And yes, I did squeal with glee!

The thing with thrifting is that I want to bonk the people on the head for getting rid of such cool stuff, and yet I want to thank them at the same time!

The Santa and sleigh is new from our trip to Biltmore this year.

In this picture, the 2 smaller candy dishes came from Goodwill this fall. I saw the taller one over Thanksgiving, and my mom was kind enough to buy it for me for Christmas. The 3 sleighs are all thrift store finds.

I collect bells and the one on the left and middle are from thrift stores this year.

All of these items are from thrift stores this year.

I've had the cookie jars for a few years, but the Santa tray is new from a thrift this year.

All of these came from thrift stores or flea markets except the Santa second from left.

As you might have heard, we had snow move through the south the weekend before Christmas. The only good thing about it, other than it being pretty, was that I was able to take some Christmas card photos. So, I thought I would share one of them with you, since I didn't get to mail one to each of my blogger friends. The baby is now almost 4 months. Where does the time go? I hope you all with have a safe and happy 2010! Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. I always seem to get in type over mode when doing a post. Does anyone know how to get out of it?

Oh Christmas Tree Party

2009-12-14T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today, I join with Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick, for her Oh Christmas Tree party to show you three of our Christmas Trees. It took almost two weeks, but I think I'm finally finished decorating them. This year, we have four trees. (Actually, there are more than four, but only four that require decorating).

This is a new one in the kitchen.

I went to Cracker Barrel and thought they had the cutest little gingerbread ornaments. They had some really nice Christmas items this year. Be sure to check them out if you get a chance because it's now on clearance for 40% off. Some of the ornaments also came from Michael's and Target's dollar spot. Sorry that I didn't get more close-up photos of this tree. This isn't my best post ever. LOL!

We have a Santa tree in the keeping room, similar to last year, but, apparently, I bought alot of ornaments on clearance at the end of last season because I couldn't seem to fit as many on the tree this year.The sign came from Dollar Tree this year. I removed the twine hanger and replaced it with a skinny red ribbon. Don't think that I'm feelin' it, and probably won't use it there next year.We went to Biltmore the weekend before Thanksgiving, since it's less than a 2 hour drive from our home and bought these personalized Santa ornaments for our girls. If you've never been to Biltmore, please add it to your "bucket list". It is hard to fathom the awesomeness of that home until you've seen it.We also went to Disney World over Easter, and the round Santa ornament came from Epcot. Like most people, I like to bring back ornaments from places we travel.

Then there is the foyer tree. This is my favorite tree, and it's the one at which we find Santa's gifts on Christmas morning. It looks much better in person than in photos. I wish it were in a room where we could view it more often. This is the first time, in probably the last 10 years, that I have left off ting ting, but to be honest, I was actually tired of decorating trees, so I stopped. Thought that would Ne-va happen!

This is the Biltmore ornament the Hubs and I share.
This one also came from the Biltmore trip.

A few more of the favorite ornaments...

Melissa Miller, the glimpse of the topper (above) was for you! LOL!

these came from some friends...

Dollar Tree reindeer...

Thanks for stopping by to view our decorations. Please come back to see more later in the week. As usual, there is no "hall" that goes un-decked in this house, so stay tuned.

If not, have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Halloween Tablescape

2009-10-28T19:45:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting another fun Tablescape Thursday!

As many of you know, I had another little "goblin" about 7 weeks ago (Mommy says to say "Hi" to all of our friends in Blogland)

so, I don't have quite as much time to do-daa (i.e. "Martha Stewart") everything, as much as I would normally do. My other daughter, Ashley, wanted to have her birthday party at home this year, with a Halloween costume party as the theme, since she has an October birthday. Major E-E-K!!! Am I crazy to agree to it, or what? I suppose I needed a few more gray hairs. But, like most parents who never want to disappoint their children, I agreed.

Here is the goodie table. Keep in mind that it is "kid food", so it's Not really nutritious, but I doubt if kids want to go to a "nutritious Halloween party" anyway! LOL!

The "Menu": bugles, chips and dip, popcorn, cheese puffs, Crunch 'N Munch, ghost Peeps, colby jack, cheddar and mozzarella cheese cubes, candy corn, orange and brown Tootsie-Roll lollipops, black licorice Twizzlers, Halloween candy sticks, Mary Janes, Pixie Sticks, mummies, and finger cookies.

And to all of my fellow thrifters/consignment shoppers, I picked up this candelabra at a consignment store. It folds flat, which is a good thing, considering I have a "sMaLL dish problem", and need all of the storage I can find.

The witch and trick-or-treater are Annalees. The witch is new this year from Home Goods!

I should have put a toy mouse beside that cheese because it is obvious that someone was sneaking some before the party started...and it wasn't me! Now, because the guests were pre-teens, I used plastic tablecloths, cups, and utensils, and paper plates and napkins. (Please forgive me, Miss Janice!) In addition, I didn't light the candles, for fear someone may have an "accident", and then it would be the first 9-1-1 Tablescape. Heaven forbid, I'd rather not be the first to have that "honor"!

Because I haven't had alot of time to search for recipes, I served a "creamsicle float punch", fancy for...I took a gallon of vanilla ice cream, and added orange soda. ;o)

It looked kind of spooky too. Of course, I "had to" float an ice hand for kicks (channeling my inner Martha).

The treat bags...

The craft table...

And the candy dish they "hit up" on the way out of the door!

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

In October of last year, I had just started my blog, and had a handful of Followers. I did a post on a Halloween party I had some years back for Ashley's 4th birthday. I posted a recipe for Creamsicle Fudge. I didn't have time to make it for this year's party, but if any of you are going to a Halloween party, I would recommend it!

Finally, for those of you who have asked for more baby pictures of Danielle, I'll leave you with this. She has captured my heart...Mommy thinks she is BOO-tiful.

Happy Halloween, Tablescapers!

She's Finally Here!!!

2009-09-13T13:37:00.017-04:00

I'm happy to let you know that Danielle Alexis arrived safely, into this world, on Wednesday,
September 9th, at 12:28 p.m. As much as I had dreaded being awake during delivery, things went very well, and was a breeze when compared with my first delivery.

Needless to say, her big sister was very happy to see her!

And, I have to say, she is the sweetest thing since chocolate! In just 3+ days, we love her to death.

God has indeed blessed us again!

A Little Maxine Humor...

2009-08-25T08:23:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone is doing well!

Important Health News

2009-07-21T11:21:00.002-04:00

The correct way to weigh yourself....who knew???

I'm still here

2009-06-09T09:02:00.007-04:00

Just a quick post to thank everyone that has stopped by to check in on me. I'm doing fine and everything is o.k., as far as I know. I've just been very busy with the end of school activities, and getting ready for our new baby. I'm am set to have a c-section in early September, and will hopefully, be enjoying the summer, prior to that. I hope everyone of you will as well!

And for those of you that have asked, we are having another girl! I appreciate all your thoughtfulness! Keep in touch. Although I may not be posting regularly, I still like to hear from you, and you can leave a comment or send me an e-mail. I just wish I had more time to visit everyone right now. ;O)

I want to thank everyone that has come by and left a comment. I'm going out of town this afternoon, so I won't get a chance to come by and leave a comment for all of you, but just know I'm thinking of you, and miss visiting your blogs. I hope to get back into it when I return. Have a great summer!

The Fan Award

2009-04-10T12:01:00.002-04:00

Lori at Basketball, Gymnastics and Me and Kathy at Empty Nester gave me the Fan Award!

I am honored and I'm a fan of your blogs also! The month of April has been named Tell 'Em You're A Fan Month. So, let your favorite blog sites know that you're a fan, just as these ladies did with me! Thank you so much, Lori and Kathy. I really appreciate it so much!

Here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment or an email for your favorite blogger telling them that you are a fan of the site.

2. Feel free to copy and paste the award, or you can get the code at Sited and Blogged to present to your blog friend or post on your site when it is awarded to you.

3. When you receive more than one fan, put the number of fans you have received under the image.

4. The more fans you receive the better! So, what are you waiting for...tell someone you're a fan of all their blog...HAVE FUN!

