November 30

Today is the end of NaBloPoMo. It has been a lot of fun thinking of something to write everyday. But I am Thankful that it is over. It can also be a lot of work coming up with something every day.

Today we want to say:

to Grandpa Tony. Hope you had a nice day!

We have had a nice few days together here at home. Just hanging out with the kids can be fun when there isn't a million activities going on. I hope that Christmas is just as relaxed.

Stacy

November 29

Today I am Thankful for Creative Family Time.

Tonight we attempted to turn this:

Into this:

We have never made a gingerbread house before. Hubby saw it in the store today and thought it would be fun for me and the boyz to do. The boyz had so much fun that we may start doing this every year after Thanksgiving.

So after we repaired a few pieces that came broken we started putting it together.

We got the base all together and the boyz set about decorating it.

And our completed work of art looks like this:

By the way, the people in the front, those are SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward.

Stacy

PS (to the 4F Group) - That is me in the picture with the boyz ;) hehe

November 28

As much fun as I have had this month being Thankful, I am glad that them month is almost over. I have had days where I could not think of anything to write. I was trying each day to write about something different.

Today I am Thankful for a PJ day. Although hubby and I did get up and get a few things this morning, we slept in until 8. We got a few things and then came home and just chilled all day. The kids never got out of their PJ's and I am already back in mine. The cashiers at K*Mart wore their PJ's to work today. It was neat and homey.

Last night we again sat and played games for a few hours at the table. There are many things I learn while playing games with the boyz. Some are things that I really didn't need to know. Like the following conversation:

Tween asked Teen to look under his (Tween's) arm and see if he had any hair there yet.

Teen for whatever reason went ahead and looked. Told him "no" and proceeded to lift his own arms and show off all the hair under his arms.

He then pulls up his shirt and says "Look, I even have hair on my chest and a happy trail".

I could not believe he just said that. It took me a few minutes to stop laughing before we could continue our game.

BOYZ! They never cease to amaze me with what they will say.

Stacy

November 27 - Happy Thanksgiving!

"The joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living

Are found in the heart

That is filled with thanksgiving."

~Helen Steiner Rice~

Today I am Thankful that I can open my home and have dinner with family and friends. As hectic as the holidays can be, I am glad when we can slow down for a little while and enjoy a meal together.

I hope that your day is filled with Love & Laughter!

I will leave you with this:

Stacy

November 26

Tomorrow is the big Turkey Day. We are having about 17 people here. Crazy Right?

Last night hubby made 2 pumpkin cheesecakes. Tonight he will make the regular pumpkin pies.

I have several favorite food that I love to have for the holiday. If I could have both hubby's family and my family here at the same time I would be in heaven filled with my favorite foods.

* My absolute favorite pie in the world is my Mum's Pumpkin pie.



My mum usually makes the pies from scratch. And when I say scratch, I mean fresh pumpkins bought on a farm that she has cleaned, baked and frozen herself. No canned pumpkin for her. She also makes the crust from scratch not frozen or pre-made shells.

In the past several years she has taken some shortcuts, but there is something different about her pies that I just love. I have never tasted any as good as hers or that even come close. It must be all the fresh ingredients that make it taste so good.

* The favorite thing that my Mother-in-law makes is her noodles.



The picture does not do them justice at all. I think she boils the noodles in the broth from the turkey. Let me tell you, they are the best noodles I have ever eaten. Holiday dinners on hubby's side just aren't complete without them.

* Hubby's brothers wife always brings Strawberry Pretzel Salad to dinner.



Need I say anything else about this?

I am Thankful for all of these favorite foods and more as we share a family meal together.

What is your favorite food(s) for Thanksgiving? You know, the one that you just have to have or it isn't the same.

Stacy

Updated to add the Following Recipe:

PRETZEL SALAD

2 CUPS CRUSHED PRETZELS
3/4 CUPS MELTED MARGARINE
4 TBSP. SUGAR

MIX AND PLACE IN 9x13 INCH PAN. BAKE AT 400 FOR 6 MINUTES. LET COOL

8 oz. CREAM CHEESE
1 CUP SUGAR
1 (16 oz) COOL WHIP

MIX TOGETHER AND SPREAD OVER COOLED CRUST.

