Its Officially Christmas Time...

Wouldn't ya know that the one and only day my hubby and I were both home to put up the decorations outside...it would be a whopping 42 degrees outside? Geez! We were troopers though and we got it done! I HATE the porch at our house right now because its...teenie-tiny...and I don't have any room to do the things I would really like to do. Then again...I don't have the money to do the things I would really like to do, so I guess it works out quite well. Andy wasn't thrilled about the idea of putting lights on the house this year...and I guess I don't blame him. For peets sake we live on one side and someone else lives on the other and it would look quite silly to have a half-lit house...don't you think? I decided to keep it simple and keep it on the front porch...and this is what I came up with.

Outdoor Christmas decorations are SO NOT CUTE during the day...

But they are SO SO CUTE during the night...

I don't have a mantle...Ugh...so this nifty little stocking holder will have to do the trick...

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was going to try my hardest to make the super-gorgeous Christmas ball wreath that has become SO popular this year. I dunno...some guy named Eddie Ross made this a hit (click the link for a step by step tutorial)http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2008/12/no-wire-hangers-well-maybe-just-one.html

Remember this?

Well here is my final result...I am happy with it...however there is one tiny problem! Its too big to fit on the front door...and since I didn't follow the directions and glue every single topper to each ornament, it had to be in a place where there would be minimal movement going on. I like her right where she landed...but now I still need something for the front door!

This is a holiday favorite...my Willow Tree Angel Nativity Set! My mother-in-law started buying me the pieces a few years ago...and it has been one of my favorite things ever since. I have a rather large Willow Tree collection...and I love getting new ones every year for Christmas. Its my very own special collection and I adore them

This little ditty came from Ross...and the BEST thing about her was she cost me $2.99...and I just ADORE her to pieces. Like I said earlier...since the home we live in is small...my Christmas deco has ended up in some strange places...this picture is located over the kitchen sink...so I can be in the holiday spirit, even when I am doing the dishes :)

Even Jolea's room got a touch of holiday whimsy! She has a mantle in her room...go figure...so this is what we came up with! (sorry the pics really aren't that great are they?)

And Little Miss Priss also got her own Christmas tree in her room too...so far she has only broken 1 single ornament...which is VERY surprising to Muah!

The "to-do" list is rather long for this week. I really have to get on the ball with my Christmas shopping and wrapping. The Christmas cards are here...ready to be addressed and sent out...and I have some teacher gifts that I need to finish! Its the last week of school for the semester too...so you know how I am feeling about that. The Boys are headed to Waco on Saturday to watch the Wylie Bulldogs take on Lovejoy...the showdown starts at 7:30! Too bad Wylie and AHS are playing on the same day at the same time...in 2 different places...Good Luck to both teams!!! Bring home the VICTORY!!!

~Wishing Everyone a Blessed Week~

Thanksgiving Yummies...

These are the 2 dishes that I chose to take for Thanksgiving this year. The pumpkin crisp was a little "crispier" than I wanted it to be and I think the baking time/oven temp just needed to be tweaked on my oven. Just remember if this happens to you...it is after all called "Pumpkin Crisp!" The Perini's hominy is so DELISH...and when I tried it for the first time I had no intentions of liking it because I didn't think I would like hominy in the first place! I am so happy I tried it...and the dish was nearly emptied by the time lunch was over! I hope these dishes will bring joy and happiness to your homes and kitchens as well.... Enjoy! Perini Ranch Hominy Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped onion, sautéd
• 4 (15 ounce) cans white hominy (drain and reserve liquid)
• 1/2 cup hominy liquid
• 1 tablespoon juice from pickled jalapenos
• 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
• 10 slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped (reserve drippings)
• 1 cup diced green chiles 1 or 2 pickled jalapenos, seeded and chopped (optional)

Preparation:

Sauté the onions in a little of the bacon drippings and put aside. Heat the hominy in a separate sauté pan, stirring often. When heated thoroughly, add the hominy liquid and jalapeno juice bring back to high temperature and add 3/4 of the cheese. When the cheese melts, add half the peppers and bacon and all the onion. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and sprinkle with the remaining cheese, bacon and peppers. (At this point it can be refrigerated or even frozen, if you want to make it in advance.) Bake at 325 degrees F until cheese on top melts, about 15 minutes (or 40 minutes, if refrigerated).

Yummy Pumpkin Crisp

Ingredients:

1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (18.25-ounce) package butter-flavored yellow cake mix 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup butter, melted Whipped Cream (optional) Ground nutmeg (optional) Preparation

Stir together first 5 ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture; sprinkle evenly with pecans. Drizzle butter evenly over pecans. Bake at 350° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with Whipped Cream, if desired. Sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired.