Now, since I have over 200 blogs on my blog roll, I am a fan of ALL of them!!! So, if you are on my blog roll, please know that I'm a fan of your blog, and please take this Award from me and pass it on!

Thanks, again Lori and Kathy! I really appreciate this!

Isn't this hilarious?!

2009-04-08T22:11:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when we spend too much time blogging...

Ok...I probably shouldn't be laughing!

UNC Tarheels 2009 National Champs

2009-04-07T06:53:00.003-04:00

I think anyone that follows my blog saw this post coming today... ;O)

I HAVE TO CONGRATULATE the UNC TARHEELS for an awesome win last night over Michigan State 89-72! They represented us well, and we're very proud of them!

GO HEELS!

Do You Know How I Know God Loves Me?

2009-04-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Interesting question...and as you might imagine, I have a few answers.

1) He loves me because He allowed me be born AFTER outhouses were used. Now, I know there are probably a few people that still use them today, but thank God, I am not one of them. I don't even like port-a-johns...or public restrooms for that matter, but sometimes, they are necessary!

2) He loves me because He allowed me to be born in a time when I have running water. I cannot imagine not having a shower! 3) He loves me because He allowed me to be born in a generation where washing machines and dishwashers were invented.

4) He knows that I could not have survived in a time without a blow dryer, a curling iron and hair products...no, NOT ME!

5) He knows that I could never be a flight attendant because I could never fit all of my stuff in that little rolling suitcase...especially for more than 1 day! 6) He provides that my daughter is interested in activities other than Girl Scouts because he knows her mama hates the idea of camping and tents!

7) He loves me because He knows I would have been a fish out of water wearing those 1800's type of dresses!
8) He allowed me to be born during the era of air conditioning because he knows I would wilt if I didn't have it!

9) He knows that I would be far skinnier, and much less happy without the invention of my favorite Easter candy....
Thank you God, Hershey, and smart people that came up with the recipe for this candy. I heart it and so look forward to it EVERY EASTER! Now, don't bother to look at the fat content... it's dangerous on your eyes! And be sure to RUN, not walk, to get some of this before it sells out! Please know that these aren't the only reasons I know that God loves me, just the ones I thought I would highlight today! Thanks for stopping by and have a good weekend!

Blue Monday #1

2009-03-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Blue Monday, hosted by Smiling Sally. If you read my blog, you know that I'm a collector! And I have a "small" collection of blue & white porcelain. So, here it is in honor of Blue Monday!

I think I've showed you this picture before (for the thrift store wire thingies), but just ignore them & look at the blue/white. ;O)

Did you see a few (3) rabbits? Thanks also to everyone one that wished us well in our new endeavor! I'm sure the new baby will be quite a blessing! LOL!

An Announcement...

2009-03-27T00:00:00.002-04:00

As those of you that read my blog may know, I had a birthday last month. Several of you, asked in your comments, my age. Well, I turned 43 years old. I tell you that because 2 weeks ago today, I was called by my OB's office and told that my blood work indicated that I was PREGNANT! S.C.R.E.A.M.!!! I thought the nurse was going to tell me that I was starting menopause. Imagine my surprise. I haven't had a child in almost 10 years.

So, that explains why I haven't been feeling so swell. I hope that also tells you why I haven't been visiting or posting as much. I probably won't post as much as I once did, but I still hope to find time to visit. I never intended my blog to be about my family, although I include that from time to time. I started it more to be about my hobby (thrifting, home decorating, and antiquing). As you might imagine, after the shock wore off, we have had a lot to consider and for which to prepare...and not that long to do it! I'm due sometime in early to mid-September.

I hope you will understand, and still keep in touch, even though I may not be around quite as much as I once did. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, we could use it! :O)

And We Have a Winner!

2009-03-24T16:19:00.007-04:00

Last week, I announced my Easter giveaway. I had orginally put that it would run through March 21, 2009, but I thought I had put through March 23rd, so I extended it through today, March 24, 2009, at 2 p.m. I received 62 comments to that post, and everyone was entered, regardless of whether or not you lived in the U.S. I truly wish I could give everyone a prize because you all left the sweetest comments.

So, I put 62 names in the basket...

And had Sweet Baby mix them up...

And she drew my winner...

And it looks like Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studios was my winner! Congratulations, Penny! Just send me your address, and I will send you your winnings! Thanks to everyone that entered!

Did I Tell You That I Heart My Peeps?

2009-03-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I do, and we're going to celebrate!

Most people hold giveaways when they reach their 100th post, but because I have alot coming up this spring and summer, I thought I would do a giveaway when I achieved 100 followers instead, and that happened a week or so ago. I know that number can fluctuate, but I have to say, I am honored that EVEN ONE PERSON reads my blog and finds it interesting...REALLY, and to have over 100 followers is HARD.TO.BELIEVE!

So, to celebrate I'm going to give away some Easter items. I heart rabbits (not the real ones...they eat my hostas!), so I love the decor that goes along with this celebration. Let's see what you get, if you are interested in participating in my giveaway.

I have a taller version of this that I bought several years ago. When I saw it, I thought it would be cute for a giveaway. It's actually a vase.

Secondly, I've seen alot of you collect this pattern. I found the deviled egg plate, so it's a part of it too.
Then, there's this little rabbit spreader, and some Easter towels.

Some Spring note cards (sorry for the flash).

Some peeps for my peeps (great in a cup of hot chocolate).

And there will be a few extra items thrown in too, but you'll have to see what they are when the winner receives it. The items will arrive inside this hat box. (Apparently, I'm not too good at centering items when I take a picture!)

Because I'm not fancy, all you have to do is leave a comment on any post between today's post and 2 p.m. on March 24th. For every comment you leave (if I have more than 1 post), you get 1 entry. You do not need to post anything on your blogs advertising my giveaway, after all, that hurts your chances of winning. If you want to leave a comment, but not be considered for the giveaway, just leave a note to that effect.

Thanks for commenting and following! I always appreciate both...more than you'll ever know! Good luck!

******** I extended the entry date for entering my giveaway until 2 p.m. on the 24th. I will announce the winner after that. Thanks for playing.

Ashley's Giveaway & Purse Tag

2009-03-12T18:00:00.001-04:00

Ashley from Ashley's Adventures tagged me, some time ago, with a What's In Your Bag Purse Tag. First, I apologize for being so slack about getting this posted, Ashley!

Here are the rules:

1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are today - not last weekend when you and your hubby went out to that fabulous restaurant. No cheating!!!

2. Tell us how much it cost. This is a no-judgment zone -- there will be no ridiculing or eye rolling here. And, if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, we'd love to hear it.

3. Now tag some fellow bloggers and link back to this post so people know why you are posting pictures of your bag.

So, I thought I'd show you the purse I'm currently carrying. Note the palm trees! :O) Yes, I'm wishing I were somewhere tropical!

And, I'm suppose to show what's inside. I'll spare you from all the "junk", and show you a few of my necessities!
My wallet (I really need a new one of these, but I haven't found one that's big enough to hold ALL of my stuff!), tissues, keys, pens, lipstick, and a first aid kit.

Then, there's also my calendar, measuring tape and cell phone. Nothing really exciting. I'd show you my camera, because we bloggers always carry cameras, but I can't take a picture of it, now can I? ;O) I don't remember how much it cost, and it doesn't have a special story...boring, I know!

If anyone wants to take this tag, please feel free. Thanks Ashley, that was fun!

Ashley is also hosting a giveaway! Be sure to go over to her blog and enter by tomorrow! This is what she is giving away.
It's a hairbow holder for little girls - how cute! She made it too, so I'm really impressed.

Speaking of giveaways, I'm having one next week, so be sure to come back and enter! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

7TH I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-03-11T08:55:00.003-04:00

Hi, and welcome to the 7TH I WONDER WEDNESDAY!

Today's post will be short and sweet. Ok, maybe not sweet.

I wonder what prevents me from finding my glasses when they're sitting

RIGHT. ON.TOP of my head???