6oz. STRAWBERRY JELLO
2 CUPS BOILING WATER
20 oz. FROZEN STRAWBERRIES

LET THICKEN, THEN POUR OVER CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE AND REFRIGERATE.

November 25

Today as I opened my Devotions in my email I read more about a program that my church has participated in for several years now.

Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse run by Franklin Graham (Billy Graham's son).

Here is a short video explaining what this program is:



I am Thankful for programs like this. It is such a great way to let those in the smallest poverty stricken places in the world that God loves them and so do other Christians.

Can you imagine being one of these children? And then to be given such a wonderful gift from someone you don't even know. What an amazing thing.

In my devotions today it talks about a child who when he opened his box he started to cry. One of the workers went over and noticed that his box was filled with socks and nothing else. So trying to comfort the child she told him that she would get him a different box. He shook his head no and pulled the box towards him. He had been diagnosed with a rare skin condition only on his feet and the doctors had told him that the only was it was going to heal was if he wore cotton socks. He had prayed and prayed for them and that is what he got.

We have had missionaries speak at our church about Operation Christmas Child and over and over again we hear stories like these about how prayers were answered in those boxes.

If you have time, please visit the links above. And if you can, make up a box and send it off to a child in need.

Stacy

November 24

This week is a short week at work. Boy am I Thankful for that. Some days I go in and I shadow train all day and I feel that I am learning something. Other days, like today, we work on the dummies most of the day and I don't feel like I can do a thing.

School is also short this week so I will get a couple extra days to spend with the boys. Maybe we can catch up on a few movies and play some board games.

Last night the five of us played Boggle together. I love Boggle. I think I could play it every night and not get tired of it. And playing with the boyz I learn new words also. They are good about writing something down they think might be a word and then we look it up and learn the meaning together.

We also played Scrabble Jr last night and Tween won. Which was a complete surprise to all of us. He is the smartest of us all, but he never wins board games. Good for him! I hope he keeps winning!

The play is finally over also, so we are getting a little more back into the routine and time together.

Is there a game that your family likes to play together?

Stacy

November 23

Today I took an afternoon nap and when I got up, my tree was up and decorated. Although I am Thankful that hubby was inspired to do it. I have a certain way I like things done. I imagine that I will tweak it just a bit on Wednesday when I am off and he is at work.

He did wait for me for a few special ornaments that we always put up together. For that I am happy.

This is part way through it being finished. It needs tweaked and pushed back in the corner yet.

We usually don't put our tree up until after Thanksgiving. Last year was the first time we put it up before the holiday. Since we have Thanksgiving here now, Hubby likes to have it up when everyone is here.

When do you put your tree up?

Stacy

November 22

Today is the final night of the high school play. Today I am Thankful that it will finally be over. After many late nights and long Saturday practices it is coming to an end.

The kids did a great job. The only problem is the mic system. The schools was not working for some reason so the drama department rented mic's and they keep cutting out on the kids. I feel so bad that they worked so hard for so long and then the audience can only hear part of the program.

I will add pictures in later.

Not much else is going on. I am studying for work. And actually feel that I am learning some things. We met with the doctor Friday and went over our books for a while. I was full of questions and with the answers have learned even more.

Stacy

November 21

I am Thankful today for the power of prayer. I can't go into a lot of detail, but we had a family incident yesterday with my sister. After learning of the problem, I called my church family and a few friends and they all started praying. By the time the prayers got to the end of the chain (within 3 hours), we had an answer.

I feel so blessed that I can call on my family and friends and almost immediately have a hundred people praying for me.

Today was also the Jr. High County Chorus performance. It was really nice and the kids did a great job.

In case you don't know what this is, they select the best singers from each school in the county. They practice weekly at their own school for about a month. Then on the day of the performance, they gather together and all sing for the first time. They of course practice all together in the morning and afternoon and then perform that evening. There was even one song that they all just learned today. I was impressed that they could all gather like this for just one day and be able to pull off such a great show. These kids are truly talented.

Stacy

November 20

Today I am Thankful for snow!

Yes - you read that right. We got our first snow that actually stuck around today. Everything is so beautiful when it is all white.

This isn't from my house, but it is beautiful.

Tonight is opening night for the High School play. Can't wait to see Teen in his debut!

