Friday Fragments

Its Friday...one week to Christmas Eve... Hold on while I have to stop & take deep breaths on that one... while I'm inhaling, exhaling, let's Frag...

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So if you didnt get to read yesterday's blog post, go ahead - read it... & know when I went home last night, my car slid off the drive & got stuck... & guess what I had to do?  CRAWL UP THE YARD!!! The grass is so icy & our house is up, so you try to walk on a hill of ice & what do you do?  All you smart people?  You slide right back down.  So I literally had to try & dig my hands into the ice to make like a rock wall sorta path to get to the house... I was going to attempt Ricky's rolling action, but I really like my winter coat... I think we need to install a ski-lift to our house...

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We have new neighbors that just moved in a few days ago... while I was trying to chip off some ice on our sidewalk, the man came out to try & break some ice on his drive.  He introduced himself & then, I swear, it was like a movie - he started sliding.... I'm talking, his feet didnt move - it was like he had blades on his feet & he was skating... He said, "I'm Bobby... its me & my wife & we have two kids....& ....I guess I'll talk to you later" - because at this point, he's about half way down the drive from sliding... I was cracking up!  I hope I didnt offend him when he finally fell on his butt that I busted out laughing... Welcome Neighbor!!

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I'm getting all kinds of email for "last minute shoppers"... I take offense to that... I prefer to be known as someone who puts so much thought into a gift that it takes me awhile to figure it out...

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Pillow Pets are not easy to wrap...

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I love Conan O'Brien... I DVR it every night.  Did you all see the night he wore "Jeggings" .... I dont think I've seen anything funnier in my LIFE...I now know what I'm getting Ricky for Christmas

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I hate "The Sing Off" is already over with on Monday.  I know its a "Holiday - seasonal" kinda show, but they really need to see that its the best singing show there is & have a real competition, ala "American Idol"... I still really love "Committed" but I have to say, the Nashville Boys of  "Street Corner Symphony" have really swayed me.  That leader singer is a-maz-ing!!!  They make me smile, especially when they attempt to dance, because you see the Southern Country Boys come out... no dancing rhythm at all!!! But who cares when they have voices like that!!!

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Which leads me to the SPAT OF THE WEEK:  So Ricky was hearing me talk about the show & started watching it about the 3rd week in.  I was trying to tell him how good "Committed" was... so when they come on, Ricky was like "uh....blah" ... I was like "are you crazy?" - & then we got into an argument on how if I didnt tell him how amazing I thought they were, he would probably have liked them - but because I told him they were good, then he already decided he wouldnt like them as much.  I'm telling you - we had a blow out argument for about 30 minutes over the groups on Sing Off... its the arguments that matter in a marriage that makes it stronger.... By the way, Ricky's favorite group is "Jerry Lawson & the Talk of the Town"

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I just realized I havent seen anything but bits & parts of "Elf" this year ... I gotta sit down & watch the whole movie.  I still laugh till I have tears in my eyes at parts of that movie... the burping scene where he says "DID YOU HEAR THAT?" still gets me each & every time...I'm not a mature person...

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Proof I'm not a mature person...our pastor Sunday kept talking about our "duties" to God & God's "duties" to us... everytime he said "duty" - I giggled... I cant help it... its all the years of working in the youth that when I hear that word, I have to respond by saying "He just said "Duty""... so our pastor said it for the 327th time & I just giggled - to myself - when I look across the room & see one of the youth kiddos laughing at me, laughing at "duty"... that's was all it took... we were both in hysterics.  Do you know how hard it is not to snort in laughter when you want to?  It's actually quite painful...It didnt help that we were in the front row....I told our Worship Minister that that is exactly why I work in the youth - his response was, "No, its why the youth put up with YOU" ... ahh - perspective...

Hope you all have great moments of snorting laughter this week!!!  Happy Friday!!!

An icy adventure....

We are under a "winter storm warning"...

We live on a country road  & have a driveway that is not only on an incline - but also has a curve in it...