I can't SEE OR FEEL....what's up with that?

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

P.S. I hope the music on my playlist doesn't offend anyone. Just please turn off your sound or my playlist, if you don't want to hear it. I've needed to add a little pep to my step lately! :O)

Thrifty Thursday

2009-03-04T21:10:00.001-05:00

Leigh at Tales from Bloggeritaville is hosting Thrifty Thursday again, and since I can't seem to stay away from a bargain, I H-A-V-E to play along! ;O) Be sure to stop by her blog to see what other thrifty shoppers have found this week!

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with these two things. I'm thinking I might use this tray in my laundry room, but I don't know how yet. Any suggestions?

And then this tray was a little ~~"toe up"~~ bent, but I thought it would be nice in some kind of Fall display.
Now, I need to have a Pity Party for a minute, so bear with me. In 2006, we moved to SC for exactly one year. Our home there had only been lived in previously by a single male, who had all builder's beige walls. It was like a blank canvas, and I'm still sad, to this day, that I never got to decorate that house. But the thing I miss the most, other than the frieze carpet and the neighborhood amenities, is the sunroom. It was huge. I have always wanted one, and when I finally got it, I never even got to enjoy it because we had a ping pong table in there most of the time we were there. So, being the nut that I am, I still buy things for my "sunroom" THAT I DON'T HAVE, but hope to have again one day. I know it's crazy, but I just can't seem to help myself...This is my latest purchase for my imaginary sunroom.So, although this flower arrangement looks a little "tired", I really bought it for the birdhouses, and hope to freshen it up, one day,with spring flowers and put it in my future sunroom. For now, we'll just call it a project. ;O)

Finally, I'm going to show you a little peacock I bought that is old and was hand painted. I put him (or her?) on my great room's mantel.

Now, I need your advice. I think I've mentioned how much I dislike those TV caves (like this one). And I know that we need some ornate wrought iron sconces up there on both sides (badly), but ~~our now defunct builder was too cheap to put them up when the house was built~~ I haven't found any that I like. I also need to have the room painted, but haven't yet decided on the "right color". So, I think this display on my mantel needs something else. I'm thinking some burlap ribbon kind of draped around everything to soften the look. I'm talking more about what to do with the mantel than the TV cave (alot have provided suggestions for that). The mantel is only about 6 inches wide, so it's not very big to sit things on. While I would love to cover this "cave" with shutters, I don't think it's practical because the tv is used almost every day, and I don't think family members would make the effort to open and shut them. What do you think? I'd love to have some feedback on this. I know it's not Rate My Space, but suggestions are always appreciated. ;o) I may be changing it out soon for Easter anyway, but this will probably be what's up on a non-holiday time of year.

Thanks for coming by, and thanks in advance for any advice you may leave!

6TH I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-03-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hi, and thanks for stopping by for my 6TH I WONDER WEDNESDAY! If you'd like to play along, just drop me a comment, and I'll link to your blog.

I know that I shouldn't be one to question God, but I guess I am just curious, one of those things to ask when I hopefully enter the Pearly Gates. I wonder how it could have been in the 60's here on Thursday of last week, and then we get 6-8 inches of snow on Sunday of.the.same.week.

Then, for the last two nights, down in the mid-teens, only to be in the 70's again by this coming weekend. Is this all so that the ~~doctors~~ health insurance companies can make alot of money?

I guess I'll just have to wonder about this because I don't know that I'll ever understand it.

And I got special permission to show you my Snow Angel!

And as you can see, by yesterday afternoon, it had started to melt, but re-freezing has been a problem with black ice. Being the true Southerner that we are (with the exception of "Devil"), we stocked up on bread and milk after church on Sunday, so we didn't have to leave home! We never got to finish making a Diva out of our snowwoman. She fell over and got muddy, so we never finished.
Thanks for coming by! Please also go over & visit Bo from Blinks 'N Winks from Brown-Eyes , Funky Bag Freak, and Mrs. B. Silly @ My Silly Blog to see what they're wondering. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Did You Know That Blogging Changes Your Life?

2009-03-02T19:00:00.001-05:00

Well, if you didn't, I'm hear to tell you that it DOES. I know I'm a ~~ALOT~~ little cuckoo, but my virtual blogging friends seem to come along shopping with me every where I go! And no, I don't still have imaginary friends. Not long ago, I was in Michael's and saw some pink heart candle wrapper thingies and had to tell Stephanie at Angelic Accents about them (she got them BTW, and says that trip cost her alot of money!). Or the time, not long ago, that I was in Cracker Barrel, and saw this bird display that reminded me of Susan at Between Naps on the Porch.

Or the Spode dishes at Tuesday Morning that she and Gollum both have.

So, when my new NC friend, Joanna at Artsy Fartsy, who lives in the Charlotte area, told me about an antique store that she thought I might like, called Oak Street Mill, located in an old mill, in a nearby town called Cornelius (just minutes off I-77, for those that may travel through Charlotte, and just down the road from the Ashley Carol (the store I showed you before Christmas), I had to go and take a look. This is how I spent my birthday! ;O)

Rooty, toot, toot, let's just say it was time for another Happy Dance! All I can say, is it's a good thing I only had an hour in there! I could have heard lots of Ka-Ching!

So, let's go inside, and take a look, shall we?

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this display near the entrance! I wish I had captured the willowy branches above the fireplace.

These next 2 displays reminded me of Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict, and Rose at A Santamaker's Journey. You'll see why...

And this lamp reminded me of something Penny at Lavender Hill Studios would make...

This display reminded me of Shelia at Note Songs, and the rest of you rooster lovers out there.
And this one reminded me of Rhoda at Southern Hospitality, Alisa at Carolina Panache, and Nancy at Home is the Heart's Nesting Place f/k/a Southern Lady.

And Cami at Creating Myself, this one was for you!

Well, all of this Valentine's display reminded me of you really.

Now, I have to tell you that this picture made me laugh. Is he not just the cutest little thing?
Can't you just hear that "WAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!?????"

Speaking of cherubs, liked these...

And these curtain tie-back things were kind of cool.

Those red rhinestone earrings were $9, and they made it to the counter, but I left them there. (Boo Hoo!) I would NEVER have worn them...they would have just been for decoration.

This friends picture was sweet. You can probably enlarge it to read it.

And I took these photos for Melissa Miller at Melissa's Heart and Home. She's the Topper Queen! This one appeared to be old and cost $65.

I liked the detail on this one, but I can't remember the price.

Loved this porch railing. Would make a great headboard in the right house. I don't remember the exact price but I think it was around $149.

And look at this architectural salvage. Oh, the possibilities....

A cute little Easter display...

It's a small wonder this little rabbit picture didn't come home with me.

And this little vintage rabbit was precious.

As was this kid's kitchen set complete with baking pans. Can't you just see it in a playhouse?

I love the color of this trunk, and would love to have it for my house. But, I have an aqua one in the garage that I got for $3 at a garage sale, so I couldn't justify the price. So LOVE the color.

Like this plate. It reminded me of Majolica, but it was Made in Chinaca.

I like this botanical, but I couldn't remember what months I have, so it stayed at the store. This was January. (That's a light blocking the upper right corner.)

I think this was the lamp...although the photo was intended to show the cool piece beside it.

Love these needlepoints.

Some furniture I liked. They would make great kitchen islands.

Being that green is my favorite color, you can see why I liked this. Like that blue piece too!

This appealed to my beachy side.

Sorry this photo is blurry. I was trying to get a picture of the cool piece in the upper right hand side of the cabinet.

This chess set reminded me of my husband because it was awfully close to ~~puke~~ Duke blue.

And a few other odds & ends that I thought were nice.

I don't think I ever remember seeing a wheelchair like this...it must be really old!

This reminded me of Norm from Cheers..."sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name..."

I imagine that you can see why I don't need to spend more than an hour in this place.

