Land of the Free... some quotes to think about government officials in the fed and states.......

I think our current republican candidates and members of congress on both the federal and state levels have forgotten why we are nicknamed the land of the free....

From Abe Lincoln: "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

George Washington: "Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

"I am a freeman, an American, a United States Senator, and a Democrat, in that order." Lyndon B. Johnson.

Been so busy.....

I have been very busy putting together my family history scrapbook to take on my trip. I can't wait. Passport in hand... luggage sitting waiting to be packed.... laptop ready to go.... wait I don't leave for a while yet. I am debating if I should take our color nook. I don't think I will need it since I have my laptop.... Maybe  some music for on the plane....

Paris in the spring time.... ahhhhhhhh!

I need to brush up on my Welsh so I can speak at least a little. Aunt Eunice doesn't speak English, so I had better be able to say hello and good bye and fake the rest. I also thought I need to brush up on the Food words for Germany.  Haven't used those German words for a lot of years... lets see about  VN time.  Just want to make sure I am not eating cows tongue or snails or some other disgusting thing.... At least I knew enough Spanish when we were in Mexico to not order the food that was made with cows tongue!

So off of here for a while.... need to get my list done and my research notes prepared......
I am so lucky to  have such a  wonderful husband.... He is working lots of extra hours so I can take my dream vacation! Oh yeah... I have some great children, sons-in-laws and grandchildren.... they are all chipping in on this trip..... Look out Europe... I am a coming.

Started the scrapbook...

These are the first three pages to the scrapbook. I need to get busy. 

Just think 30+ years ago....

They are acting like this is something new... I know it's not because I know it happened when I was a teenager.... I won't name names, but some thought it was cute.... back then you were just asked to resign... I remember when it happened in a town high school called Westville. My friends and I thought...
OOOOUUUU SICK! We would never had thought of being with a teacher.

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/teacher-leaves-wife-kids-high-school-student-225300504.html

March 1, 2011

This is the first day of March. In 26 days my husband and I celebrate another anniversary. Wow ~ 36 years ~ and they said it won't last. LOL
I have been baking cupcakes for the church bake sale tomorrow and working on my scrapbook.
I love doing both things... cooking and scrapbooking. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and my list goes on. Just not enough time to do it all.
My magazine stash is growing smaller. Ha I might defeat it after all.
Hubby has been working over so I can have plenty of spending money when I go on my trip. Such a wonderful man. (Even with his faults... LOL)
We have been concerned about our family in Tennessee because of the storms. A tornado hit the town our son lives in; however it did not hit his home or neighborhood. Our family in the Knoxville area are all safe. Our niece and her husband kept in contact with us, via Internet,  during the storm and then checked on everyone and let us know all were safe.
Tomorrow they are saying they will be getting hit again. Last fall my husband's brother's home was hit by a tornado, only a corner of the house. He lost trees and the neighbors had damage. So we thank our God in Heaven for keeping all safe.
Stay safe .... Talk later.

Davy Jones :(

I read yesterday morning of the passing of Davy Jones of the Monkees. This saddens me greatly. I was fortunate to see him in concert, one of his last, thanks to my daughter and her husband. My younger sister was also treated by them. My husband tagged along... but he did enjoy the concert. It was one of the last that the three Monkees played together. Rest in Peace Davy. I know everyone in Heaven will enjoy singing right along with you. May his music blare from my "music machines" for a long time....

Ok REPUBLICANS>......What are you doing to AMERICA!

Read this report and think..... do we really want to live this way?

http://www.bilerico.com/2011/05/the_difference_between_republicans_and_democrats_i.php

The girls....

Kristina had a tooth pulled yesterday, so the girls are spending time with me. The girls are on the go all the time. They get bored easily and love doing sports, going to dances and roller skating. Tonight they are skating. Grandpa told them he would pick them up at the time it was over.
I so enjoy going to their games and hearing how proud they are of their accomplishments.
My two youngest children where home schooled part of their school life. We made sure they were involved in sports, swimming, acting, clubs and organizations so that they could be well rounded individuals and social.
Sometime home schooled kids are "strange." They don't know how to make friends or they are so "backwards" or have parents that are strange, that homeschooling is the only suitable place for them to be educated. The bad thing about homeschooling is so many people don't actually educate their children. It is another way to control every aspect of their life and to make sure they control the children they associate with.
I have found that parents of the latter type, come from a certain group of people where secrecy is important. This makes them untrustworthy and young girls are frequently defiled by men...
Well anyways, like I was saying, I love the fact my grandchildren love being active. I have talked to them many times to make sure they express themselves if they don't want to do something. However my junior high age granddaughter today informed me she wants to add cheerleading to her activities... okay.... So I guess softball (year round), school volleyball, school basketball, scholastic bowl and student council just isn't enough. She is a straight A student in advanced classes, and loves school.
Let your children do all they want, provided their health doesn't suffer or their grades. Keep yourself sane by understanding it is only a short period in your life.

I just found this article about high gas prices...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/angry-about-high-gas-prices--blame-shuttered-oil-refineries.html

stop blaming the president... it's time to blame oil companies!

I posted a few posts back about....

I posted a few posts back about the Mormon's baptizing dead people into their church...
Here is a news items I found today about that practice...

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/public-outrage-over-alleged-mormon-baptism-anne-frank-173843648.html

swag buck code

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/crazyteacher
If you want to join my team at swagbucks here is my link. Try it. You may really enjoy this search and win site.

very interesting....

