A Piece Of My World

A New Day

2011-11-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

I made pumpkin bread yesterday. Dale and I put up the Christmas lights. I am finally starting to get in the holiday mood. I am looking forward to the boys being home next week and baking with them. Smiling now imagining Drake using the rolling pin. Nicki told me last night that he is looking forward to baking and using the rolling pin. I will take pics. I am the pic taker in the family.

Emotions change fast. From happy to sad. Thinking about baking brought memories of holidays past back. Holidays spent with my sisters and brothers and their families, mom and my stepdad, and my mother and father in law. Those were the holidays where the tradition was, I would cook most of the dinner, they would bring whatever they wanted to and they would bring their own drinks. Nothing alocholic. My mom and Dales parents are gone now. The holiday tradition is gone. I think family and traditions is a good thing. So, a few years ago a new family tradition was started. I found out that Drake liked to bake and cook and Josh likes to bake from time to time. So we started baking together for the holidays and this coming week we are going to be baking some cookies, a pie, making a cake and cheese cake, and making a pumpkin roll. Shhhh dont tell any one but you dont need a rolling pin for any of those things. So not to disappoint Drake, I am going to make biscuits and let him us the rolling pin to roll out the dough and let him cut them out. It wont matter what they look like because I/we will just crumble them up to make crumbs to use for stuffing.

I have been up a half hour and need to go start my day. I have checked my sugar level and it is 87. I need to go eat breakfast before it gets to much lower and take my meds. I hope this new day will bring you lots of peace love and happiness in your own little piece of the world. So until next time be well.

What If?

2011-11-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

What If ?

What if nothing was what it seemed? What if every one around you seemed happy and in good spirits but you know how they really feel cause youre the strong one that people, family and friends always lean on vent to?

What if you need to vent and all your family and friends who promise to be there for you when you need them arent there or they are having a bad day? Who do you vent to then? What do you do then?

What if love isnt enough? How do you handle tough situations that make you sad and make you cry more than normal. When love isnt enough do you stay with the person you love and try to work it out, talk about
what is bothering you or do you just walk away after being together for years?

Do you punish yourself with the WHAT IF'S? What if I had said this, done that differently. If only I had been more supportive, what if.........

I am a stong person, I have always been there for family and friends, but I learned that I cant always be the things people want me to. So, what if, I am not there and you need me? Thats the time you dig down deep inside you and find your inner strength and go on without me. I am not always going to be around.
You have the strength to do more things than you think you do. Dont ever let any one tell you that you cant do something. Thats how things dont get done. I know you can do whatever you set your mind to doing.
Mom always said "Cant never can do any thing and your name isnt Can't so get off your butt and do what ever needs to be done."

I can be here for you but I cant be the only person here for you. You have to want to help yourself. Want to do whatever it takes to resolve any given situation you find yourself in. You have to want to be the one doing
whatever it takes to move on, to make your life better. You are the only one who can make you truly happy.
You are the one person who knows you best and what you can do and dont need. You are the person who can change yourself for all the right reasons.

We need to slow down and learn to take one day at a time. To look on the bright side. There is people out there who love us just the way we are and care about us. We need to take/make time to enjoy the things around
us. Spend time with family and friends, just being yourself, doing silly things, laughing having a good time.
Its my world, my life, its what I make it be.

I choose to be me, if you cant love me for the person that I am and not for what I can or cant give you material wise, then I choose not to have you complicating my life. My choice. I dont need to have a reason why I do things the way I do. Its part of me and if you know me then you would most likely know why I do things the way I do.

People think they know me, but they really dont. I am the kind of person who keeps a lot of things bottled up. I dont say much about any thing until it gets to the point where I cant take it any longer. Then I will blast you with how I feel about things. Tell you the way I see it and if you dont like it then this is my attitude about it tough deal with it and move on.

So what if things arent right in your little piece of the world? What are you going to do to make them right?
May your little piece of the world be filled with love, peace, laughter and the sun shining down on you.
Take care of yourself until next time.

Just Rambling

2011-11-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here is the place where I ramble on and on and dont care what people think about my rambling. It's my blog and I can say what I want to. I am not forcing any one to read it. Its all about the way I feel. If you dont want to know or you think it may hurt your feelings then dont read it. It wont hurt my feelings any if no one reads it. Its just a way of expressing what I am thinking and feeling at the time I am journaling my thoughts here.

I know what kind of person I am. I am a strong person, who for the most part dont let people run over me. I tell them what I think about any given situation and if they dont like the way I feel about things then its their problem and they have to find a way to handle it on their own.

Today is a dark and gloomy day. Kinda like I feel. Didnt sleep good last night. Was hot then cold then hot. Woke up every little bit. Finally got up at 4am and went on face book for a while. Went back to bed and slept until 8:30. Got up and now I am here. Still sleepy. The tv is on for background noise. Not sure what all I am going to do today but will probably nap at some point.

Feeling down because of the holidays. Missing the boys. Just lots of little things adding up to make me feel blah the last few days. Its so dark in the house today that you need the lights on to see. I dont like it since we had to set the clocks back an hour. Its full dark about 5:30 pm now and makes it feel like it should be bed time. I for the most part go to bed around 12-1 or so. Have been waking up every hour on the hour.

Do I ever feel sorry for myself? Sure do. But I dont let it drag me down. Dont let it bother me to the point where I feel worthless and that I cant do any thing for myself. I know I can do things if I want to do them. I go where I want to when I want to. I know I have family and friends who love me for me. I know that not every one loves me and that dont bother me. I dont love every one either. I dont hate them either. I just dont like their actions. I was taught that hating some one is wrong. I was taught lots of things that I still believe in today and taught my daughter. Some of the things I was taught, I have not believed in for a long time. Will I change my mind about the way I think about them? I might and I might not but thats my choice to make. If I could go back and change my past, would I? I dont think so. Why? Because it is the past that shaped the parts of me that makes me the person I am today. For the most part I am happy with the way my life turned out.

Until next time I hope all is well in your own little piece of the world. Take care and enjoy your me time.

Just Some Thoughts

2011-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

I really dont know where to begin. A lot has happened since I have posted here last. Some good, some not so good and some bad.

I have been depressed and crying alot lately. Why, I dont know and I am not sure I even care to find out why.....

Some things that were supposed to happen didnt. Some did and didnt work out the way some wanted them to. The holidays are upon us soon and I am just not in the holiday mood. I will be baking the turkey and making the dinner for Thanksgiving. I think it will probably just be Dale, Nicki and the boys and I this year. Since Mom passed away we havent dont the big family holidays. I sure do miss them. But hey, thats life, things change. Not always for the good. But not always bad either. I know I am not making a whole lot of sense, but I dont really have to since this is my blog and I know what I mean. No one is forcing you to read this or try to understand what I am talking about. I feel as long as I know what I am talking about thats all that matters. If your a close friend then you more than likely know what I am not saying here. If youre family reading this and dont know what I am talking about then you dont need to know. If family was close as they like to make people think they are, then they would know what is going on with me and whats not being said here!!

Drake is wrestling for Calhoun Red Devils this year. His first wrestling match is Nov. 19th. I hope I get to go. Its in Parkersburgh.

I hope the upcoming year will be much better than this one has been. I will try to post here more but not making any promises, to any one about any thing.

I hope all is right in your own little piece of the world. Until next time be well and safe. God Bless and keep you.

Where to Begin

2011-02-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Where to begin with my thoughts today. They are random and have been for a few days. I have debated on adding them here.

What does it mean when friends and family say "keep in touch"? To me it means that they want to keep in touch be it by phone calls, emails or instant messaging. But to them it may mean something different entirely. I think they mean it at the time they say it to you, but then life has a way of changing things and people.

When I say it I mean it and I do keep contacting family and friends until they stop responding. But the way I see it, keeping in touch works both ways. I dont want to always be the one calling. How hard is it to pick up the phone, and call someone you supposedly care about, or when your showing online on messengers to message some one? Emails would be nice once in a while even if its just to say Hi, how are you? We are doing good.

I know people have busy lives, but if youre going to show online on messengers then you have time to talk to those whom you consider friends otherwise you would log in as invisible if you didnt want family and friends contacting you. You can always set your stealth settings so that you only show online to those whom you want to know that youre online. So there for I have decided that I am not going to be the one making the first move and contacting people who dont respond or havent responded for a while.

If you think I worry about not hearing from you, then youre right. Am I going to let it stress me out and get me down. Nope, why should I. I can see how you are on Face Book, My Space and other social networks where you have me on your friends list. Will I miss talking to you like we have been on a daily basis. Sure, but with time missing you will be a thing of the past. You will be just like other friends who was on my friends list and disappeared from my life. Once you stop talking to me, after a while I weed out those who dont talk to me and delete them from my friends list.

Do I give them second chances? Yes, but how many chances should you give people? The more chances you give them the more chances they have of tromping on your feelings.

I have other thoughts but will leave them for another time since a friend whom I havent talked to for a while just messaged me.

So until next time, I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Emotions

2011-02-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling a variety of emotions this past week. Some of them good and some of them not so good. I have been thinking about a lot of different things.

Friends for example how they say one thing and then turn around and do something else. Online friends are nice to have but they arent always there for you when you need them to be. They have lives of their own and things they have to do.

I have learned not to believe in things they say any more. Some say they will be here, start a conversation with you and then just disappear with out a word. You see them come back online and they dont want to talk to you. So heck with that. I have decided that I am not going to worry about them. If they want to talk to me they will and if not then I may just be better off without them.

I am so done with winter and so looking forward to spring. I told Drake that when spring comes we will go to town and buy some kind of seeds and plant them. Watch them grow. I am going to let him pick out whatever he wants to plant. I hope he gets flower seeds. He waited to late last summer to plant watermelon seeds and they didnt grow. Should be fun watching him get excited because his plants are growing.

Some days lately has been better than others. All I can say about the bad days is that I can only try to make them get better.

I stay tried all the time. Even if I have just woke up. Most likely its from staying up most of the night and getting up early but part of it is from being a diabetic. But when I get up early I eat breakfast, take my meds and go back to bed unless I have something I have to do. Then I do whatever I have to do and then go back to bed.

I started a new blog this week. You can check it out here.

So until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Family Traditions

2010-12-15T09:59:00.000-08:00

Family is an important part of my life. Family members made me the
person I am. They play an important role in my live and this holiday season, I found out just how much of a role they have in my life and the way I feel.

A family member whom I have always been very close to and trusted with many things that was going on in my life through out the years of growing
up broke that trust. Advice that I was given, deal with it and move on. Easier said than done. Will that trust be regained? Thats a question that at this time I have no answer for. Only time will tell.

This broken trust involved more than just the one family member. It involved several members of my family and this holiday season. Those
members that it involves are no longer a part of my life. Does this bother me, yes and no. Yes, because I was just getting to know this part of my family and no because, my growing up years this side of the family was unknown to me. They came into my life unexpectedly. Was a part of my life for a couple of years or so and I was just getting to know them. Well, now I know that they are a part of my life that I can live without. I had lived without them for over 40 + years.

Why do I feel this way? Because it all started with them and some family drama they were having over the holidays. I believe holidays are about family and family traditions. I believe that while growing up kids have the stability of their parents family traditions. I also believe that when a child/children becomes an adult and starts a family of their own, that its ok for them to start their own family traditions. I also think that their parents and other family members should respect them for wanting to have their own holiday traditions.

To me it doesnt matter what day I celebrate a holiday on as long as my family is there. The place where the holiday isnt important either. What is important to me is that those that I love and care about are there celebrating with me. Its the greatest gift of all, the gift of time with family. Sharing a meal and feeling the love and happines of being with those I love an care about. Making a shared memory of being a part of a family, a part of a family tradition be it an old family tradition or a new family tradition in the making.

Family traditions come and family traditions go, changing along the way an mine this holiday season is changing. Will I be happy with the changes? Yes, I will still be with the ones I love sharing the holiday. As for the family who wont be here this holiday season, whose to say if they will be happy with their holiday and the way they brought about the changes. Is it worth losing family over some of the family wanting to start their own traditions for their children? I would say for me yes, if this is the way family is going to act every holiday, then I dont need the drama, or the stress.

Am I happy with the way things turned out? Yes and no, I found out who I could and couldnt trust and just how some people really are. So with all that said I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a most prosperous and Happy New Year filled with peace, love and happiness.
So until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Summer is Over

2010-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a long hot summer and now that it's fall I love the warm breezy days and the cooler nights.

Both the boys are in school. Nicki is going to school and I pick the boys up after school.

Some family things have been going on and then there is some things going on with some of my so called friends. So called because they are here talking to me on the net when they want something from me, pc help, just to vent to, etc. Then they disappear for days at a time. This is me time. Not venting to any one person and if youre a follower of my blog, I an not particularly venting to you. Just my thoughts and feelings here.

I belong to a lot of yahoo groups, well the topic in one of them was deception this week and how it makes us feel. Well, some one who came into my life about 3 years ago called me over the weekend and make such a big deal about visiting me today. It didnt happen. I didnt think it would. So I wasnt really decieved. Then they called me earlier tonight and made such a big deal out of why they couldnt visit me today. And how maybe next time they come in or I could come visit them. Well......its not going to be me going to see them. And if they come here again, I am more than ok with it if they dont come to visit me. Some things are going to be changing in my life soon and they well be for the better.

I dont want people who feel obligated for whatever reason to come and visit. I dont need people like that in my life. Some people when they talk to you in person or on the phone its all about them and you cant get a word in edgewise. Well those people wont be hearing from me either any more. If they call me I might or might not answer my phone and I might or might not return their calls. To those people who said keep in touch, I am tired of being the one who calls and then gets brushed off after listening to all your problems. Well... that to is going to change, I am done listening. I dont need need you either.

What I did this summer. Spent a lot of time with my grandsons. Drake played t ball, both boys played soccer, and Drake is playing Little Raiders Flag Football. His last game is at home this Sunday at noon. I also spent time with my sister in law. We had a good time while she was here. We went places and did things.

Dale is doing better after having stents put in his leg back in may. He is on a blood thinner and going to get blood work done every 3 weeks, to make sure the blood thinner is working.

This week is the Black Walnut Festival. Tomorrow I am going to take the boys to look at the exhibits and to walk around and look at the carnival rides. Drake got off the school bus this evening all exicite. He said nana nana guess what? When I ask him what he said I saw Grandpa Crachet today. Grandpa Crachet is a puppet show that is free during the festival. I will be busy the rest of this week and weekend doing festival things. I will have pics posted on my face book of the festival and maybe some here.

Its getting late and tomorrow is going to be a long day. I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world. So until next time, be well and safe.

Its Been A Long Time

2010-07-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Its been some time since I posted here. Things have happened this summer that were unexpected. My husband being in the hospital. Having stints put in his leg and having to go on blood thinners. He is at the point now with the blood thinners that he only has to go every 2 weeks and get blood work done. They usually change the dosage of his blood thinner pills evey time he goes. Hes doing really well on them and his blood is where they want it to be.

Drake played t-ball and I went to almost all of his games. Both the boys are now playing soccer and I go to most of their games.

School will be starting soon. Josh will be going into the 6th grade and Drake will be starting kindergarden. Its going to be odd not having drake around during the day. Kids grow up so fast. I sure will miss spending lots of time with Josh and Drake when school starts.

As for me, my sugar levels have been a little high, but the dr said they still looked good. My feet and ankles have been swelling from the heat. Its been one of the hottest summers we have had for a long time. The humidity is high every day.
Also, I am going to have a place removed on my shoulder, have my eyes checked and some other test done.

I have been working on some new kits, just one, but have several ideals for more.
My newest kits is called Mix n Match. It is kind of going to be like a mystery grab bag with a preview of one each for papers, elemsnts and frames. I should have it on my Beccas Unique Attic Treasures Blog some time next week.

I hope the summer has been kind to you and yours. Until next time I hope all is well in your own little piece of the world.

Mothers and Daughters

2010-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mothers and daughters often have a special bond from the day they are born. That bond grows stronger as each day goes by. Then the rebellious teen years begin.

We expect a lot from our children and want the best for them. They think we owe them the world. Should give them what they want when they want it. They often think they shouldnt have to work and pay for any thing that they want.

I worked from the time I was 13. Started out baby sitting. Worked during the summer on the Summer Youth program all 4 of my high school years to pay for the things I needed for shcool. Worked my senior year in the kitchen at school to pay
for all the things I needed for graduation.

You guessed it. I did things that momma said I couldnt do. When I got caught I took the punishment. I was also resentful toward momma and my younger brother and sister. I got punished for things they did. When I was 18 I was told I had to get a job, pay my momma and step dad to live in their house and if I didnt I could get out. So I left and moved in with one of my older sisters to baby sit her kids. Dale and I got married shortly after that. I was told I wasnt allowed to visit my momma or siblings. Because my step father didnt like Dale. Well he didnt like me either. Wasnt any love lost. If I could go back and change things would I? No, for the simple fact that the past made me the person I am today. Taught me that I could make it on my own. That no one but me was responsible for me but me.

