Stop waiting for your life to begin

I haven't blogged alot in the last week or so. My granddaughter and I caught a nasty Summer cold thankfully, we seem to be on the back side of it now. I've also been dealing with some life lessons so I've been in mostly a quiet reflective mood.

I read a part of an email series I joined today that I'd like to share with you. Check out the link below:

http://sidsavara.com/personal-productivity/stop-waiting-for-life

Until next time...

Catching up a little

I haven't been blogging much this week. I think we're all worn out from all the running last week.

I've looked at a few blogs this week for CIJ. I hope to make some Christmas surprise balls this year with DGD.

I found a book DGD loves she has read it  once. And then turned around and started re-reading it LOL. The Golden Acron. I picked it up free for my Kindle app. Speaking of reading I think I'll go read  my book which is another free one for my Kindle app. Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier.

Until next time...

VBS program & CIJ celebration

The VBS program tonight was so cute. They had 5 different sets of kids singing and dancing to praise songs. Everyone was served hot dogs, chips and a drink after the program.. The kids also had freeze pops to eat. I will post pics on my FB page.

When we left we took our granddaughter to Sonic so she could get her free ice cream cone. Which was another VBS treat:)

When we got home my DGD and I decided to celebrate CIJ. We took my netbook outside and set up our version of a drive in. We had a hot dog, chips and tea for treats. We went to you tube and searched for Christmas cartoons. It popped up a bunch including some by Disney. So we decide to watch 3 different ones. The first one I believe was called Daffy Duck Christmas. The second one was Pluto's Christmas tree. And the final one was Tom and Jerry's Christmas Eve Night Before Christmas.

They were all so cute and funny. But now I'm exhausted so...

Until next time...

I almost forget after church this morning we went to the Hallmark Premiere. I put almost $48 worth of ornaments in their lay-a-way. And I bought 2 keychains for earlier presents:)

Last Day of VBS

I am so tired that I put this post in the wrong blog at first. So trying this again...

Tonight was the last night of VBS. Boy, I'm tired but I'm thankful my granddaughter was able to attend 4 of the 5 nights. She had a blast! They will do a little VBS program Sunday night. She is bashful but will be ok with doing this.Because it involves 2 of her favorite things-dancing and singing.

I plan on going to the Hallmark Premiere tomorrow but not sure that is going to happen. I might need tomorrow to rest instead of making that 50 mile round trip:)

Thought to ponder:

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched.. but are felt in the heart. ” Helen Keller

Until next time...

Ain't No Sunshine

Since I didn't want to go to bed too early I thought I'd read on my book, Ain't No Sunshine by Leslie DuBois. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out where a story is going. by the middle of the book at least and certainly before they spill the beans so to speak. However, not with this book. I will say I throughly enjoyed the journey, altho, the book tackles some difficult subjects. I hope to read more of the author's work.

It's set in a small Virginia town in the 60's. Two children, one white boy and one black girl grow up together. They fall in love, which isn't consider the thing to do at this time. The boy's father is the pastor of the church. He appears to be a good, caring man in public but an abusive monstor behind close doors. He tells his son more than once to stay away from Ruthie, they CAN'T be together.

As the story goes the boy's mother is no help with his father. And his older brother just disappears one day. The young couple believe he was killed by the father. The father reveals a life changing secret one day, then it seems eveything spirals more out of control. It's an entertaining story told from the confines of a police station interrogation room.

I read it on my Kindle for pc app. It's still free on Amazon at the moment. I'd recommend it.

Until next time...

http://www.amazon.com/Aint-No-Sunshine-ebook/dp/B00408AYJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310610921&sr=1-1

Sick yuck

Well I haven't done anything for CIJ today. And VBS tonight cause I'm sick yuck...My throat became real scratchy late yesterday afternoon which made me croupy. I woke up today with a VERY sore throat. And all I feel like doing is sleeping but I've been making myself sit up some. I've been drinking juices with viamin C in them & water. So I hope I feel better tomorrow.

Until next time...

CIJ-July 11th

After reading a post on the forum I decide to I looked through the 2 small Christmas storage bins for CIJ. They contain:
9-ornaments

4- pr bootie socks

5-candles

3-Christmas village pieces

4-pks Christmas village accessories

1-box 24 ct Christmas cards

1-20 ct sm plastic gift bags

1-roll lg gold ribbin

$26 dollars

I think that is a pretty good start.

Until next time..

VBS fun.

VBS started tonight at our church. We took our granddaughter to her first vacation Bible school program tonight. She had a BLAST. She's been talking about it every since we got back. I'm thrilled she had so much and is learning more about Jesus at the same time.

Until next time...

CIJ-July 10th

In this heat I thought I'd post another easy recipe from the Eagle Brand website for a CIJ celebrating post.