Check out this article. It is strange. I have known to people who turn this type of blue when cold. I wonder if it is possible that they have a form of this genetic disorder. Hummm I guess a little more research is needed.

http://gma.yahoo.com/fugates-kentucky-skin-bluer-lake-louise-200247843--abc-news.html

scrapbooking family history.....

My latest adventure is called Made in America. It will be a collection of family photos to share with our relatives back in our home land. So Made in America is in the planning stages... Looking for the right paper and embellishments, the right kind of design for the front cover.... Ideas just a swirling away... More to come later!

Here you go USA

http://www.proudamericantradingpost.com/

Homeschooling...

Homeschooling vs public education

I home schooled two of my children part of their educational time. If done correctly, making sure they had activities that allowed them some time to socialize with others their own age and getting the proper books to help them learn, it can be quit successful.
I would not suggest it to people who don't want to be involved in the total educational process.
The advantage of homeschooling is the freedom of travel time, if you can financially afford it. Another advantage is if you have children that are so "different" from others that they will be teased or bullied in an "traditional" school setting.
Bullying is hard to spot, to solve, to understand.... A student can tell you they are being mistreated, however you can not punish on "hear-say"; thus causing bullying to grow. It also has backlash sometimes for the child. They get threatened more, people point their fingers at them and laugh, more students join in to bully them, they loose friends if they had any, and with all of this they eventually get labeled "The Trouble" causer. The teachers don't want to have them in class, the principal punishes them and the cycle continues and grows. So for this type of student, sometimes homeschooling is the best fit.
Another type of student that homeschooling best fits is the one of different beliefs. Later.

Shopping...

Shopping for a gift for a 1 year birthday was tough. I have noticed that there are fewer toys than ever out there. Not only that ~ puzzles ~ where are the puzzles.
I think the toy industry has forgotten all of the things that children need in order to develop cognitive skills.
I guess video games are more profitable.

Swag bucks......

Go to the bottom of the page and sign up. I am getting ready to put $100 dollars in my account.... Wow, just searching, doing a few surveys, and watching short video clips and I have enough points to cash out. You can choose other things, gifts and gift cards, various amount of points. My daughter goes for the $5 Amazon gift cards. So give it a try. Especially if you want to earn some easy money or gifts.

Plan, plan, plan.....

I have been planning for my many vacations. Since I am retired I find I get pretty bored. So I take little trips and some big ones. I can't wait till spring... Big vacation plans. Hubby is excited it will be riding weather soon. Woohoo. Snow and ice stay away.

those magazines

My stack is growing smaller. I have been scanning like crazy. Since my husband will be home this week, I probably will be slowed downed to a snail pace. Oh well I will keep plugging away, little by little. I will be glad when I get done... Wait I will never be completely done until the day I die.....An I don't plan that for any time soon....

Christmas shopping....

I have begun my Christmas shopping... What? Yes I shop year round. I found some really great bargains. So I have some of my shopping done for next year already. In fact I have gifts already wrapped for next year. ....
So happy Christmas shopping everyone.
Shop now so you don't have to shop with all of the crowds.

Okay here is post 1....

Okay, yesterday we went to my great-great-nieces birthday party. Her great grandmother, my sister, passed away 11 years ago. We were still able to get a 5 generation picture as my sister's husband is like a brother to us, (my other sister and I were 9 and 10 years younger than Judy), Judy and her husband only had boys so no female only picture, So in the picture is my mother (93 years young), my brother-in-law representing my sister, my nephew, my nephew's daughter, and my nephew's granddaughter.... wow....
It was a little strange... Louie remarried a few years ago... His wife decided she didn't want to be married any more and then begged him to take her back, they did not sit together at the meal, in fact she sat with my nephew's ex-wife and her boyfriend. Strange for someone that wanted you to take her back. (She didn't want a divorce until she had been married to him 10 years so she could get his pension along with her other dead husband's and her own. Seems she is in this for the money.) Tom's ex-wife, Julie, brought her boyfriend that she had been cheating on my nephew with for 20+ years and his family. Her parents are divorced and they each came with their newbies. My one nephew wouldn't come because he didn't like his dad taking back this woman and the fact Julie the terror was there. Tom's finance came and her family, her husband had passed away before Tom met her. We really like her. Mom went to this party with the idea that things would be good, however after Chris, Louis wife, gave her the cold shoulder, (Chris had blamed my sister and cousin at a different get together and then Louie got upset and so did mom.), this time mom saw it first-hand. I don't think Chris will ever be in her good graces again. Louie acted so unhappy, that mom's heart was broken. You don't mess with Louie. And so it was a miserable day in some ways and a happy day in others, even though I sat back and out of the loop as much as possible. I didn't want to go because of all the drama.
The happy spot: MY YOUNGEST GRANDDAUGHTER, daughter and her husband were there. We sat with my nephew Don and his son, who hardly ever talks and he talked. He wanted to have his picture with the baby as did his sister. So all is good.

oh me or my....

Oh me oh my it seems I have failed to post any news for a few days. So much and so little time. I will begin again  tomorrow .... well maybe I will post something in a few minutes... I don't know .... Just too much to do.

Travel by train...

I found this... dreaming maybe....
http://www.raileurope.com/us/shopping/pass_finder.htm

I may want to check this out some more.

Free WiFi....

A friend of mine posted on FB that he wants his gravestone to have free WiFi; that way people would visit him more often. ... Sounds like a good idea to me. The only drawback:  would be there would be enough parking for everyone? ..... and who would run the concessions. I want dibs on both.