Still Stuffed....

Well Thanksgiving was 2 days ago and I am still stuffed...well not really...but I cant believe it has come and gone so quickly. It was a beautiful day spent EXACTLY the way I had hoped for. I was surrounded by good food, good people, good conversation and beautiful weather too. Here are a few pictures from the day that I thought I would share.

Jolea and her Grammy...

I am so Thankful for this man...

Sweet girl playing on the wagon...

We had a family game night on Thanksgiving night...and it was such a good time. Might I recommend the word games: Taboo or Buzzword if you are into "that kind of thing" they are both a lot of fun to play, especially with a group of 6 to 8 people. Trey and Stephanie (his girlfriend) were able to join us and we were up till after midnight...fighting-it-out against the boys...too bad we LOST at everything. (my husband will love reading this post just to hear me admit defeat...POO)

Game Time...

Saturday morning we got up and headed to the Fort Worth area to watch some good old fashioned high school football. We watched Abilene High play Cedar Hill first at Birdville Stadium. The weather was perfect, even a bit hot at times and WHOA...what a game! If I am not mistaken, CH was ranked the number 1 team in the state and the number 4 team nationally...and AHS put a whoopin' on them boys. It was such a good, exciting and close game. When AHS came out from half-time, they were ready to put the points on the board and pull away with a victory...which is exactly what they did. What a feeling it must have been for Coach Warren and his players to be the underdogs in such a crucial game...but to come away with the win. What a great confidence booster at such an important time during the playoffs.

Look at all the different scores...see how close it was?

Later that night we were on the road to Saginaw to watch the Wylie Bulldogs take on the Burkburnett Bulldogs! The weather for this one was not quite as warm and toasty...but all the excitement in the air kept me plenty warm. The Bulldogs came away with another win...and step closer to another State Championship. Go Bulldogs!

Both teams play again next weekend...and I know that Andy and my Dad are already counting down the days, hours and minutes till kickoff!

Fa La La La La La La La.....

Well I have decked most of the halls...or at least all the halls in this small house that is...and tomorrow we are ready to ring in the holiday season with Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be Thankful for this year...but I am especially Thankful for family and dear friends. There are so many people in this world that have no one, no friends and sadly enough no family. I think of all those people and what they will be doing tomorrow while I am in the comforts of my Mema's home surrounded by the people who I know and love. I'm "Abundantly Blessed" and oh so Thankful for the many blessings that my God has bestowed upon me. __________________________________________________ In talking about Thankfulness...and Blessing...I feel compelled to tell you about my brother. What brother?...some of you are saying? Well he is 7 years younger than me, and with an age difference like that, it has always been difficult for us to have a lot in common. Anyhow...Trey is his name...my Mom chose that name for him because she wanted two T-names and that was the one she fell in love with. Many people think he is a 3rd, but he isn't...it was just the "right" name for him. We were raised in a loving home, by 2 parents who would have and who would still give their lives for any of their children (son-in-law and granddaughter included!) If you were to ask either one of my parents they would probably tell you I was the "easier" one to raise...not that it was "easy" to raise me, but they had fewer discipline problems when it came to me. I was your average kid, making your average stupid choices from time to time. When I made a mistake I knew I was in trouble...and it haunted me right up to the very moment that I was sentenced with my dreaded punishment. Trey was different than me...he wasn't afraid of anyone, anything or any consequences. As you may or may not agree...an attitude like that can lead to serious problems...and it DID. I could go on and on about all the BAD stuff that happened in that 5 years...but that is not what this post is about. This post is about the Thankfulness that I have in my heart that my brother is alive today and that on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas Day I am going to be able to wrap my arms around his neck and tell him that I love him. He checked himself into a rehab facility in October of this year...and he has been 6 weeks sober tomorrow...on Thanksgiving Day. I cannot think of anything I could be more Thankful for this year than to have ALL of my family underneath the same roof celebrating the many blessings that God has given each of us. The road to recovery for an addict is a long and hard journey...and the road for the family of a recovering addict is just as long and just as hard. I cannot foresee the future...and I pray that he is strong enough everyday for the rest of his life to make the right choices. My entire family has prayed for Trey...especially my Mom, Dad and myself. We have prayed, we have cried and we have asked "Why?" and even though our prayers were not answered over night, and even though our hearts were broken over and over for many years, our God was listening, waiting and mapping out the perfect plan for my brother. Hearts are on the mend, relationships are being restored and faith has empowered our family. So this year...I am most Thankful that tomorrow afternoon when we are passing the turkey around the table...I will be able to look across the table and see the picture of joy that will be beaming from my parents faces...because I know that to them (especially our mother) having their two children, in the same house, sitting at the same table...at the very same time will be the GREATEST blessing of all. Here are a few pictures that I was able to find on my computer. I wish I had one of my whole family...but hey...its been a LONG 5 years...and those family shots were awfully hard to come by. In 2010...I expect...and look forward to having my brother in my life, in my home and in my blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. ___________________________________________________ This picture was taken in 2007 when we took a vacation to St. Maarten in the Caribbean...and yes I am lookin a little "plump" in this picture because I was about 5 months pregnant with Jolea.

