Lucky Me

I have been having one doozy of a day, so far!  Let's just say that it involves Abby's chorus teacher who has, literally, taken all the fun out of chorus.  In fact, Abby doesn't plan to participate in it next year, which makes me sad because she's been in chorus since the 4th grade.  However, I support her decision and definitely feel that she has reason to feel like she does.

So, enough about all of that!  I got the nicest surprise today from one of my sweet bloggy friends, Tanya, over at Frou Frou Britches. If you've never met her, take the time to pay her a visit. She's from my home state of Arkansas and is as genuine as they come! Oh, and let me not forget to mention that she is one crafty lady and has a great sense of humor! She was kind enough to pick me as the recipient of this award to and it couldn't have come at a better time.

It's awarded to blogs that are "versatile" meaning they're "capable of turning easily from one thing to another".  Well, those of you who read my blog regularly know that my blog is pretty much all over the place.  I do post a lot about my family, but I also post about whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. That's just how I roll! 

Now, part of the award requirements is that I have to tell 7 random things about myself, so here goes:

1.  I am a diehard Arkansas Razorbacks fan...WOO PIG SOOIE!
2.. I dig Neil Diamond's music...there, I said it!
3.  I am beyond excited at the thought of becoming a granny one day!
4.  I, actually, LOVE to iron! I know...shocking, isn't it?
5.  That chick, Courtney, on "The Bachelor" drives me BONKERS!
6.  I still have so much to figure out on my iPhone...I do well to text and make phone calls!
7.  Pinterest has become my new best friend!

I am supposed to pass this award on to 15 of my favorite bloggers, but I simply can't pick favorites...there's just no way!  So, I'm going to be a rule breaker here and say that y'all are all deserving of this award, so it's yours to claim.  You're all winners in my book!

I'd Like To Thank All The Little People...

I received this incredible MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD from Tanielle over at The Polka Dot Daisy. Though we haven't know each other for very long, I think she's an awesome person and mother! Thank you so much for making my day, Tanielle! Sure hope I don't let this go to my head...oh, I'd never do THAT! LOL!

Now, I'm supposed to pass this award on to those I think are deserving of it. Well, here's the problem...there are too many of you to even attempt to list! So, I'm breaking the rules and saying that if you are a mom, which is one of the toughest and most rewarding jobs around, PLEASE take this award from me and claim it for yourself! I beg you...I think you all ROCK!

Mom of the Year Award Rules...
*Rule One-Admit one thing you feel awful about involving being a mom-Well, for me, I think having a 17 year old daughter and another one who's 12, it's easy for me to get preoccupied with how quickly they're growing up and will soon leave the nest. I'm learning to appreciate every single moment we share together so that I won't have any regrets later on.
*Rule Two-Remind yourself you are a good mom!-This is sometimes a struggle for me, but I find comfort in knowing I'm doing the best job I possibly can!
*Rule Three-Send this award to 5 other Mom's of The Year that deserve credit for being great moms and remind them they are the Best Mom they can be! Remember to send them a note to let each one know you've selected them and add a link to the person who nominated you! Hey, at least I did the link part, right?

It's raining like cats and dogs here in Georgia, but we REALLY need it, so I won't complain too much! Enjoy the rest of your weekend...sending big hugs your way!

I'm Drawing a Blank!!!

For the life of me, I couldn't come up with a good title for this post, hence, the one I ended up with. Guess it's just one of those days...

Sandy Toes at Shell in My Pocket gave me this wonderful award. Sandy Toes, I think you're a real "keeper" and I appreciate you choosing me as the recipient of this special award! She's such a fantastic blogger with some of the best crafting ideas you'll see anywhere...show her some bloggy love!

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who much choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Oh, boy, here's the hard part (the choosing AND the typing!). I'm going to pass this award on to:

1. Lindsay-The Cross-Stitch House
2. Farm Chick Paula-The Fraker Farm
3. Domestic Diva-Domestic Diva.. Not!
4. Denise-Shortybears Place
5. Betty-Keeper of the Skies Wife
6. Shanda-Front Porches-Sweet Tea and Aprons
7. Ruby Red Slippers-Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh My!
8. Diane-A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words

Now, here's something that's a lot of fun! Betty over at Keeper of the Skies Wife gave me the letter "C" so I could play along with the game that's going around. The game is simple. Leave a comment either here or at Betty's blog that you want to play along, and we'll send you a random letter. Then make a list of your ten favorite things, beginning with your assigned letter. That's it!

Here's what I came up with using the letter "C"...