My relationship with my daughter while she was growing up was pretty good. Once she got married it changed. She got married when she was 18. We had our rough patches but always got past them. There were times when we both said things to each other when we were mad. Once we cooled down and thought about things we made up.

Today, we still have our differences and respect each other. We talk about any thing and everything.

I think that once a person reaches 18, that we as parents have to learn to let go. Let them be the adults that they think they are. They are going to do whatever they want to, no matter what/how we feel about it. We can only be there for them when they let us. We need to learn to let them make mistakes and hope and pray that they learn from those mistakes. I know it was hard on me letting go. I didnt like some of the things my daughter did once she was out on her owm and often voiced my opinion to her. She told me it was her life and she could do whatever she wanted. She was right. It is her life, and she has the right as an adult to choose how she wants to live it. I may not always agree with her decisions, but have learned not to voice my opinions or objections to her. If and when she wants them and ask, then yes, I will give them to her.

This has been a long week with Drake sick and Nicki working 7 days this week. I am tired and having problems with my sugar going up and down. Not been sleeping much. But as a friend says, we are women we will survive. Yes, I will survive.

Until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Emotions

2010-04-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

Emotions

Today there is all kinds of emotions/feelings/thoughts or
whatever you want to call them running through my mind.
Not even sure how to describe how I am feeling.

Memories of family, some good and some painful. Some happy
good thoughts and some sad lonely thoughts.

Where to start.
Perhaps with this, its some thing I heard on tv last night.
"The pleasure you get from life is equal to the attitude that you
put in it". I think for me, this is very true. When I was younger,
I had a I dont care attitude about many things. I acted like nothing
could get me down. But that wasnt true. I got hurt just like any one
else. I just didnt let people see it or any one get close to me. When
I got older, I had friends that I hung out with. But not any one that
I was felt really close to except my youngest sister. But I never really
told her how I felt alot of times. She and I had our arguement and
parting of the ways more than once. But we always made up and
remain close all these years later.

Attitude as defined by merriam-webster

1 : the arrangement of the parts of a body or figure : posture
2 : a position assumed for a specific purpose,a threatening attitude
3 : a ballet position similar to the arabesque in which the raised leg is bent at the knee
4 : a mental position with regard to a fact or state, a helpful attitude b : a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state
5 : the position of an aircraft or spacecraft determined by the relationship between its axes and a reference datum (as the horizon or a particular star)
6 : an organismic state of readiness to respond in a characteristic way to a stimulus (as an object, concept, or situation)
7 : a negative or hostile state of mind b : a cool, cocky, defiant, or arrogant manner

The attitude of today will effect how I interact with the boys this afternoon and evening and of course
the attitude they have when they get home from their dads effect how we interact with each other.

Some days my attitude is I just dont care. Yeah, right what ever, and other days I am happy go lucky
and carefree an nothing much could bring me down. I know I am tired and rambling. Oh, well,
and here again it is attitude, its my blog and its ok to ramble if I want to right?

Grrrrrrrr I dont like feeling this way and not knowing exactly what the feeling is. But, thats life. My life
in general a lot of times.

My attitude about the past? It can only hurt me if I let it. Do I let it hurt me? Sure do. Its what has made
me the person I am today. The hurt and pain caused me to learn how to be strong and to stand up for the
things I believe in. How to openly speak my mind, some times causing others pain, but telling the truth and
being honest about how i feel about things. That to is all part of living life.

End of ramble for now. Time to go back to bed. When I get up I have things to do before going to babysit.
I cant say that the next time wont be rambling. It will be what it is that I am feeling at the time.
So until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Please Help

2010-04-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

My friend Crystal ask me to post this to any one and every one I know.
This is a raffle for Cancer Research. What is being raffled off you ask. A basket of goodies from Avon. You can see the basket and get all the raffle info here.

My Weekend

2010-04-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

All this past week, Drake kept asking me when we were going to "Aunt Granda's". Shes his great aunt. He got all excited and was jumping up and down yelling yipeeee when I told him Saturday evening that that was Aunt Granda on the phone and that she would be here soon to pick us up.

Josh, Drake and I went to spend Saturday night with her. We got up this morning and went to church with her to surprise our baby brother Rick. He was teaching his first Sunday School class. She also had a surprise for her hubby Tom, their daughter Cassie also came to church. Ricks wife Sharon knew we were coming.

Last night on the way to Granda's house we stopped and got pizza and ice cream. Went to her house and made pizza and had ice cream. The boys loved playing with her dog Rags, a pom yorkie mix. Got up this morning, made breakfast, got the boys and myself ready for church. The look on Ricks face, when he walked in and saw all of us there. Wish I had a pic. We came home after church and dropped the boys off at their house so they could go to their dads. Then Granda and I went to Peking for a late lunch. We all had a great time and looking forward to spending more time with Granda and Tom.

All was right in my own little piece of the world this weekend. So until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

It Is What It Is

2010-04-15T04:21:00.000-07:00

It is what it is means that this is my blog where I come to be me. The person that I am and the way that I see the world around me. Where I dont have to watch what I say for fear of offending some one. My blog is public and any one can read it and comment. That is your choice to read or not read it.

I am tired of people taking things the wrong way and turning things I say or post around to make it about them, when its not. Well from now on I will be saying what I think and feel about things and if you think its about you then it is because youre the one making it about you.

I have never hidden the fact that I am very opinionated. I say what I think. Just because I express my opinion doesnt make it right or wrong. Its just that, my opinion on the topic or situation as I see it.

I do not talk about people behind their back. I say it to their face. I hope that when my friends have a problem with something I said or did that they will come and talk to me about it. If not and they talk to some one else about it (gossip or whatever you want to call it) the way I see it.......good they are letting some one else rest who cant take it.

Do I care what people think of me? Of course I do but I dont let their negative feelings bring me down. I see it as something to work on so that the relationship I have with that person will benefit from it. But..........and yes there is always a "but" if it doesnt make the relationship/friendship better for either of us then just maybe it wasnt ment to be. In this case I just try my best to get a long with that person. I WILL NOT CHANGE THE PERSON WHO I AM FOR ANY ONE BUT MYSELF. You are either my friend because you like me the way I am or not. Either way I harbor no hard feelings against any one who feels that we cant be friends based on things that happened while trying out new friendshipf. Its ok not to like every one in the world around you.

I dont mince my words with the people in my daily life and I am not going to start doing it now in the things I post here. That isnt me. This is the real me that post things here.

If a post here refers to some one specific then I will say so. I dont always mention the persons name but will mention something specific so if they read this they will know it is about them. Only something they would know.

There were some very good positives going on in my world this week. Things worked out for the best and will benefit the people involved in these positives for a long time to come.

A positive I am looking forward to this weekend is spending time with my youngest sister, Granda. I will be taking Josh and Drake with me. We will be leaving some time Saturday and going to Grandas house to spend the night. Going to her church Sunday morning so I can be there when my baby brother Rick teaches his first Sunday school class. After church, we will be coming home so the boys can get ready to go to their dads for the coming week. Granda and I have always been close. Always will be close to her. We have had our differences and always made up. I think family is important. Not all my siblings are a part of my life and that is ok. It makes me sad but I can handle it. Some family members live to far away, but do keep in touch. Not often but occassionally is fine with me.

I learned something this week about one of my older brothers through Face Book. He read something I posted to notes and was concerned about me. Showes me that he does care although we dont talk often. Made me feel good knowing he cares.

I have friends from all walks of life and from around the world in many different countries. Some have my home phone number and if I am not online, they get concerned for my well being and call me. It makes me feel good to know that they care. I also feel the same way about them and call them if they are not online for a while.

So until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Just Thoughts

2010-04-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

Today my thoughts are much like the weather. Cloudy and gloomy. The sun is trying to come out. Its 10:08 am and I just rode my exercise bike 10 miles in half an hour. Dale is trying to go to sleep but one of my two upstaris neighbors is baby sitting her 2 grandsons and they are making all kinds of noise yet again. Running across the floor, bouncing a ball, all kinds of pounding noise. She knows Dale works on Wednesday and Thursday nights and needs to sleep during the day. Some times I feel like just going up there and saying " I am asking you nicely to keep the noise down." If I have to I will complain to the landlord. I dont really want to do that. But after the 12th of this month she said she wont be baby sitting. Will wait until then and see how it goes.

Tomorrow should just be another day, but it will be like today filled with sadness.
If Momma was still living, tomorrow would be her birthday. I remember the first suprise birthday party that my youngest sister and I had for Momma. I had a key to Mommas appartment. I gave it to my sister so that she could decorate while Momma and I went to the nursing home to see my step dad. When we came back I saw my sister looking out the door watching for us. I went in first and the kitchen was decorated with balloons, streamers and posters. On the table was an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, and other refreshements and gifts. I turned around to look at Momma and she had a suprised look on her face. Tears were glistening in her eyes.
in a choked voice she said "This is the first birthday party any one has ever had for me." We all had a good time.

Mommy,
I miss you. I will never forget you. Some times I just sit and talk out loud to you. I believe that you can hear me. It makes me feel better.

On a happier note, I am looking forward to the weekend. I am going to my sisters and spend some time with her. I am going to visit her church with her Sunday morning. My baby brother Rick, will be teaching his first Sunday School Class. He doesnt know that I an going to be there. I will be coming home after church kinda. Long enough to change clothes and then off to baby sit the boys. Nicki will be working the evening shift.

I am thinking about walking across town to the grocery store but dont know if I want to wait til Dale gets up so we can go together and let that our walk for the day or if I want to go alone and then walk with Dale later in the day.

Walking twice is better than walking once, so until next time I hope things are going well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world. I am off to shower and go to the grocery store. Just hope it doesnt rain before I get back.

A Goal Met

2010-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Back on New Years Eve one of my resolutions was to ride my bike every day even if I didnt feel like it. I didnt keep this resolution or the one to eat healthier. But this week I am not baby sitting so, I did start riding my bike again and eating healthier.

Well, today I met a goal. The goal being to ride my bike so that I could get up to 10 miles a day. Where I was when I quit riding it. Today I rode my bike 10 miles, took a shower and went walking with Dale, my hubby. We walked about a mile. I feel good. I plan on riding my bike every day. I am going to try to go walking more to. I want to lose the weight I put back on since December.

Part of that weight has been lost already. It suprised me. I wasnt really trying and I was in a hurry the other morning. I got up and just grabbed a pair of jeans out of the closet and didnt realize until later in the day that they were a pair I had bought last fall that were to small. They fit perfectly.

I have been eating more salad and steamed veggies lately. I have also included more friut. I do eat some things for snacks that has carbs but I watch my portion size and only eat what the container says is a serving size.

My biggest downfall is Drake. We have taught the boys to share. He offers me part of his snacks when he has them. Some of them are things I can't eat being a diabetic. He is slowly learning what I can and cannot eat.

Also this week I had encouragement from one of my best friends on the internet. A lady I met in a group that we both belong to. We agreed a while back to be diet buddies but didnt really do much about starting until this week.

So in closing, all is well in my little piece of the world today. Until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Mirrored Image

2010-04-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mirrored Image

As I stand before the full looking glass,
I wonder how can that image looking back
be me. Its not but yet it is.
The laugh lines around the sad eyes that
look at the world around me.
How can it be?
How can that mirrored image be me?

Clothes that dont fit,
hanging on a frame that is no longer tall.
How small I appear.
Wrinkles where there use to be none.
Lose skin in places where there shouldnt be any.

Sad eyes stare back at me,
lost in thoughts of the past,
a past put behind me or is it?
Thoughts come and thoughts go
wondering what other changes
aging will bring to this body that
I see, that is me.

Dropping down on my knees,
my reflection looking back at me.
Yes, that mirrored image is me.
But, how can it be?

Wrote 11/23/2009

When Love Dies

2010-04-06T15:27:00.000-07:00

When Love Dies
Wrote April 6, 2010 by me Becca

His love filled my soul with happiness
His crewl words caused my soul to wither and die
Soft sigh exscaping lips that are silent out of
resect for what I had been taught
It all came to naught
We faught
Loves gone
Anger abounds
Accusations flies around
Yelling sounds soars
while my tears slide down my cheeks ignored.
No where to go
nothing to do but stay
My fears keeping me there
No one to care
no one to share
with cubboards that are bare
Lord help me let go
help me to move on to
put one foot in front of the other and walk or
stumble out the door. Show me the way
take me by the hand and lead me away,
for there is nothing left to say.

My Thoughts on Lying

2010-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Is your intution good? Do you believe it? Do you heed it when it tells
you some thing is wrong? I do. Especially when it is about people in
my daily life or the people I have meet on the internet and talk to alot.

When it comes to people lying, my intution is pretty good. I dont always
confront them about the lies they tell, but I do let them know what I
think and feel about whatever lie they are telling at the time.

I think it is always best to tell the truth no matteer what the situation may be. One lie snowballs into more and more lies and eventually you
dont know what the real truth is.

In all honesty, I dont like people who are always lying. I dont like to be
around them in person or on the internet. I dont always stick to that though.
I have to be really upset with some one and fed up with their lies before I no
longer have any thing to do with them. I will tell people face to face what I
think about them. I dont go behind their back. Its ok if not all the people I
know dont like me. Cuz the good Lord knows I sure dont like some of the
people I have met in my life time.

Its ok to have friends that like and are friends with some of the people you dont
like or get along with. Thats compromise and thats what makes a good friend a
true friend. I dont have to be with my best friend all the time for them
to be my best friend. I dont need friends buying me things for them to be my friends.

What I need from my friends is truth, honesty, trust and respect. Some one who is going to be there when I need them and some one who knows I will be there for them
no matter what time of day or night. They have but to call and I'll be there, in person when possible, and when not possible either on messenger in a voice chat or on the phone.

In conclusion, I need to think some more about what I want to do an make a final decision and stick to it.........

So, until next time, I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Domestic Violence

2010-03-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse,
child abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV),
can be broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one
or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage,
dating, family, friends or cohabitation. Domestic violence has
many forms including physical aggression (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving,
restraining, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse;
emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation;
stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic
deprivation. Domestic violence may or may not constitute a crime,
depending on local statues, severity and duration of specific acts,
and other variables. Alcohol consumption and mental illness have
frequently been associated with abuse.

Any form of domestic violence is not ok. It happened to some one
close to me. This is her story. Shes a young mother in her early 20's.
Shes married, now in the process of getting a divorce. She has 2 boys
aged 4 and 2. She has custody of her boys. Their father
doesnt want any thing to do with the boys.

The boys father abused their mother in front of them. He was choking
her. He abused the 4 year old by hitting him in the face and leaving a
huge bruise covering most of his little cheek.

He kept her and the boys away from her family and friends for 3 months.
He cheated on her. This is the only time that I am aware of him abusing
them. It could or could not of happened before. People who are abused
become good at hiding it. They are ashamed, they fear being abused again if any one finds out.

She had finally had enough when he choked her in front of her mother and
her mothers friends. The police were called. He was charged, ordered to leave
the home. She went to a place for domestic violence here in town. She stayed
with her mother for a while then went back home with the boys, once the police told her he was out of the house and it was safe for her and the kids to go home.
The locks at their house has been changed, hes not allowed to be around them
or thier house. Some of his family is her neighbors.

I do not know if he was abused as a child, but was told that abuse runs in his
family. I dont know if that is true or not. I dont know him as well as I know
her.

They have been to court, she had a lawyer, he didnt. The judge told him to get
one because he was in a lot of trouble. He has to give back most of the things
he took out of their house.

Shes moving on with her life. Taking classes to better herself, looking for a job so she can support herself and her kids.

To get help call your local domestic violence hotline or the National Domestic
Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224

Hotline services include
crisis intervention, safety planning, information about domestic violence and
referrals to local service providers.

Direct connection to domestic violence resources available in the callers area
provided by a Hotline advocare.

Assistance in English and Spanish with Hotline advocates having access to more
than 170 different languages through interpreter services.

Assistance through email

Informational materials on such topics as domestic violence, sexual assult,
battering intervention and prevention programs, working through the
criminal justice system and related issues. There is help out there for those who have been abused.

No matter what the abuser tells you it is not your fault. They will tell you that your are
worthless. That no one else would have you. That your fat, ugly, worthless. They beat down
your self esteem so that you wont try to leave them. They control you this way. Some stay because
they think they have no place to go, no one to help them. But there is help, no matter who you are,
or where you live. Please dont wait until its to late.

Until next time, I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Do You Ever

2010-03-21T06:21:00.001-07:00

Do You Ever

Have one of those kinds of days where you have some thing
you have to do but dont want to do it? You know its the right
thing to do and you know it will bring you down? Well that
is the kind of day I am going to have.

My best friends uncle passed away and the viewing is today
with the funeral right after. I am going, but I dont really want to.
I dont like funerals. But I need to be there for my best friend.
Her uncle was more like a father to her than an uncle. I know she will
have family there but yesterday when we spent time together she
ask me to come and I told her I would.

I am going to hate it when she leaves, because then I cant be there
for her. She now lives in another state and its a long drive home for
her.