So you know its icy when your husband comes in & says his car just slide off the driveway into a tree stump in our yard.

Ricky gets his car out of the yard & just parks in the neighbors drive & tries to walk back up the drive to get my car out of the garage & down the driveway...

but he cant even walk!!!! Its so icy that he cant get up the incline. 

He got on his hands & knees & tried to crawl... but kept sliding down...

Then he was able to crawl in part of the grassy area but still has to cross the drive to get to the garage... he literally couldnt stand without his feet sliding out from underneath of him...

So he did what any person in an ice storm does - he laid on the ground & rolled across the driveway!!!! 

I was cracking up.... which Ricky didnt find too funny or amusing....

Then we get my car out of the garage & try to SLOWWWLLLYYY go down the drive, only to slide off into the yard as well... luckily - my car has 4 wheel drive so we just drove across the yard to get to the road.  (That's going to leave a mark)

Whew... give me 10 inches of snow anyday over an inch of ice...

It definitely was an adventure this morning...

& who knows - maybe someone in Canada or the snowy lands will market Ricky's idea of ROLLING on the ice to get where you need to be...

Go Tell it on the Mountain...

.... I hate that song...Seriously - I hate it...

We had to sing it Sunday & the whole time, I'm gritting my teeth while trying to get musical tone to come out.

I dont know what it is about that song.  Its upbeat, which I normally like... it just get on my nerves...

BUT, I will say, I told more then one person, "I hate that song, unless Jessica sings it"

Jessica is a woman (which feels funny to say because she was a teenager when I first met her, but is now a married woman) at our church who can SINGGGGG.... I mean SSSIIINNNNGGGGG... girl has some pipes on her! 

Our area every year even has a local "American Idol" type of competition & she made it to the finals in the Louisville, Kentucky area... I'm telling you - amazing voice! 

When she sings this song, it just has a different feel.  It has such soul - it totally makes me clap my hands, dance to the beat, smile & want to sing along.

Well, Sunday, we had our yearly Christmas concert at church & we may be small, but we are mighty with talent.  So many singers who shared a solo ... they each just make me want to jump up & cheer for them - or ask for their autography - because they are ALL like stars!!!! 

So Jessica is up... & she is singing "Go tell it on the Mountain"...

I had a unique spot.  I was up on stage, so I was behind her as she was singing.  I loved being there because I was able to look out & watch everyone's faces & reactions to all the singers.  When Jessica was up, it was even more precious...  Because out in the audience was her father.  Her mother was up on stage with the other singers so I couldnt see her - but I was in direct line with her dad.

And mercy me... her dad was BEAMING!!!!!!!!!!!  Just smiling & mouthing the words along with his daughter.  It was such a pride that he probably didnt even realize was shining off of him....I'm sure in his eyes, he didnt see his grown, married daughter, but the little girl he saw grow up in that church.

Driving home, I thought about that look he was giving his daughter... & I thought about God, OUR Heavenly Father.  Did he hear all of his children singing that night & was He just beaming?  Just shining with pride of all of us lifting up the name of Jesus & singing about the wonderful night He was born?

I bet He was...

I dont know about you, but that just makes me want to sing more & more...

 But Jessica can keep that song ... I'll go with another ditty ;)

Reason #489 why I love Jr. High

Cutie Pie: Rebecca Jo, how old are you?

Me:  I'm 20 ....

........ 

Me:  OK - I just lied & we're in church - that's wrong... I'm sorry... I'm older then 20

Cutie Pie:  I totally believed you were 20

Me:  You are now my favorite person in this whole world

Project 365-41

Whew - its been such a busy week & weekend - I almost forgot to do my Project 365.. & so close to the end of the year... Its late, but I remembered... so here's my past week

Sunday - Stop in to see the family.... my parents had to run over to my brothers & I was heading to my house so I made a pit stop to see everyone.  Here is my mom holding Sophia, who is playing with that new doll that sings... I guess my mom is imitating the doll here, singing for it... I just love how the dog is leaning against my mom too... everyone, lay on my mom... apparently she's comfy :)

Monday - MY FIRST CHERRY PIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .... I've never made a cherry pie but had been wanting to do it... had the recipe, went & got the ingredients & put the rubber to the road & fired up the oven.  It might have a rip in the crust, but it was yummy!!!!  I did pretty good not burning the edges of my crust too, if I dont mind saying... & it didnt last long - It was goggled up quickly.... yummmm....