No Child Left Behind Sports

A friend posted this to facebook. Thought it was cute. It also so the ignorance about education by the people who wrote NCLB Act

No Child Left Behind: The Sports Version

Fill with your favorite sport (original used football)

1. All teams must make the state playoffs, and all will win the championship by the year 2014. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same skills at the same time and in the same conditions. No exceptions will be made for interest in , a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities. ALL KIDS WILL PLAY AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL.

3. Talented players will be asked to work out on their own without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren’t interested in , have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like .

4. Games will be played year round, but statistics will only be kept in the 4th., 8th and 11th games.

5. This will create a New Age of sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimal goals. If no child gets ahead, then no child will be left behind.

Couple of....

Couple of great finds while reading my Country Living magazine:
All American made furniture... fabric made and furniture hand built in North Carolina .... to check out go to frenchlaundryhome.com

American grown and produced yarn.... go to fiberfarm.com
They have a membership fee. I have not checked them out yet, but plan to. I am all about AMERICAN MADE!

Still working on...

Still working on my magazine stash. Yip..... Mom gets magazines still, even though her shop has been closed for 10 years, and gives me them when she is finished reading. So then I get piles to add to my piles. Well it is not a hoarding type pile... I put them in a bin and when I have time I go through them, scan what I want to keep and throw all away. It just that sometimes she insists I take them when I really don't have time to go through them. I also get magazines that she doesn't, my sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, craft, cooking and a few more.... So the monthly magazine "hoard" happens and it gets to the point of feeling "out of control." It doesn't depress me, as I am a happy-go-lucky type person. Now that I am retired I am slowly getting the "hoard" of magazines under control.
I am actually through with about half, but here we are a new month and you know what that means, more magazines.....I think I better get off of here and start scanning... Later.

feral cats

I just finished reading an article about feral cats. Our neighborhood, and many others in our town, seem to have many cats that are "unowned." My objective was to see if I feed these wild creatures they would stop eating birds in our neighborhood. It seems that is not a solution. According to the article there are over 5 million wild cats. Many times it is because people have cats, who have babies, who are then set out in the wild because they are unwanted and the cycle continues.
One suggestion from the article is capture, neuter or spade and release. I don't think we should do this to all cats or dogs, as they are companions to people, however this wild cat and dog problem is destroying the balance of nature.
I want to put up some bird houses, however if it means that the wild, feral, cats are going to feed on the birds that I do want around then I will not do it.
What a situation. So do I build some bird house and chance the feral cats attacking them, or do I call the animal control office and ask about feral cats. I am not willing to pay for them to take the feral cats, they are not mine. So just what will I do?

Finally did...

All the times I have traveled outside of the US I have never had to have a passport. So today I apply for the first time. Use to be all you needed was a certified copy of your birth certificate, drivers license and if you where married your marriage license.
When I was a child you didn't need anything to go to Canada or Mexico.
So guess I need to get a passport or I won't be able to go visit my family across the great pond. This is so exciting as all we have ever done is communicate by snail mail and emails. We have done video chats and sent voice emails. I can't wait to visit my cousins and visit my grandparents home land.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Sunday. Please remember that it is a day of love and blessing. If you need a church to go to I invite you to the best 1st Methodist Church here in town. Great folks, good fun! God bless you and hope to see you at church.

Life is Crazy..... LOL

I need to go to the library. I have done mom's hair today, picked up 25 pounds of fresh ground sausage, and 25 pounds of pork loin and ribs.
I would like for every one to know that the dump cake was really good. Ashley was here with me, home sick from school, and we made homemade cinnamon rolls for her breakfast (she helped and loved the cooking) and then we made a dump cake.
The only thing we did different than the recipe is we added cinnamon sugar to the top of the cake mix and then the butter and then Ashley wanted more cinnamon sugar on top of the butter. The crust was really good then. Melted butter and sugar made a glaze.
Try it.
I have been very busy adding information into my family files. I make sure to scan all of the papers first, just in case. Well I need to go get things done. Mom and I are running to Long Johns for dinner tonight and bringing James home his. We need to add more fish.... I dislike cooking fish... So Long Johns can do it for me.
Later.

Sooo much and Dump Cake

I have been going through my family history research for the past two months. I didn't realize I had so much to enter into my files.
Yesterday I started to go through information and entering it, scanning information and pitching needless and duplicate stuff.
What color should I paint the office? I think I want a relaxing color. Not sure just which one. There are so many colors that I really like. Such a hard decision. Suggestions family?
Tonight I am cooking goulash. Mom wants that for supper. So that is what we will be having.
Tomorrow we are having chicken legs and I am making an apple dump cake.
I also have to do mom's hair Saturday so she will look good for Sunday. She had it done while I was gone at a beauty shop. She didn't like it.

Here is the Dump Cake Recipe

DUMP CAKE  

1 (16-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter, chilled
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease well a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.

Dump pineapple (including juice) into the prepared pan; spread evenly.
Dump cherry pie filling over pineapple, spreading evenly.
Dump yellow cake mix over the top, spreading evenly.
Cut cold butter into 1/4-inch slices and arrange over the top. Sprinkle with nuts.
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (about 40 - 60 minutes).
About 10 servings.

Low fat choclate marshmallow cupcakes

http://player.swagbucks.com/free_videos/food_network/low_fat_chocolate_marshmallow_cupcakes_recipe/445/155287/

Tennessee pics



Grandpa Hall's Aunt Alice and Katelyn. She could not hold her enough.

