A full day and cheesecake...

I spent the day with my Daughter yesterday.  She is a very busy girl but made time to "whip up" this beauty to share with her Church group for their Wednesday night dinner.  It took lots of steps, (too many for me) but oh how good it smelled.  Isn't it lovely:)  I helped, OK... not really but I turned the oven down while she picked Avery up from school:)  During the day while cooking the cheesecake, we did some laundry, sorted socks and enjoyed each other's company.  I had a great day with my girl!

I stopped on the way home for Zaxby's salads and after dinner took a stroll up the driveway!  LOOK at that moon, the picture doesn't do it justice.  Not quite full but almost:)

It's a rainy morning here and I don't have anything that I have to get out of the house to do.  Those days are nice!  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

I did it, finally...

This was my view yesterday!  I bought this machine many years ago and never used it!  It was a little overwhelming at first but I really wanted to learn how to use it for embroidering:)  So I read the instruction book and started practicing.

Ta-da... my first piece, a sweet little bib for my Great-granddaughter arriving in July:)  I was pretty excited!  I made the prettiest butterfly on my practice piece of fabric too!  I still have lots to learn, like when there are two colors involved but I will get there:)

While eating dinner last night, I looked out and the sky was SO pretty!  I slipped my shoes on and went out to snap this picture!  Peaceful sky at sunset...

Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Rainy morning...

I stayed in yesterday, watched my Church service on Facebook and felt like I made a good decision to stay out of the crowd:)  Not much else exciting to talk about for my Sunday.  I watched the Nascar race, rain delayed but they finished it:)  I can hear the rain dripping off the gutters this morning and fortunately I don't have to get out right away:)

Do you know how many calories are in a grocery store bakery donut?  Here's the story on why I asked.  We ordered wings from our local wing joint and I stopped in at the grocery store to grab my Hubby some bananas.  Wait, right there by the check-out counter were these beautifully glazed donuts and yes... I bought them!  For a snack before bedtime, I ate one and so did Marc:)  How surprised when I closed the lid and in HUGE letters was this 310 calories.  Needless to say, there are 4 left and I don't think I can eat another one:)  Perhaps 1/2 one?  Maybe, but that's a lot of calories!  That's all I have to say this morning.  I am reading up on my embroidery machine, perhaps I will crank that baby up.  If so, let's all say... "It's about time"!  Enjoy your day, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Peaceful Sunday...

It is gonna be a rainy day in Georgia!  The Nascar Race will most likely be interrupted or postponed and I am staying in.  No Church for me today.  I am SKEERED of catching the flu.  There have been SO many people diagnosed in our congregation and I don't want to be one of them.  Hopefully the flu season is winding down.  My Sister had it and I am still praying that none of her family gets it.  How about you?  Anybody else avoiding crowds because of that stupid flu?

SO... I am gonna find me some services to watch on-line:)  Have a blessed day dear friends, hope you have a peaceful Sunday!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Not that I am rushing it...

I am enjoying the Springlike weather.  The forecast says it will be in the 30s before too long, we knew it wouldn't last!  While outside yesterday, I snapped some pictures of the blooms showing themselves:)  I give credit to my husband for taking care of the two plants on the left:)  He takes them in during the Winter months and babies them.  Look at how pretty they are!  The top right is more jonquils blooming at the edge of the woods:)  Middle right Iris up from the ground and bottom right white blooms about to pop!  I do enjoy seeing the blooms, makes it feel like Spring to me... Not that I am rushing it!

Now it is Saturday and the weekend is here.  Not much planned around my house, just thankful for another day!  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Cabin fever...

SO, yesterday I just needed to get out of the house (had a little cabin fever).  Nowhere to go and really nothing I needed, but decided to go shopping.  Some of the items ordered on-line just didn't fit.  Perhaps they would have the same ones in the store?  AND they did.  I exchanged all of the Spring pants for the size I really needed.  That was fun, kinda like getting them for free (NOT).  It was a sunny/warm day so I did a little more shopping.  My Great-grandbaby will be arriving the end of July and yes I am already shopping for that little girl:)

That's that for yesterday!  Let's see what I can get into today!  Perhaps work in my closet?  Are y'all tired of hearing me promise to finish that task?  Trust me, it get's old NOT doing it:)  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Front porch sittin'...