2 cups (1 pint) cold whipping cream

1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup coarsely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (9 cookies)

WHIP cream in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until stiff. In another large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream and crushed cookies.


POUR into 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or 2-quart freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze 6 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

http://www.eaglebrand.com/recipes/details/?RecipeId=4371&categoryIndex=9
 
There are some really good looking recipes on that site.
 
I've also enjoyed looking around some other blogs today.
 
Until next time...

Not much going on today

I have a bad headache which the heat is probably contributing to. It is 99 and feels like 113 Yikes. I hope to do something for CIJ later today but not sure that will happen.

We did have fun yesterday at the family picnic. I think they counted 31 folks showed up. I hope I feel like posting pis to Facebook later.

A thought to ponder:

Life is WAY too short to hold on to anything that doesn't bring you JOY!
 
Until next time

CIJ-Day 8

Today for CIJ I've been looking around blogs. Now I'm looking at recipes. I couldn't resist borrowing the pic to go with this recipe. Ice cream iis good anytime.

Ingredients

1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk


1 cup pureed or mashed fresh strawberries

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

4 to 5 drops red food coloring

2 cups heavy cream

6 tablespoons Smucker's® Magic Shell® Chocolate Fudge Flavor Topping, divided, plus more for garnish if desired

Instructions:
 
MIX sweetened condensed milk, pureed strawberries, vanilla, lemon juice and food coloring, if desired, in large bowl until well blended.


BEAT cream in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk mixture.

SPREAD about 1/3 of strawberry mixture in a 8-inch square baking pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons Magic Shell. Gently top with 1/2 of remaining strawberry mixture; drizzle with 2 tablespoons Magic Shell. Repeat strawberry and Magic Shell layers. Cover and freeze until firm, about 6 hours. Remove from freezer; let stand 5 minutes. Scoop into individual serving dishes. Drizzle with additional Magic Shell, if desired.
 
http://www.eaglebrand.com/recipes/details/?RecipeId=5718&CategoryIndex=11
 
Looks like an eye feast to me today at least.
 
Until next time

CIJ-Day 6

Altho, this isn't technically a Christmas recipe, I feel it would be a good dish to take to holiday together's.

Mini Football Subs


Ingredients:

Meatballs

Spaghetti sauce

Shredded Cheese

Individual-size rolls

To make a batch, first prepare your favorite meatball recipe, shaping each meatball into a mini football before cooking. Once they're cooked, add the meatballs to a skillet of spaghetti sauce and warm them through.

For each sub, cut a V-shaped notch from the top of an individual-size roll, place a meatball in the roll, and top with  cheese shred laces. Finally, get the sandwiches in a huddle on a cookie sheet and place them in a warm oven for a few  minutes to melt the cheese.

http://familyfun.go.com/autumn/fall-recipes/fall-dinner-ideas/mini-football-subs-684893/

I'm sure the meatballs can be decorated to look like reindeer.

Until next time...

CIJ- Day 5

For the 5th day of CIJ I'd like to share a simple but delicious sounded cookie recipe that could be used for any holiday.

East peasy cake mix cookies

1 (18 oz.) package cake mix (your choice)

2 eggs

1/2 C. shortening

1 tbsp. water

1/2 C. chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chips (your choice)

powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. With a wooden spoon or mixer, combine all ingredients in medium mixing bowl.

Chill in refrigerator about 30 minutes.

2. Shape into 1" balls. Roll in powdered sugar, if desired.

3.. Bake on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, 10-12 minutes.

4. Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies
 
http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/easy-delicious-christmas-cookies.html
 
Until next time...

CIJ-Day 4

For  CIJ today I looked at a few blogs And read/posted on the MHH Christmas. I'm thankful I was able to do that much today. Because I haven't been in the best of moods.

My dad went to be with Jesus 10 months ago today & this Fri is his birthday, so that probably has something to do with my mood.. And my belly is bothering me on top of that. I just hate it when I don't feel good in body & mind at the same time.

I'm thankful for all the support and prayers.

Until next time...

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone. Please be careful with your fireworks while celebrating. Please be respectful of others and stopping shooting them at a reasonable hour.

Say thank you to military personal and their families for all they do. Afterall, we live in the land of the free because of the brave men & women.

I don't know yet what we;ll do for CIJ today but will try to celebrate a little at least.

Until next time..