Mommy's cousin Julie's husband Barry. He held me all through lunch the first day I met him.

Mommy's cousin Julie. She really cooked us a great meal. Can't wait till I can really eat it.

Mommy's cousin Sarah's son Hayden. He loved holding Katelyn.

Mommy's cousin Sarah's daughter Kya. She moved me from one arm to the other for this picture.

Grandpa Hall's sister Virginia and her husband Blake. I liked them.

Mommy's cousin Julie's son and daughter, James and Mattie. James played a "mean" piano for all of us. Can't wait till I can play like him.

Slow Berry Cobbler Paula D

I have added this slow cooker recipe because I want to make it soon. Maybe tomorrow.

http://www.5min.com/Video/Slow-Berry-Cobbler-444703488

I found these recipes at the swagbucks tv. A place to earn points for free items. If you would like more information, contact me and I will send you an invite.

BBQ sauce .....

I think I am going to try this BBQ sauce.... I may leave somethings out or add a little more sweetness. 

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Make-Deen-Brothers-Barbecue-Chicken-172972407

I think I will ..... Paula D son's Beef Macaroni and Cheese

I think I will try this recipe soon. Here is a video of how to make it.
http://www.5min.com/Video/Waynes-Beef-Macaroni-and-Cheese-315860052

Great recipe... Paula D.... Chicken and Rice Casserole.

http://www.5min.com/Video/Chicken-and-Rice-Casserole-264791157

White Chili

While in Tennessee we visited our niece Julie. She made dinner for all of us. Julie made a fabulous White Chili. I am going to try making it this week. Good luck to me. LOL

Did some more research....

I did a little research while I was in Tennessee. I didn't seem to get as much information as I would like. In fact I only found a few tidbits. I know what I want to do next time I go and I know where I want to look. Maybe more success next time.

Seen my boys....

Went to my daughter's house and visited with my two grandsons. They were very good on this visit, of course they are always good.
Grandpa decided to wrestle with them, which their father doesn't do. The youngest one didn't understand it and was scared, the oldest he loved it and kept coming for more.
We had Mexican food and pizza.

Facebook....

I think I don't really like facebook. I mean I like the fact that you can connect with friends and family you have not seen for a long time, however I get bored with reading things like: "I don't feel well today." ; "going grocery shopping." So you don't feel well.... go lay down and get well.... go do you grocery shopping.
I do like when people announce good things like babies being born, they have won an award or the fact that someone needs prayers for an illness or tragedy.
I still enjoy reading a good hard copy book, the newspaper (Ours doesn't have much news any more) and magazines.

Aunt Alice

I arrived home Saturday after a week in Tennessee. Lara and I went to visit my husband's Aunt Alice. She is having some memory lapse. She enjoyed visiting, but became confused numerous times. Her son just got out of prison about 3 months ago. He was to go to a half-way house for 2 years, however he came to her house. I believe she is afraid of him. I don't know what to do to help her, but that should be the prison problem and her daughters'. Hope the girls come home soon and decide that she needs help getting him out of there. I am not sure they will come visit since he is there. They wanted her to not leave him anything in her will, but she feels he would harm the girls. So.... the saga will continue....

Lagging

I just realized it has been 10 days since I last posted. I will work on getting caught up on my posting. I have a few pictures I would like to add and what I have been doing.

Need to get....

I need to get Katelyn's buttons on her dress. I also need to get the laundry finished up and to pack for the week. Okay I guess I should be getting off of here then.

Snow no ice yet

It snowed this morning. The snow on the windshield of our car was icy. Tomorrow is forecasting an icy/snowy evening. I just hope Lara and Chris get here safely.

working....

Working on my computer files. I have a tendency when I know I am going someplace for a few days to back everything up on my external drives so I will have them if someone breaks into the house or a storm or what ever might happen. I have numerous copies of everything.
Last night and most of today I have sat at the crazy computer, sorting, deleting and organizing data ~ still not done. Probably a few days of work ahead of me.
I have an external drive for just genealogy, just for pictures, just for documents, just for school things (I won't use these any more, however Kristina, Casi and Lara may want some of them.), one just for magazine articles I like, one for my cookbooks and favorite recipes and one for my adobe suites.
Wow that is a lot of external drives.
I find that many of them are almost filled. Ugh that means I may have to purchase more of them.
I am trying to decide if I should get my hair cut before I go to Europe or if I should keep it as it is. I am thinking of having highlights and lowlights put in. My great husband likes that idea.
I made pork chops tonight for dinner with homemade biscuits, corn, green beans and apple salad. I don't usually fry food, however tonight it sounded good and I needed to pick Rachel up at the junior high, which meant I could not leave food cooking.
Time to go watch Big Bang Theory. Night all.

I have many family updates today...