The weather here is SO springlike, I know it won't stay but I am sure enjoying it:)  Yesterday afternoon, I sat in the rocking chair on my front porch for a long time.  I always think about my Mama when I sit there.  She loved sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch:)  We have set record high temps for days now and today is about the same.  Warmth...

These guys are being tricked into Springtime too!  The blooms are popping out all over the place.  I just pray we don't get a "cold snap" (as my Daddy called it) and kill them all!

Happy Birthday to my Step-Daughter Marcy!  We will call her this afternoon and I sent her a package with some long distance hugs in it!  We love you Marcy and hope you have a wonderful day!  Marcy, on the left!  This was the last time we were all together!  We need to do it again soon!

Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

For thou art with me...

What scripture do you choose for a young child's funeral?  This one!  My Cousin's Granddaughter passed away and this was one of the scriptures read.  "for thou are with me"  While it was a very sad day and the days, weeks and months ahead are going to be very hard, the Pastor brought peace with this scripture.  Prayer helps...

It wasn't a good day yesterday, not every day is... but I am thankful to know that "The Lord is my shepherd"  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

comments turned off today

Sisters are precious...

My Sweet Sister Brenda enjoyed her birthday lunch.  Some were sick and others had other commitments but we still had a great time with those who were there:)  My Nephew Bubba put this bow on his Mama's head and well, I thought she looked cute.  I love you Brenda! 

My sister and ALL THREE of her children, they aren't together very often so it was pretty special!  Top L-R Glenda, Bubba, Regina and Brenda.  Bottom Chris, Regina, Brenda and me:)  I enjoyed spending time with everyone.  My Sister Barbara was there too but managed to miss the picture taking:)

It is foggy and drizzly here again, temps are warm so I won't complain:)  My Sister Cindy was diagnosed with the FLU Type B, prayers appreciated that she recovers quickly and nobody else gets it.  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Looking back again and today...

Here I am again, looking back... this was my Aunt's birthday breakfast in 2010.  These little bitty kids in this picture are in the 6th and 7th grades now.  We are meeting for lunch today for my Sister Brenda's B'day.  I am missing my Aunt "FooFoo" a little extra this morning.  She always looked forward to these birthday celebrations with the family.

My gift is wrapped and ready to take to lunch!  I am looking forward to spending time with those who are able to make it!  Today is my Brother-in-law Jeff (Sister Cindy's husband)!  He is a truly good guy, it's hard to remember a time when he wasn't in our family!  Happy Birthday Jeffro, I love you and hope you have a wonderful day!

Hope you have a beautiful day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Happy Birthday Brenda...

The duck says that today is my Sister Brenda's Birthday!  It sure seems like this year has flown right by!  Happy 68th Birthday "Susta"!  
I love you!

This picture was many years ago, perhaps her 60th?  I love this picture:)

This was last year's birthday lunch!  We will celebrate tomorrow, missing our FooFoo:(

Another of my favorite pictures of my sweet Sister!

MY all-time FAVE!  US as little children laughing SO hard at something!  Look at those sweet little dolls posing for the picture:)  Those were the days, my friend...

My Sister and me:)  I love you Brenda!  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Enjoy your Sunday dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

No, I am not at the beach...

No I am not at the beach, just looking back at ONE YEAR ago:)  Do you ever do that?  This picture was taken a year ago, we were traveling to watch Autumn play ball and took a trip up the coast of Florida to see the sites!  What a fun memory!  Sometimes I look back and say ahhhhh, I miss that day!

Perhaps I need a trip to the beach, what 'cha think?  Wanna join me?  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Well lookie here...

Well lookie here, peeking thru the leaves, the yellow blooms of the daffodils:)  I can't believe my eyes, the middle of February and Spring is just around the corner.  I am trying really hard to live in "the day" but these pretties are a tease of the Springy days ahead.

AND more to come:)

It's Friday again.  I remember when I worked how much I looked forward to Friday and dreaded Monday.  Now it's just another day for me to enjoy!  Hope you all have a truly blessed day whatever you do and that you have some blooms to brighten your day!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

A sweet day and then...