CIJ-Day 3 yummy

It's 12:30 a.m my time so that makes it CIJ Day 3. I'll be going to bed in a few mins so I'll hopefully be able to get up for church. But first I thought I'd share a couple  recipes with you. One recipe comes from a free Nook book. The title of the book is "Christmas Dessert Decadence"


Peanut Butter chip & chocolate chip clusters

1 (10 oz) pk of Reeses Peanut Butter chips

1 (11.5) 0z pk of either Semi-sweet chocalate chips

       or 1 package of milk chocolate chips

1 (12 oz) can cocktail peanuts


Place chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 min. Stir. Microwave for another 1-1 1/2 min to be completely melted. After chips are melted stir the mixture until smooth. Stir in peanuts.

Spoon heaping tablespoon of mixture onto wax paper.

Makes app 20 big pieces. Candy will be hard enough to remove from wax paper in about 4 mins. Store in refrigerator.


I've heard Diedra talk on the board about:

Frozen Hot Chocolate

3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar


1 package Hot Cocoa Mix (about 3 Tablespoons)

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

⅓ cups White Chocolate Chips

12 ounces, fluid Can Evaporated Milk, Divided

4-½ cups Ice

Whipped Cream, To Taste

Mini Marshmallows, To Taste

Combine sugar, cocoa mix, and butter in the top of a double boiler that is set over gently boiling water. Stir often until melted and a smooth paste forms. Add semi-sweet & white chocolate chips; stir. When chips begin to melt, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

Combine the chocolate base mixture, the remaining evaporated milk and ice in a blender (you can do this in batches) and cover. Blend until smooth. Pour into frosty glasses. Top each with whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional chopped chocolate chips & mini marshmallows, if desired.

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/drinks/frozen-hot-chocolate-2/

If you go to the site and see the pic of this you'll be drooling:)

Until next time...

CIJ-Day 2

I've managed to life my mood a little bit, altho my prayers are still with folks hurting in our town.. I thought I'd share our plans for today with you.

Since it's pretty warm outside today we decided to watch a Christmas movie tonight. We will watch "Deck the Halls." I haven't seen it but DGD has. She said it's a good movie. The plan is to shut down the pc, put the cell on silent and enjoy the movie together. Of course, we'll have some snacks to enjoy while we watch it.

At the moment I'm looking around some new(to me) blogs and getting ideas. Isn't it funny how blogs are like Lays potato chips, you look at one and usually(at least for me) that leads to another, then  another, another and so on and on lol. Some time this month we hope to make some paper candy canes:)

Thought to ponder:

Count your blessings, not your problems.
 
Until next time...

Christmas in July-CIJ

Today is the first day of July. Anyone who knows me knows I dislike this heat. But one of the great things about July is alot of folks celebrate Christmas in July(CIJ).

DGD(dear granddaughter) & I like to do alot of things together including celebrating CIJ. Today already we've listened to CIJ music on pandora.com  It's fun to hear old as well as new songs and sing along. I don't know what/if we'll do tonight. Which brings me to what we plan to do one day this month...

I'm the type that likes to put my own spin on things when possible. While looking around blogs yesterday I saw the idea for an outside movie as well as talk about drive inns, which there are none close to here. But my brain goes ah ha we can do our own drive in:)

I have 2  laptops, 1 a full size and the other a smaller netbook which doesn't have a CD ROM drive. I prefer to use the netbook if I can find a place online to watch free movies/cartoons. One evening when it gets dusky dark we're going to take a laptop and our treats(soda, popcorn, candy bars etc) to our car. Set the netbook on the dash and watch our movie outside...Our own personal drive in:) I have battery operated fans if needed.

Of course we could watch the movie inside, but this is something different to experience. I'm old enough(birthday next week too) to have experienced drive inns. But DGD never has so we'll do our own version.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Until next time...

DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA

There is SO much drama in this world. Anyone ever wonder why? Read on for my thoughts. To me it's because we CHOOSE to be involved in it. To me DRAMA reminds me of high school, he said, she said, be on my side, be mad at him/her and it goes on and on and on!

I'm not talking about when we're angry, hurt, or life is getting us down and we need to vent. I'm talking about when the "thing" whatever it is keeps getting told, told & retold by us and others. We react in pain or anger and all the negative energy involved in DRAMA.

Instead of taking a break to calm down and searching for a more positive way to deal with our situations. I feel when we stay in DRAMA we block the good things from coming to us and those we love. Often times, we're so wrapped up in the DRAMA that's all we see, hear, thing about, talk about.

Personally, I feel we can't fix other's problems and while it's ok for them to talk to me, all I can try to do is give them a more positive way to look at/handle it. It's their CHOICE to stay in the DRAMA or remove theirselves from it. And enjoy their life and the love ones in it. And it's my CHOICE to say I'm sorry but all I have to offer is my advice, prayers and encouragement that you'll find a peaceful, calming way for you to handle that DRAMA.

Adults high school is over, let's show the younger generation more positive way's to enjoy & live life.

Until next time...