Stacy

November 19

Today I am Thankful that I am starting to understand a few things at work. Today when the doctor was giving orders for the next treatment plan, I actually understood a few things.

Now if he would only speak a little louder and clearer.

What is it with doctors mumbling? Or is it just me?

We worked a lot on the dummy heads today and were timed. I had some good times for just starting out.

My CPR Cert class is set up for early December. That one shouldn't be too bad. I had my Cert forever and a day ago when I was in Girl Scouts.

Stacy

November 18

Today I am Thankful for the following:

And all other brands and types that make you feel better.

I am not sure which one of you lovely ladies out there decided to share their germs with me, but next time, no thank you.

Making this short and sweet as I am going to bed as soon as hubby gets back home with more medicine. I used the last of it this morning and it is wearing off and I am miserable.

For those of you I am playing scrabble with, I'll catch up soon. Sorry.

One more thing - A few of you had the right answer to FROG (Fully Rely On God).

Stacy

November 17

I got a package in the mail today. I have been eagerly anticipating it. Want to see what I got?

This is the plate I made at Louisville Stoneware on my trip. I am so excited that it is here. We all had such a blast making our plates. I can't wait to see everyone else's final project also.

I have to admit though that I wasn't excited about going at the get go. But I am so Thankful we went.

So why the Frog with the boyz names? Not too long ago we had a lesson at church about what Frog meant. The boyz and I really took that message home and I have little frog things here and there around the house. My master bath is done in frogs as well.

So does anyone care to guess what FROG stands for?

Stacy

November 16

There is something that my husband has always wanted to do and has never done.

Until now. Here is a hint:



Yes, it is freezing outside.
Yes, it is snowing like crazy at times.
Yes, my husband is at his first ever Pittsburgh Steelers game.

I have bid on tickets through ebay for him several times and have never been able to get them as the price goes way over my budget. Steelers tickets are some of the hardest tickets to get.

Today I am Thankful for friends with connections. One of our friends was given 2 tickets early in the week and called hubby and asked him if he wanted to go with him. All he needed was money for dinner.

I can not even tell you how blessed we have been lately. God is so Amazing and Good!

Stacy

November 15

Today I am Thankful for afternoon naps and funny cartoons.

I saw this on another site and just couldn't resist sharing it.




Stacy

November 14

Note to Self:

When deciding to take the boyz to a play at the local college, call ahead and make reservations. It does not matter that the college is small and it is a Friday night, you may have to sit on the couch in the reception area and wait until just before the play starts to see if they have seating for you.

However, I am Thankful that we did get seats. And some of the best in the house. Front row left of center.

We went to Westminster College and saw Once Upon A Mattress tonight. In case you have never heard of it, it is a stage adaption of The Princess and The Pea.

The kids did a great job. There were several little ones in the audience besides Little S. At one point the "Princess" had to kiss the Prince. The little girl behind us yells "Ewwww". It was so funny the audience just broke up and even the actors on stage started to laugh.

I am so glad the my boyz enjoy going to the theatre with me. I love to go and never thought that the boyz would want to go with me, but they enjoy it just as much as me.

Stacy

November 13

Today I am Thankful for my grandparents. I was blessed as a child to have 5 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers. Most children are lucky to have 2 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers so I know how blessed I was to have them all in my life.

Each of them touched me in a different way and I have many fond memories of each of them.

We have several pictures of 5 generations on my mothers side from when I was a baby and then again when my boys were babies. 5 generations. Can you believe it? And I was old enough when my great-great grandmother (Nana) died to remember her.

My children were also blessed with many grandparents and sadly we lost 3 of them in the past two years. They all actually died in just over a year. I still miss them so dearly. There are days when my heart just aches for them.

When the older boys were little they had 6 grandmothers and 4 grandfathers. Can you imagine our gatherings at times? lol

Do you have a favorite memory of a grandparent that you would like to share?

Stacy

November 12

So I started the new job today. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. There is SO much to learn. I have never worked in the healthcare field before, so this is all new to me. There are so many terms and equipment names to learn.

I think for every question and answer that I get I have 5 more questions. I have a huge text book to learn and several pages of codes.

But I am Thankful for again having a place of employment. There are so many in the area here that are still unemployed and currently being laid off that I am blessed to have gotten this position.