Dale and I have \known her uncle for years. We will miss him.
Gone but not forgotten Bubby.

Until next time I hope things are going well for you and yours in
your own little piece of the world.

Its going to be one of those days

2010-03-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Its going to be one of those days where there is no peace and quiet. The upstairs neighbor has her daughter and 2 young grandsons staying with her and they are loud. Running across the floor screaming at the top of their lungs, banging things. I understand you cant keep kids quiet all the time. They know Dale works nights and sleeps during the day. If things dont quieten down I am going up there and tell them to keep the noise down. What makes me mad she tells me its not them making any noise that it it the people in the other apartment. Excuse me its her bedroom over ours and if its not them at 1:30 in the morning making nose I sure would like to know who is in her apartment making noise at that time in the morning. Only suppose to be one person living there and now there is 5 people staying there.

I dont like to complain about the noise but I will if they keep it up.

Until next time, I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Is It Spring Yet?

2010-03-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

I know its not Spring yet but for the last couple of days we have had Spring like weather. I love it! Not to hot and not to cold. Just right to be outside doing things. The early morning hours is still a little cold. Like this morning when I walked home from my daughter's at a little after 6 it was 22 degrees out. Its now 8:21 and 25 out. The sun isn't up yet but it is supposed to be another Spring like day.

I started a new blog this week for my own original creations. You can see them or down load them here.

This week on Wednesday, I went shopping and out to lunch with my sister and daughter. Thursday morning I went out to breakfast with my daughter and youngest grandson. Friday morning I went out to breakfast with my daughter and youngest grandson and then we ran around town. As for today, I had a pop tart for breakfast and will be staying home unless something comes up until time to go baby sit tonight. Tomorrow (Sunday) starts a week of being home. The boys will be going to their dads for the coming week tomorrow. And that's what's been happening in my world this week.

Until next time, I hope things are going well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

My New Blog

2010-02-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

I started a new blog last night. Its called Becca's Unique Attic Treasures.
Are you curious about the kind of treasures found there? Well, they are/will be my own orginal creations. Either drawn with my mouse or sketches I have done and scanned into paint shop pro to colorize them or play with them.

A lot of my orginal creations, I open a canvas and fill it with a color, add a new layer and then chose a coordinating color and just scribble or doodle on it. I use the effects that come with psp or I use a plugin or filter on the scribbles or doodles. Mostly I play around with the kaleidoscope effect. I even use the smudge or mesh warp brush on it. I play around with it until I see something I think would make a good bow, wings, butterfly, etc. All the creations on my new blog will always be freebies.

Right now there is only one freebie there. It is 4 bow templates. You can visit my new blog here.

Grief

2010-02-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

Its never easy when we lose a loved one. I cant imagine the pain of losing a child.

There's no right or wrong way to grieve. Each person has their own way of dealing with death and grieving. Me I cry, I get quiet and go off by myself. There is no set amount of time to grieve. For some it could be a day, a week, a month or years. I dont think the pain of a loved one passing on ever goes away. It just lessens with time. The loved one will always be with us in our hearts. Gone but not forgotten. We have our memories of time spent with them. Even if some of those memories are bad.

My thoughts and prayers are with my nephew and his family at this time.
Evin was here for only a short time but he touched the hearts of many people.
May you rest in peace little one.

Until next time I hope that all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Just My Thoughts

2010-02-22T20:38:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since I last posted here. Enough to write more than a few chapters in a book if I were writing one.

Friends, new ones made. Some left for various reasons.

I am now co-editor of the Cancer Moon Creations Newsletter. The first edition came out this month. In March we are going to try to get 2 editions of it sent out. This will be a trial run to see how it goes.

Family wise things are good. The boys are with their dad this week. I missed them soon as I left yesterday to come home. I always miss them when I dont get to see them every day.

My tag making is going good. I started doing quick pages. I want to learn how to make my own blog layouts. Thats a goal that I will be working on very soon.

The weather has been strange this winter. We have got more snow this winter than in the last decade. Last week the temps were in the single digits. Yesterday and today the temp has been in the low 50's. Today it rained off and on all day.

I am so ready for Spring to get here so that I can be outside more with the boys. Plant some flowers and tomato plants. Take nature walks with the boys. What is a nature walk you ask? Its where the boys and I go for a walk and look at things in peoples yards or along the street that has to do with nature. On day while walking
we saw a walnut tree. Walnuts in the hulls covered the side of the road and there were a few in the road that had been smashed by traffic. We stopped to look at one of the smashed walnuts. I told the boys about the hull, how you have to remove the green hull to get to the nut inside. I told them that the juice from the inside once smashed stains your hands and any thing that it gets on. I also told them once the walnuts are hulled you have to spread the nuts out and let them dry before you crack them to eat. This also brought back memories of how Momma used to use walnuts in cakes, make black walnut fudge and how we would all just sit around Momma and crack the walnuts and eat them. Black walnuts are best after the first frost.

I am tired and not feeling well so until next time I hope things are going well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Tags By Becca

2010-02-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am making tags again. I missed making them and decided to do them for some of the CT teams that I am on. I was looking at how many times my tags were viewed and downloaded this morning. I was surprised at how many times some of them were downloaded. It makes me feel good to know that people like the things I create.

About my creations-tags are made with a designers kit, and tubes that I get from a yahoo group, or from kits that I get from playing secret pal games as a gift from my pal.

My scrap kits are often inspired by things I see around the town where I live or things I have seen on other websites. I love unusual things. I love just playing
with scribbles, lines, odd shapes in paint shop pro and then using plugins and effects on them to see what I can come up with for a kit from them.

As you have seen, a lot of my kits is shades of purple. Purple and black are my favorite colors. Some of my kits include things I have sketched. Scanned into psp and colorized. Made into a tube or png image.

I have some art that is scribbles that my grandson Drake, who is 5 done for me. I am considering using some of them and making a kit. I think I will ask him when he comes back from his dads next week if I can use it for a kit. I am thinking about calling this kit Drake Art or Drakes World of Scribble Art.

I just started doing quick pages. I just added a Valentines Quick Page and 2 Valentines tags to my scrap blog.
These were made by using a kit called Valentines by Aleahs Mommy Designs.

How do I feel today? I feel good that people like my designs and tags. Physcially I am feeling tired. Which is nothing new. I am always tried even if I had a good nights sleep. I do have a slight headache this afternoon. My sugar levels have been a little high in the evenings and some what low in the next morning. But still in what is considered the normal range for a diabetic. Its like this because I dont eat much throughout the day and dont eat until later in the evening. I know, I should be eating meals during the day, its just that I cant eat if I am not hungry. If I do then I have an upset stomach and feel bad all day.

Breakfast is usually an egg and a couple of pieces of 35 calorie wheat bread toast, Lunch is a salad, or a sandwich, or soup. Dinner is the usual full meal with steamed veggies and meat. I sometimes have a morning and afternoon snack but not often.

So, until next time, I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world. Love ya........

Just Because

2010-02-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Just because you say you love someone doesn't mean that you're in love with them. It just means that you care about them and their well being. I say I love you to family members and friends when parting. To me it just means that I care and wish them well until we meet again. They know what I mean when I say I love ya.

To my friends on the net when parting most of the time I say love ya. But I dont say it to all my net friends. Some of my net friends I dont know well enough to say love ya to. Usually when parting from them I just say take care. In my nightly bedtime prayer I ask the Lord to watch over and keep safe my family and friends safe and healthy until we meet or speak again.

I love spending time with family and friends be it in person or on the phone or net. Family is important to me and we need to spend time together. Friends are an important part of my life. I love spending time with them and going out and doing things like having lunch or dinner, shopping, going to the park just to hang out etc.

Love is/has different meanings to lots of people. So how you define love is what's important. I dont know why this topic or what I can say about it but it just keeps coming up in my thoughts this morning and I dont have much time to write or any thing. I have to go and get ready to take the boys to the Dentist with Nicki.

So until next time know that I love ya all. I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Looking Back

2010-01-26T06:24:00.000-08:00

Looking Back

Looking back at some things that have had an influence in my
life, I see now that I should of done some things differently.
This may get long and its ok if no one reads it all or any of it
because it will make me feel better by writing it.

I know now that I will never again let someone influence me and what
I have to do about any given situation that I have only met on the internet.
I let some one whom I thought was a good friend talk me into doing
something and because of what the person whom I thought was a friend
instagated it caused me to lose some other internet friends. The friend
who started it all came out smelling like roses and got what they wanted.
They still have all the friends we had in common. This friend said to
keep in touch, why should I make the effort of keeping the friendship when
they dont or wont respond to instant messages or emails? Did I learn from
what this so called friend and I did? Yes, I learned that you can never trust
some people whom you thought you knew just by talking to them on the internet.
I learned not to trust so freely. Not to give of myself until I know the people
I talk to on the internet better and to trust in my intution. To be the person
that I am with every one on the internet and if they dont like me for me and
the person that I am then I will still talk to them, be nice, but less giving in
certain areas of the friendship about what I share or dont share with them.

Do I regret what I let this internet friend talk me into doing? Yes, I do and
I wont let internet friends talk me into doing something like that again. I have
told my other friends that I was sorry. That didnt change any thing other than
they now no longer talk to me. I thought that they were really my friends
but now I am not so sure they were.

Life is about growing up and learning to be responsible for your actions.
Life is about taking care of yourself regardless of what others think you should
do. Life is about doing what you think is the best thing for you. Life if for living, having fun along with the bad times. Pain is part of the growing process. We all have things in our lives that cause us pain and stress. We just have to learn how to deal with the pain, let problems go and move on.

Forgive and forget. Easy said, but not so easy to do. Yet we expect others to do it. The past we cant change, all we can do is live in the present and try not to let the past influence who we are and how we act in the present.

Each new day brings change. Change for the better or for the worse its still a part
of our lives. Yesterday is gone, today is the here and now, tomorrow is the future.
Tomorrow may never come. Live for today. Tell those you love, that you love them
for you may not have the chance to tomorrow. Right past wrongs and move on with
life. Change the things that bother you and let go of the things that you cant change.
Think about what your doing and saying and how it will effect the people you love and care about before doing it.

Emotions are fragile feelings at times and its so easy to hurt the ones you love and care about. When dealing with family, friends and people in general we need to think about how our actions will effect them. Think about what the consequences of our action could be. How it wil effect all involved in the situation, before carring them out.

I think thats enough for now. I need to go and start my day. So, unti next time, I hope that all is well and good for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Feeling Miserable

2010-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't been feeling so good lately. I have had a runny nose, sneezing, aching all over, a low grade temp and a sore throat off and on. I dont feel really sick, just bad enough to make me feel miserable. To make me not feel like doing much of any thing. I have been cat napping when I can sleep. I havent been able to sleep much during the night.

I am baby sitting this week and I hope whatever bug it is that I have they dont get.

Until next time I wish you and yours good health and happiness in your own little piece of the world.

Learning A Lesson

2010-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Today, I learned a lesson. What did I learn you ask?

I learned that if you try to be nice to someone and help them out, that its possible for them to take advantage of you. Not all people do. But I thought I was doing something good for some one I barely knew and they took advantage of my kindness and now that kindness is costing me money I dont have. I learned not to put any one else on my cell phone plan. You can suspend their service but still have to pay the monthly fee for having them added to your plan. You can terminate them but have to pay the for their time left on your contract.

If you ever suspend someones service from your cell plan, be sure to put a PURCHASE BLOCKER ON THEIR PHONE NUMBER! Other wise they can download or purchase things from third parties and it will be on your cell bill. This happened to me. I called my carrier this morning and got some of the charges taken off. They were added after the service had been suspended.

Lesson learned!

So until next time I wish you and yours a good day. I hope things are good for you in your own little piece of the world.

Snow Pics

2010-01-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

These pics were taken outside my kitchen door just before Christmas. We had a foot of snow then. The pics are across the alley from the house I live in.

We still have snow today on the ground but not as much as in the pics. They are predicting 2 more inches today.

I hope that you are staying warm. Until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Just Rambling Thoughts

2010-01-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

Its funny sometimes how things just happen. I may not understand why they happen but I know thats the way it is supposed to be according to my lifes plan. I might not like what happened but I have learned how to deal with it on a daily basis.

Changes good or bad is a part of my daily life and I all I can do is go with what I think is best for me and my family. People come and go in my life and for some reason I am now ok with that. Online friends disappear, some eventually come back into my life just when I need them to. Others are gone for good. Just because they are no longer a part of my life, it doesnt mean they are fogotten. I think of them often and wonder how they are. I pray that they are doing well.

People say one thing but mean something entirely different. They say they are your friend and will always be your friend no matter what. Do they mean it? I dont think so for some has told me this and are no longer a part of my life. I think that they mean it at the time they say it, but things change, life changes people. We just have to take life one day at a time and deal with the changes as they occur. Good or bad its up to us to make the best of the changes.

Do you ever think of the people who were a part of your life but have passed on. I do. I think of my Momma and all the good and bad times. I think of the things left unsaid. Things I have questions about and will never know the answers to now because she is the only person who could tell me the answers. People that are gone and I never got to tell them bye. People who mean a lot to me that I think about all the time. Miss them and wish I could talk to them again. There is no wrong way to grieve or a set time for grieving.

This probably dont make sense to any one else but it does to me and thats what matters.

Until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Decisions

2010-01-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's hard sometimes making decisions. When I make a decision it is based on what I feel is right for me at the time. Some times this means that I could change my mind at a later date but, most of the time I stick to what I have decided. Some times people want me to do things that I dont want to do. I dont want to hurt their feelings by saying no. But some times saying no is the best thing to do.

Even if it means losing some one I thought was a friend, I would still have to say that by feeling like no is best for me, then I have to tell them and deal with losing their friendship. This applies to both real life and online friends.

Today the sun was shining and it was a little bit warmer than in the teens. Yay no more snow today. Heat wave of 30's and 40's coming this coming week and teens at night. I do hope the snow predicted for the coming week doesnt hit us. I am so ready for Spring.

Until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Snow and More Snow

2010-01-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

All its done this past week is snow. Its snowing now and they are advising people not to go out if they dont have to. The kids here are still home from school. Schools have been closed since they got out for Christmas Break.

The predicted amount for snow this evening is 2-6 inches. Its been in the low teens at night and occasssiionaly in the single digits and in the low 20's or teens during the day.

I am ready for winter to be over and so looking forward to Springs arrival.

So until next time, keep warm and safe out there in your own little piece of the world.

We Got More Snow Last Night

2010-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

We got more snow last night. Just enough to cover the ground and make the roads slick. I went out and checked the thermometer outside my kitchen door and the temp is 12 degrees.

I did go out and do an errand. It wasnt so bad walking until the wind blew. I will be staying in the rest of the day unless something unexpected comes up.

I am now into making tags and layouts. I have just put a layout on my scrap blog. You can see it here.
I will be adding more scraps later. I will also be adding some blank tags later as well.

I enjoy playing with Paint Shop Pro and trying out plugins and filters. I enjoy things that are unusual and I also like goth things. My two favorite colors are shades of purple and black. My two least favorite colors are pinks and reds.
My layouts and tags are for personal use only and are freebies.
Comments are welcome.

Until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

A New Year A New Beginning

2010-01-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

The start of a new beginning. A new year that will be full of changes, suprises for some people.

I checked my horoscope for today and it kind of goes with one of my new years resolutions. Only time will tell if it comes true or not.

Starting today I am going to try to slowly lose weight. I am going to eat more fruit and veggies and cut out most of the junk foods that I have been eating, or at least limit them to treats. I am going to start riding my exercise bike again at least one mile to start out and see how far I can work up to. Before I quit riding it I was up to 10 miles a day.

I hope that you all have a good day.
Until next time I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Moods

2009-12-30T06:44:00.000-08:00

My mood changed really fast night before last and has kind of been going back and forth since. I was in a great mood, happy and upbeat when something happened to change it. I went from happy, to curious, then to one of doubt. I was in a situation where I wasnt sure what I wanted to do.

The next day I still didnt know what I wanted to do so I talked to a friend who gave me some good advice. I did what I thought was best and just hope it works out well at this time.

Only time will tell. So I shall wait and see and procede with caution.
Usually I dont let things like this bother me but this did. I think it happened for a reason but I am just not sure it happened for the right reason this time. Time will tell.

Good or bad the decision is made and I will honor it to the best of my abilities but if and when the same situation occurs again, the results will be very different from this time.

So, until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Diabetes Links

2009-12-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Quality health site has lots of useful information for diabetics. Below is links to some of the articles.

Diabetes Medications and Weight Gain
http://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=103428&rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36928

All About Diabetes-Videos
http://www.qualityhealth.com/diabetes-index/video?rf=42476&ct=36929&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.