Tuesday - Nose bleeds arent pretty.... yes, you all know I embarass myself in my Project 365 - so what's one more picture?  My nose would not quit bleeding... this is like the 3rd day in a row & I'm talking gusher.  At least I was nice & put in a new tissue before I took the picture.  This is how I sat at my computer most of the week... nice, huh?

Wednesday - Final Practice... This was the final run-through for our Christmas Program that was going to take place on Sunday.  Here are two of my favorite people in the world, Lynn & Carly going through their song... mother/daughter singing together - how precious is that? 

Thursday - I am now crowned.... with my 7th crown.  OH MY GOSH... if you read my Friday Fragment, you know how painful that baby was.  But hopefully I'm done with this dentist office for awhile... (please Lord, for awhile)

Friday - Shopping after work.... I am so behind in Christmas shopping so I went out right after work on my way home.  I didnt think it would be that crowded.... HA... what was I thinking?  Here is the line to the check out at one of the stores I went to... geez.... people are acting like its Christmas or something!

Saturday - Jr. High Christmas Party!!!! .... Oh my - I love these kiddos... I'd post more pictures, but I dont want to put some kiddos faces for the world to see without their parents being aware of it - so I instead choose this one... where one of my favorite teens in the world was at the party helping out - & she started by drawing on our dry-erase board.  Can you see the Grinch?  She just whipped this up in a few minutes, drawing it off a picture on her iPod... is that talent, or what?  Its amazing talent!  And yes, the party was a great success... I came home sweaty & with a belly ache from laughing... perfect way to show how fun the party was!

SO we're really nearing the week of Christmas.... but one more week to get through...

Hope you all are clicking out the Holidays!!!!

Friday Fragments

Its Friday.... one day closer to Christmas... oh my... & I think I'm in the exact same shape as last Friday.  No, wait - I bought....um... yeah... I'm in the same shape as last week... dang it!  Let's Frag to get my mind off of Christmas being 2 weeks away!!!!

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I got my crown on my tooth yesterday!  HOT FIRE - THAT HURT!!!! I can handle root canals!  I should - I've had 8 of them.  But the only thing that bothers me on that is the cost.  The procedure? I fall asleep during it - no joke!  But the crown to put over the tooth?  Whewwwww... that was rough!  First, they didnt numb me up since it had a root canal.  That's fine - but the gums still have nerves people!  And apparently, I had some sorta reaction to the temporary they had on - or the glue they used... because she said when they took off the temp (which felt like they were pulling down my eye balls out of my tooth) my gum just started gushing blood....niiiiceee..... & then, you'd think that would be tender, right?  So let's scrap the glue off & poke the gums some more.  At one point, I stopped the woman & said "HOLY COW LADY - GIVE ME A SECOND!!!!" .... & now, I have a $1,200 tooth in the back of my mouth no one will see...

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which leads directly into the "SPAT OF THE WEEK" - yes, this is just from last night, but it was fun just irritating Ricky.  When he walked in the door from work, I was all like a little kid - "Look at my tooth"... the first time, he really did seem interested.  But then we'd be sitting there & I'd make him look again... then again... after the 10th time, he told me he was going to pay me $1,200 to stop having to look at it.  I told him if I was going to pay that much for a tooth, then I wanted SOMEONE to see it! ... this morning before he left for work - my last words to him?  "Look at my tooth before you leave" :)  I love aggravating my husband as much as he does me... that's love...

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Are you loving "The Sing Off" as much as I am?  I love the sound of harmonies & the talent these groups have... But is Nicole giving Paula Abdul a run for her money?  Girlfriend is a little ditzy...