After staying in all week, I gathered my Valentine goodies and headed to my Daughters.  She called me, "Hi Mom, what 'cha doing"  Me: "ringing your doorbell"!  She was headed home, I got to visit with Austin between classes, got a HUG and gave him a donut:)  I wasn't there long and here comes Tracy.  She was working on finishing these beautiful and tasty cookies for her Church group.  Aren't they pretty?  She has a steady hand and continued to decorate them, I watched:)

On my way to visit, I stopped to grab some tasty treats for the kids!  Austin chose a chocolate one as he headed back to class:)  I surprised Marc with some for our dessert after dinner too!

I returned home early afternoon, turned on the TV and saw the news about the School shooting in Florida!  HORRIBLE!  Kids should be safe at School!  I will be praying for all of these families!  SO SAD!  Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Happy Valentine's Day and it is pink...

Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL!

My heart is pink this morning:)  My Granddaughter Autumn just announced that she is having a baby girl!  I am SO excited to start shopping for little girl things!  I can't wait to meet my little Great-Granddaughter!  This picture was 22 years ago with my FIRST grandchild!  Sweet little baby girl, having a sweet little baby girl!  I am "over the moon" happy!

Have a blessed day dear friends, sending VALENTINE'S DAY HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

February blooms and a recipe...

The only time I went out yesterday was to get the mail after dinner!  When I was coming down the driveway, I looked up and saw these beautiful blooms on my camellia bush/tree:)  I couldn't get a very good picture in the dark, but I took it anyway!  This was a gift from a guy that I worked with and carpooled with for many years for my 50th birthday!  That was almost 14 years ago and it just keeps blooming:)   

My day was busy yesterday working in various areas of my house.  I don't think I will ever be finished with my closet, perhaps in time to change out the clothes for Summer:)  We had a delicious casserole for dinner and of course I will share the recipe!

Tater Tot Casserole (Simple and Yummy)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
• 
  

• Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cook and stir ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink and completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes; season with salt and black pepper. Stir cream of mushroom soup into the cooked ground beef; pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer tater tots evenly over the ground beef mixture; top with Cheddar cheese.
3. Bake until tater tots are golden brown and hot, 30 to 45 minutes.

Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

A construction party for Grant...

After Church and a short stop at home, off to my Great-great-Nephew Grant's birthday party!  It was a construction themed party and his Mama and Daddy threw a great one for their little sweetie!  The decorations were colorful and the entire place was decorated with balloons and construction vehicles:)  The cake was made by Grant's grandma, a piece of art and SO yummy!

Gift time, there was one gift that was Grant's most favorite... a little music set:)  He LOVED the cymbals, perhaps he will be a musician!  Whatever he chooses to be, we will all be there to watch!  I enjoyed visiting with my family, lots of good food and smiles!

Today?  No plans!  I am staying in and working on catching up after a busy weekend!  It was a great one, but I am tired!  "The old gray mare ain't what she used to be"  Still moving, just not as fast:)  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Saturday shower of blessings...

The bridal shower was so much fun, I knew it would be!  These girls, Nieces, Great-Nieces, Great-Niece In Laws are the best party planners!  The food was wonderful, decorations scattered ALL around were awesome and lots of gifts for Joseph and Kelsey!  I enjoyed every moment of my time there!  The rain held off until I got back home, thankfully!

There was a photo booth with lots of props!  I love my family!  Always doing things for others!  I am looking forward to the wedding, now 48 days:)

That was my Saturday!  I will be putting on my galoshes this morning to head out to Church and a birthday party for my Great-Great-Nephew Grant this afternoon!  Another fun/busy day ahead!  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

100% chance of rain...

100% chance of rain ALL weekend!  Hopefully it will hold off until after the Wedding Shower at my Niece Kelly's house!  My Great-Nephew Joseph and his beautiful Fiance Kelsey are getting married in March.  Today is their shower and I will be there to celebrate them.  I love showers:)

That's all I have for this Saturday!  Gotta get moving, gift loaded in the car and umbrella in hand:)  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

He's home...

Well after 6 nights in the hospital and a successful surgery, Frankie is breathing freely on his own!  Tracy and Alex picked him up yesterday:)  Avery was at play practice and was happy to see him in the car when she got out!  Welcome home Frankie!  We were all so worried about this little guy!

I was out and about yesterday running some errands, enjoying the sunshine, blue skies and gentle breeze.  Today I have to get out again and hope to accomplish a few more chores around the house!  Slowly checking things off my "to do" list!  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

A lazy day is OK...