Treating depression helps with blood sugar control
http://www.qualityhealth.com/news/treating-depression-helps-blood-sugar-control-17475?rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36921

Diabetic kids may focus too much on carb counting
http://www.qualityhealth.com/news/diabetic-kids-may-focus-too-much-carb-counting-17480?rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36921

Hypoglycemia
http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-encyclopedia/alternative-medicine/hypoglycemia?rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36927

Type 1 diabetes
http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-encyclopedia/multimedia/type-1-diabetes?rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36927

Insulin
http://www.qualityhealth.com/health-encyclopedia/alternative-medicine/insulin?rf=42476&mc=MjI5MzYxNTg.&ct=36927

New Years Resolutions

2009-12-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolutions, do I make them? Yes, I make them. Do I keep them? No, not always for in the past I set goals as resolutions that were unrealistic.

This year my resolutions will be differnet. Will be more attainable. This year I am going to eat more healthy and try to lose some weight. I found a friend to be my diet buddy. We joined an online site called fitclick. Then I decided that in the past year I had lost 20 lbs without the site and that I was just going to continue doing what I had been doing without using the site. Hey it works for me so why mess with something that works?

I have a lot of weight to lose if I want to get down to what I should be for my height and bone structure. I would like to be my ideal weight but I dont see that happening any time soon. Does that bother me? No, because I am happy and like myself the way I am that is all that matters. Sure there is days that I dont like myself but they pass and life goes on. Do I exercise alot, not really. But I do walk alot, when the weather is nice out I do go out and run with Josh and Drake in the yard. I walk most places I go. I do ride my exercise bike occassionally when I feel up to it. I need to start riding it more even if I dont feel like it. I have a George Foreman Walk it off with George dvd. I should start doing it.

Looking back at the past year I have to say for the most part it was a good year. Made some new friends, some friends moved away but still keep in touch. Some friends just disappeared out of my life. I did start eating more healthier in the last 6 months and got Dale to stop using salt, which I dont use. I did get him to eat semi healther. I watched my grandsons grow, watched them play soccer and I see the changes in Josh as he grows, his voice changing, becoming deeper. Drake becoming more independant as he learns things he needs to know to start kindergarden this coming fall. There were good times, bad times sad times and for the most part happy times. I am looking forward to seeing all the changes in my grandchildren as they grow into adults.

Life changes every day and all I can do is change with it and grow, learn and be the best person I know how to be.

I may or may not post before the New Year begins. So I want to wish you a good, blessed and prosperous New Year. May life be all that you want and need it to be in the coming year. HAPPY NEW YEARS.

Until next time I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

2009-12-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

What You Should Know About the Glycemic Index
December 21, 2009

By Amy Tenderich of www.DiabetesMine.com

The “Glycemic Index” has become a huge dieting buzzword. Around the world, the Canadian G.I. Diet and American Glucose Revolution books are selling like hotcakes (you should excuse the expression) – buoyed by the promise of helping dieters avoid the “dreaded blood sugar rush blamed for weight gain.” But is the GI diet approach just another empty fad? The answer is yes, and no. Read on for details.

~~~~~

What is the GI?

The Glycemic Index (GI) was actually created as a system to help people with diabetes judge how different foods would affect their blood sugar levels. Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, set out to scientifically test and record the impact of individual foods on blood glucose (BG) levels. In fact, you can find the “GI value” of hundreds of foods in their database at www.glycemicindex.com. You can even submit samples of a food, along with a check, and the research team will measure its GI value for you.

This is accomplished by a simple experiment. To set the GI value of, say, a slice of bread, 10 volunteers eat 50 grams (about 2 ounces) of the bread in the morning after fasting. Their BG is then measured over the next two hours, and the total rise in glucose during this time period is calculated. Several days later, the same 10 volunteers drink 50 grams of pure glucose, and have their BG measured in the same way over the next two hours. The two glucose sums are compared, and the difference in value between the test food and the ingested glucose becomes the GI value for that food.

What’s important for you to know here is that foods with lower GI values have a lesser impact on BG in the first two hours after you’ve eaten them. In other words, these foods need longer to absorb into your system, so they don’t cause a BG spike. Typically, high GI foods are sweets and starches – high-carbohydrate, lower-fiber foods which are also obvious foods to avoid when you are attempting to lose weight. For this reason, a low-GI diet sounds like the ideal weight-loss plan.

~~~~~

Trouble in Paradise

Yet as easy as it sounds, the Glycemic Index becomes a little complicated when you try to apply it in real life. Foods don’t always affect your BG the way you would expect them to based on their GI value, due to a number of variables: most of your food is not eaten directly after fasting, as it was during the GI testing, and you also eat foods in various combinations and amounts.

Note that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not endorse the Glycemic Index. The organization points out that the GI impact of a food differs tremendously on its type (country of origin, fresh or processed), its age or ripeness, the length of time it was stored, method of cooking, and a half-dozen other variables. Also, the effect of GI values vary from person to person, and even in a single individual from day to day. What's more, the GI values are calculated based on 50g/carb portions, which is rarely the amount normally eaten. So heck, does this Index have anything valuable to tell us at all?

~~~~~

Real Food, Real Value

The Glycemic Index diet has not actually been shown to affect weight loss, despite the belief that controlling BG will control appetite and insulin, and therefore control food intake and fat storage. The International Food Information Council recently summed it up by stating: "Current evidence suggests that the Glycemic Index ... is of little utility for providing dietary guidance for Americans."

That said, it is true that carbohydrates are central to most diets, providing your most essential source of energy and also the biggest impact on your BG levels. Thus, it’s important to be mindful of how carbohydrates affect your diabetic metabolism, both in terms of quantity and quality. A rule of thumb akin to avoiding “high GI” foods goes like this: “If it’s white, it’s not right.” This helps remind people to limit their intake of potatoes, white rice, and breads and pastas made with white flour – all of which have a high GI value and do indeed make your BG levels immediately soar.

In the final analysis, most experts agree that using the Glycemic Index or relying on the recommendation to eat more fiber, fruits, and vegetables, will lead you in the same general direction. Unprocessed or “whole” foods will always be better for you than any fabricated “low-carb” product. That stuff is often extremely high in fat and chemicals, and has in some cases even been altered specifically to be indigestible, so that your so-called “free” chocolate will create a nasty stomachache.

Probably the most useful thing you can do as a diabetic is to get a feel for the carbohydrate content – and impact on your BG levels – of the usual foods you enjoy eating regularly. Only by knowing this can you really begin to understand the impact of your diet on your day-to-day glucose control and longer-term A1c results.

Amy Tenderich is creator of the popular web log www.diabetesmine.com and co-author of the new book, “Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes.”

You can find out more about Diabetes here.

Christmas

2009-12-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

Chistmas is over. I hope you all had a good Christmas. I babysit Christmas Eve. Kept the boys at my house so I could finish baking.

Christmas morning got the boys up at 7:30 and fed them breakfast and got them ready to go home at a little after 8 so they could open presents at home.

Put the turkey in the oven to bake. Sat down to eat about 12:30.
We had turkey with home made stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and macaroni and cheese and hot rolls. We also had chocolate chip mint cookies, pumpkin bread, nilla waffer pudding, dutch apple crumb pie and pumpkin pie.

Nicki and the boys went home after eating so she could get some sleep cause she had to work Christmas night. Plenty of left overs so I dont have to cook today.

Quote of the Day
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
- Confucius
This quote of the day is so true. We are only wronged for as long as we remember it and allow it to control our actions.

I hope all is well for you in your own little piece of the world today and every day.

Surviving the Holidays with Diabetes

2009-12-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Surviving the Holidays with Diabetes
By Amy Tenderich of www.DiabetesMine.com

The winter holidays are here again, and ‘tis the season for making merry – mostly by way of overeating and drinking, it seems. For those living diabetes, who are struggling to maintain a healthy balance all year round, this season can be especially rough.

It seems that everyone is pushing rich food on you, and the cold weather makes it harder to get out and exercise. Many of us are traveling as well, which interrupts our usual routine and brings new challenges. And visiting with relatives can be... shall we say... trying at times, as they often make bothersome comments about our diabetes care.

What do you do about all of this? Panic? Or just close your eyes and brace yourself for “a few bad months”? Here’s hoping that there is some healthy middle ground.

I don’t pretend to have a magic solution, but I’ve compiled a list of some things I’ve focused on in past years that have really helped:

For Holiday Buffets:
• Make sure you don’t go to parties hungry. Have a snack before you leave home, and try chewing some flavorful gum before you to fill your plate

• Also, before you hit the buffet, make a mental priority list: which foods can you skip, which are semi-tempting, and which ones really make you drool – as in you know you will eat them no matter what happens

• Take a very small helping of only your absolute favorite foods (the drool category), and then go find a quiet corner in which to savor them

• When everyone else is indulging in that third plate of food, decline politely, and then remind your self – or even politely mention out loud – how many grams of fat and carbohydrates you’ve just avoided (this has the added advantage of putting others off goading you to eat more ☺ )

• Then move away from the buffet table. Standing too close is an invitation to keep grazing

~~~~~~~

For Exercise:

• Others need to be active at this time of year too. Start pestering all your friends about joining you for walks or some kind of “group workout” (it’s also harder to blow off something planned with other people)

• If it’s too cold to go out, think about walking laps around your workplace or the shopping mall, and taking the stairs whenever and wherever you can

• Or turn up the music in your living room and just dance around. Research studies show that any kind of activity – even fidgeting – is better than sitting still

• Try especially to squeeze in a walk or workout on the day of a holiday party or dinner – the activity helps offset any negative effects of the food you’ll eat

~~~~~~

For Traveling:
• When packing, be sure to bring along your own snacks, and backups of everything, including an extra glucose meter and test strips

• Be sure to also have a copy of all your diabetes medication prescriptions

• Always wear medical alert jewelry; you never know when you might end up alone and unable to speak up for yourself

• If you’re flying, pack all your essentials in your carry-on bag, that way you’ll be OK even if your luggage doesn’t arrive with you

~~~~~

For Pesky Relatives who act like the “Diabetes Police”:
• Touch base your best allies in advance (your mother, brother or best friend?) to remind them that you really don’t need any “diabetes police” during holiday celebrations

• Work on training your brightest smile to “kill ’em with kindness”

• Say “thank you for your concern,” and then change the subject or walk away if necessary

• Try not to get too mad. Let’s face it, the only person you can really change is yourself, so try to “reframe your attitude” to make the most of the situation

There’s no easy answer to deflecting the onslaught of pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, gingerbread men, egg nog, and candy treats that’s coming at us this time of year. We all struggle to keep a balanced diabetes routine through this busy, cold, and food-centric season. But last year at my site DiabetesMine.com, I did gather a bunch of Holiday Survival suggestions from the community and compiled them in an eBook (online booklet you can easily download), here:
http://tinyurl.com/diabetesmine-nuggets-ebook

There are many great tips from many wonderful people walking in our shoes.

Amy Tenderich
This article can be found here.

Until next time I hope all is well in your own little piece of the world.

Diabetes: understanding insulin resistance

2009-12-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is a part of my every day life. I dont let it control what I do or how I live my life. I am not on insulin but do take meds to help control my diabetes. For those of you on insulin I hope this video may help you in some way.

Diabetes: understanding insulin resistance
Watch the video here.

Healthy Holiday Eating Guide For Diabetics

2009-12-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

Healthy Holiday Eating Guide
By John Crowley, Caregiver Advocate

From work parties to family gatherings, the holidays always seem to offer new challenges to diabetics. New foods, richer foods, extra treats, and traditional dishes can make it difficult to manage blood sugars effectively.

With a little planning ahead and a few simple steps, you can make the holidays healthier and more enjoyable. Perhaps the most important thing is having the right mindset. You don’t have to deny yourself every holiday treat. But you will have to make choices. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices.

~~~~~

Survey the Whole Table

When eating at a party, take a moment to look over the food before you start loading your plate. Look for green salads, vegetable trays, and meat dishes. By giving a large portion of your plate to low-carb options, you will give yourself a much better chance at controlling your blood sugar. Choose breads and starches carefully. You’re much more likely to encounter a sweet roll or a sugary glaze during the holidays than other times of the year. Desserts and treats are a big part of most holiday celebrations. Watch your portion size to help avoid large spikes in blood sugar.

~~~~~

Watch What You Drink

The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics with nerve damage should not drink alcohol at all because alcohol is toxic to nerves. Even diabetics with good blood sugar control need to be careful. Alcohol increases the risk of low blood sugar—especially if you drink on an empty stomach. If you choose to drink alcohol, avoid mixed drinks that add large amounts of sugar. One helpful tip is to alternate drinking water between alcoholic drinks at a party.

~~~~~

Do Your Part

Often, you’ll be asked to bring an item to share at a holiday party. You can do your part to make sure there are items on the table that work for your diet. Bring a fresh vegetable tray or a green salad or a low-calorie dessert. Learn to make one of your favorite holiday dishes with sugar substitute.

~~~~~

Don’t Be Embarrassed to Ask

If there is a delicious looking dish on the table but you have no idea what’s in it or how many carbohydrates it contains, don’t be embarrassed to ask. No one will be offended if you compliment their wonderful looking dish and explain that due to your diabetes you simply need to know what’s in it. Then once you know the ingredients, compare the ingredients to a food for which you know the carbohydrate count and make your best estimate.

~~~~~

Make a Deal with Your Support Team

Talk with your spouse, family, or friends before attending a party. Share with them your eating plan (perhaps you could even challenge them to try to stick to your plan too). Will you try to eat fewer carbohydrates from the main dishes to accommodate a dessert? Or are you planning to adjust your insulin dose to cover extra carbohydrates? (Note: If you don’t know how to adjust insulin, be sure to talk to your doctor first.) Talking through your plan will help you solidify it in your mind and increases your commitment to it. Then ask your support team if they will meet you at the gym or the walking path the day after to help work off any extra calories.

~~~~~

Beware of Grazing

One of the biggest challenges for diabetics is what my son’s doctor calls “grazing.” This happens when you simply keep passing by the serving table or the kitchen counter and nibbling on this and that. Nothing seems significant enough to worry about. But then suddenly your blood sugar is skyrocketing. It’s best to only eat off your plate. Serve yourself, pause to count the carbohydrates, and then eat. It takes a little self-discipline, but it can make a huge difference in protecting yourself from spikes in your blood sugar.

Its A Snowy Day

2009-12-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

It started snowing last night around midnight. When I woke up this morning we had about an inch or so of snow. Its now 3:35pm and we have about 7 inches of snow with more predicted for the coming week. The roads are slick and they are asking you not to go out unless you have to. This is the most snow that we have had for a long time. I love it when there is snow on Christmas Day. Makes if feel more like Christmas to me. I will be spendind Christmas with Dale, Nicki, Josh and Drake. I am more in the Christmas spirit now. My shopping is done. I just have to wrap the gifts. My cards are sent out. I still have to do the baking, which Dale is going to help me with next week. We always have fun when we cook together.
My Christmas dinner is planned and I have most of the things I need for it. Just have to get a few last minute fruit and veggies. Even if I have to walk to the store in the snow I will be getthing those last minute items Monday or Tuesday.

Seeing all the snow today and hearing the kids in the neighborhood out playing brought back happy childhood memories. Memories of snowball fights with Momma and the other kids in our neighborhood, sledding, and the giving of fruit baskets to shutins while on a hay ride during the holidays with our church youth group. Then coming back to our house for cookies and hot chocolate. Those were the days.

Until next time, may your day be filled with peace love and happiness, in your own little piece of the world.

Using Chopsticks

2009-12-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

The following is a simple

guide.

1. If possible, use wood or bamboo chopsticks. Plastic

chopsticks are more slippery and harder to hold.

2. Hold the chopsticks in the middle, making sure that

the ends are even and do not cross.

3. Hold the top chopstick between the thumb and the index

and middle fingers.

4. Keep the bottom chopstick stationary at all times.

5. To pick up food, place a bit of pressure on the top chopstick.

This will move the tip closer to the bottom chopstick.

6. When the tips are close enough together, use them to grasp

a piece of food off the plate.

7. Lift the food up to your mouth, leaning over if necessary.

8. For foods containing bones (such as chicken), hold the food

with the chopsticks and eat around the bone.

Tips:

Children often prefer to hold chopsticks nearer the bottom

instead of in the middle.

Depression

2009-12-19T04:14:00.000-08:00

Depression

Definition of Depression
Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, low energy, disturbed sleep or appetite and poor concentration. Unlike normal feelings of sadness, these symptoms can become chronic or recurrent and interfere with a person's ability to take care of his or her daily responsibilities, sometimes leading to suicide. Depression can range from mild to severe and without treatment, symptoms can last for months or years.

Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, but the three most common are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

■Major depression is the most severe type of depression and interferes with a person's ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Some people experience only one episode of major depression, but many will have repeated episodes throughout their lifetime.
■Dysthymia is less severe than major depression, but persists for a longer period of time, often several years. People who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to perform daily functions but might seem consistently unhappy. Some may also experience episodes of major depression at some point in their lives.
■Bipolar Disorder (also called manic-depression) is characterized by episodes of depression, usually severe, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of depression can be different for each person, depending on the severity, frequency and duration of the disorder. Common symptoms of depression include the following:

■Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
■Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
■Irritability and/or restlessness
■Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
■Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
■Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
■Decreased energy and fatigue
■Insomnia, early-morning awakening or excessive sleeping
■Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss or gain
■Reoccurring pain, headaches or digestive problems that do not respond to treatment
■Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
People with bipolar disorder will show signs of the following during the mania episode:

■Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
■Poor judgment
■Inability to concentrate
■Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
■Difficulty sleeping
■Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
■Tendency to be easily distracted
Symptoms vary from case to case and range from mild to severe, but about half of the people with UC have mild symptoms. Symptoms can develop gradually or come on suddenly, but most people experience reoccurring flare-ups between periods of remission.