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TIP OF THE WEEK:  Perfect for your Christmas cookie Baking!  If your cookies get stuck to your cookie sheet - just remove them by working some dental flose underneath... I'd stay away from the "mint flavored" floss though - unless you're making some chocolate mint cookies - then go for it!

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I'm reading "Under the Overpass" & its ROCKING my WORLD!  Wait until I do a book review on this... I want to get this book for everyone for Christmas - that's how awesome it is!!!!

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So I can tell the air is officially dry... I've had 5 nose bleeds this week... yes, just this week alone.  Today's was while I was driving to work.  I had to make someone's morning if they drove by me & looked over - seeing me with a Subway napkin hanging out of my nose... I had to do something!  I've literally, no joke, had on a white shirt every time its happened & have had blood just drop all over my chest (that's how bad the nose bleeds are!)... I wasnt taking chances.  Subway napkins to the rescue.. tucked in like a bib in my shirt & up my nose.... Eat Fresh! (sorry if I just ruined someone's Subway lunch)

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I may have to knit this... only because I feel like Ricky keeps our house at sub-zero degrees... this has gotta be warm...I think I'd make it in pink though...

Happy Friday everyone!!! Stay warm!!!

Sally The Elf

I know some of you have an "Elf on your shelf" for your kiddos....

If you dont, or havent heard of it - its where you have an elf in your house & it's job is to watch the child in your home & report back to Santa how that child is behaving... very Big Brother...

My twin nieces each had their own elves last year. 

This year, Madi said she didnt want her elf coming back... I cant say I blame her.  Who wants prying eyes watching every move you make?  And who wants a sneaky elf disappearing & showing up in a new place each morning? 

But not Sophia - she was anxious to welcome her elf back, whom she named "Sally".

Sophia told me that the way to get her to come back is to leave our Saltine Crackers & ICE Water... not just plain, room temperature water - it HAS to be ICE water!!!! That's an Elf's favorite...Sophia even told me, if it melts, I have to put another piece of ice in  - "just the way Sally likes it"...

My brother sent this picture to me yesterday...

The note says:  "Dear Sally, I want you to come back to my house.  Love Sophia.  PS - Write Back"

Is that not the most precious thing!!!  I love Christmas through a kids eyes... the magic they feel...

The only thing I would say though to Sophia... there's no ice in that water! :)

(I need to "write back" for Sally & have my brother leave it for her... any ideas on what "Sally" can say?)

Christmas Treat....

Its Day 7 over at Kimmie's at Our Life's Journey & today, she wants to know what your favorite Christmas Treat is...

It probably would be easier to answer what ISNT a favorite Christmas treat... with peanut butter cookies, & fudge & buckeyes & brownies & cakes &  pies & ... oh my... I could go on & on...

But I do have one favorite that I look forward to just at Christmas.

This is something my dad used to fix for me when I was growing up & I do it now myself.

.. & dont pass judgement until you try it!  Seriously!  Because you will read this & think, EWWW - but dont knock it until you try it!

You take these things... Old Fashioned Cream Drops

They're not very easy to find.  I dont know if they are only out at Christmas or what, but its the only time I really see them...

But you take one - get a big spoon - or a spatula - something that you can squash that baby with.  It takes some strength to flatten it.  See - you burn calories & build muscles while making this treat... BONUS!

You get it flatten out -  & then.. this is the part you dont pass judgement on... you get a Saltine cracker & lay it on top of it.  Yes - a Saltine cracker!!!  Now, I hear you saying, "That's not a Christmas treat"... but wait...

Then you put it in the microwave for a few seconds - not too long... Just enough to soften the Cream Drop - but not enough to melt it to where its all liquid - which can happen... & all is not ruined if that does occur.  You just take a spoon  - or a tongue - & lick it off the plate!

But it really is the best treat.  It makes the saltine cracker soft... & even if it doesnt soften the cracker, you have a good salty crunch with the sweet, soft, melted cream drop.