Today I first called my husband's brother David to see if he knew some information that may help me with my family search on his grandfather, David Hall. We got to talking and he mentioned he had heard that their cousin Sandy had passed. I did not know if she did or didn't. We talked a while and he told me that the trucking company that he worked for just gave him a designated truck just for him with a special decal to depict the fact that he had driven for them 2 million miles accident free. Knock on wood..... He has driven 3 million plus miles accident free in his career.
We talked for a while and then he was heading into a mountainous area and we knew we would loose contact. So we ended it there. He is now 67 years old and doesn't want to think about retiring because he doesn't want to just sit around and wait to die.
Then I called James sister Virginia to see how she was. She said that she just got over pneumonia and that she was having problems with her liver and that she may need to head to Florida to the Mayo Clinic. We will ask that all pray for her.
I then decided I would call Aunt Judy, my husband's uncle Sam's wife (Uncle Sam passed many years ago.) and ask her a few questions. She told me that Sandy passed in August and that his cousin Nancy had another stroke in July and that she was not handling her sister's death well and is in the hospital. She hopes she gets out this week. Aunt Judy stated Nancy wasn't sure she was ready to get out.  Promised her I would call when I get to Tennessee and visit with her.
Then I got on facebook and I typed in my brother-in-law Clyde's daughter's name. Wow it popped right up. I am now friends on facebook with Julie. Whoop! We had a quick catch up and a lunch date for when I get to Tennessee. We haven't seen this family in 20 years or so. So long that Lara doesn't remember them. The last time we saw his brother Clyde was when their sister died. That would be the year 2000.
So I feel that I have had a very successful family day. Can't wait to go to Tennessee.

chicken casserole

Made this casserole tonight. It was really good. I didn't take pictures like my daughter... sorry.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1 stick butter
1 can cream of mushroom soup or celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup water
2 cups minute rice
4 chicken breast ~ skin side up --- Note I used 3 frozen skinless chicken breasts
1 package dry onion soup mix

Melt butter in an 9 X 13 casserole dish.
Mix the soup and water together in a bowl.
Mix soup with the butter in the casserole dish. Make sure to mix well.
Pour the rice evenly over soup mixture and lightly pat down into the soup mixture.
Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Note I cut each of my breast into four smaller pieces.
Sprinkle the dry onion soup on top of the chicken.
Cover with foil tightly.
Bake  at 350 degrees for 2 1/2 hours.

Getting Ready

Oh boy, Heading to Tennessee for a week. It will be so much fun. We will be visiting family and friends. Katelyn will be meeting relatives for the first time. The library will be open and I can do some research. I will need to make sure that I remember the GPS as I don't want to get lost ..... lol.
I have a few people to get hold of so I can make sure they will be in town.

Mom

Mom told me today that I need to get some literature on the trip to England, Wales and Germany ~ and where ever else we decide to visit while in Europe. I guess I will go to the library's website to check out books about the places we want to go.

So glad....

Yesterday one of my son-in-laws had to go to a meeting. The roads were so bad for him to drive home on. I didn't sleep well worried he might get hurt. Glad I heard from them this morning that he made it home okay. It was just really late and they thought I would be asleep.
NO MORE LATE MEETINGS SO FAR FROM HOME WHEN IT IS SNOWING!

COLD!

Oh my have I forgotten how cold Illinois can get. Snow on the ground makes it colder. Hot chocolate and a good read. Work on an afghan and walla, your winter blues go away.

My next project.

My next project is to make one of Devon's Christmas gifts for next year. I am designing and then making him an afghan with Skull and Crossed bones. He loves pirates and SKELETONS. Don't ask. I just call him bones. I will post a picture when I am done with this project.

Snow has come.

Well we did get snow. It isn't that much when you measure it, however it is the wind. White out conditions in many areas. Wind chills....
So far there are no school closings. I wish they would not worry about money and start worrying about the safety of the students and staff.
I am so glad that I am retired and don't have to experience the drive.
This will be the first year for the superintendent at the school I retired from to experience driving the road I drove each bad weather day. Have fun on the curves!

My first time....

Here is the dress I made for Katelyn. It is my first time making a dress. I am so glad I am retired as now I can get back into all of the crafts that I have put off doing for such a long time.

Snow?

Snow? Will we get some? Right now they are saying 3 to 5 inches. We will find out if we get any in the morning. I just hope that it starts before school and that they cancel school before the students get there. It always bothers me to know that the storm comes and they dismiss new drivers, bus loads of students and faculty and staff to drive home in it. What really upsets me is when you are there for less than an hour and they send you home. Why not go ahead and call it off when you know it is just 30 minutes from your district? Once again it comes down to the ole mighty dollar.

Okay, Kristina, I will try swagbucks for you.

I finally started using swag bucks. Kristina has been on me to use them for some time now. I have been able to accumulate many points. I can get some really great gift cards for items that would cost my lots of bucks. Look out Lowe's I am in the hunt for some great items. Also Devon wants me to spend some of them on him an Itunes card. .... Well what an "inexpensive" gift. I just search as usually, watch some great cooking videos and occasionally some others, do a few surveys and walla I have points.
If you want me to hook you up... just write me.

Almost Sunday, Jan. 8, 2011

Wow it seems like this month is going by quickly. It doesn't seem possible... Well I know it is. I was thinking Monday night, just think the Winter break went by so quickly, I would be getting ready to go back to work already... Retirement is great. I don't have to work. I don't even feel like substitute teaching. Woo hoo. My great husband and I are planning our first vacation for 2011.  I plan to do some family research and he is going motorcycle riding. We are going to be camping on some of this trip.
My second trip of the year will be to visit my family in England and Wales. I am so excited. I do not know what gifts to take. Something made in America.
I try hard to find items made in America, but to my surprise I had purchased yarn made in England to make Katelyn's dress. Oh well at least that is a country I don't mind purchasing goods from.  I will ask my family about some gift ideas to take to England and Wales.