Causes
While the cause of depression is still being studied, scientists believe a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors may lead a person to become depressed. Currently, depression seems to occur as a result of abnormalities in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. It is unknown how the levels of neurotransmitters affect mood, but research shows the levels can be affected by the following factors:

■Family history of depression
■Trauma and stress, such as financial problems, divorce or the death of a loved one
■Pessimistic personality
■Medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and HIV
■Certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief
■Substance abuse
■Psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia
Treatment Options
The most common treatments for mild and moderate depression are counseling and antidepressant medicine, or a combination of the two. Doctors may also recommend electroconvulsive therapy, a procedure that uses an electrical current to change a patient's brain chemistry, which can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Alternative treatments may also be used, including herbal remedies, exercise, meditation and fasting. In more severe cases a patient may require psychiatric hospitalization to prevent self-harm or residential treatment, which offers a supportive place to live. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease, as well as how a patient has responded to previous treatments.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Sourc: here

A Time To Remember

2009-12-15T06:20:00.000-08:00

Every day is a time to remember our loved ones who have passed away. Holidays are no different.

Pick a time each day to remember and honor loved ones who are gone. Pick a place that means something to you and to those who are gone. My special place is my kitchen table. Light a candle and place it in the center of the table. Sit there and remember all the good times you had with your loved ones. Honor them by cooking their special food or a favorite meal of theirs. You can also put your favorite pictue of your loved on in the center of the table during the holidays and place a lit candle on each side of it for the centerpiece and ask your guest to share a special memory about your loved one, or just to share something they remember about your loved one that made them special to them.

There are many different ways to remember some one. Donating to their favorite organization, group or charity, planting a tree, volunteering your time to a worthy cause in honor of the loved one. Each person is different and has their own special way of honoring their loved ones who have passed on.

Just the other day my 5 year old grandson was asking me about his Mamaw Rosa. He was talking about the things he remembered doing with her. He even remembered some of the things she had said to him. Children remember more things than we think they do. We talked about Mamaw Rosa for about half an hour then he went to watch cartoons. He looks at pictures of her in both my home and his, and talks about her and ask questions about her being gone. He knows that when you pass away your gone and that you wont see the person again. Once he ask if we could go for a walk and go see Mamaw Rosa and we just told him that where she was at is to far to walk to. That shes in Heave with God and the angels. But that she sees him every day and is watching over him all the time. That some day he will see her again. He was happy with that explanation.

I have some things in and around my home of loved ones that have passed on. I dont need material things to remember them. They all have a special place in my heart. These things were either given to me by my loved ones while they were still living or left to me once they were gone. I will treasure them always, but will treasure the special memories of the good times we had together more.

Until next time, I hope all is well with you and yours in your own little piece of the world.

Happy Holidays.

Holiday Traditions

2009-12-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

I want to start by posting this link to a Chicken Soup for the Soul story. You can read the story here. Its called The Giving Trees. We have a similar program here but its called Angel Tree.
It has tin soldiers for boys and angels for girls on it.

While growing up we werent poor, but werent rich either. Momma always worked and it seamed like there was just enough money to pay the bills and get the things we needed, with no money left over for the things that we wanted.

As most kids do we always said when we grow up things will be different when we have kids. Thats where this post starts my holiday traditions.

I got married in June and in August I turned 19. Our first Thanksgiving and Christmas was spent with Dales parents and his family at his parents house. The years after that both holidays were spent at our house with both sides of the family invited. Most of my family came since they lived close. Some of Dales family who lived close came. Sometimes his sister who lives in Texas came in for Christmas. His parents always came until they passed away.

I had never cooked a turkey before and my first down home family Thanksgiving, I got up early. Made stuffing the way momma always did. Stuffed the bird and put it in the oven to bake. Went back to bed and got up later to make the dinner. The hot rolls I had planned on making and serving turned out hard as rocks. I threw them out and hurried up and made homemade biscuits for dinner. The turkey was moist and golden brown. The rest of the dinner came out good. We all had a good time.

For both holidays after that first Thanksgiving dinner, we had family come to our house. I did most of the cooking. Family members often brought desserts. All I ask them to bring was themselves and what ever they wanted to drink that was non alocholic. I so looked forward to spending the holidays with family. Up until a couple of years ago that was our holiday tradition for this time of year.

Momma was in a nursing home a couple of years ago and we brought her home for Thanksgiving and Christmas to my youngest sisters house. We both cooked the dinner together. My daughter Nicki cooked a ham and brought it. I did the turkey and stuffing and took it. My sister Granda and her daughter Cassie, did most of the rest of the dinner with Nicki and I helping out. Most of our immediate families were there. We had a good time, good food and that was the last time that we got to spend the holidays with momma. After that Christmas she passed away in February.

Thanksgiving this past year was spent at home with Dale, Nicki and the boys. Christmas this year will be spent with them. The boys are going to their dads on Christmas Eve and home with Nicki on Christmas Day. I will do the cooking, will babysit the boys when Nicki has to leave to go to work. Dale will most likely have to work also. But the best part is that they wont have to work till after dinner.

Momma is gone but not forgotten. She gave us some great memories and started some lasting traditions in our family. I hope that you have your own traditions to pass down to those you love.

May your holiday season be a happy and peaceful one in your own little part of the world.

My Christmas Wish List

2009-12-12T04:48:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Wish List
~author unknown~

A BOX OF FORGIVENESS ~ so I can give to friends
A HANDFUL OF TEARS ~ to share with those who feel broken
A WARM SCARF ~ to wrap around the hearts of those needing closeness and warmth
SOME WARM AND FUZZY GLOVES ~ to share with those needing warm hands ~ loving hands
A HEART THAT IS NOT BROKEN ~ for one who believes her heart might be
A BEAUTIFUL CLOCK ~ to remind me of the times when I may have over-stepped my boundaries and said more than I should
A SOFT AND MELODIC CD ~ that can soothe the spirit when the spirit becomes flawed
SOME FALL LEAVES ~ to shower around those wanting the changes for their heart and soul
LOVELY CARDS ~ to send to those in need ~ welcoming them to a new day with kindness
WRAPPING PAPERS ~ in colors of the rainbow ~ to lift the spirits ~ to cause laughter and insight
A BOX FILLED WITH LAUGHTER ~ to send to someone who has not laughed or felt the thrill of joy in awhile
A CARTON OF KNOWING ~ so that lifting the spirits of others comes easier and often.

BITCHOLOGY

2009-12-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

BITCHOLOGY

When I stand up for
myself and my beliefs,
they call me a
bitch.

When I stand up for
those I love,
they call me a
bitch.

When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts
or do things my own way, they call me a
bitch.

Being a bitch
means I won't
compromise what's
in my heart.

It means I live my life MY way.
It means I won't allow anyone to step on me.
When I refuse to
tolerate injustice and
speak against it, I am
defined as a
bitch.

The same thing happens when I take time for
myself instead of being everyone's maid, or when I act a
little selfish.

It means I have the courage and strength to allow myself to
be who I truly am and won't become anyone else's idea of
what they think I 'should' be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined.
I want what I want and there is nothing wrong with that!
So try to stomp on me, just try to douse my inner flame,
Try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me.
You won't succeed.

And if that makes me a bitch ,so be it.
I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman

B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle 'anything'

Its not whats on the outside

2009-12-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

Its not whats on the outside that makes us the person we are. Its whats on the inside. Whats in our hearts and mind. Stranger on the doorstep is an interesting video about one mans looks and the lady who befriends him, and their bond of friendship. You can watch the video here.

Another video you might like is The Rose Tree Cottage about a couple surviving Cancer.We just need to keep the faith, never give up hoping that all things will work out. You can watch the video here.

Having hope and keeping the faith isnt always easy to do. Some times I wonder how things will ever turn out right. I just pray asking for Gods guidence in the matter and for Him to let me do His will and not mine. God knows what is best for me. I just need to listen with my heart.

I am not perfect and I never will be.But I know I will survive. I believe in myself and my abilities to take care of me and others. I have been a caregiver of one kind or another most of my life. Being a caregiver of those who have major illness is not easy. I get emotionally attached and when losing the one I am caring for is hard.

I hope all is right in your little piece of the world. My happiness, peace, love and hope and joy be yours this holiday season.

Sunday December 6, 2009

2009-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

I am still not feeling good. I didnt sleep good last night. I coughed off and on all night long. I woke up at 5 this morning. Got up and took meds, ate and went back to bed to cough some more. Was just dozing off when Nicki called to see if I wanted to go with her to pick up Dale at work. So, I got up, got dressed and went with her to get her dad. The house is quiet now. Just the sound of me typing.

My horoscope for today
December 6, 2009
Today's dramatic Leo Moon provokes us to do whatever is necessary to be seen and heard. We won't likely sit on the sidelines now, especially as the Moon moves toward a conjunction with energetic Mars, emboldened by its extended visit to Leo. Expressing ourselves should be easy with eight planets in active fire signs and intellectual airs signs, but we would be wise to consider other people's feelings before doing something that hurts someone we love.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
12/6/2009
You may respond too quickly to someone's invitation today and find that you have said yes to more than you intended. If you don't take the time to think about what will happen next, you could be surprised that your inflated optimism led you to such a wrong conclusion. There's no need to be overly cautious, but tempering your impulsive enthusiasm just a bit can prevent a difficult situation from developing later on.
By Rick Levine, copyright 2008, Tarot.com

Other tidbits I want to share today:

Are You Aging Gracefully?

Reaching for Grace
You know what aging gracefully would look like, but sometimes you have to stop, take a breath, and remind yourself that there's reason to look forward to the years ahead.

Graceful Age

You are doing a wonderful job of aging with grace, balance, and hope. You are connected in a healthy way to friends and family, see your life as having good stuff both behind and ahead of you, and aren't fighting the natural progress of life into this next, beautiful stage. Keep walking forward, and keep up your inspired outlook.

Working on It
You aren't completely in denial, but you could use some guidance on looking ahead with optimism, hope, and acceptance.

Kicking and Screaming
Simply put, you do not want to get older. Fighting that inevitable process, though, is an emotionally and physically draining proposition, and you could use some perking up.

Quote of the Day

The real test comes when you lose.
Dick Vermeil

Today's Angel Quote

Angel of God who is my guardian, enlighten, watch over, support and rule me, who was entrusted to you by the heavenly piety. Amen.
Catholic prayer

Not sure what I will be doing the rest of the day. Hopefully I can take a nap before going to Nickis to babysit tonight.

I hope all is well for you and yours in your own little piece of the world today.

Diabetes and Me

2009-12-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have diabetes. That means I had to make some changes in my life over 10 years ago when I was diagnosed as a diabetic. Let me tell you a little about diabetes.

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Type 2 Diabetes

Any of the type 1 symptoms
Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms

If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Diabetes Myths

There are many myths about diabetes that make it difficult for people to believe some of the hard facts – such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease. These myths can create a picture of diabetes that is not accurate and full of stereotypes and stigma.

Recently the American Diabetes Association tested Americans knowledge of common diabetes myths and facts. See how they scored.

Get the facts about diabetes and learn how you can stop diabetes myths and misconceptions.

Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease.

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: No, it does not. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.

Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” foods generally offer no special benefit. Most of them still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive, and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.

Fact: Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.

Fact: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes than they are to people without diabetes.

Myth: You can catch diabetes from someone else.

Fact: No. Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.

Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any illness can make diabetes more difficult to control, and people with diabetes who do get the flu are more likely than others to go on to develop serious complications.

Myth: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor says you need to start using insulin, it means you’re failing to take care of your diabetes properly.

Fact: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Using insulin to get blood glucose levels to a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad one.

Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish.

Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

Having diabetes doesnt mean that I cant live a normal life and do the things that I want to do. It just means that I have to monitor my glucose levels, watch the amoungt of food I eat. It means with diet, exercise and prescribed meds that I control my diabetes and dont let it control me.

With the internet available, there is all kinds of information out for people to do the research on diabetes and any other illness they may care to look up.

Until next time I hope that all is well and you are happy in your little piece of the world.

Obsessing

2009-12-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Obsessing

Is your peace of mind in the present or is it in the past due to your obsessing?

Obsessive thoughts can interfer with your daily life. Your thoughts get
stuck on something, and like a broken or stuck record you think them over
and over and over. The French call Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
“folie de doute,” or “the doubting disease.” And that’s what obsessions are—a single doubt caught in an endless loop of thoughts.
But even those not diagnosed with OCD can struggle with obsessions. In fact, I have yet to meet a depressive who doesn’t ruminate,
especially in our age of anxiety. Every day gives sensitive types plenty of material to obsess about

Name your fear or doubt. By doing so you can rob it of some of its power
over you. Dont jump to conclusions about your fears and doubts. Dont exagerate or discount the positive by thinking that none of your accomplishments count.
Examine how your fears and doubts effect others and what it is costing you. Decide if it is worth the risk of having them reject you. If they reject you then you are a better person for having told them.

Set a time every day for writing it down in a journal or blog how you are feeling. Writing about fears and doubts can be helpful. Its your way of expressing them even if no one reads then but you from time to time. Write out the obsession on a piece of paper. Then crinkle it up and throw it away. That way you have literally thrown out your obsession.

Dont let your fears, doubts and obsessions drag you down.
Ask yourself:
Do I need to change anything?
Can I change anything?
Can I amend this situation somehow?
Do I have anything I need to do to find peace?
Decide what you can change and what you cant.

Dont obsesse over your mistakes. Not where other people are involved and you hurt them unintentionally. Ask yourself what have you learned from not doing it right the first time.

Dont jump to conclusions about what is going on or has happened that youre obsessing about.
Get all the facts and examine them. Look at them before letting them become an obsession.

Dont give in and refuse to let yourself move ahead. You need to forgive yourself.
Forgiving yourself means concentrating on the insights gained from mistakes, and to let go of the rest.You can still live a full life. You do have people who love you.

Until next time I hope that all is right in your little piece of the world.

My Horoscope For today

2009-12-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

December 2, 2009
Today's restless Gemini Full Moon at 2:30 am EST increases the tension between our immediate needs and our long-term goals when illuminated by the Sun in far-reaching Sagittarius. Lovely Venus, newly arrived in Sagittarius, joins the Sun and philosophical Mercury to inspire us to extend our thinking beyond our usual limitations. Meanwhile, we don't seem to be able to let go of our attachment to the busyness that has taken over our daily lives.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
12/2/2009
This can be quite a social day with the Full Moon visiting your 11th House of Friends. But it can also be somewhat stressful because you might prefer quality one-on-one time with a special companion rather than just being one of the crowd. However, losing yourself in a group does have its own special advantage now, for you can maintain enough anonymity that you won't have to talk about a topic you want to keep to yourself for a while longer.

Guardian Angels

2009-12-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in guardian angels? I do. Earlier this morning a friend of mine who lives at the top of the hill of us was taking his kids to school and the brakes went out of his van right as he turned off his street to start down the hill. The van went down over the hill into the trees and brush. He yelled for the kids to get down on the floor and steered the van into a tree so that it wouldnt flip and roll.
Their guardian angel was looking after them this morning. No one got hurt.

My nephews guardian angle watches over him and has kept him safe from 4 bad car wrecks where the vehicles he was driving was totaled.

I believe in guardian angles, miracles and the power of prayer.

Until next time I hope things are good for you in your little piece of the world.

December 1st Horoscope for Leo

2009-12-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

My Horoscope for today.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
12/1/2009
You are excited when you think about the future, but it's hard to tell if you're just making it all up. Romance may seem quite real to you now as you dangle a carrot in front of yourself in order to get motivated. Regardless of what happens, this is a positive development if it encourages you to take care of business today so you are ready for whatever happens later on.

Do I believe in horoscopes? Yes, to a certain extent. There is so many interputations out there for each zodiac sign and not any two the same. So therefore if I just follow one of them such as the one above from Beliefnet then I can relate so some of them about what is going on in my life on that day.

A New Day A New Beginning

2009-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

My horoscope for for today kind of fits how I am feeling right now.
This is my horoscope for today

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
11/30/2009
You know what you want, but the situation keeps changing like the winds on a spring day. Just as you get comfortable with flying your kite one way, everything shifts and you must readjust your behavior in order to prevent it from crashing down to earth. This would not be a problem, except that you must pay constant attention or suffer the consequences. Maintaining a high level of concentration is your spiritual practice now and if you succeed, the rewards will be worth the wait.