God surely does work in mysterious ways. I had been applying to office positions for the past month and a half, had been signed up with 2 different Temp services and went on countless interviews and Nothing.

I had prayed that God would put me in a position where I would be able to work with people. especially either the elderly or children. For a while now I have felt that I was not in the place that God wanted me to be.

Although I am very overwhelmed at the time, I know that this is where God wants me. The doctor is so nice, he is a Christian, and is dedicated to the local community and the people of El Salvador.

Thank you again for all of the prayer support that all of you have given me.

Stacy

November 11

Today I continue to be Thankful for my trip.

Saturday morning we got up early as we had an appointment at Louisville Stoneware. Our appointment wasn't until 10:00 but there were 6 of us girls to get showered, dressed and eat breakfast.

We all had a great time making our pottery piece. Here is a preview of mine:

They will fire it and ship it within the next two weeks. I can't wait to see the final product.

They had a whole section dedicated to their history. It was really neat looking at some of their original pieces. There were also pictures of pieces that they had made especially for several past presidents as well as a whole series for Hillary Clinton's book "It Takes A Village". One piece that especially caught my eye was one that the employees had made after the tradgedy of September 11.

As we were finishing up, Dory's hubby and girls stopped by to have lunch with us. We walked over to The Cafe and had lunch. They have some really good food there.

After lunch we drove to Churchill Downs to take in a few races and walk around. I don't think any of us had ever been to horse races before. It was a lot of fun. We all placed a small bet on a race and a few of us even won.

Later in the evening we went to Fourth Street Live. It was a really neat experience. They block of part of the street and there is all kinds of restaurants and entertainment to take in. There is even an outdoor escalator. They have connected the buildings together with a glass ceiling so you can walk around in any weather.

We then had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe which was in the Fourth Street Live area.

We went back to the hotel and continued to laugh until we ached.

Sadly the next morning we all had to catch our flights home. I am so glad that I finally got to make my "fake" friends real friends and Can. Not. Wait. until we can get together again.

Stacy

November 10

Today I am Thankful for this past weekend.

Friday morning I got up before the butt-crack of dawn even thought about appearing to catch a 7:10 flight. I had two flights and both of them were just great.

Here is the thing about airports that I just don't understand. And if you know the answer, please tell me. I live almost exactly right between two major airports - Pittsburgh & Cleveland. I drove an hour south to catch a flight to fly in Pittsburgh to fly to Cleveland to catch another flight to my final destination. I looked into direct flights from Cleveland to my destination and it was $200 more. Why does it cost more to take one less flight?

Friday night we went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner. After dinner we had a chilly but very nice ride provided by Dolly.

I had never been on a horse drawn carraige ride through the streets before.

Then we went back to the hotel and laughed until our sides hurt. Before falling fast asleep.

Stacy

November 9

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig Jig!

Today I am Thankful to be home safe and sound. I had a blast on my trip and so wish it was longer, but I am also so glad to be home.

This is a picture of the first plane I rode on:



I had no been on a plane in a very long time. Let me tell you when I saw the size of the plane I was VERY nervous. But it was a very smooth ride. I was actually surprised at how smooth the landing was, we didn't bounce once.

I know there are several of you waiting to hear about the trip, but I am tired and need to visit with my family. I promise tomorrow I will share a few pictures and some stories.

Stacy

November 8

Today I am So Thankful for Sweet Friends who I finally got to meet yesterday.

Almost 3 years ago I was piddling around online and started reading a few blogs. At first I thought who in the world would write about their life and put it out there for all to see. Then I got really interested in a few of them so I started leaving a comment or two here and there.

After a few months the comments turned to emails, which proceeded to gift exchanges and some telephone calls.

Yesterday I took the final step and met a few of the wonderful friends I have met online.

We are having a wonderful time visiting and I'll tell you all about it when I get home.

Stacy

November 7

Today I am Thankful for youtube and all the stupid, fun and everything in between videos that they have.

Here is one that made me laugh this morning:



Have a great Friday!

Stacy

November 6

A few weeks ago Dory asked us to share one our most treasured items.

At that time I shared a few statuettes I have on a shelf in my bedroom:

and a ratty old flannel jacket that was my dads.