1. Christ-He's what this wonderful season of Christmas is all about! Without Christ, there would be no Christmas! I was saved and baptized at the age of 15 and my life has never been the same since. Through all the ups and downs in my life, He has been my one constant.
2. Chocolate-I, especially, love the dark variety. Herhey's Nuggets with almonds are my all-time favorite. I tell myself that they're "heart healthy" everytime I pop one in my mouth. Yeah, sure!
3. Children-I love being around kids of all ages, but I really love babies and toddlers. It's so fun to see the world through their eyes. I can hardly wait to become a grandma one day...I'm going to spoil my grandbabies rotten!
4. Chinese Food-I love Moo Goo Gai Pan and Hunan Chicken, not to mention fried rice! I'm telling you, I could eat my weight in that stuff!
5. Cheerios-They have been my "breakfast of champions" since I was a kid. I still eat them every morning...Honey Nut Cheerios are the best!
Oh, this is starting to get tough!!!
6. Cruises-I've been on four of them and they are the best family vacations ever! I'd still like to cruise Hawaii...I can dream, can't I?
7. Charleston, SC-I love that city with all the historic homes and Spanish moss...so pretty! It's, also, where my hubby went to college...The Citadel. It's fun to go back for a campus visit and hear all his stories come to life. He does get a bit carried away, sometimes!
8. Cleaning-Yes, you heard me...I love to clean house and reap the rewards of having everything look and smell nice, if only for a little while.
9. Cotton Candy-I don't get it very often, at all, so when I do, it's a real treat!!
10. Cashmere Mist-One of favorite fragrances...it's by Donna Karan. It's a light floral scent and I love it!

So, if you want to play along, just leave me a comment (or Betty!) and one of us will send you your letter.

Enjoy your weekend, my friends...only 19 days 'til Christmas!!!

Knockin' Out Two Birds With One Stone...

Alright, so here's the deal. I've been given a fabulous award that I'm about to tell you about THEN...I'm going to post about Thanksgiving. So, I'm taking care of two things at once, hence the title of this post!

Look at what I've been given by my blogging buddy, Ang, over at Davisix!! I've never even seen this award, but I love it and I'm so very honored that she chose me to receive it! Drop by her blog when you get a chance. She's as sweet as they come, and has a great sense of humor! Like me, I'm sure you'll love her blog, too!

Ok, so here are the rules:

1. Name 5 things you love.
2. Pass the award on to 5 blogs you love.
3. Please link back to my blog.

So, 5 things I love...here we go:

1. I love LIFE...all the ups and downs, twists and turns...they've made me a stronger person and have given me a deeper appreciation for all that I've been blessed with.
2. I love being loved...in spite of all my imperfections.
3. I love that I can still hug and kiss my girls without them saying, "Stop, Mom,...you're embarrassing me!"
4. I love the 80's!!! I love the music, especially! Makes me want to get up and dance, which I often do!
5. I love blogging! I was a bit hesitant to get started, at first. I wasn't, and still am not, the most computer savvy person in the world. I thought it would be just a waste of my time. Little did I know that I would meet such wonderful people who make it all worthwhile. Thanks to each of you!!

Now, I'm going to pass this award to...I promise to follow the rules this time...though I really want to give it to everyone...

1. Lorrie at The View From My Door
2. Daphine at Just Stuff
3. Sandy Toes at Shell in Your Pocket
4. Lindsay at The Cross-Stitch House
5. Rebeckah at Life With Kaishon

Now, for the other part of my post. I'm just curious...no, actually, I'm downright nosey!...what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Are you staying at home, or will you be traveling? Do you have any special traditions?

As for my family, Chris and I hosted our first Thanksgiving 19 years ago as a newly married couple in our 1,200 sq. ft. house. We had my parents and my in-laws over, so it was a little crowded, but we muddled through...some way...somehow!

The years following were usually spent with my parents, then we'd go to my in-laws the day after Christmas. It was easy to spend Thanksgiving with my mom and dad because they lived nearby, whereas Chris' parents lived in southern Alabama at the time. After my mom passed away in 2000, my oldest brother, Mike, and his wife hosted Thanksgiving at their house. My dad lived close to them, so it was just easier for Dad not to have to travel to our house. Then, after we moved from west Tennessee to Georgia 3 1/2 years ago, we began having Thanksgiving with my in-laws in South Carolina. With my father-in-law in declining health for several years, it was next to impossible for them to travel here.

This year, now that my father-in-law is gone, we're having my mother-in-law and brother-in-law at our house for Thanksgiving, along with their two dogs. I know, it's going to be like a zoo...6 people and 4 dogs! I haven't cooked Thanksgiving dinner in such a long time! I hope I can pull it off without any major catastrophes! I'm sure my girls will be a big help to me. We always love to cook and bake together during the holidays.

The only real tradition we have is that we put up our Christmas tree the Sunday following Thanksgiving. Chris gets it set up, then the girls and I decorate it. We always have the best time! Would you believe that one of our neighbors who lives behind us, across the creek, put up their Christmas tree last Sunday? I'd go crazy if ours was up that long! We, of course, have some traditions for Christmas that I'll probably touch on as it gets closer.