Considering every thing that happened this past week it fits. I knew what I wanted last week and things did keep changing. I wouldnt say it came crashing down, but I think the things that did change, was for the best. It made me realize just who my true internet friends are. As to the rewards part of it, was it worth it? I would say it was. It was a learning experience that I wont forget any time soon and I have learned that I will be more careful who I trust.

The best rewards of last week was working together with Nicki and her friends and getting her car fixed, and getting to spend Thanksgiving day with Dale, Nicki, Josh and Drake.

Until next time I hope all is well in your little piece of the world. May you find peace and happiness today and every day.

Lies

2009-11-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

Something good happened today. Nicki got her car fixed and it only cost her for the part. A friend fixed it for her. Now thats what I call a friend. Someone that tells you lies and thinks they wont get caught is not a friend and I found out today that I have just such a friend. Smiling. Hey thats ok, she will trip over her lies and she is the one who has to live with knowing she is lying to people who believed in and trusted her.

I am in such a good mood tonight. Feel better than I have for a while other than just being tired. Played in psp and started a new scrapkit. Will work on it more this coming week and for once tonight all is right in my little piece of the world.

Until next time I wish for all to be right in your little piece of the word and may you be happy and healthy.

I Hear You

2009-11-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

I heard you this past week. I learned just what kind of back stabbing friends I have.
I learned that from listening that there is no one whom I can count on but myself when dealing with internet friends. Why do I say that? Because things have been said that were lies about me, and the person saying them didnt have the guts to say them to me. Talk about two faced. That person is. Says good things about you when youre around and then trashes you to mutual friends when youre not around. Am I hurt by this?
I was but after thinking about every thing that happened this past week, I am no longer hurt by it. I should of known it would happen again. Yes, it has happened before and I didnt learn from it. But I have learned from it this time. What I have learned is that they no longer have the power to hurt me. That certain friendships werent ment to be. That not all things are what they seem especially people met on the internet. I have forgiven them and will be forgetting in time the hurt they caused. I will be moving on and that some will think they are moving on but in reality they are stuck in the past, cant forgive themself for the mistakes they made. My wish and prayers for those who hurt me and others this past week, may you have another chance to make things right when things go wrong in your life, may you find peace and happiness in all that you do. It has been nice knowing you and learning about the negative side of life from you all.
If your reading this and think its about you then it probaly is about you.
Until next time, may your own little piece of the world bring you peace and happiness

Mixed Emotions

2009-11-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

I am not sure where I am going with this post this morning or how long it may get. But thats ok. Mixed emotions are my feelings right now and I am not sure how to explain them.

I have been spending my nights at my daughters this week babysitting. I have been unable to check my outlook mail. Well this morning I come home to find out who my real true friends are. By that I mean I thought I knew someone and what I knew would happen has happened. A group of people whom I thought of as close friends and were like family to me for the past year and half has just showed me again that they arent reliable as friends. Some of those people are but for the most part most of them will not keep in touch. Well thats life and I except it and them for what it/they are. People who say one thing but mean something totally different. The ones who will stay in touch are the ones whom I became close to and are the ones who are the true friends you can count on being there for you when you need them. They know who they are.

There is a lot more I could say here but wont. Because I know just how fragile some people are and how whatever any one says they think it is about them even if you clearly state that its not about any one person but people in general.

Do you follow your heart and be true to yourself? Respect yourself for standing up for what you believe in? Or do you watch what you say and only say what you think other people want to hear? Me I say what I am feeling at the time. I have no problem speaking my mind and standing up for myself or someone who is unable to speak up and take their part. By this I mean kids and elderly people.

I will be letting go of some people who have been an important part of my life for well over a year now. But thats all part of life and we just have to learn to let go and move on. I do not believe every thing someone tells me and I know from past experience that what one person said isnt true. That this person has lied before.
I wish her the best that life has to offer and I hope that she finds what she is looking for in her on lil piece of the world. I wish her luck with the things going on in her life and I truly hope that she will be happy in whatever she decides to do with her life.

Until next time may you all find peace and happiness in your own little piece of the world.

Its Snowing

2009-11-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

Its cold 31 out and the snow is coming down. It has been snowing since earlier this morning. Our first snowfall this winter.

I love just sitting in front of the window watching the snow fall or out playing with my grandsons in the snow.

When I was growing up, our street got closed cause of the snow and ice and my siblings and I and the kids in our neighborhood used to take our sleds to the top of the hill on our street and go all the way to the bottom of the street and across the street at the bottom of the hill into a vacant lot. Momma use to come outside and make snow angels with us or help us build a huge snowman. She even had snowball fights with us.

My favorite childhood snow memory is when we moved from a huge city to the country. I was in high school then. My brothers, sister and I were in the churchs youth group choir. We had a hay ride one Christmas eve and it was cold and snowing. We went carroling and gave out food baskets. Afterwards, every one came back to our house and Momma served hot chocolate and baked goodies.

That was the good ole days. Things have changed alot since then. I have changed. I became a wife, a mother and a grandmother and I enjoy all of the them. Theres no other feeling like having the boys come back from spending the week at their dads and hugging me and telling me that they missed me and love me.

Its now 12:03 pm and the morning is gone. This morning as now my emotions and feelings are going in different directions.

Until next time I hope you are well and happy and things are good in your little piece of the world.

How Do You Know Youre Doing The Right Thing?

2009-11-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

How do you know youre doing the right thing in any given situation? Well I would have to say for me its the right thing even if it doesnt turn out the way you envision it turning out. As long as I feel in my heart that its right for me then it is. Others may not see it the way I do. I am not going to let the way others see things differently from the way I do bring me down. Especially when I feel good about the positive results of my actions.

Its late and I have to be up early in the morning so in closing I will say that I hope all is well in your lil part of the world and good night.

Friend/Friendship

2009-11-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Websters defines Friend as one attached to another by affection; a favorer; one who is propitious; favorite

Have you ever really sit down and thought about how your friends effect your life. What kind of impact they have in your daily life?

For me a true friend is a rare person whom I form a special bond with. Some one whom is there for me no matter what. They will be there through the good and bad times. Laugh with me, cry with me and share all aspects of my life. Some one whom I can confide in and know it will go no farther. A person that I would be there for in the same way. A best friend doesnt have to necessary have to see you every day, but is a person who is just a call away when you need then. A best friend isnt good to you to your face and talks about you behind your back. A best friend is willing to get up to mischief with you. A best friend is a person who encourages you to be the best you can be. To support you. Who loves you for the person you are and not for the material things you can give them.

Internet friends are no different to me than a friend whom I see in person. An internet friend is often the one whom I talk to late at night when most people are sleeping. We laugh, we share things about our day, we talk about any thing and every thing. I have a lot of internet friends, some met through yahoo or google groups and some met in unusual ways, like a mishap with email being sent to me when I never even heard of the man before. Through this mishap he and I became the best of friends. Through him I met a lot of other people on a chat site and made more friends. He and I have been friends for about 15 years now.

My best friend though my high school years passed away last year and I miss her. Funny thing is her daughter and 3 grandchilden live beside of my daugher and had live there for a year before I found out she was my best friend from high schools daughter. Her dad was there one day while I was at my daughters. Thats how I found out.

Some of my friends are easier to talk to than others. But that doesnt make them any less of a friend. It just means that I have to work harder to make it a better friendship.

Until next time, I hope all is well in your own little piece of the world.

Positive Thinking

2009-11-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

Last night while up with Josh sick, I was thinking about today and how it would go. Dale had to work last night after all and I wasn't sure if he was going to get to come home this weekend or not. But then I thought that if I was thinking more positive thoughts then just maybe God would provide a way for him to come home and spend Thanksgiving with us. He did get to come home this morning. It was just Dale, Nicki and I for dinner. Josh slept most of the day and didn't go to his dads. Drake went and they went to his other grandparents for dinner. When Josh got up he was feeling much better just before they left to go home.

I used an oven bag for my turkey for the first time today. Not sure how it would turn out. The turkey came out great, golden brown and so tender if fell off the bone.

Good things come to those who have positive thoughts and patience. So all in all my day was a good one. I hope yours was to. So until next time be well and happy.

Thanksgiving Morning

2009-11-26T03:43:00.000-08:00

It's 6:45 am and I have had 3 hours sleep since 6 am yesterday morning. The house is quiet. All is sleeping but me.

The turkey is in the oven roasting. The pies are baked. The potato salad is made. All that is left to do today for dinner is cook the rest of the meal. Todays menu
is
turkey
stuffing which is home made
mashed potatos
green beans
corn
baked beans
macaroni and cheese
pumpkin and apple pies
hot rolls

The boys are going to their dads this morning and will be back around noon. Thats when we will eat.

I have many things to be thankful for today and every day. Freedom, to live life to the fullest, fair health, true friends and some family members who love me for the person I am, a place to live, food on the table, the oppertunity to spend time with family and friends, doing things together.

The holidays can be a sad time without family members who have passed on. I know that my Momma would want us to have a good and happy holiday without her. Shes gone but not fogotten. I know she's her in spirit. I miss you Momma.

I can smell the turkey cooking. Smells good and making me hungry. Will soon be time for breakfast.

In closing, I wish you all a safe, blessed and happy Thanksgiving. For those of you traveling I wish you a safe journey.

Until next time be well and happy.

Feelings

2009-11-25T16:43:00.000-08:00

How do I feel tonight?

I feel good about myself and what I believe in. I had decide long ago that if I dont stand up for myself no one will. I decided at the same time that I am not going to let let others push me around. It has been pointed out to me that I am a doormat for my daughter. Well that may be how some sees it but the way I see it,
She is my daughter, the boys are my grandsons and I love all three of them and by babysitting them I am helping her out and I get to spend time with the boys whereas if they had another sitter I wouldnt get to spend that much time with them since they both are in school now. Thats what families do help each other out when they can. She also payes me for babysitting.

Honestly, I could care less what others think about the way I live my life. Its mine to live and I will live it as I see fit. As long as I am happy with the way things are in my life thats all that matters. I respect myself and I respect other people. Other people are entitle to their own opinions about me. Doesnt make their opinion right or wrong. It also dont make my opinions right or wrong.

I am smiling, the boys is here and all is good in my little piece of the world tonight. Tomorrow will be a good and happy Thanksgiving. My hubby doesnt have to work and neither does my daughter. We all will be spending the day together.

Until next time I hope you will be well and happy in your own little piece of the world.

Early Morning Thoughts

2009-11-25T03:47:00.000-08:00

The house is quiet for the most part. The furnace just kicked on adding to the sound of the radio coming from Josh's room. Both boys are still sleeping. Its raining. The rain started sometime after midnight. A little over an hour and I will be going home. Thats when my day will start. I am going to do some baking and other things to get ready for our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.

My thoughts right now are of holidays past an my Mommma. I miss my Momma and spending the holidays with her. I have good memories of the holidays. This holiday season I have things to be thankful. I have a place to live, food to eat, heat to keep me warm, my husband, my daughter and grandsons to spend the holidays with.

Smiling as I think about making stuffing the way Momma taught me to. While growing up Momma gave my younger sister and I the choice of one of use doing the cooking and the other doing the clean up after wards. My sister chose to do the clean up. So this is how I learned to cook. Funny thing is when were grown up and married, it was my sister calling asking me how to make this or that. She still does it 30 years later. Her daughter even does it and so does my daughter.

Do we ever really grow up? I dont think I did. I am still a kid at heart. I love storms, walking in the rain, splashing in mud puddle, getting down in the floor playing with the boys, coloring, and wrestling with them. Giggling an laughing at silly things. Will I ever grow up? Maybe maybe not, my body is aging and with that comes the aches and pains of growing old. I try not to let the aches and pains and my health problems keep me from doing the things I need or want to do.

I would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. May your day today be a peaceful and happy one. Until next time.

Emotional Abuse

2009-11-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

Abuse

Abuse comes in many forms. I will discuss Emotional Abuse today.

What is Emotional Abuse?

Abuse is any behavior that is designed to control and subjugate another human being through the use of fear, humiliation, intimidation, guilt, coercion, manipulation etc. Emotional abuse is any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics, such as repeated disapproval or even the refusal to ever be pleased.

Emotional abuse is like brain washing in that it systematically wears away at the victim's self-confidence, sense of self-worth, trust in their own perceptions, and self-concept. Whether it is done by constant berating and belittling, by intimidation, or under the guise of "guidance," "teaching", or "advice," the results are similar. Eventually, the recipient of the abuse loses all sense of self and remnants of personal value. Emotional abuse cuts to the very core of a person, creating scars that may be far deeper and more lasting that physical ones. In fact there is research to this effect. With emotional abuse, the insults, insinuations, criticism and accusations slowly eat away at the victim's self-esteem until she is incapable of judging the situation realistically. She has become so beaten down emotionally that she blames herself for the abuse. Her self-esteem is so low that she clings to the abuser.

Types of Emotional Abuse

Abusive Expectations

The other person places unreasonable demands on you and wants you to put everything else aside to tend to their needs.
It could be a demand for constant attention, or a requirement that you spend all your free time with the person.
But no matter how much you give, it's never enough.
You are subjected to constant criticism, and you are constantly berated because you don't fulfill all this person's needs.
Aggressing

Aggressive forms of abuse include name-calling, accusing, blaming, threatening, and ordering. Aggressing behaviors are generally direct and obvious. The one-up position the abuser assumes by attempting to judge or invalidate the recipient undermines the equality and autonomy that are essential to healthy adult relationships. This parent-child pattern of communication (which is common to all forms of verbal abuse) is most obvious when the abuser takes an aggressive stance.
Aggressive abuse can also take a more indirect form and may even be disguised and "helping." Criticizing, advising, offering solutions, analyzing, proving, and questioning another person may be a sincere attempt to help. In some instances however, these behaviors may be an attempt to belittle, control, or demean rather than help. The underlying judgmental "I know best" tone the abuser takes in these situations is inappropriate and creates unequal footing in peer relationships. This and other types of emotional abuse can lead to what is known as learned helplessness.
Constant Chaos

The other person may deliberately start arguments and be in constant conflict with others.
The person may be "addicted to drama" since it creates excitement.
Denying

Denying a person's emotional needs, especially when they feel that need the most, and done with the intent of hurting, punishing or humiliating (Examples)
The other person may deny that certain events occurred or that certain things were said. confronts the abuser about an incident of name calling, the abuser may insist, "I never said that," "I don't know what you're talking about," etc. You know differently.
The other person may deny your perceptions, memory and very sanity.
Withholding is another form of denying. Withholding includes refusing to listen, refusing to communicate, and emotionally withdrawing as punishment. This is sometimes called the "silent treatment."
When the abuser disallows and overrules any viewpoints, perceptions or feelings which differ from their own.
Denying can be particularly damaging. In addition to lowering self-esteem and creating conflict, the invalidation of reality, feelings, and experiences can eventually lead you to question and mistrust your own perceptions and emotional experience.
Denying and other forms of emotional abuse can cause you to lose confidence in your most valuable survival tool: your own mind.
Dominating

Someone wants to control your every action. They have to have their own way, and will resort to threats to get it.
When you allow someone else to dominate you, you can lose respect for yourself.

Emotional Blackmail

The other person plays on your fear, guilt, compassion, values, or other "hot buttons" to get what they want.
This could include threats to end the relationship, totally reject or abandon you, giving you the the "cold shoulder," or using other fear tactics to control you.

Invalidation

The abuser seeks to distort or undermine the recipient's perceptions of their world. Invalidating occurs when the abuser refuses or fails to acknowledge reality. For example, if the recipient tells the person they felt hurt by something the abuser did or said, the abuser might say "You are too sensitive. That shouldn't hurt you." Here is a much more complete description of invalidation
Minimizing

Minimizing is a less extreme form of denial. When minimizing, the abuser may not deny that a particular event occurred, but they question the recipient's emotional experience or reaction to an event. Statements such as "You're too sensitive," "You're exaggerating," or "You're blowing this out of proportion" all suggest that the recipient's emotions and perceptions are faulty and not be trusted.
Trivializing, which occurs when the abuser suggests that what you have done or communicated is inconsequential or unimportant, is a more subtle form of minimizing.
Unpredictable Responses

Drastic mood changes or sudden emotional outbursts. Whenever someone in your life reacts very differently at different times to the same behavior from you, tells you one thing one day and the opposite the next, or likes something you do one day and hates it the next, you are being abused with unpredictable responses.
This behavior is damaging because it puts you always on edge. You're always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and you can never know what's expected of you. You must remain hypervigilant, waiting for the other person's next outburst or change of mood.
An alcoholic or drug abuser is likely to act this way. Living with someone like this is tremendously demanding and anxiety provoking, causing the abused person to feel constantly frightened, unsettled and off balance.
Verbal Assaults

Berating, belittling, criticizing, name calling, screaming, threatening

Excessive blaming, and using sarcasm and humiliation.

Blowing your flaws out of proportion and making fun of you in front of others. Over time, this type of abuse erodes your sense of self confidence and self-worth.