Lack of sleep made me take yesterday off!  I was so lazy, by the afternoon I needed a nap:)  I managed to get a few things done, packages ready to mail and did some more "clearing the clutter"!  My sleep was a little better last night and after my coffee is gone, I am getting busy!

Hopefully Frankie is coming home today!  I know he will be so happy to be home with his family and his brother Munson!  Have a blessed day, take time to be lazy if you need to:)  HUGS!

I don't always enjoy being retired...

OH wait, yes I do:)  I am coming up on 16 years of being retired!  It amazes me that it has been that long.  After 30 years of working, now almost 16 years of retirement.  It is a joke with Tracy and me... I say "I am gonna do that when I retire".  We both laugh!  There are still things to accomplish and yet haven't been done:)  For those who are working hard every day, your day will come... mine finally did:)  LOVE retirement!

What made me post that today?  Well, yesterday my day was filled with doing whatever made me happy.  I wrapped a shower gift for this Saturday, painted my nails, made some Valentine goody bags to mail to my Grandchildren and did some more organizing:)  Trying to enjoy the moment!  Today is supposed to be a rainy one, I think it's a "stay in" kinda day again!  Frankie's surgery was a success and he will hopefully be home soon and the family will be SO happy to have him back.  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Puppy love...

Tracy visited Frankie at the hospital yesterday, he was happy to see her and wanted to go home when she left.  A few more days and he will be back with his buddy Munson.  Just a few more days.  Surgery today and some recovery time in the hospital.  I pray that the surgery will help him breathe better and get some spring back in his step!  His family is really missing him:(

I have been trying to accomplish SOMETHING productive every day.  Not really a New Year's resolution, just me deciding that I have areas that need work.  Yesterday I worked in my closet, still work to be done, but it felt good to get TWO shelves organized.  TWO shelves of leggings, organized and sorted.  I swept the front porch which collects leaves when it is windy and dusted/swept the foyer and kitchen/hall area.  As long as I can keep this up, perhaps one day I will finish in time to start all over again.  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

What a game...

I didn't really have a team in this game but I know people who did on both sides:)  The only thing I thought throughout the game was that the The Eagles HAD NEVER WON a Superbowl.  AND as we all know the Patriots have won a bunch of them.  It was a great game, back and forth, trick plays and SOME good commercials.  

This guy right here, Nick Foles proved that he could step up when needed.  Amazing performance!  He was humble and kind in victory! 

My favorite commercial was Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. spoof on Dirty Dancing!  If you missed it, you can watch it HERE:)

We enjoyed the game in the comfort of our home:)  Pizza and chicken wings while watching a great game!  Now it's over AGAIN, we watched a little golf this weekend and now we will have baseball and racing soon.  Oh and Winter Olympics will be on this week.  We really enjoy watching sports:)  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Now it is over and I will be thankful...

Now it is over!  Avery's All-Star event was yesterday and her biggest fans were in "the house":)  It didn't last very long and we were back in the car headed home.  Our Saturdays have been spent headed to watch her play, now what will we do?  Oh we will find something:)  Our Grandkids have kept us busy over the years traveling far and wide to watch them doing whatever they were doing.  We love every moment and they appreciate us being there!  Avery gave us a big hug... those hugs are priceless!

Even though it is pouring rain outside, I will be thankful for this day!  I am thankful that my little "grand-puppy" is better, still in the hospital but getting great care!  Frankie will perhaps have to have surgery tomorrow to correct his breathing issue, I am thankful for people who are smart enough to know what he needs to help him and that Tracy and Derek made sure he is getting the best care!

This afternoon, I will be watching the Superbowl:)  I hope it is a really good game, lots of good commercials and J.T. at halftime:)  Sounds like I won't be able to look away!  Enjoy your day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Frankie isn't feeling well...

This is the family dog, my Daughter's family pet/human:)  He isn't feeling well and spent the night in the hospital.  I pulled a few pictures, this one is when he joined the family Christmas 2013.  He is loved.

Austin giving him some love before heading off to College...

Little fella in the snow:)

I know Munson doesn't understand where Frankie was overnight:(

I am praying for Frankie.  God knows who he is and how much he means to the family!  Please say a little prayer that he is feeling much better this morning!

I got my hair done yesterday and while I truly DO NOT enjoy taking the time to do it, I am glad that I went.  Avery has one final Basketball All-star event today, so that's what we will be doing.  Have a blessed day dear friends, sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!