Do you see what you have done to me?! I can't go anywhere without you! ~~And I wouldn't have it any other way, really!~~ Is there a recovery program for this? If so, someone, please leave me the link....I think I need it! In the coming week, I'll show you what did make it home with me, so stay tuned! Thanks for sticking with me! I know this was a long post! :O)

Flaunt Your Red

2009-02-26T22:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Nancy over at Home is the Heart's Nesting Place (f/k/a Southern Lady) for hosting Flaunt Your Red today. Please sure to go by her blog and visit all those that are "going red" today! I don't use alot of red in my home, mostly green, but I will show you what is on display now.

This is a table by my front entry.

This was my Valentine's display in my foyer.

I've always wanted a red room to match this piece of art I bought at Bombay probably 10 years and 3 or 4 houses ago. (Just ask me if I'm sad that store isn't around any longer! Especially their outlet store!) So, I had my powder room painted red, and it sits above the toilet.

(My flash was on the lowest setting, sorry!)

And finally, this is also in that bathroom. I had a terrible time trying to take this photo, and finally put the camera against the wall, but I still couldn't get the full length of the piece in the photo. I was kind of going for a tropical feel in this bathroom. (I uploaded all of my attempts - I know it looks like I was tipsy, but I promise I wasn't!)

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit everyone else that is flaunting red today! Thanks to Nancy, for hosting this nice party for us!

***** My blog has been messing up royally. For a while, you could click on Nancy's photo at the top right of my sidebar, and go straight to her blog. But, now when you do that, it gives me a DNS error. Can you hear me scream??? I've tried to fix it, and it's not cooperating, so please go and visit her blog by clicking on the link contained in the text of this post. Thanks so much! :O)

5th I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-02-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

Thanks again for stopping by my blog for I WONDER WEDNESDAY! I bet you're wondering what the Crazy Lady has on her mind today, now aren't you? It's ok, be honest, I totally heart HONESTY!

Well, I'll just tell you what I'm wondering...

Please don't laugh because I'm serious about my "issue!". It comes up every year around the holidays. I WONDER why it bothers me when dead people sing? I mean, when I hear music that a dead person made when they were alive. Some would call it a "lasting legacy", and it is...but maybe we don't always want that, at least not some of us, at least not for certain people.

Ok, not just any dead people bother me, just this one... Karen Carpenter was a pretty lady, but it just gives me the willies when I hear her sing.

I know she can't help it that she's dead...we all have to kick it someday, but it just gives me the creeps when I hear one of her songs.

I don't understand why because I still love to hear Luther Vandross sing.

And the music of Bing Crosby doesn't bother me a bit.

Or this guy.

I think his wife is ~~ugly~~ not very pretty, but he had to live with her...not me, and I never thought he was HOT (AT ALL) either. Not trying to be mean, but really, with that kind of money and living in NY, she could find a stylist and possibly even some other help! Even my husband has heard of TLC's WHAT NOT TO WEAR - an extreme makeover for free!!!

Back to my I WONDER...what's wrong with me that I have an issue with her singing, even if she is dead? I don't know...maybe I need to see a shrink. Hmmm...

NAH...probably not going to happen, I enjoy being cRAzY!

So, if you want to continue in the I WONDER-MENTS, please go and visit the following blogs:

Lori @ Basketball, Gymnastics and Me

Bo @ Blinks 'N Winks from Brown-Eyes

Kristen @ Something about Nothing.

I know you'll be glad you did and you'll enjoy seeing what they're wondering too.

And please leave us comments. Thanks and be sure to visit again next week, same time, same place for more I WONDERS!

Happy Dance Time!

2009-02-24T13:15:00.001-05:00

Do you believe in miracles? Well, I'm here to tell you, that one has occurred! See this?

As UNBELIEVABLE as it is, I have to announce that I have F-I-N-A-L-L-Y WON A BLOGGING GIVEAWAY! I have never won anything in my entire life except the scratch off games at McDonald's, and when I was in high school, I won $25 from a local radio station. It was so shocking, that at my 20th class reunion, a guy came up to me and told me he remembered them calling out my name on the radio. I can't even usually get a free balloon at a restaurant...it's that bad. So, come along, and I'll show you what I won!

Erin @ Tresors Marche (sorry I don't know how to type those accents over your letters, Erin!) recently notified me that I had won the September 2008-January 2009 issues of Romantic Home magazine. That is right up my alley because that is the one (still existing) magazine to which I don't subscribe...but probably should! So thanks, Erin! I will SO enjoy reading them....if I can make myself put this computer down and stop reading every one's blogs! :O)

Notice how she wrapped them up for me! She also sent along a nice mug and a box of tea! Could it get any better? The magazines wouldn't lie flat on my table for me, so I borrowed Erin's photo so you could see them. I love their covers already! Can't wait to take a lookie!

Erin is a relatively new west coast blogger, and I know you'll enjoy her blog. Please stop by and meet her. I know you're going to love her too! Thanks, Erin! You made my week!

Changing subjects, my parents came to visit us over the weekend, and I have been majorly behind in posting some things, so I want to take this opportunity to thank Lori at Basketball, Gymnastics and Me for giving me the Best Blog Daily Thinker Award!

Honestly, that makes me chuckle because I'm SO not a good thinker! :O) Let's pretend that's the smoke coming out of my head when I'm trying to come up with a post!

Now for the rules:

The rules are to post it on your blog and pass it on to 10 other deserving bloggers. There are so many great bloggers, and you ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE, so I've decided to let you just grab it from my blog because I think YOU'RE ALL SWELL! Thanks Lori, for passing along this award to me! I really appreciate it! :O)

Finally, I think my hair stylist must have bribed someone at Google to mess with Blogger because it has been giving me gray hairs the last few days. I have noticed that the Blogger gremlin has been messing things up in various ways, just to keep my life interesting...and ANNOYING! I have to join Nikki Crumpet in saying that I am NOT A FAN of word verifications. I don't really believe that typing 6 or so letters deters any spammer from leaving spam, and if I didn't type really fast, I probably wouldn't bother typing those letters. But, I respect people's right to use it if they so choose. For those that do, I just want you to know that I have attempted to leave several comments, and then word verification comes up, and says Loading, but the words never load, and my comment will not post because it doesn't show me any letters to type to verify. So, if you're noticing that your comment number is lower than usual, that could be why!

Thanks for stopping by today! I also want to thank Carolina Mama for interviewing me for her post yesterday! I've never done one of those (other than memes), so I am honored! And to the cutest little Ashley on the block, I haven't forgotten your tag, or to K.K., I haven't forgotten to send you the chocolate brown paint photos! I hope to get my I Wonder Wednesday post ready for tomorrow. Y-I-K-E-S! If anyone wants to play along, just leave me a comment!

Thrifty Thursday - Valentine Style

2009-02-19T08:15:00.008-05:00

First, I want to thank everyone that came by yesterday to wish me a Happy Birthday! You're all are very sweet!
Secondly, today, Leigh at Tales from Bloggeritaville, is hosting Thrifty Thursday. Thanks, Leigh! Be sure to go over there and take a look at everyone's thrifty finds. Since I never showed you my Valentine's decor (I didn't do much this year), I thought I'd show you a little of it now...better late than never, right? Almost everything I'm showing you came from a thrift store or yard sale.

I picked this up at an antique store last year, and gave it to my mom, who collects angels. It goes with the theme I'm doing today, so I decided to include it. I think it's a topper.

This one is kind of similar, but I kept this one.

This is a vintage candle holder. I never bothered putting a candle in it this year, sorry!

And then another cupid(?).

This bowl came from a thrift store, and the angel from a yard sale. The cherries were Pier 1 clearance many years ago.

And finally, I picked this little devil up at a yard sale last summer.

Thanks for stopping by today!

4th I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-02-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hi again, and welcome to the 4th I WONDER WEDNESDAY! I'm so glad you stopped by!

Did you ever wonder why you were selected to get the short straw? Let's just say, I didn't win the Body Lottery (try saying that 10 times fast!), BUT...I could have it so much worse. If you don't believe me, just go to the beach and see all those females that still wear bikinis when they R-E-A-L-L-Y NEED TO QUIT! (Warning...DO NOT ENLARGE TO SHOW DETAILS!)