Understanding Abusive Relationships

No one intends to be in an abusive relationship, but individuals who were verbally abused by a parent or other significant person often find themselves in similar situations as an adult. If a parent tended to define your experiences and emotions, and judge your behaviors, you may not have learned how to set your own standards, develop your own viewpoints and validate your own feeling and perceptions. Consequently, the controlling and defining stance taken by an emotional abuser may feel familiar or even conformable to you, although it is destructive.

Recipients of abuse often struggle with feelings of powerlessness, hurt, fear, and anger. Ironically abusers tend to struggle with these same feelings. Abuser are also likely to have been raised in emotionally abusive environments and they learn to be abusive as a way to cope with their own feelings of powerlessness, hurt , fear, and anger. Consequently, abusers may be attracted to people who see themselves as helpless or who have not learned to value their own feelings, perceptions, or viewpoints. This allows the abuser to feel more secure and in control, and avoid dealing with their own feelings, and self-perceptions.

Emotional abuse victims can become so convinced that they are worthless that they believe that no one else could want them. They stay in abusive situations because they believe they have nowhere else to go. Their ultimate fear is being all alone.

Understanding the pattern of your relationships, specially those with family members and other significant people, is a fist step toward change. A lack of clarity about who you are in relationship to significant others may manifest itself in different ways. For example, you may act as an "abuser" in some instances and as a "recipient" in others. You may find that you tend to be abused in your romantic relationships, allowing your partners to define and control you. In friendships, however, you may play the role of abuser by withholding, manipulating, trying to "help" others, etc. Knowing yourself and understanding your past can prevent abuse from being recreated in your life.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are You Abusive to Yourself?

Often we allow people into our lives who treat us as we expect to be treated. If we feel contempt for ourselves or think very little of ourselves, we may pick partners or significant others who reflect this image back to us. If we are willing to tolerate negative treatment from others, or treat others in negative ways, it is possible that we also treat ourselves similarly. If you are an abuser or a recipient, you may want to consider how you treat yourself. What sorts of things do you say to yourself? Do thoughts such as "I'm stupid" or "I never do anything right" dominate your thinking? Learning to love and care for ourselves increases self-esteem and makes it more likely that we will have healthy, intimate relationships.

This is only small part of emotional abuse. You can find more here
http://eqi.org/eabuse1.htm#What is Emotional Abuse?
That is where this information came from.

I will post more on abuse at some other time. I will talk about all differnt kinds of things that interest me or things I think
is import. Because I talk about them dont mean that that is what is going on in my life at the time I post them. Because
I am in a lot of different groups, my interest varies and that dont mean that any of my post is direceted toward any one person
or group. My blogs are all public blogs and are there for any one to read. Its your choice to read them or not. Comments are welcome, positve as
well as negative. I hope that you wont be offend if I address or reply to your comments.

Have a good rest of your day/evening/night.

What A Day Its Been So Far

2009-11-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

What a day its been so far and its not over yet.

My sugar levels are running low today, making me not feel well. I walk home from Nicki and come in the kitchen door and the first thing I see is that my carpet is soaking wet. I didnt see the note Dale left telling me what happened. He wasnt home as he had left before I got home to catch the van to the VA Hospital. When he got home about 1 he said the hot water line broke last night that goes to the kitchen sink. Last year during Thanksgiving Week it was my toliet that was leaking and now this. The handyman is out of reach, hes hunting and no phone access. His wife called the landlady and Dale walked over town to get glue to glue the pipe back together. If it wasnt for bad luck I wouldnt have any luck at all!

At least the weather is nicer out today. Cool but sunny. Nice enough to be out walking. I got my exercise for the day. Walked home from Nickis, walked over town and back, and I still have to walk to Nicks tonight to babysit. I dont have to babysit tomorrow or Thanksgiving day. Part of my day tomorrow will be spent baking and getting things ready for Thanksgiving and the other part will be spent resting.

Hope your day has been better than mine has and if it hasnt then I hope it gets better as the day goes on.
Have a good rest of your day/evening/night.

About My Blog

2009-11-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

This blog is about me and my thoughts and if it offends
someone or makes them think its about them. Then its
their problem and not mine.
My blog is just my thoughts about life in general and not any one
person but people in general.

Its your choice to read it or not.
I will remain true to myself and be posting how I am feeling
at the time of the posts. For thats what this blog is about
bits and pieces of the world around me as I see it.

I know people have difference of opinions and that doesnt make
them right or wrong. My thoughts/opinions are just that. Mine and
mine alone. No two people think alike. That doesnt make my opinions right or wrong.

If you have comments good or bad please feel free to leave them. It wont
hurt my feelings any if you leave some negative feedback. Who knows I may
even address your concerns in a blog post, or if you would like to keep it
private you can leave me your email addy and I will mail you.

On that note, I will be saying good night and getting ready to leave for
my daughters. Who knows I may even post again tonight from her house or not
depending on how I feel when I get there.

This blog from now on will be about me and my thoughts. Recipes will now be posted to my Friends Cooking Together Blog since I can now get into that account.

Good night, may your slumber be peaceful and restful and may the coming day
bring you peace and happiness.

Positives

2009-11-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Positive-Definitely laid down; explicit; absolute; actual; confident; dogmatical; affirmative.

I want to take the confident part of positive and say that I am confident in myself. Even though I do have doubts sometimes about things. I am positive that I can handle just about any thing that comes my way. I am no longer afarid to stand up for what I believe in. If I think youre wrong about something I will tell you. It doesnt mean I am right or youre wrong, it just means I have the courage to let you know how I feel about the situation.

Absolute-Unlimited; unconditional; certain; despotic. This aspect of positive in my life at this time means that I believe in myself. I am the person who I want to be. I respect myself. I respect others until they give me a reason not to. I have the unconditional love and respect of the people who mean the most to me. I return their love and respect them for the person that they are.

Dogmatical/dogmatism/dogmatize- dogmatism is positiveness in assertion; arrogance in opinion. Dogmatize is to assert with undue confidence; to advance with arrogance.
Dogmatism the part about having opinions and being confident enough to express those opinions fits me to a t. I admit that I am very opinionated.

Positives in my life at this time:
Family, friends, belief in myself and my abilities to get things done, not great health but not so bad that it limits me in the things I want to do. A place to live and food on the table. Clothes to wear, the exra things that make daily living more comfortable and easier for me. The list is endless.

I am greatful for the things I have and for those that I dont have that I want but dont necessary have to have to survive, I think I will have them some day. Maybe not today or tomorrow but it is something positive to look forward to.

Now on a lighter note-I am thankful that Nicki has Thanksgiving off. I am looking forward to spending some time with her and the boys. I do miss the boys when they spend the week with their dad. I am always glad to see them when they come home.
I dont even mind when I am babysitting and its a day that they dont have to go to school and Drake comes in early and wakes me up. Like this morning he work me up at 6:45, gave me a hug and said, Nana I'm hungry. Know what I smell? I ask him what he smelled and he said cereal. I got up and the boys and I went downstairs, Josh got himself a poptart while I checked my sugar. Then I made scrambled eggs for breakfast. When I told the boys bye that I was going home, Drake wanted to know how come I was going home. I told him I had things at home to do and I would see him tonight if he wasnt sleeping when I got there or in the morning. He hugged me and said ok.

I walked home and when I got here after messaging Nicki on the pc to let her know I made it home ok, I wrote a check and Dale went to the bank and grocery store. While he was gone I checked my email and when he got back, together we put together beef stew in an oven bag and put it in the oven to bake for dinner. And that was my morning.

I hope you all have a good day/evening/night.

Expectations

2009-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Expectations

Expectation-act or state of expecting; prospect of good to come;
prospect of reaching a certain age.

My expectations of friends and family is for them to respect me as
a person. Nothing more nothing less. I dont need material things
from them.

With the financial difficulties this year it will be a very lean Christmas
for some families. Some people will spend the day alone while others
celebrate with family and friends. Gift exchanges for my family, will
consist of us just giving gifts to Josh and Drake. I will cook the Christmas
dinner and most likely have the boys part of the day and their Dad will have
them part of the day. Dale and Nicki will probably have to work Christmas
night.

I really dont expect my family or friends to give me a gift for any occassion,
all I ask from them is to come if they can and celebrate with me.

Expecting things from people is not always a good thing. Some people just are
built to give things or do the things others expect from them. People who have
jobs, if they want to keep them then they have to do what their boss expects them
to do and if that is work on the holidays, then they have to work to keep their jobs.

I expect others to hurt me, been there done that and I know it will happen again.
What I dont expect from my so called friends is for them to say that they are
my friend then totally ignore me. Friends that are a friend only when they want
something from me. Well learned a long time ago that friends like that I dont need
complicating my life. I can live with them or without them. Their choice, but also
my choice as to whom I will be friends with. Most of my internet friends I consider
as part of my extended family and I would be very broken hearted to lose their friendship.
Some times life's circumstances causes those friends made on the net to leave. I am sad
when that happens but I understand it has to be that way. Its just part of life.

So, live life to the fullest for you never know if tomorrow will come, no matter what
tell those you love that you love them. Be the person you are and never change for any one,
but yourself. Only you can fullfill your expectations for yourself. Others have to do it for
themselves. I think the less you expect of others the lesse you get hurt.

Enjoy your day/evening/night depending on which part of the world youre in.
Until next time may you be blessed, and stay safe.

Honest and Honor

2009-11-22T04:36:00.000-08:00

Honest-on'est, a. Free from Fraud; upright; just; sincere; candid;
virtuous

Honor-Pronunciation: \ˈä-nər\
a good name or public esteem
a showing of usually merited respect : recognition
one whose worth brings respect or fame
a keen sense of ethical conduct : integrity of honor> b : one's word given as a guarantee of performance

synonyms honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem
shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great
respect or to any expression of such recognition
. homage adds the implication of accompanying
praise . reverence implies profound respect
mingled with love, devotion, or awe .
deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference
out of respect or reverence .

I think honor is an important part of life. You must first honor yourself. By this
I mean you must respect yourself. You must have good self esteem, if you give
your word to someone I think you should honor it. The only way I break my
word once given is if I am ill and cant do the things I said/promised I would do.
I also call the person whom I have given my word to and let them know that I
am ill and cant do what I promised I would do at that time and ask if I can do
it when I am feeling better.

Honor can mean many different things as you can see from the defination above.
Honor means different things to different people.

I was raised to mean the things I say. To keep promises. To honor my parents,
by showing them respect and to respect those older than me.

I believe that trust and respect go hand in hand and they are not to be given
lightly but to be earned. By this I mean that some one has to earn my trust
and respect for them by thier actions.

I think I have to respect myself before others can respect me. I have to be
truthful and honest about the things going on in my life and except them for
what they are. Deal with them in an honest way, the best way I know how.
Take things one day at a time. Deal with things at the time they happen and
let it go, put it behind me, for its over like the day before is gone. Letting
something go, putting it behind you dont mean that its over, it just means
that your not going to let it drag you down for the rest of your life. It means
your going to get on with your life.

Some times I think I over think things and it gets all blown out of proportion.
Have you ever tried to put yourself in the other persons shoes? Tried to see
how they feel about things? Are you the kind of person who cares and tries to
resolve things without hurting the other persons feelings, do you honor their
wishes when they ask for time and space to work things out in their own way?

They say time heals all wounds. I am not so sure that is true. I think that for
some the wounds appear to be healed on the outside but down deep in their
hearts the wound is still there. Comes out when you least expect it to to torment
us. Thus causing us to deny it ever happened.
(Deny-to declare not to be true; to disavow ; to refuse to grant or acknowledge;
not to afford or yeild.) Causing us to be in self denial mode. By not yeilding to
the other person and thier feelings on the situation. Not acknowledging how
they feel.

Letting go is hard to do. Sometimes I think it we would be better off emotionally
if we just let things go and let time heal the wounds from our emotional distress.
But, and yes there is always a but, we have to want to let go, to be able to actually
let things go and get on with our lives.

People, family and friends are and important part of our life. Our parents shape
our lives while growing up and make us the adults that we become. Based on
how we are raise, I believe is how we see things as adults. Maybe not the way
our parents saw them. After all things change on a daily basis and some times
not for the better.

I only have one daughter, I raised her the best I could. I taught her morals
and values. What she does with the things I taught her is her choice to make.
I may not like her choices, but I have to honor them for she is an adult and
responsible for herself and her actions. I may question her about some decisions
she makes but in the end I tell her that you have to do what ever you think is the
thing for you and the boys. I then support her in the decision she makes.

Its time for me to check my sugar and get breakfast. I hope you have a good day.

Life in General

2009-11-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Life in General

Just my thoughts today.

The holidays are almost upon us and has many people depressed and
feeling sorry for themself. Its the time that we all should be thankful
for the things we do have. We have people who care about us in their
own way even if we think they dont love us. We have people who depend
on us even if they think they dont.

Things to be thankful for vary from person to person but here is some
things to be thankful for.

Life-it is what you make of it and should be lived to the fullest every day
for we never know if tomorrow will come for us.

Friends and Family, weather it be a few or a lot, for they are the ones who
love and care about us they way we are. Often forgiving us for the things we
have done to hurt them. Some times forgiving but not forgetting yet not
bringing it up all the time to hurt us.

Our children, no matter how they treat us, should be looked at as a gift.
It is our responsibility to care for them and teach them how to become
responsible adults, to teach them how to deal with things that life throws
at them. We as parents never stop worring about our child/children, no matter
how old they get.

Our health- it could be a lot worse. I could be worse off than I am and I thank
God each night that I am not worse off.

Internet friends who care for us, like us for the person who we are. We may
never meet face to face and yet we can tell each other any thing and in most cases
not be judged by these people. The ones I have met in person are great. Meeting
them just made our friendship grow stronger.

Our grandkids even if they arent a part of our daily life due to circumstances beyond
their control. One day they will be old enough to decide if they want to see us and spend
time with us. I am thankful that my grandsons and step grand children are a part of our
lives even if we dont get to see the step grand children as much as we do the boys.

And there is so much more to be thankful for depending on what is going on in our
every day lives.

Me? I am thankful to be alive to enjoy the upcoming holidays with my family. Dale
and Nicki will be working nights but will be spending all or part of the day with
me and Nickis boys, Josh and Drake.

We all have our daily problems and it is up to us to learn to deal with them in the best
way we know how. In ways that we wont lose our self respect and in ways
that will hurt us the least emotionally so that we can get on with our lives.

Chicken With Butter

2009-11-11T07:07:00.001-08:00

Chicken With Butter

A dish that can be made for dinner thats tasty and served with rice and roti or puri.

Ingredients:

1 kg chicken breast or strips
1 cup fresh cream
1 cup yogurt
2 tsp. masala
2 red chili
1/2 tsp. tumeric powder
1/2 tsp. jeera* powder
1/2 tsp. coriander powder
125 gram tomato puree
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. garlic
1 tsp. fine salt
125 gram butter
*Jeera powder is better known as cumin in the U.S.
Directions:

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-11-11T07:06:00.000-08:00

Chicken Pot Pie

Fast and kids love it (great for leftover turkey or chicken)

Ingredients:

2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can cooked chicken or 1 chicken breast cooked and cut up
1 cup Bisquick (or low fat Bisquick)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas and carrots

Directions:

Spray 9x9 inch or similar size pan with Pam. Mix the 2 cans of cream of chicken soup in a large bowl. Add the chicken and vegetables and stir well. Pour into baking pan.

Rinse your bowl and mix the Bisquick, milk and egg. Stir well and pour over the top of the chicken mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes.

Servings: 4
Time: 5 Minutes Preparation Time
25 Minutes Cooking Time

Source: A friend; however I believe this was once a Campbell's soup recipe

By kmcb59 from Washignton State

Deep Dish Apple Pie

2009-11-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Deep Dish Apple Pie

Servings: 16
Preparation Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 55 min.

Ingredients:
¦2 Lbs. apple\cooked, peeled and sliced
¦1/2 cup quick cooking tapioca
¦2 Tbs. lemon juice
¦2 tsp. cinnamon
¦1-1/3 cups sugar
¦2-1/4 cups all purpose flour
¦1 tsp. salt (necessary)
¦3/4 cup butter flavor shortening
¦1/3 cup iced water
This Recipe is considered:
Low Cholesterol

Cooking Directions:
Combine apple slices, tapioca and lemon juice in a 9 x 13 inches glass baking dish. Stir in cinnamon, 1-1/4 cup sugar and a dash of salt. Let stand 15 minutes to soften tapioca, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, mix flour and salt in another bowl. Cut in shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water lightly with a fork until dough just holds together. Preheat oven to 375° F. Shape dough into a 5 x 7 inches rectangle. Place on a lightly floured work surface and roll out to about 10 x 14 inches using a floured rolling pin. Place dough over apples. Trim edge, leaving at least 1-0/1 inch overhang. Fold overhang under and make a fluted edge. Cut 3 slits in crust. Brush top of crust with water and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake 55 minutes or until bubbly and crust is golden. Cool on wire rack.