I'm serious... I look forward to it every year... I'm now craving this...

I've got to keep my eyes out for Cream Drops...

Anyone else ever try this?  Is it just a Southern Thing?  Or just a weird family tradition?

Your own strength....

You all have seen my beautiful Yellow Lab, Buffy...

She's about 100 lbs.  She's a BIG GIRL... & yes, she thinks she's a little lap puppy.  I tend to think she gets that from me - a gal my size who thinks I'm a size zero... sometimes reality & dream worlds are far apart - that's OK...

But the one thing about Buffy - she's clumsy... I'm talking CLUMSY - with all capital letters.  She gets THAT from Ricky!  But she will trip over herself running to get a ball - or will step in dog poop when she's running - & that's saying if there is only a little pile in a HUGE field - she'll find it & step in it... that's her luck.

So I had to laugh when Buffy had a run in with something that looked like this...

Yarn...

You all know its all around my house.  Especially right now when I'm trying to make a few Christmas presents.  There is always a skein of yarn at my feet. 

Well, I must have pulled out a lot of yarn because there was a pile of loose yarn on the ground.  Enter that big, yellow, clumsy dog & she steps RIGHT INTO the middle of it... It gets all tangled around her feet...

...Then because the normal thing to is panic, she gets herself even more tangled in it... & then she's really freaking out...

I keep telling her to stop - in the middle of my laughing at her freaking out... I'm that person who laughs when others fall or stumble, so even if its a dog, I had to laugh.

Then I noticed, she just stopped - she looked so defeated - she looked like she was going to be snared forever.  She just sorta stopped & laid down... not because I told her too (she probably couldnt understand me anyways from my laughing) - but she laid down because she thought she was trapped... that this yarn was going to hold her down.

Its yarn... on a 100 lbs dog....

I helped her out of it & then thought, "Wow - she had no idea her own strength."  I mean, she could easily have taken off running & probably BROKEN the yarn in two ... but instead, she felt like this thin, plied piece of wool could take her down... & it did...

How often do we do that?  Run into things in life & we just feel like its going to take us down?  That we dont realize the strength we have inside of us?  Even more so when we have the strength of Christ in us!!!  Do we forget that too & just surrender?  Lay down?  Give up?

But God comes along & helps us - either gives us the strength to get out of the situations ourselves ... or sends someone to help us out of the tangled messes....

Next time you're in a tangled mess in life... dont give up so easily... remember your own strength!

"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength"

-Philippians 4:13

Project 365-40

Sunday - Taking it easy .... Sunday, after church, it was just a lazy day.  I just worked on some Christmas presents while the doggies had their bones to snack on.  The Christmas season should be enjoyed by everyone... fur or no fur...

Monday - Nuts & Bolts!!!!!! .... This is a necklace that I got from a friend's Premiere Jewelry Business... I love it.  Love the name of it is "Runway" too.  I feel like I should strut when I wear it.  But it was so funny when I put it on in the morning.... I dont usually wear anything other then my basic pieces so Ricky's not used to seeing me in anything different.  When I put it on & was getting ready, he kept looking at me.  Finally, he said, "Why do you have hardware on your neck?" ... "Hardware?" .... "Yeah - it looks like you have nuts & bolts around your neck!" .... that's a guy for you!

Tuesday - My new favorite Winter Treat.... I have mentioned it a few times, but here is proof.  Reddi-Whip on my hot chocolate... its the BEST... just looking at this & writing about it now has me craving it... So good with the hot drink & the cold whip.... If you have never tried it - its a must!

Wednesday - Why pay less? ... isnt the saying, "Why pay more?" ... but not in this case.  I was looking online at handheld GPS systems for Ricky for Christmas & saw this.  I had to laugh.  You can buy the USED one for more... & what do you bet someone probably did... online shopping - you gotta keep your eyes out!