That includes guys in Speedos too! Don't you just get a twitch when you see a guy in a Speedo...and not a good twitch? (Again...enlarge at your own risk!)

We, here at Confessions of a 40-Something Mama Queen don't discriminate...we call it like we see it!

I mean, I've sat and watched skinny friends eat 3x what I eat, and they stay skinny with little exercise. At my skinniest, I walked several miles each day, took 2 aerobics classes and lifted weights. I had a 26 inch waist. What the heck happened??? I said goodbye to that after childbirth! I don't think that there is a liposuction vacuum in the world that can remove all of this blubber. But, I will resolve to exercise more and eat ~~yucky~~ healthy foods as often as I can because I don't want to look like this for-ev-a!

I WONDER WHY I DIDN'T GET THE GOOD GENES???

Now today, Bo @ Blinks 'N Winks from Brown Eyes is also wondering something too! So be sure to stop by her blog and try to help her find some answers! We love it when you do that, you know!

My Little Transferware Collection

2009-02-16T13:00:00.002-05:00

This little post is dedicated to Gollum...one of the ultimate dish collectors! Over the summer '08, I spent my "bored time" lurking around RMS, and I would see exchanges talking about Gollum's blog. I didn't have a clue what a Gollum was, much less a blog...so, I've come along way, baby! :O) Then, I also remember visiting some of my favorite RMSers...Rose @ A Santamaker's Journey, Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch, oh...and I so can't forget Mariafer @ Unpretentious Style...so that's how this "blogging journey" began for me.

Enough with the history lesson already...I never liked studying history anyway....

So, here's my small brown transferware collection....which I think is a direct result of Tar's boredom. She was bored while her husband traveled, so she took Sweet Baby thrifting while he was away...and as a result, Sweet Baby no longer likes to go shopping with me. (BOO HOO! Where did I go wrong? Breaks my heart...yes it does!)

My 3 plates....

My combo of old and new plates. I remember getting huffy that someone left a comment over at Santamaker's on RMS, about how her plates were hung in her previous dining room, that I didn't like, because they didn't think she had her plates hung right or something like that. I didn't like it and had to chime in with my 2 cents because they have no idea how hard it is to hang plates in a pattern when the plates are ALL different sizes...trust me on that. The next time I hang something like this, I'll probably trace them and cut out the circles first to get the hanging done exactly right....because I am a tad OCD, and anything "being off" bugs me! (Can you just be a "tad" OCD? )

The top and the middle ones are new. (Sorry the next photo is a little off-center...I apparently wobbled when I took it! :O)

The rest are old. I like the plates with the color the most.

The 3rd one down on the right is from my Aunt Dot/Dorothy, who died last year, shortly after I moved here. (The middle plate here.)This one, I bought from my friend Luke at Collectics in N. Myrtle Beach. I just love the moss in the trees as it's so Savannah or Georgia-ish to me....one of my favorite things to see in that state is the moss in the trees....oh, so southern!

This one also came from Collectics. (He had more the last time I was there if anyone else is interested.)

And finally, I found this brown and white pitcher within the last month or so. I paid $12 for it, if I remember correctly. I don't know whether that's good or bad, but I liked it, so I'm o.k. with the price! :O)

Thanks for stopping by....I can only aspire to have a Gollum-ish collection! Come back Wednesday, for I Wonder Wednesday! Leave me a note, if you'd like to play along!

Vintage Angel Collection - Part 2

2009-02-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

First, I want to apologize to everyone that I haven't had a chance to visit this week. We've had what I thought was just migraines going around in my family, but I've learned it's been a little virus, so I haven't been online much. I hope to catch up with everyone soon! Since we're nearing Valentine's Day, I thought I'd show you the rest of my vintage angel collection. I don't know how old they are, but I think most of them qualify as antiques. Ok, some aren't technically angels, but I'm going to show them to you anyway.

This is one of my favorite pair. I love some spaghetti trim.

Don't these girls look happy? They remind me of Spring!

This guy isn't exactly good looking, so I don't know what made me buy him.

Alot of them are playing instruments or singing.

These look really old to me.

As does the one on the left.

My "snow baby" angel.

I don't think these are that old, but I still think they're cute.

I found this little cutie over the weekend. Isn't she sweet?

These aren't old, but still sweet.

And I showed you these at Christmas, so please forgive the repeat, but they're my faves.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you ALL have a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

3rd I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-02-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

Again, thank you for joining me for our 3rd addition of I WONDER WEDNESDAY! I'm so happy you decided to stop by and visit!

I should probably admit that I think some of my "I WONDERS" are a direct result of boredom. Such is probably the case in the incidence below...

So, once while on a trip, we were on country roads, and we passed a field of cows. It was just hubby and myself, and it started something like this...

Did you EVER wonder why cows have spots WHERE they do? (I've already told you he doesn't care much for my "I WONDERS"...and amazingly, he's never wondered that, as hard as it is to believe!)

Now, I don't confine this question to just cows, because if you think about it why do dogs and cats have spots where they do too? And what about us, why our our moles where they are. Does God have a paint brush in the womb that he uses to DECORATE US?

MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, EVEN GOD IS A DECORATOR! I mean, after all, I believe he created this beautiful Earth. Is there really any of us that could be better decorators than him? I really think NOT! I would not want to be up against him on HGTV's Design Star, would you?

If you have some insight into my I WONDER, feel free to leave me a comment and share your thoughts. I hope to learn a thing or two (or 3!) Also, be sure to stop by Bo at Blinks 'N Winks From Brown Eyes and Kristen at Something About Nothing, because they are wondering something today too!

If you can help provide some answers, do leave a comment! I think I speak for them when I say we'd love to hear from you!

Join us again next week for I WONDER WEDNESDAY!

Honest Scrap & Butterfly Awards

2009-02-08T20:48:00.010-05:00

The cutest little Ashley on the blogging block over at Ashley's Adventures was kind enough to present me with the Honest Scrap Award. Thanks, Ashley! Be sure to go by and meet her, if you haven't already! The rules are:

a) Choose a minimum of 5 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.

b) Show the 5 winners names and links on your blog, and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with "Honest Scrap".

There are so many blogs that I think are brilliant in content or design, so if you haven't received this award, please feel free to take it and pass it along.

c) Then, list 10 honest things about yourself.

1) I still like to color. (Don't laugh!)
2) I don't like to clean!
3) I don't like clutter, but I still have it.
4) I like vacations.
5) I don't like dealing with the cable company.
6) I lack patience.
7) I sometimes use bad language when I drive. And I'm good at instructing others as to what they're doing wrong. :D
8) I wish people could live forever, and not suffer and die.
9) I like to play practical jokes...and tease people.
10) I took Spanish for 3 years, and can still not speak it, but still understand some conversation.

Also, Susan at A Southern Daydreamer also presented me with the Butterfly Award. Thanks, Susan! I have already received this one sometime back, but I would like to pass it on to a relatively new blogger, Coty Farquhar at Styling by Coty Farquhar. She is an Australian blogger and stylist, and has a BEAUTIFUL blog with lovely tablescapes, etc.. Be sure to go over and meet her, if you haven't already.

The rules to follow are:

a) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.

b) Pass the award to at least 5 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

If there is anyone else who hasn't received this award, please feel free to take it and pass it along to others.

Thanks Ashley and Susan! You ladies are very sweet to think of me!

Consigning

2009-02-06T00:01:00.004-05:00

So I've read on other blogs that do surveys and such, that you all like to see what we buy at thrift stores, consignment stores, or flea markets, so I thought I'd show you what I've picked up in several different consignment stores since the new year began. I'll tell you the prices on the items I can remember, not to brag, but because I always like to see what people pay so I can determine whether or not I pay too much for comparable items.

I'm assuming these are spice jars, but I know they are old because of the feel of the glass. I paid a quarter a piece, so $3 total. I'm thinking of using them to hold glitter; however, I do wish they had holes (like a salt & pepper shaker) for that.