Things to take to Wales

My husband told me I need to think of gifts for my family in Wales. I plan to go visit them soon.
I am not sure exactly what to take. ...
It is a long plane ride so I need things that can travel easily.
I know that I must take pictures. I think I may contact Rodz and see if I can mail my packages ahead of time.... but they can't open until I get there.

My second post for 2012

I am currently working on a Katelyn's Valentine dress. It is going good. I can't wait to finish. I plan to do some beading on it. Not sure exactly what method I plan to use yet. I will just have to see it finished and decide what I believe will look best.
Maybe I should actually make another braid first and then see how I want to go about beading.
Hummm to many things to think about at this time of the evening.

It's 2012

It is now 2012. I thought that retiring would be hard. Well, I am busy all the time. I have been crocheting and knitting. I have baked and made things for the men at the homeless shelter.
I will try and post more things as the month progresses. I will not commit to a post each day.

Spring, hurry and get here....

Okay my husband is ready for spring. I asked why? Well it turns out to be my helmet and he is trying to size it to his head. .... Wait then it will be to large for me!

2011 gone... 2012 here

We welcomed in the New Year at home, the two of us, watching The Big Bang Theory, toast and new year kiss.
Today we are having traditional corn beef and cabbage. My mother will celebrate the feast with us this evening.
Rachel is here with us. She skated in the New Year and grandmum's home is where is comes to "crash" for the day.
Here is wishing all of you a very prosperous new year, even if it is only having a better year with family and friends, finding God in your religious preference, or inner peace and health.
Happy New Year.

BUCKET LIST

Wow I don't know what to list in here.
1. Go visit my family in the old country.
2. Win the lottery
3.
An unrealistic item would be a time machine. I would love to go back in time and find out about my family. Take a camera, digital, and then everyone would think, WHAT?!?

I think that my only goal that I have not achieved in life is to go visit my family in the old country. I want to visit Ferndale where my grandmother was born. Go to Montgomeryshire to visit where grandpa is from. See the parishes where my family attended worship. Try to find out where the butcher shop was in Aberdare.
I am basically satisfied with my life.

The things I have achieved:
1. graduated from high school
2. graduated from college
3. married the love of my life
4. have great children
5. have great grandchildren
6. traveled all over
7. retired
8. feel like I am the richest person in the world with my wonderful family and friends

How old does a baby need.....

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/baby/swimming/swimming_lessons.asp

Here is an article about babies learning to swim. My children all learned very young.

Miss Ashley

Tomorrow is my Miss Ashley's birthday. I sure hope she comes by to see her grandma so she can get her birthday gift. Love you Missy.

Katelyn...

I am making Katelyn a dress for Christmas. Knitting... yeah. I love making homemade presents. This was something I had my children do each Christmas.
They purchased gifts also, but I so wanted them to understand that a gift made with your own two hands and the love and thought was priceless.
I really don't enjoy shopping. It is hard to shop when there are so many people and you think, After Christmas this will be really cheap..... (Remember to get gift receipts for each gift.)
 I have some coupons I may decide to use.
Katelyn will be here for Christmas. This will probably be the last Christmas that Lara and Chris spend with us.
It is so sad in some ways. I love having all my family here for Christmas. I digress. However, all of my grandchildren have spent their first Christmas at my home. Katelyn is too. Santa chimney is ready for the Santa lists. Rachel and Ashley started this many Christmas ago. Austin and Devon have enjoyed it also.
Now Katelyn will at Thanksgiving in a few years.
Have fun at Christmas. Remember that this is Jesus' birthday and that he is giving the gift of sharing, sharing his special day with every individual that believes.

GET THE 700 CLUB OFF THE AIR

Every time the idiots that are on the 700 Club come on, I run hard to change the channel. The idiots open their mouths and PUKE rolls out.
I am a registered Republican... However I think they are acting like idiots.... Of course if you look into the background of the 700 Club founder you will see how much money he has SUCKED out of the people who want to listen to him. He needs to shut up.... Religion and GOVERNMENT should not be mixed. I absolutely HATE this man. Hate is a harsh world. But this man makes me hate REPUBLICANS more than I already do.
I think because of him I will most definitely vote for a DEMOCRAT this next election.... obviously the REPUBLICANS are acting like a bunch of spoiled rich kids.... wait that is what congress is ..... SPOILED RICH KIDS THAT ARE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!
By the way check out the grades they made in school.... UGH~ I think congress is the only thing those RICH Kids can do.

Quickly Approaching...

Christmas is quickly approaching. The end of 2011 is not far away.
This time last year my mother was ill. Not enough yet to be in the hospital, but very close. She almost died Christmas Eve. Thank goodness for medical science she survived. All it was --- her gall bladder. However because of medical mess-up she almost died. For some reason when they give her IVs they fill the cavity around her heart with fluid. Now we have to deal with the after effects of congestive heart failure.
This year we plan to celebrate with her still being here. She seems to be in Okay health, however there are times when I worry about her.
I still need to do Christmas shopping. Retirement has made it so that I seem to think I have a lot of time. Housework is completed quickly, then the rest of the day comes. I crochet. I have crochet many hats for the fellows at the mission, the homeless. Hopefully they will help keep their heads warm.
Next year I think my daughter and I may make lots of cards for the fellows at the VA. Maybe we will make some for them for Valentine Day. Who knows. I need to win the lottery so that I can do all of these things.

Christmas... a time of true giving.

Christmas... a time of true giving.