Thursday - Knitting in the Hospital.... I got to take my dad to the hospital for an early morning wake up call.  He had a milogram so he was back in the x-ray for awhile.  I had my knitting bag with me, kicked back & got a lot done.  Even was showing a nurse the things I was working on... knitting always gets conversations going - no matter where you're at!

Friday - The BEST Surprise!!!! - my awesome friend Heidi sent me a surprise in the mail.  She has also taken on her love of photography & is venturing into that world of business.  She has been the best encouragement for me on learning that dang-gum-Photoshop Elements & I love her even more because she has even sent me emails saying she's praying for me when I was doing the Rollins photo shoots ... how cool is that?  So this is what she sent me... its a little thing you put around the lens of your camera & its made to keep kids looking at your camera - holds their attention!  HOW AWESOME IS THAT?????  It really made me smile... Thank you Heidi!  You ROCK lady!!!

Saturday - Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow... Yes, I was going to go out & do some Christmas shopping - but there was snow when I woke up & it snowed all day long.  Not a huge, deep snow... but enough to make you just want to stay inside.  I only went out to get the mail (that's when I took this picture) - then I ran right back in &  got snuggled right back under my blankets & needles & yarn in hand...

BRRR... the snow makes me cold looking at it....

I'm anxious to see what December looks like where you're at... happy Clicking!

CSN is DA bomb!!!

So I keep seeing where everyone has been reviewing incredible things from the CSN website - like pots & pans, furniture, extra tall bar stools - even handbags & bathroom equipment!  Anything you can think of!

And now, I am going to get to play with CSN... Do you have any idea how excited I am?

I will be receiving soon this incredible piece that will make my life so much better...

That is an Elite Wall Cabinet... & it will be going in my bathroom!  Right, on my wall... well - let's just say, its not pretty.  Wait until I get it hung - I'll show you some before/after pictures.  And I will guarantee you that the after picture will have one smiling red-head in it...

Thanks CSN for allowing me to review your product... you're making this girl one very happy gal!

If you want to see everything that CSN has to offer - be sure to check out their site at http://www.csnstores.com/

Perfect for your last minute Christmas shopping!!!

Friday Fragments

Its Friday.. wait... was last week Black Friday?  Why does that feel so long ago? 

But its Friday, nonetheless... so let's frag...

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What does a nervous breakdown feel like?  Because I think I may be edging close to it... with my to-do lists being forever long - with my house looking like a tornado blew through - with my dogs suffering from getting old - with Christimas shopping to do & all that comes with Christmas... I could go on & on here... I think I have an ulcer...

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We're getting snow this weekend!!!!  I wouldnt mind so much if I didnt have the above-mentioned Christmas stuff to do!  I wish I could just sit back, in my library, with my knitting & watch the snow fall... but instead, I'll be 4-wheeling to risk my life to get to the mall... Tis the Season

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Can you all lift up a prayer for Ricky?  Cant say too much... but its good... no worries!  Just pray for God's will in Ricky's life... Hopefully I can say more soon!!!!

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Speaking of Ricky - I'm stumped what to get him for Christmas... any ideas?  What are you ladies getting your husbands for Christmas?  He loves dimes... I think I need to start now & next year, give him a whole HUGE container of dimes... that would probably be the best gift he'd ever get!  ... seriously...

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I've got to go back to the dentist next week for my permanent crown...& I'm also having problems with another tooth.... I guarantee you - it'll be another root canal/crown... watch & see... See why I'm so stressed?