Believe it or not, I am not a "cow collector", but when I saw this pair of salt & pepper shakers ($6 for the pair), I couldn't resist their sweet faces. I think they're saying "eat more chicken!"

Speaking of salt & pepper shakers, if you remember back to my Christmas Santa collection, then you'll totally understand why these came home with me. I don't remember their price, but it was probably about the same as the cows.

You might have also figured out that I am tenderhearted. And I have a "rabbit problem" too. So, this cookie jar came home with me. Now, I don't think the mama is too pretty, but we know she can't help it. ;O) Her kids are what got me. They just look so mischievous that I knew they were calling my name. I don't remember what I paid for this, but it wasn't much either, because I was not "in love" with it.

I don't know why I've had a thing for ugly rabbits lately, but I brought him home too. I do an Easter tablescape with a few vintage rabbits and chicks, so I think I really bought him for that. Again, don't remember the price, but it wouldn't have been much!

As evidenced in my Christmas Present 2008 post, I have a "crystal problem" too...which I thought I had recovered from, but apparently, I haven't. I picked this etched crystal bowl up for $5.99, before tax. I wish I had some kind of big red hearts to put in it for Valentine's Day, but I'm still searching...

If I haven't told you before, my decorating style is "mixed up"...to put it nicely, or I guess some would say eclectic. It's a mix of traditional, country and tropical. Is that messed up or what? Well, this vase fits in with the tropical style. I think it was $9, and it's old...but not real old.

Now this thing, I hemmed and hawed about for months trying to decide if I like it, or if it's ugly. Then along came some magazine that showed them going for alot of money (either $40 or $70...but more than I'd pay). Then I went to Tuesday Morning and saw an apple one painted in burgundy and gold, similar to Royal Copenhagen, I believe?. I picked it up and it was over $100. I could not get it back on the shelf fast enough!! To be honest, I still don't know if I like it. Would you all please leave me a comment and tell me whether you think it's ugly or not? I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR OPINION. It had been like $15, and I got them to come down to $7.15 because it had sat there for several months. My friends husband told her one time that sometimes there is a reason things are "on sale"....implying they're reduced because they're ugly...hmmmmm.........................I think it's cute in a retro kind of way...I think.

And finally, this has to be one of my favorite finds....these 2 wire thingie dingies (I don't know what their official name is), but I paid $13 something for the 2 of them.

And I was one happy MAMA QUEEN! Thanks for stopping by today to look at my treasures!

***** I'm headed out of town for a few days to meet some fellow bloggers, so I won't be visiting again until Sunday, but I'll be sure to catch up with you ALL when I return! LOL & have a wonderful weekend. We're finally thawing out in the South!

2nd I WONDER WEDNESDAY

2009-02-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the 2nd I WONDER WEDNESDAY! I'm so glad you stopped by to see what I'm wondering and to hopefully offer some help suggesting some answers!

So, today, for I Wonder Wednesday, I wonder this...

why do cars still come with turn signals if only maybe HALF of the population uses them?

I'm just saying! Has anyone else noticed this besides me?

If you wonder anything, leave me a comment, and join me next week for I WONDER WEDNESDAY! Now, Bo @ Blinks 'N Winks from Brown Eyes & Lynette @ Lynette's L.A.M. are also wondering something today also, so be sure to stop by and see what they have got on their mind!

And if you can provide an insightful answer for either Bo, Lynette or myself, then PA-LEEZ leave us a comment, as it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED...

It's hard to wonder stuff, and not get some answers! REALLY!

Now, be sure to stop by later in the week, and I'll show you some things from my recent consignment store trip!

The DORY AWARD

2009-02-03T08:07:00.003-05:00

When I had my daughter, several years ago, I am fully convinced that my brain cells passed through the umbilical cord straight on to her. Especially the ones containing my memory because her memory is almost photographic, and mine is almost non-existent. I can only imagine what would have happened if I had more than one child.

Because I can't remember squat, I've created the Dory Award. (Do you remember Dory from Finding Nemo?)

Unlike most awards passed around in Blogland, this one is not to be passed along TO others (after all, that wouldn't be very nice, would it?)...it is to be TAKEN. If you consider yourself eligible to receive the DORY AWARD, then by all means please take it and display it proudly on your blog! You know best if you deserve it!

And if you do, WELCOME to the DORY CLUB! If you're not qualified to join, be thankful!

Now, be sure to come back tomorrow for I WONDER WEDNESDAY. If you'd like to "wonder" too, leave me a comment, and I'll link up to you in tomorrow's post. Later in the week, we're going consigning! I know how much we all love to shop! WOO HOO!!!

Christmas Present 2008

2009-01-30T09:55:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-28T00:37:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-26T21:43:00.000-05:00

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

2009-01-23T11:21:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-12T03:52:00.012-05:00

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

2009-01-12T00:00:00.007-05:00

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

2009-01-09T00:25:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-07T14:00:00.004-05:00

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!

2009-01-06T10:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-05T11:50:00.005-05:00

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?

2009-01-04T03:06:00.012-05:00

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!

Time out!!!!!

2008-12-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

The elves are tired...

The bears are pooped...

And so am I...

so I'm going to take a little blogging vacation until the New Year. I'm just asking ya'll to please not post anything good while I'm gone. I won't have internet access, and I don't want to totally lose my mind while I'm away wondering what you guys are up to with your posts. I don't want to feel the urge to go to the library to catch up on the latest and greatest. And I just know it's going to be bad because I'm curious...some might say nosey! So, please just take yourselves a blog posting holiday. We can all get back to work in 2009! Besides, I know we all have stuff to clean up. See, I'm really looking out for you too! ;O)

Thanks & LOL! Have a safe & happy New Year!

XOXO!

Tardevil

TAG - YOU'RE IT!

2008-12-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas with your family, and enjoyed the holiday! December was a blur for me, so I'm going to try to catch up on a few awards and tags I've had to let slide in the last week or so....

I was tagged, recently, by Squawmama at Our Adventures with Tassie. Thanks, Donna!

So, here's THE RULES:

1) Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with 16 random things, facts, habits or goals about you.

2) At the end choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them.

Don’t forget to leave them a comment (“you’re it”) and to read your blog.

3)You can’t tag the person who tagged you and since you can’t tag me, let me know when you have posted your blog, so I can see your weirdness.

So, here it goes - my 16 random things...

1) had blonde hair when I was young, now I have to pay for it - it's gotten more brown over the years! Plan to die a blonde, God willing! LOL!

2) when I worked 8-5, I was usually "fashionably late" to work...mostly because of traffic in the Raleigh area. I've always said, "I'll probably be late to my funeral, if someone doesn't make sure I'm pushed in there on time"....in fact, I think I'll request to be late. We're even usually late to church...not crazy about the hand-shaking/meet & greet part...but that's not why we're late!

:O) Do you think we'll get dinged for that in Heaven...assuming we make it? And while assuming, I DO make the cut, I sure hope there's internet service, because I still want to read your blogs! I've got it bad, don't I??? ;O)

3) would love to be thin...for once - without having any health problems

4) pray I never have to work in banking again!

5) glad to be living in NC, but don't especially like the area I'm in - more of a "city mouse", but chose this area for the schools

6) finally had a lovely sunroom in my house in SC, but had to give it up when we moved here - still wish I had one!

7) Live within a mile, maybe 2, of 2 very famous Nascar drivers, but I'm not into Nascar, so it's no big deal...I probably pass them on the road, and don't even know it.

8) I'm a beach bum (bet you would have guessed that one) - wouldn't mind living there permanently, provided there are no hurricanes ;O)

9) don't care for thunderstorms

10) don't like to go over bridges - one I was on a childhood trip to FL collapsed not long after we returned home, so I've never cared for them since.

11) need bi-focals...fighting it!

12) saw a banner plane crash at the beach & don't care to see it twice - the guy survived

13) don't care for January - crappy weather, all the good stuff in the stores is picked over, and don't care to hear about Monster Truck or Gun & Knife shows coming to my area...plus all the weight loss place commercials...maybe why I'm not thin?