There are also several things that my grandmother left me that mean a lot to me. One thing I didn't think about at the time, but truly treasure is this:

I am so Thankful every month when this magazine shows up in my mailbox. I instantly think of Grandma. She died in Aug 2006 but my subscription is paid until sometime in 2010. So every month I get a little reminder of her. She loved to read as much as I do and that was part of her Christmas gift to my mum, sister and I each year. They still get theirs every month also as far as I know. She also sent many subscriptions to other magazines as well to others through the years.

Stacy

November 5

Today I am Thankful that the election is over!



I think that if I had to listen to one more stupid political ad I was going to explode. And it wasn't just the presidential ads that were so annoying. There were a lot of local issues on the ballot that I could hardly make heads or tails of.



One minute it's vote Yes on Issue 5 blah, blah, blah and I swear the very next commercial said vote No on Issue 5 blah, blah, blah.



Anyhow, whether your canidate won or lost it is now over.






Stacy

November 4

Today I am Thankful for my new JOB!!! That's right I am now once again gainfully employed.

I got the call yesterday that they would like me to come to work for them. So now that you know I am employed, lets get into the nitty gritty.

I will be working in an Orthodontist office as a chair side assistant or Patient Manager as they like to say, makes me sound more important right? I will be changing wires, helping with taking molds, sterilizing instruments, and whatever else the dr needs.

So how do you go from being a bean counter to working with people in a dental office? I have felt for sometime now that I need to work with people. I thought I wanted to work with the elderly, but so many of you have told me I should be working with kids. Guess you were right as most of the patients that come in there are kids.

Want the good or bad first? The bad, ok. Some days I will have to work late or go in really early. The salary is a little lower that I wanted to start at but will be brought up upon completion of probationary period.

The good. I will have most fridays off once I am trained. I get to work with people again and not just numbers in a box. I get to take classes and learn something new. I get to work with kids and can talk to people all day. The doctor is a Christian and is currently on his way back from a mission trip. I get to talk to people through out the day - did I say that already...lol

I have heard so many good things about the doctor and what he does for the community. He provides mouth guards to all of the schools for every sport. Water bottles also. Twice a year he rents out the skating rink just for his patients and thier friends and family.

The only bad thing I heard and this isn't all that bad, he is a perfectionist. As long as you can work for that type of person you shouldn't have a problem.

Thanks everyone for praying for me.

Stacy

November 3

My sister and niece left this morning. We had a really nice visit and I was sad to see her go. Our visits together are so far and few between and usually rushed when we do get together. It was nice to spend 2 entire days together. We laughed and played board games and visited. I am Thankful for the time we had together this weekend.

So yesterday I promised a special picture. Muwhahaha......

This witch is my MOTHER! Really it is. She had to dress up for Halloween for a work party. She did a fantastic job. Want a closer look?

I have such a wonderful mother-in-law and my poor husband has to put up with this....LOL

Seriously they get along great. Didn't she do a great job with the whole outfit and makeup?

Stacy

November 2

It has been a busy couple of days here.

Yesterday we had a birthday party for my niece. This is the first time we have ever had this type of cake in our house:

This is my niece with the present we got her:

It opens up to make a puppet playhouse. It had all the paper puppet parts and story books and sound keys with it.

Today we went to Linesville and fed the fish.

I am Thankful today that my sister and her daughter were able to come up for a few days and spend some time with us. The real purpose of the visit was to finish going through my grandmothers things. We got through most of it already and just have a few more boxes to sort through.

Tomorrow I have a special picture to share with all of you! (Thanks Mum!)

Stacy

November 1

So in case you are unaware, November is NaBloPoMo. What the heck is that you ask? It stands for National Blog Post Month and the idea is that you are to post an entry Every Day for the month of November. I have participated in the past and one year I succeeded and one year I didn't. But I am going to challenge myself again this year and see how it goes.

Some people have a theme for the month and others don't. I haven't decided yet, but I am leaning towards one. We'll see.

Today I am Thankful for my extended family. My mum, step-dad, grandma (mummum) sister and niece are on their way here now.

I usually only get to see my sister about once a year, maybe twice since we live so far apart. This will make twice this year and we always see each other at Christmas.

We will be going to Kraynaks and Daffins. Then we are having a birthday party here for my niece. Yesterday was her birthday, on Halloween! How much fun when she gets older.

Stacy