Per Serving: calories 327, fat 10.9g, calories from fat 30%, protein 2.0g, cholesterol 0.0mg, dietary fiber 5.2g

Nutrients Exchanges
Calories 327 Milk Exchanges 0.0
Protein 2.0g Vegetable Exchanges 0.0
Carbohydrates 59.6g Fruit Exchanges 1.7
Dietary Fiber 5.2g Bread Exchanges 0.7
Sugar 37.4g Other Carbohydrates/Sugar Exchanges 1.2
Fat Total 10.9g Lean Meat Exchanges 0.0
Saturated Fat 3.5g Very Lean Meat/Protein Exchanges 0.0
Mono-unsaturated Fat 4.7g Fat Exchanges 1.9
Poly-unsaturated Fat 2.8g
% Calories from Fat 30%
Cholesterol 0.0mg
Sodium 146.1mg
Vitamins Minerals
Vitamin A 8.6IU Calcium 19.3mg
Thiamin (B1) 0.4mg Copper 0.8mg
Riboflavin (B2) 0.4mg Iron 1.4mg
Niacin (B3) 2.3mg Magnesium 12.4mg
Vitamin B6 0.9mg Manganese 1.1mg
Vitamin B12 0.0mcg Phosphorus 30.3mg
Vitamin C 10.7mg Potassium 217.6mg
Vitamin E 2.1IU Selenium 6.1mcg
Folate 9.5mcg Sodium 146.1mg
Pantothenic Acid 1.1mg Zinc 0.9mg

Apple Skillet Cake

2009-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Apple Skillet Cake

Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 35 min.

Ingredients:
¦1 cup all purpose flour
¦1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
¦1-1/2 tsp. salt
¦1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
¦3/4 cup sugar
¦1 egg
¦1/4 cup milk
¦4 apple\cooked, peeled, cored and sliced
¦1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
¦1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Sift together first 3 ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. Combine 4 Tbs. butter and 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Add half the dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture. Add half the milk and beat until combined. Repeat process with remaining dry ingredients and milk. Beat thoroughly. Transfer to a buttered heavy 9-0/1 inch ovenproof skillet. Sprinkle apples over batter and bake about 25 minutes. Combine remaining sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a food processor or a bowl. Cut in remaining butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle topping over cake and bake another 8 minutes or until cake has pulled away from edge of skillet.

Per Serving: calories 285, fat 12.6g, calories from fat 40%, protein 2.7g, cholesterol 55.5mg, dietary fiber 2.5g

Nutrients Exchanges
Calories 285 Milk Exchanges 0.0
Protein 2.7g Vegetable Exchanges 0.0
Carbohydrates 42.3g Fruit Exchanges 0.8
Dietary Fiber 2.5g Bread Exchanges 0.7
Sugar 28.5g Other Carbohydrates/Sugar Exchanges 1.1
Fat Total 12.6g Lean Meat Exchanges 0.1
Saturated Fat 8.0g Very Lean Meat/Protein Exchanges 0.0
Mono-unsaturated Fat 3.9g Fat Exchanges 2.4
Poly-unsaturated Fat 0.7g
% Calories from Fat 40%
Cholesterol 55.5mg
Sodium 449.6mg
Vitamins Minerals
Vitamin A 123.6IU Calcium 65.5mg
Thiamin (B1) 0.4mg Copper 0.5mg
Riboflavin (B2) 0.3mg Iron 1.2mg
Niacin (B3) 1.6mg Magnesium 9.3mg
Vitamin B6 0.5mg Manganese 0.7mg
Vitamin B12 0.1mcg Phosphorus 105.9mg
Vitamin C 4.4mg Potassium 219.7mg
Vitamin E 0.9IU Selenium 7.1mcg
Folate 9.3mcg Sodium 449.6mg
Pantothenic Acid 0.6mg Zinc 0.6mg

American Lasagna

2009-11-11T07:01:00.002-08:00

American Lasagna

Bet you can't eat just one slice. Instead of using ricotta cheese on one layer, you use cream of mushroom soup and it gives it flavor you would not believe.

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. box of lasagna noodles
2 32 oz. jars of spaghetti sauce (your favorite)
1 small bell pepper
1 medium onion
1 lb. of lean ground beef
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 bags of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp. salt
Directions:

Make your sauce by cooking your ground beef, pour off grease. Chop up bell pepper and onion and brown for one minute and season with a little salt pepper and garlic as you prefer. After drained, pour in both jars of spaghetti sauce. I use Ragu or Prego with mushrooms; whichever is on sale. Stir and simmer on medium heat.

Meantime bring large pot of salted water to boil, and put in lasagna noodles. I usually do 3 layers but to make sure you have 15 noodles at least. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, remove from heat and drain. Using a 10x14 inch casserole dish, begin your layers. With a ladle or spoon, put a couple of teaspoons of the sauce on bottom to guard against noodles sticking, and then put layer of noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a about 6 Tbsp. (distributed inches apart) of the mushroom soup. It's too thick to drizzle but try to distribute it a little. On top of that spread a nice layer of mozzarella cheese.

Repeat this 2 more times, beginning with the noodle, meat sauce, soup then cheese. You should end up with cheese on top. Set oven at 375 degrees F, and bake for 1 hour, or till cheese is slightly brown and edges are bubbly. It is like spaghetti. It taste even better warmed up the next day, delicious.

Servings: 12
Time: 40 Minutes Preparation Time
60 Minutes Cooking Time

Source: My mother, who is not here to tell me; I think she didn't have any ricotta and just ad-libbed.

By Katie from Holiday, FL

Crunchy Stuffed Pears

2009-11-11T07:01:00.001-08:00

Crunchy Stuffed Pears

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 0 min.

Ingredients:
2 fresh pear
1/8 tsp. lemon juice
1/3 Lbs. ricotta or small curd cottage cheese
1 oz. walnuts, chopped
1 oz. raisins
1 apple\raw, grated
1 tsp. sweet fruit chutney
salt and pepper
This Recipe is considered:
Low Cholesterol
Low Sodium

Cooking Directions:
Cut pears in half, remove the core, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl, adding chutney and salt and pepper to taste; mix well. Pile the mixture into the pear halves. Serve with lettuce and tomato if desired.

Per Serving: calories 160, fat 7.8g, calories from fat 44%, protein 5.0g, cholesterol 9.7mg, dietary fiber 2.9g

Cry Baby Cookies

2009-11-03T11:29:00.002-08:00

Cry Baby Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 cup molasses
2 tsp. baking soda in hot water
1 cup hot water
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt
4 cups flour
1 cup nuts
Directions:

Mix and cream shortening and sugar. Add beaten egg, molasses, soda and hot water. Add other ingredients in order given; cinnamon, ginger, salt, flour and nuts. Mix well and drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 15 minutes. These cookies can be iced while hot, if you desire.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Cheezy Chowder

2009-11-03T11:29:00.001-08:00

Cheezy Chowder

Ingredients:

1 chicken bouillon cube
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups potatoes, chopped
1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables (10oz.)
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 can cream-style corn
1 jar Cheez Whiz (8oz.)
1/2 cup milk
Directions:

Dissolve bouillon in water. Add potatoes, vegetables and onion. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Add remaining ingredients and heat until cheese is melted.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Liver Burgers

2009-11-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Liver Burgers

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 lb. ground liver
1 small onion, chopped
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. salt
Directions:

Mix all ingredients well, add more crumbs if too moist. More liver may be added if a stronger liver taste is desired. Grill until done to your taste.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Peas and Potatoes

2009-11-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Peas and Potatoes

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh peas
12 small new potatoes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup cream
3 Tbsp. butter
Directions:

Cook peas and potatoes separately in salt water until soft, and almost dry. Combine. Add cream and butter. Heat thoroughly. Do not boil.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Cheese Puffs Appetizer

2009-11-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

Cheese Puffs Appetizer

My neighbor used to make these for her family once a month when my son was a little boy. She was always so sweet to bring us a ziplock bag filled with the frozen puffs so we could have them too. Beware though, they are very addictive!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup better
3 oz cream cheese
1/4 lb. sharp cheddar grated
1 loaf of unsliced French bread
Directions:

Melt 1/2 cup butter, 3 oz of cream cheese and 1/4 pound grated cheese. Cut up a 1 pound loaf of unsliced bread into about 1 inch square cubes. When cheese is melted fold in 2 beaten egg whites.

Dip bread into cheese mixture, place on wax paper tray and freeze.

After they are frozen put in a freeze zip lock. To serve, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes about 3 dozen.

Source: my neighbor from 20 years ago

By Gina from Oklahoma City, OK

Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwiches

2009-11-03T11:24:00.002-08:00

Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwiches

Great way to use up leftovers and they can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for the next day if you would like to make ahead.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or diced
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
4 bagels*, split
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
*I happen to love sesame for this recipe but onion is yummy, too.
Directions:

Mix chicken, bacon, celery, onions, basil, garlic powder and mayonnaise in a bowl. Spread chicken mixture on bottom halves of bagels, top with cucumber slices and cover with top halves of bagels.

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Lemon Lemon Pound Cake

2009-11-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

Lemon Lemon Pound Cake

It is very moist, and you can add your own flavors, icing or glaze.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 sticks of butter
6 eggs
2 tsp. of lemon extract
3 cups of sugar
3 cups of flour
1 tsp. of baking powder
1 can of Carnation evaporated milk
pinch of salt
frozen lemon juice
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in large bowl until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each. Add lemon extract mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add half of the flour and milk to butter mixture, beat until smooth and creamy. Repeat the above with balance of flour & milk. Pour batter into a greased tube pan. Bake for 1 hour (DO NOT open oven door before the hour is up) After hour is up, test cake until it is done. Prick cake on top and bottom, with a fork and brush on the lemon juice. Serves 16 to 18

By chicken42 from Philadelpha, PA

It is very moist, and you can add your own flavors, icing or glaze.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 sticks of butter
6 eggs
2 tsp. of lemon extract
3 cups of sugar
3 cups of flour
1 tsp. of baking powder
1 can of Carnation evaporated milk
pinch of salt
frozen lemon juice
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in large bowl until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each. Add lemon extract mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.

Add half of the flour and milk to butter mixture, beat until smooth and creamy. Repeat the above with balance of flour & milk. Pour batter into a greased tube pan. Bake for 1 hour (DO NOT open oven door before the hour is up) After hour is up, test cake until it is done. Prick cake on top and bottom, with a fork and brush on the lemon juice. Serves 16 to 18

By chicken42 from Philadelpha, PA

Colorful Chicken

2009-11-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Colorful Chicken

Ingredients:

chicken pieces or breasts
salt and pepper
1 pkg. onion soup
Kraft orange french dressing
1 can whole berry cranberries
Directions:

Put chicken in 9x13 inch dish. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle onion soup over pieces. Drizzle about 1/2 bottle of French Dressing over pieces. Drop cranberries by spoon on top of pieces.

Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Delicious and pretty. I use juice over rice for a nice side dish with this chicken. Add a vegetable and your done.

By LadyL1 from Brentwood, TN

Corn Crust Taco Pizza

2009-11-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Corn Crust Taco Pizza

This has easy, fun ingredients that kids will enjoy, and if made with lower fat items, is quite healthy, compared to some of the "fast food" stuff. It looks like a pizza, smells like tacos and is just all around good.

ingredients:

1 small box corn muffin mix
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) Taco seasoning
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, (can use the new Mexican mixes)
shredded lettuce, salsa and sour cream to serve with the dish
Directions:

Prepare corn muffin mix as directed on package. Spread on greased pizza pan, or pan of similar size. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Brown ground beef, drain any fat. Mix 1 pkg. Taco seasoning and 3/4 cup Water as directed on pkg., (Be sure to check the brand you have to make sure it calls for 3/4 cup water). Add this to the meat, mix together. Sprinkle half the cheese on the baked corn muffin crust, top that with the cooked meat mix, then the rest of the cheese.

Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with the shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. Any of these things, cheese, and sour cream can be the lower fat variety, and will work quite well.

servings: 5-6
time: 15-20 minutes preparation time
15 total minutes cooking time

source: This may have come off of a taco season pkg. (ages ago), but I am not sure.

by Loretta from Theodore, AL

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

2009-11-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Dip

2009-11-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and Dip

Here's the copycat recipe
Now Thrifty Fun has it, too.

Ingredients:

15 Saltines
2 cups dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup dried minced onions
2 Tbsp. dry dill weed
1/4 cup onion salt
1/4 cup garlic salt
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup garlic powder
Directions:

Put crackers through blender until powdered. Add parsley, minced onions and dill weed. Blend again until powdered. Place in a bowl and stir in onion salt, garlic salt, onion powder and garlic powder.

Place in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. The dry mix will stay fresh for up to a year.

For Salad Dressing

1 Tbsp. mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
Mix together and serve.

For Veggie Dip:

Sour cream
Mix to taste
By Deeli from Richland, WA

Baked Tortilla Chips

2009-11-03T11:19:00.002-08:00

Baked Tortilla Chips

These baked chips are the perfect way to use stale or leftover flour tortillas. You can control the sodium and add any seasonings you like for custom tortilla chip flavors. These chips have a hearty flavor, but the texture is best suited for creamy dips.

Ingredients:

6 flour tortillas
vegetable oil or vegetable oil cooking spray
salt
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.*

Lightly brush or spray the tortillas with oil. Sprinkle one side of the tortillas with a very light dusting of salt. Stack the tortillas and carefully cut in half. Make two diagonal cuts, like an ”x”, to form six wedges.

Spread the tortilla wedges in a single layer on each pan.

Bake until crisp, about eight to ten minutes. Remove the pans midway through baking and turn the chips over. Rotate the pans so the flour tortilla chips bake evenly.

Transfer the baked tortilla chips to a wire rack to cool.

*If you have a crisper pan, skip the parchment paper and there is no need to turn the chips over during cooking.

Servings: 4 to 6
Time: 5 Minutes Preparation Time
10 Minutes Cooking Time

By Vanessa from Dallas, TX

Dorothy's Meat Loaf

2009-11-03T11:19:00.001-08:00

Dorothy's Meat Loaf

A meal that's yummy and can be made with chicken or beef. Can make it in advance.

Ingredients:

2.2 lbs.(1 Kg.) chicken or beef mince
1 large onion grated and squeezed
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp. tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. mustard powder
1/2 cup of coriander leaves*, mint, shallot and green chillies or red pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. garlic
1/2 tsp. pepper
*This is more commonly known as cilantro in the U.S.
Directions:

Preheat oven to 355 degrees F (180 degrees C). and grease your loaf tin Rinse and chop all your greens. Combine all your ingredients with your meat including your seasoning. Shape and put it in the loaf tin and bake for 1hour.

Check after an hour if it shrinks from the side and take it out and let it cool, then wrap it with foil and freeze. Serve with a Greek salad or an onion and beef gravy. You can also use the meat mix for kebabs and chutney or as burger patties.

Enjoy!

Servings: 4 or 5
Time: 15 to 20 Minutes Preparation Time
60 Minutes Cooking Time

Source: home made recipe

By Dorothy from SA

Homemade Nilla Wafers with a Fun Twist

2009-11-03T11:17:00.002-08:00

Homemade Nilla Wafers with a Fun Twist

Had fun adjusting two completely different recipes and using both together :-)

Ingredients:

8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, seeds only
1 large egg white
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. milk
1 1/3 cup flour
3/4 tsp. baking powder
Directions:

With an electric mixer, cream butter, salt, sugar and vanilla seeds. Beat in egg white. Beat in extract and milk until mixed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder and then add to mixture. Don't over mix.

Spoon small amounts of the cookie batter on to a baking sheet.

This recipe will make two and maybe three batches so if you use two or more sheets at a time, rotate on rack halfway through. If one sheet at a time, cover remaining batter bowl with a damp rag.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 15-20 minutes, until cookies are lightly browned. Cool completely before storing.

Rainbow Cookie Frosting

2009-11-03T11:17:00.001-08:00

Rainbow Cookie Frosting

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. milk
3 packages Kool-aid, if 3 different flavors are desired (you will need a total of three tsp.)
Directions:

In small bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and milk on medium speed until smooth.

Divide mixture evenly into 3 small bowls (if wanting 3 flavors). Stir 1 tsp. of Kool-aid into each bowl until mix is dissolved.

Depending on the size of each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 to 2 heaping tsp. frosting on bottom of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, bottom side down.

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Pork Chop Casserole

2009-11-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

Pork Chop Casserole

Ingredients

4-5 potatoes
4-5 pork chops
1 can cheddar cheese
1 can French onion soup
Directions

Slice potatoes into 9x13 inch casserole dish. Arrange pork chops over potatoes. Combine soups and pour over pork chops and potatoes. Cover with foil. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 1 hour.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Angel Biscuits

2009-11-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Angel Biscuits

Ingredients

6 cups biscuit mix
1/4 cup sugar
1 pkg. dry yeast
1/3 cup shortening
1 1/4-2 cups milk
margarine, melted
Directions

Combine first 3 ingredients in bowl. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Add milk, stirring to make soft dough. Roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter, placing on baking sheet. Brush with margarine. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

By Robin from Washington, IA