14) would like to attend an auction or estate sale
15) have never been to Disneyworld (or land)...but it's on the "To Do" in the near future list
16) went to Bermuda on our honeymoon - thought it was cool because at the time, I taped The Young & the Restless every day, and they had just filmed at Elbow Beach, where we stayed. It rained every day of our honeymoon....Don't go to Bermuda in June!

Because many of you are still busy with your family, and are catching up with blogging like me, I'm not going to pass this along; however, if you want to play along, leave me a comment letting me know, and I'll be sure to come by & see your random facts too! Feel free to take the tag from me and play along! Thanks again, Donna! You're a sweetie! Now, if you're headed out shopping like me, I wish you loads of good deals! ;O)

F.Y.I.

2008-12-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard?

It appears Santa is running a little late this year!

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!! It's been a pleasure meeting all of you!

This is it...

2008-12-24T01:36:00.000-05:00

The rest of the tour....but I'm saving a few things for next year!

In the 1990's, my main tree had ornaments of golds, burgundys, and teals. I've tried to transition it to golds, burgundys, greens, browns and creams.

The main foyer tree....

The ornaments....

I'm still using ting-ting (Chinese for curly tooth-picks)...is ting-ting OUT? If so, I didn't get the memo! I'm thinking it might be getting tired. Hmmmm........

These gold Santas (from Walmart last year) are some of my favorites!

Everything gets a tassel in the south, right ladies?! LOL!

The stocking ornament was a souvenier from some friends after they back-packed across Europe one year...I could NEV-A fit all of my stuff in a backpack! JUST NEVER!!!

For you bird lovers...

And a few of the Ho's...

The mistletoe ball...I wish you could see, in person, how pretty the angels are...

This is new this year...Kohl's had it, and I resisted the urge, so I was in Tuesday Morning, and they had it, and let's just say, "the pull" got the best of me! (Bad Tar!) This is the living room...use to have angels on the dining room table, but I tried something different this year (thanks to the new dining room color) & added a few vintage ornaments and non-vintage snowflakes...again, the white walls WILL BE CHANGED! ;o)

These angels use to be on the mantel. We don't have an ornate mantel anymore (thanks to those tv caves!), so they're here.
Now, not all, but a few more Santas (I know...hard to believe!)

The foyer...

The bedroom...picked up this one for $4 at a thrift store...

Thanks for stopping by today! Fa la la la la & Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Tablescape 2008

2008-12-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting another fabulous Tablescape Tuesday! Be sure to stop by and see all the beautiful tablescapes!

Well, remember back on my fall tablescape post where I said if I still had breath in fall of 2009, my dining room WOULD NOT be that hideous white, well I don't lie...unless it's regarding my weight :O) I'm a ~~tad~~ alot impatient, so this is my "new" dining room. It kind of tickled me because the paint color is called "Foxy" by Sherwin Williams...that might be a sign, don't ya' think?

We had a few of hubby's co-workers over for lunch...

I had bought these green ostrich feathers (clearance - Z Gallerie) for the top of the big Christmas tree...suffice it to say, they looked yucky! Not sure they look much better here, but I decided to take a walk on the wild side...going for a woodsy theme this year.

Now, I know this was tacky (a confession), but you do see plastic forks and spoons in the photos...I'm really short on time right now! I know that's not a good excuse, but it will have to do! Please forgive me, Miss Janice!
I don't have a good chandy for decorating in this house, so it has these beaded green garlands...In the background you'll see the drapes that are waiting to be hung...as you can see, even with blinds, we need them. Still looking for the perfect rug...

The sleigh is new from Pier 1 this year, and the Mark Robert's fairy (I think he's the bookworm fairy) is new from a consignment store at the beach (same place the Brinn's Santa came from in the earlier post). The owner didn't know he was collectible, so I got him for $7.50 compared to around $36. Happy Dance! He is missing the string used to hang him & the registration card, but I'm ok with that. ;O)

You will see various birds and acorns scattered throughout the middle.

This was the party favor....little brown Santas in little baggies!

Now, (another confession), I had my dining room painted just before Thanksgiving. When we looked for our SC house, 2 years ago, I saw window treatments (similar to the ones waiting to be hung in the background - right side), and I wanted a dining room like that one - I guess you could say it was my inspiration. Plus, it coordinates with other rooms in my house. But, I have to admit, that since the holidays, I have had 2nd thoughts about whether or not I like 'foxy'. It doesn't coordinate with all of my red and green Christmas decor, so I had to change up my dining room tablescape this year to brown and green. I'm thinking I might should have had the dining room painted the color of red seen in the powder room in a previous post, but don't tell my D.H. - I want to have a MERRY Christmas! ;O)

So, here's wishing you lots of tablescaping, bloggy love for the holidays!

Mooresville, we have a problem....

2008-12-19T22:15:00.005-05:00

one of our newest of residents has gone stark raving nuts about Christmas. How do we control her? It looks like the Christmas train slammed into her house! I believe she needs an intervention! Quick, let's get over there!!!

There's Christmas EveRyWheRe! And I do mean EVERYWHERE!

Oh, and look! She even has a Santa tree! Who would have thought?
Let's look at some of the Mark Robert's fairies....

Oh, I think the pink ones benefit breast cancer research!

I've got a great idea....next year when she decorates the tree, maybe she can try finding the Santas and fairies BEFORE the ornaments go on the tree!

I think that's a GREAT IDEA!

and there's a Make-a-Wish fairy! We'd even sacrifice our color scheme to help sick children, wouldn't we?

and some Santas....

Hey, I remember that Santa head with the white dreadlocks...perhaps he should just shave! Wonder what Santa would look like with no beard?

and the ornaments...

Oh, I bet her husband is a golfer!

and I bet she's a beach bum!

my words....is there a free branch on that poor tree???

sure doesn't look like it!

Don't ya' think someone ought to tell her less is more???

Do you REALLY think she'd listen???

Hard to believe all of this is just in the keeping room.

I'll say...then it's no surprise that a nut like her would be nuts for NUTCRACKERS too!

What's with all those stockings? I thought there were only 3 of them.

And the elves! I've heard she catches grief from her family because that "BELIEVE" sign interferes with the remote signal when changing channels!

Poor Tar! I don't think that there's help for her kind of problem!

Can you believe we still haven't even seen her big tree or her daughter's pink and purple trees!?

How many trees does this crazy chick have?

Hmmmmm.....stay tuned to find out!

I see why she hasn't been in Blogland much lately. But, I do think Melissa over at Melissa's Heart and Home was right....she does qualify for the Christmas Spirit AWARD!

Thanks, Melissa! In order to qualify, I'm suppose to:

1) Be a true Christmas lover.

2) The person to whom you give the award must also be in love with Christmas.

3) Link back to the person who gave you the award.

4) List 5 things that you love about Christmas. If you can't limit it to 5 things, then keep going until you run out of space!

5) Pass the award along to as many people as you like. That can be 1 or 50, it's up to you! But, you must pass it on to at least one person in order to keep the Christmas cheer going! Let your recipients know that you have tagged them by leaving them a comment.

Some Things I Love about Christmas:

1) My daughter's face on Christmas morning when she sees her presents, and her excitement/anticipation on Christmas Eve.

2) This year, it's the fact that in addition to a few (100) :O) other things, my daughter put on her Christmas list, a nearby house she and I been watching and are in love with! She gave Santa directions to it and asked him to give her a loan to buy it! Hope he figures out a way to grant that wish, in this economy! Of course, we told her she could have asked for a grant!!!

3) Shopping for a "few" new decorations each year.

4) I love wrapping paper, bags & ribbon...if I live to be 100, I'd never use my supply up - and that's before going to more Christmas sales! (still trying to stimulate the economy :O)

5) Christmas music (although after 2 months, I am beginning to tire of it!)

6) The lights (white) - especially outside!

7) The fact that we GET TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, and the reason for the season!

and this is extra (again, I'm not one that stays "in the box"), but I'm going to list a few things I DON'T LOVE QUITE SO MUCH ABOUT CHRISTMAS (do I lose the Christmas Spirit AWARD if I do that?) I'll take the risk...