Also taken in St. Maarten at some "creepy" creole restaurant my Mom dragged us too :)

Geez...this one is OLD...like 2005 or something!!! Pre-Baby days for sure!!!

This one is a little more recent...about a year ago...on Trey's 20Th birthday

I made some "yummies" for the feast tomorrow...and I look forward to swapping receipes as soon as I get a chance!

Gettin' Things Done...

This has been a SUPER weekend. First off, I want to share the news that I passed my PPR teacher examination that I took this week. Before I can become an educator in the state of Texas I will have to pass 2 examinations. Well Sweety-Peety...I passed the first one, which is most often termed the "hardest" of the two. So as I see it...it's 1 down and 1 to go! Moving on...

I had big plans to work on Jolea's MDO teachers gift...and for the first time in a LONG time, I actually got to start something and finish it all in the same weekend...almost the same night! I showed you the coasters in a previous post...and I must say, they turned out pretty cute. I found these whimsical mugs at Ross a while back for a very "merry" price and I wanted to dress them up with their own set of custom holiday coasters. I will be filling the cups with "cheer" and will show you that later, but for now here is the stats on what you need and how to make the coasters.

What you'll need:

1. Mod Podge ( I used glossy...cause I like the shine)

2. Scrapbook paper or napkins will do the trick

3. Foam paint brush

4. Tiles (I bought mine at home depot for $.16 cents...plain white)

5. Felt dot's or cork backing ( I would use the dots if the back of the tile is smooth...its easier)

6. Scissors or X-acto knife

7. Spray acrylic sealer (I used glossy for higher shine)

(remember these from the DIY ornaments...this stuff goes a long way)

What you'll do:

Step 1: Place tile on scrapbook paper and cut around square (you want the paper square to be just a tad bit smaller than the actual tile...so you have a nice edge that doesn't overlap the sides)

Step 2: Repeat step 1 except this time you are cutting the cork backing if you choose to use it. As with the paper, it needs to cover all of the tile but be just a tad bit smaller. Cut all the backings and set aside.

Step 2: Take foam brush and apply Mod Podge to tile.

Step 3: Apply scrapbook paper to the tile that you applied mod podge and smooth out to get rid of any bubbles. (I learned to use my finger as the best tool for this)

Step 4: Apply at least 2 coats of mod podge to your tile one layer at a time allowing 15-20 min between each application.

Step5: After both coats of the MP are dry, go outside or the place where you "get your craft on!" Here you are going to flip the tiles over (ugly side facing you) and spray them with adhesive spray (I would recommend hot glue, but the cork backing I used was so thin...I was afraid I would having melting issues!). So...spray the tile and then gently cover the back of the tile with the pre-cut piece of cork backing...just like you did the front side with the scrapbook paper. Press down around all the edges to help the glue set in...pat and press the entire area of the back of the tile for a good bond.

Step 6: After all the MP layers are dry and the cork backing adhesive is dry...then you go back to the place where you "get your craft on" and you spray the top side (the pretty side) with the spray acrylic sealer. This is going to keep your creation safe from the many kinds of cups that will sit upon them...it protects the tile and the paper from damage of the condensation of a cup, or the heat from a hot cup of coffee...blah, blah, blah.

Step 7: After you allow all your coats to dry then you are done and now have beautiful custom coasters that are PERFECT for just about anyone...I mean we all have cups at our house...and we all drink from them...therefore...its the PERFECT gift. Finish it off by stacking them in sets of 4 and tying them up with some snazzy and festive ribbon. VOILA...and MERRY CHRISTMAS Enjoy!

I was so happy with the way they turned out and I hope that Mrs. Jessica and Mrs. Jolene like them too...I also hope that Mrs. Jessica and Mrs. Jolene don't read this blog...ha!