Our children growing up had the fortunate experience of helping the less fortunate. We weren't rich by any means, however we did make room in our small budget to help others.
Each Christmas the kids would get a family from a list at our local Salvation Army. We would go purchase presents for them. (We always tried to find a family with the same composition as ours or at least close to ours.) The kids loved shopping for the families. We would get to deliver the gifts. Leaving them on the front porch, knocking and running to the car that was running with the doors open. One family heard us, opened the door, invited the kids and us in, lugging in their ten 30 gallon bags of goodies for the family, (I am not kidding how many bags they had.) Bags with coats for each child, underwear, socks, jeans, shirts and toys... And a Christmas meal fixings. The smiles.... This family was living in only one room of the house. They couldn't afford to heat the house... a small space heater sat in the living room. My kids were in shock and awe....They have never forgotten that family...
Also each year our children would get names off  the tree in the mall. They would purchase a gift, wrap it, label it and give it to the person at the desk. That always made them feel so good about themselves.
Our children would go through their toys and the ones that where really good and that they did not play with would be given to the local women's shelter for the children there to have to play with.
I am so proud of my children. They are adults now, however they still carry on the tradition of helping others. Even if their budgets are a little tight.
Find a family. Give some love. Secret Santa is fun to play. Don't expect a thank you as this way the families don't know who you are.

In my area....

Anyone looking for a place to can, cook for a large party, etc. Here is a website to check out.
http://mycooksworkshop.com/

Thanksgiving

Wow am I tired. I have cooked and baked for 2 weeks. We had a house full of family. Two really new babies and more.... It was such a great day.
Mom was here... her 93rd Thanksgiving. She was so kind as to allow me to use refrig space for food....
Another year.... -

Christmas

Have we lost the spirit of Christmas? When I was a child we received a few gifts from Santa and one or two gifts from our parents, which always knew Santa was bringing something with batteries, which they wrapped and put under the tree...
Today it is like how many more things can we get them?
Our youngest daughter does not want Christmas to be that way. She and her husband want a gift or two for their daughter from others, nothing big, but thoughtful.
I don't think a bag of cotton candy from Walmart and a package of gum is a true Christmas gift. I have always tried to do more for the granddaughters whose father truly believes he has given them a great gift of cotton candy and gum. But that is another post.
Just what is the true meaning of Christmas? It is Jesus' birthday. I have explained to my children more than once, that Santa brings gifts to you because Jesus is willing to share his birthday with you. Even though he is not a "living" person as we know it, he lives inside of you. So giving is the important part of Christmas, not getting.
I want to celebrate Christmas in July, not December. I will have a tree at the traditional time, however the weather is bad and it is not always easy getting to the house for the kids. It makes so much more sense to celebrate it when we all get together in July. If we aren't all going to church as a family on Christmas Eve, it just doesn't seem fitting. (Two of my granddaughters only get to go to their Church every other Christmas.)
I have one daughter who doesn't want this. I say they are already getting enough at Christmas, why not spread it out. Besides the stores will have Christmas stuff out already in July. I guess it really doesn't matter when you celebrate it. It is all about Commercialism and business getting rich from communist made, slave workers made, lead ridden goods from China... and that is another post.
Celebrate Christmas with the true spirit. Remember it is not the price of a present or how many presents, it is the feelings of giving and caring. It really doesn't need to be celebrated only on Christmas Eve and day, but all year long.
Remember that CHRIST is the REASON for the SEASON!

Black Friday

I was just reading an article about a young man upset because he has to go to work at 11 pm on Thanksgiving... When I was much younger you did not see Christmas or Black Friday merchandise out until Black Friday.

I worked for a department store. On Thanksgiving evening we would go in for a few hours and get the store ready for the next morning. Stores opened at 7 am that day. Today the Christmas trees are up in the stores before Halloween.
The spirit of Christmas is not the same. It is all about retail and making the rich richer.

I am hand making small personal gifts for each of my children and grandchildren. I just think Christmas is out of hand.
I had one daughter tell me they still had $1000 a piece to spend on their two children.... What? I know they have already spent well over $500  a piece on the them. Christmas .... well that is another blog post.

crochet anyone

I have gotten in the mood to crochet. I am participating in a group of others that are crocheting. I have made 3 stocking type caps and  3 doilies.  I am working on a granny square afghan.

Payton Manning.....

Okay so they may release Payton because his neck doesn't seem to be healing... well treat him for holding babies wrong neck pain.... Treatments aren't working so see how much he is holding his twins. Holding them can cause neck pain that is unexplained.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-wetzel-peyton_manning_no_real_progress_110311

Congress take notice...

Congress take notice, Americans are tired of you and your fringe benefits.  Hereis what is circulating on FB....

 David Howerton
No longer "an interesting idea" -- time for this to be our ACTION PLAN: *Congressional Reform Act of 2011* 1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office. 2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose. 3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do. 4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%. 5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. 6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. 7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work. If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time. THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Human Trafficking

I just watched a show on CNN. It was about human trafficking. Please go to this website and watch the videos and read the stories.
Boycott the products being made by these "slaves"! Guess what, you may have some of them right now in your home. How many American companies are "supporting slavery" by having their products made in these countries that use "slaves"!
Please check it out.

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/07/u-s-human-trafficking-czar-on-how-consumers-can-combat-slavery/

Been a Cooking

Rachel has been spending time with grandpa and me. We have been baking and cooking for her school parties. I called her just a few minutes ago and most of the food is gone. She said some of the others said they would bring things tomorrow.
I plan to bake more cupcakes and cookies, so I will send them to school for them later this week.
I love Halloween. I love Thanksgiving and I really LOVE Christmas.