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With all the feel of stress on my blog this week - how can I not have "SPAT OF THE WEEK"?  And it is a doozy.... CELL PHONES IN THE MALL!!!!! ... Last weekend, Ricky & I were in the mall, in JCPenny.  We'll usually kinda veer off from each other, but always meet back up before we head into the mall.  I was in the purses & then in the makeup & then the jewelry & then thought, "Wow - its been a long time - wonder whats taking Ricky so long?" - so go to make a call on my cell phone.  No signal.  So I wait... & wait... & still no signal.  It was over an hour later.  So I KNOW my husband - he's not in this store anymore - so I venture into the mall to find him.  Its Black Friday ... trying to find my husband in a mall on Black Friday is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  This whole time - my phone is doing nothing.  I turned it off/on like a dozen times - nothing... I then went to the car thinking he'd go out there.  We're 2 hours in at this point... Nope - he's not there - I leave a note to where I'm going to sit at & then head BACK in the mall... I walk in & think I hear his voice... head that direction - he's on his phone!  WHAT?  He has a signal?  ... & then I hear him say, "She's not answering her phone - I'm going to kill her"... HOLD UP!!!! I see him & I'm about ready to take his phone & smash it in the ground. 

He had a signal... apparently it was just MY phone...(which still wasnt working)... but when Ricky sees me - he says "Why havent you answered your phone?" ....He might as well said, "YOU ARE FAT" because those words went through me the same way.... He then told me he just assumed I didnt hear my phone... WHAT?  After 3 hours, I'm just ignoring my phone?  I'm not wondering where my husband is or trying to get ahold of him? ... I was livid... Ricky thought it was funny... which made me more livid... which Ricky thought was even funnier... which....(you get the cycle)... Yes, my cell phone almost drove me to bodily harm....

For the record - we took the battery out & turned it back on & the phone worked fine.... geez....

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was that the longest "Spat of the week" EVER?

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TIP OF THE WEEK:  If your shoes or boots are stained with salt from trudging through the snow, just dip a cloth or an old t-shirt into white vinegar & wipe away the stains!!!! (Love white vinegar!)

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Laugh of the Week:

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Must Have's for Christmas...

25 days until Christmas?  SHUT.... UP!!! (... said with my best Elaine "push" from Seinfield) ...

But I saw over at Our Life's Journey, Kimmie is doing a 25 days of Christmas... a prompt for each day.  Today - the prompt is to name your Top 5 Holiday "Must have's" ....

Well, as a child that came from a house where Duct Tape saved everything ... (note, I still to this day have a skirt my mom hemmed for me with duct tape when I was a teenager!  It's still holding... I'm not even lying!) - the first on my list is TAPE!!!!!  I am a taper... if you get a present from me, you can bet half a roll of tape is on it.  I dont want any edges peeking out or popping up.  And those little things that go on your hand? They are horrible - awful!  They are tiny little pieces... when I do tape, I need a good 3 inch piece!!!  Definitely my #1 item

Ribbons from Hobby Lobby!!!! They have the best curly ribbon - so cute - so festive - looks like you spent hours decorating... & best of all - they have them usually 50% off & they come in 3 packs... I will usually stop in Hobby Lobby a few dozen times a season to pick up loads of these ribbons.  Who doesnt love a beautiful curly ribbon on a package?

Something that I have had a new obsession with this year... REDDI WHIP!!!! I have learned to put it in hot chocolate... wait... I'm sitting & smiling at the yumminess of that... Plus, with all the yummy desserts that the Holidays have, who doesnt want Reddi Whip on all of it?  Cookies?  Check.... Pies?  Yes please... Cake?  Why not!?  ... Its the one time of the year that calories dont count anyways... (that's what I'm telling myself - dont bust my bubble!)

My running shoes.... Sound weird for a Must have for Chirstmas?  But I need it - for running, or for my Jazzercise class... some way to burn off the stress of the season.  Because, come on, we all know this time of the year gets VERY STRESSFUL.  So I try to make sure I lace up the shoes & vent out frustration so I can venture back into malls, back into gift wrapping, back into finding the perfect gift... yep, stress...

Finally - you have to know my Christmas isnt complete without my Steven Curtis Chapman..... gotta have his Christmas CD's going.  He has a total of 3  - 2 Full CD's really, but then Hallmark a few years ago had a CD of just a few of his songs, so we'll count it too... I love my Christmas Music - but to hear Steven sing it?  It doesnt get any better then that!

So what are your top things you need for the Holidays? 

You can play along throughout the month - just go to Kimmie's & link up!