My daughter was quite the little handful today. From the moment she woke up this morning at 7:30 am she has tested me. We went round and round about a few things today...one of which is riding in the buggy when we go somewhere. I find myself in a constant battle with her about staying in the buggy when we go places. All she wants to do is walk and "touch" everything...and for those of you with small children, you know that this can make the "quick-trip" into Walmart seem like an eternity. Even though we did butt heads today...and she did make me lose my mind with all that whining she was doing...I look at these pictures and I am melted by the love I have for this little girl. I think instead of calling her a bratty child I will just say she is very "colorful" and full of "zest"...it just sounds a lot better doesn't it? Has anyone else ever had days like these?

In other news tonite...it looks like the Wylie Bulldogs, Abilene High Eagles and the Cooper Cougars will ALL live to see another round of the playoffs. I am so proud of all 3 schools and I will be going with the boys next weekend...so they better get ready!!! How AWESOME would that be to have all three schools bring home the state championship...in 3A, 4A and 5A? That's unheard of...don't you think? My sweet friend Whitney whose hubby is the DC at ACU texted me today and they lost their game. It was a big one for them and a tough loss, but I know everyone is proud of the run they had this year...it was another great season. Its always so hard to watch "your-guy" down on the field and know that his heart is breaking at the sound of the buzzer, but we have to move on and look forward to the next season. That's all for now folks...Goodnight!

Deck The Halls...

I finally convinced my husband...whom I adore...to get my Christmas tree down for me this week. He is so "anti" Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving, but because he knows that a "Happy Wife is a Happy Life"...he gleefully climbed into the attic and pulled it down for me. I have it decorated for the most part, but I am on the hunt for some glittery poinsettia picks to stick in some of the holes. I am in a transition phase this year with all of my Christmas stuff and it kinda has me in a frumpy mood. O well...I have to work with what I have...and this is how it turned out.

Here she is...nice and bear

A little better with lights (by the way, its incredibly hard to get a good picture of a tree with twinkling lights!)

I added this great "blingy" garland this year...I found it at Big Lots

The "glittery" words are also a new addition from the dollar bin at Michael's

Funky topper....

Finished...well almost finished product...and my bow was 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby this week.

I am still on the hunt for some "filler" items...that are within my budget...so I will keep you posted. I LOVE those kind of trees that are so full you cant hardly see the tree parts...like the ones at the local Garden World...Oh My!

Jolea is a huge fan of the Christmas Tree...and so far she hasn't bothered it too too much. Sometimes I catch her getting a little too close and a little too curious, but for the most part...she has been such a big girl about it. We have been listening to lots of Christmas music and having lots of talks about Santa Claus. I cant wait for her to be just a little older...so I can see the magic of Christmas unfold right before her eyes. One of these days...when she isn't afraid of the man with the white beard...it will bring such joy to our Christmas morning together to watch her face light up with excitement about what Santa brought for her!!! What sweetness!!! Every year until then will be just as special...even if she "doesn't quite get-it yet!" Here she is posing in front of the tree.

This week has been no different from any of the others and has been a busy blur. I did however finish off my last week of observation/teaching at Bowie Elementary, and I think as of now I should have another slew of all A's this semester. I only have one class next week on Tuesday morning...which means its basically like I have a WHOLE WEEK OFF from school. It could not come at a better time. I am so excited to be home with my family...celebrating Turkey Day with the ones I love and doing some FUN things that do not include homework in any shape, form or fashion. Speaking of FUN things...here are some of the crafts I am trying to get done hopefully this weekend. I found these Posted by Traci@ Beneath My Heart. I am whipping up a little something special for Jolea's MDO teachers...and these will be PERFECT...for what I have in mind. I envision something a little more FUNKY of course!

I saw this little beauty from Chris at Just A Girl http://j-a-girl.blogspot.com/2009/11/just-one.html (go check her out...she has AMAZING ideas and decorating sense)! She also has a step by step tutorial that's EASY-PEASY. I have this one started but I am definitely going to have to purchase more Christmas balls...so Dollar Tree here I come!

My hubby and my daddy are hitting the road again this weekend to follow the path to some West Texas High School Football Playoffs! This has been a tradition for years. I used to be right there with them...every step of the way till little Missy came along...but my playoff days are numbered now...and I just hope they all keep playing so I can go see the BIG one...the ONE that COUNTS...in mid December. So since the guys are gone...and there isn't much else going on why not get crafting? More pictures to come....

Jolea and I had a super fun playdate today with some sweeties from MDO. I am so happy that we are pluggin in and getting to meet and know new people. We went to Chic-Fil-A for lunch...and then the girls played...and played...and played in the toy-land. Thanks Abby and Jillian for inviting us...lets do it again...REAL soon!