Devon the Skeleton Man

Devon the Skeleton Man

We are not sure why this little guy loves skeletons so much, but the more the happier.

Some catch up pictues

The grandsons, their parents, grandpa and I went to the UAW picnic last weekend. Here are some of our pictures from there. Devon got up enough courage to ride the pony.... He didn't want to ride again as he believes horses are going to buck him off. (Video games....UGHHHHH)



The next day the boys, their mother, grandpa and I went to visit their brand new cousin. Austin absolutely loves babies. Devon is afraid of babies and we all loved on her a bunch.

Katelyn

I have spent most of the week with my daughter, her husband and my new grandbaby, Katelyn. We made applesauce and apple butter to can. Christopher and I went to the orchard and picked 2 bushels of apples, which Christopher is going to cook-up himself this week. We had so much fun canning. I am sooooo glad I have a son-in-law that loves to can as much as I do.
Oh we did make a mess of the kitchen for a little while, but we cleaned our messes.
Hope all the nurses enjoy their gifts from Christopher, Lara Ann and Katelyn.

Baby No Name

Well the baby has arrived. We are just calling her Baby No Name since they haven't thought of a name yet. Waiting...... Can't post pictures yet as I want them to post first... sorry

Saw Oliver

I was at the gas station today. I had gone inside to pay. Just as I reached my car I hear, "Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Hall." I turned around and it was Oliver. He and his mother had just pulled in. We chatted for a while. Hope his school year will be great for him.

thought I would post

SHARED FROM A FRIEND IT WAS TOO MEANINGFUL NOT TO PASS ALONG .......When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his Biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. So...please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did! Life is too short to wake up with regrets... Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't. ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE

can't live on $600,000 ....

A congressman said he could not afford to feed his family on $600,000.00 a year if he had to pay more taxes????? I want to ask him.... HOW DOES A SINGLE PARENT OR EVEN A MARRIED COUPLE FEED THEIR FAMILY ON $20,000 or less per year,... I do believe I could live very well on $600,000.00 and pay more taxes than I was. .. Give up first class travel... give up $10,000.00 hair appoints per week... (My stylist cuts mine, washes it and styles it for $30.00... And I bet they are as good as yours!) ... Stop paying thousands of dollars for shoes.... oh my I really could help your family live on a lot less!

Getting old

A friend posted this on fb. I think it is great.

It sucks getting old ... If my body was a car, I would be thinking of trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps, dents, scratches, and my paint job is getting dull. My headlights are out of focus. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach maximum speed. But the worst is...every time I sneeze, cough, or sputter either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

People ask....

People ask me if I am enjoying my retirement. Well yes and no... I enjoy the thought of not having to make that 30 minute drive in ice and snow this winter... however I do miss the students.
Today I looked through some of my new magazines. I saw things and the first thing I thought about was making some for my students or the students and I making some.
It is so different. I spent most of my life working... teaching... and I do miss it~ not enough to go back and do it some more however.

We are back

We are back home again. Went to Tennessee and North Carolina. While there we took our son to doctor appointments and to have his surgery. I also went and did genealogy. I spent 3 days searching and hunting. I finally got things going... then I put it together and more research and more putting together. ... Need to go back as I now have more things to put in place... I love it when things start making sense.

Ollie Jane Breeden (Russell) Hall Young

Ollie Jane Breeden (Russell) Hall Young

I have finally found information about you. I have found who your biological father was. I have the marriage information for your mother and father. I have the marriage information about your mother and step-father's marriage. I have found you in the census. I feel good.
Isn't it great when you have success?
Anyone else looking for information about her, contact me.

hello

hello, such a simple word. A word many use to greet others. This word I am using to great you and to see if I can post using IE

foot and ankle amputation

Our son had his foot and ankle amputated yesterday. It has been two years since the drunk driver hit him on his motorcycle. He has been dealing with pain and the inability to earn an income for the past 2 years. He was ready. He is in good spirits and already planning his recovery and getting back to work.

7.20

$7.20 is all my daughter's ex-husband provides for his children per day... What a deadbeat. He has all his toys and plenty of money, but his children aren't worth more than the price of a meal at McDonald's each day.

My opinion...

My opinion on granola bars. I was just reading about granola bar ratings. It seems that Quaker Oats is not even in the running any more. Write them and tell them you want the old bars back. Stop short-changing people. I am willing to pay a little more to have the old Quaker Oats back!

I really...

I really don't like google. I don't know why it is forcing me to use google chrome. I want to have my choice in this... not someone else telling which to use.... I may just quit blogging if I have to keep using google!

Hey it finally posted...

I am going to see if this will let me post from Internet Explorer. I use Google Chrome last time.
Guess not. So now I have to switch again.

blogger not posting

It seems that blogger is not posting posts. I am not sure why. I do not know how to get hold of the people. I will try again later to post my posts. I have like 4 that have not posted.

Today: 9/10/2011

Today is the 253 day of 2011. I have only posted 129 blog posts. I am way behind what I wanted to do. I have been on three vacations, so I guess I slacked off. I need to post 125 more posts not counting this one. Well folks get ready. Not sure what all I will post about but I plan to start making up for slacking off.

Productive searching

I feel really good. I have discovered the father of my husbands grandmother. This led to much more discovery. Wow so much to digest. I need to call my husband's oldest brother and share the news with him.