1) people that steal "my" parking space when my signal is ON! Can I get a "Hello!?"

2) children that change their list to Santa 1 week before Christmas!

3) being awakened at 3 a.m. after going to bed at 1:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve! Unless Santa brings that house up at #2 - pleeeeeeez keep your happy self in bed until 7-ish!)

4) shopping in crowds - my ugly side comes out

5) alot to do - and not alot of days to do it in!

6) cleaning up & putting away gifts after opening all of the presents (Probably why I'm not a big fan of January!)

7) un-decorating (new word?) Maybe that will be something to look forward to in January!

Now, Melissa did a great job of spreading the love with this award, so...if there is anyone who feels they are qualified to receive it (and I know ALOT OF YOU ARE, then please feel free to copy the award & the rules from my blog over to yours!)

Thanks for sticking with me through this VERY LONG POST!

I'm headed out of town for a few days, but I hope to post a few things while I'm gone! If I don't get to come by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, I hope you and your families will all be safe and have a wonderful celebration!

Much bloggyland love,
Tar

The smoke's cleared

2008-12-17T10:15:00.001-05:00

Hard as it is to believe, there is no smoke in the kitchen today (only because I didn't cook!), and all is clear for taking photos. So, I thought I'd show you the Christmas decorations in here.

Starting with the bar...

Thanks to Cami for the idea of putting cups on a cake plate!
The island...

The Christmas card holder on the pantry door.

The countdown calendar (of course, we didn't find it until 12/5, so there's "make-up candy", so I've been told, from the 1-4th, waiting to be eaten!)

I started collecting clearance Santa plates, mostly, but not limited to (sounds like a lawyer, doesn't it?), Fitz and Floyd, so poor hubby hates the "seasonal changing of the plates" because it requires a really TALL ladder, but he's sweet enough to play along, nonetheless!

My personal favorite....
My wabbit....

Sorry about shining the light in your eyes! Guess you can say you've seen the light! ;O)

The top of the fridge.

And by the desk...(sorry for the messy desk!)

And the baker's rack... (the weather here today is ICK-O!)

And finally, this isn't in the kitchen., but...I have to admit to having a small "mean streak", and one of my favorite things to do is turn the sound on this Santa that is on my door coming in from the garage so that he frightens some unsuspecting person coming through the door when they open it (Lord, forgive me!). Santa says, "Ho, Ho, Ho", and starts singing "Jingle Bells" really loudly. Justice is served when I sometimes forget, and he frightens me too! :O) Think he needs a new ribbon/bow!

Now, if you haven't received this on e-mail, you might want to spend 5 minutes with your husband or significant other taking a look at this You Tube video. Trust me, if men get a clue from this video this holiday season, I believe WE WILL ALL have a merrier Christmas. It's called "Beware of the Doghouse"....(Sorry, I'm not a smart blogger...I don't know how to post the video any other way). Just try to watch it past where the husband enters the doghouse! So, enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twivg7GkYts

I hope to post more trees & vintage Santas later this week. TTFN!

Christmas Tour of Homes - Santa Style

2008-12-15T02:00:00.003-05:00

Boomama is having a Christmas Tour of Homes, and since I'm still "feathering the Christmas nest", I'm going to show you some of my Santa collection today. Go ahead and stretch your legs now, because this might take a minute or too! ;O)

The foyer...

The dining room...
The great room...

Sorry, I didn't do a good job catching his face.

The stairs...
The view from the powder room loo....(don't worry, I wasn't on it while taking the photo....I do make some exceptions! :O)

Master bedroom...

Found this Santa over Thanksgiving. I don't know what he's worth, but I think I paid $12 for him. Got him home, and saw Brinn's on his boot. From my days playing around on eBay, I think that means he's pretty collectible. Yippee!!! I love his face!

And the Roly Poly Santas say, "Merry Christmas!"

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Now be sure to check out the rest of the tour over at Boomama's!

World of Treasures Party

2008-12-14T00:00:00.018-05:00

Today, Cielo over at The House in the Roses is hosting a World of Treasures Party, I thought I'd show you a few of mine

this little monk music box reminded me of my husband because they look Asian...and he could eat Chinese food EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK!...me, not so much!

These are probably one of my favorite things out of everything I own. If you've ever bid on anything on eBay, then you know what it's like praying you don't get outbid for something you really want...this was mine - Inarco angels, and I just think they're just precious.

A few miscellaneous items that I've found along the way....

Up close...

And I found this Frosty last week for $2 at Goodwill. I'm a sucker for a sweet face!

The little girl with the present (2nd from right) is one of the few decorations I had as a child. I only knew my paternal grandfather, and he died on December 1st when I was 6 years old. The little planter on the left was received at that time. (click on photo to enlarge)

Thanks for stopping by to look at some of my favorite things today! Be sure to visit the rest of the party participants at http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/! Have a great Sunday!

We remember.....

2008-12-12T10:00:00.002-05:00

Before I start posting all of the fun stuff (decorations), I thought I'd take a moment to show you my patriotic Christmas decorations...and I only have a few! Since I collect Santas, of course, I had to have one of those...

My husband's father, now deceased, was a veteran of the Korean war and received the Purple Heart, and various other medals. I was always amazed that he fought for our country because he immigrated here from Poland. His parents and sister were murdered in concentration camps, so I have very little information about his family for my daughter's baby book. My uncle served in and survived Vietnam. This year, I have personally known 2 soldiers, with whom I grew up, that were killed in Iraq...and one left behind a baby.

So, as we celebrate Christmas, let's remember all those that allow us to be able to enjoy the holidays with our families, and are away from their's this holiday season...not just U.S. soldiers, but those all over the world that help to keep our world safe!

This is a copy of a poem I received from the Disabled Vets in the mail, by "Anonymous". I'm sure you've all seen it 100 times before, but as we approach the holidays, let's remember those that grant us the freedom to celebrate....

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand,

on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands,

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.

I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice,
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,

my life is my God, my Country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.

"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."

Ok friends, I'm not going to be serious any more this year....the rest will be fun...I PROMISE!

O Holy Night

2008-12-11T11:25:00.002-05:00

As I've mentioned before, one of the things I get the biggest kick out of with blogging, is watching the little map on the right side of my blog light up. I am amazed that someone on every single continent with the exception of Antarctica has viewed my blog. I find it even cooler to see all the countries represented when I click on the map. So, it occurred to me the other day, as I was pulling out my 1,457th Christmas decoration, that all those Chinese people who make so many of my newer Christmas decorations and ornaments most likely do not even get to celebrate Christmas, or even know why we do, and I felt a little twinge of sadness that they labor making such beautiful things, but don't even get to celebrate. So, if any of you are looking at my blog today, I hope you will be able to translate it into English. (I'm not smart enough to do that for you!)

Our Christmas, in the U.S., is the celebration of the birth of Christ, many, many years ago. Christians believe in the Bible and it says....

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10, 11

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called wonderful...The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

That's why many of us display nativity scenes in our home. Here are a few of mine. If you should have any questions about our traditions, feel free to go to my profile, and send me an e-mail, and I will try to answer them.

This one use to go on my mantel, but since we have one of those tv holes above the fireplace, so we can no longer put it there. It's now in the dining room, and the table is placed so it's hard for me to get a good photo, but here it is...(click on it to enlarge)

As I mentioned previously, I never knew my grandmothers because they died before I was born (not a good sign for me, is it?), but this was given to me by a friend that was like a grandmother to me, a few years before she died. (It's pouring rain here today, so sorry for the shadows!)

This water globe is one of the 1st decorations I bought when we first got married (in Smithfield, Lynette :O) ).

And an ornament....

Now, if you get the chance, please go over to my Australian friend, David McMahon's blog, and take a look at this story http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-angels-in-sky.html. It will link you to a touching story he did about Christmas, but this tells the background 1st. If you haven't already, please feel free to sign my guestbook below!

AND REMEMBER............................