So, that's what we have planned for Thanksgiving this year...now, what about you?

Oh, I keep forgetting to mention something. Would you believe that Brittany received a letter of interest the other day from West Point...yes, THE military academy in New York??? The cross country coach wrote that they'd been following her and had seen that she did very well in the State meet recently. WHAT??? She sent Brittany a questionnaire to fill out and return. Can you believe that? Yes, in case you're wondering...Chris is beside himself!! I told him, "Don't get your bloomers in a wad!" Time to just slow down and take this a step at a time.....WEST POINT??? Are you serious??? :)

Oops!....I think I just knocked out three birds, instead of two! Hee hee!!

Attention...It's Award Time, Again!!

Before I begin, let me give a big shout-out to all of you who shared your wisdom with me yesterday regarding my daughter's cross country coach. I appreciate it more than you know! Just getting a few things off my chest worked wonders for me. I have to keep in mind that the season is almost over and I need to remain as positive as I possibly can for the sake of my daughter. I'm working on it, but it sure isn't easy! :) God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change those things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Now, down to business!! Lorrie, from The View From My Door, gave me the Marie-Antionette-REAL Person Award!! I am so excited and honored! Thank you so much, Lorrie, for thinking of me! You made my day! :)

Now, here are the rules for this award:

1. Please put the logo on your blog.
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message on their blogs telling them they've won an award!

There are so many blogs I enjoy reading a lot, so it's hard to narrow my choices down to only a few. I've decided to give the Marie-Antionette-REAL Person Award to more than 7 blogs because you are all so special in your own unique way. You write about life just as it is, with all the ups and downs that go along with it. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you give me everyday, and I can only hope that I do the same for you.

I give this award to...drumroll, please...

1. Clothed With Scarlet
2. Davisix
3. The Robin's Nest
4. Just Stuff
5. Shell in Your Pocket
6. My Life on the East Coast
7. Among the Gum Trees
8. Keeper of the Skies Wife
9. Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh My!
10. TidBits from Liz
11. My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows
12. Carrie's Little World
13. Women, the Unofficial Cult
14. Windlbugs
15. Front Porches-Sweet Tea & Old Aprons
16. The Cross-Stitch House

Hope I don't get chastized for stretching the rules just a little. It's just that I thought you were all so deserving to be recognized. If I'm forgetting someone, please know that it was a complete oversight on my part! I think the world of all of you...thanks for keeping it REAL!!

The Kreativ Blogger Award????? Yay!!!!!

I simply can't believe that I've been chosen for this award!! The Kreativ Blogger Award! How very neat!! Thankfully, it must mean more than being creative in a crafty kind of way because I have a hard time using a bottle of Elmer's glue without getting it everywhere! Oh, well, at least I try! :) Aren't the colors pretty?? They're some of my favorites. I want to thank my blogging buddy, Ruby Red Slippers, for giving me this wonderful award!! You made my day!! I appreciate it so much!! :)

Alrighty, so here are the rules...You need to list six things that make you happy, and pass this award on to six creative bloggers. So, here it goes...

Six Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Chocolate...and more chocolate!!! I really think I have a problem! :)

2. Having the house all to myself for just a few hours. I thrive on being alone sometimes...helps me regroup and clears my head.

3. Planting flowers, tending to them, and watching them grow.

4. Clean sheets and a clean house!

5. Doing something nice for someone else.

6. Spending time with my husband and girls.

Now, I would like to pass this award on to these creative bloggers. Each of you are unique in your own way. You make me laugh, sometimes cry, and give me reason to feel thankful that our paths crossed in this way. You are an inspiration to me!!! Congratulations and ENJOY!!!

1. Just Stuff...

2. TidBits From Liz

3. My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows

4. At Home in the Country

5. Women, The Unofficial Cult

6. Reflections of An Everyday Life

Now, it's your turn to spread the love.... :)

I Am So Honored!!

My blogging friend over at The Hinesley House gave me this very special award...my first! I am so excited and honored that she picked me!! She has a great blog, so drop by for a visit if you get a chance.

Now, as with every blog award, there are a few rules that must be followed. These rules are:

1. You may only choose five people/blogs to give the award to...
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog...
3. One has to be a new follower of your blog, or live in another part of the world...

So, I would like to give these wonderful blogging friends of mine this award:

1. Lions, Tigers, and Boys,Oh My!
2. TidBits from Liz
3. Shell in Your Pocket
4. My Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows
5. Among the Gum Trees-My blogging friend, Naomi, lives in Australia!!

You know, we may never cross paths face-to-face, but how fortunate we are to have connected in this way. Thanks to all of you who have shared your opinions and perspectives with me. Hopefully, we'll be blogging friends for a long time to come. That includes everyone who isn't on my list! You are a blessing to me.

It sort of sounds like I'm giving an Oscars acceptance speech, or something! Ha! :)