Quality Time with My Parents

I didn't get much time, with my parents yesterday. Not at all! It was a quick trip home. Almost solely for the Craft Fair. But that's how life goes. Right?

The little bit of time, that we did get, I enjoyed every single second of it! Every second!!! I'm at it again. Performing. All week. Throw in some work stuff. And well, the week is jam packed with stuff!

But I took some time, to just enjoy my parents. Which was much needed! My parents spent the afternoon with family. While I was the one, that stayed at the Craft Fair. We sold so much stuff! I can't believe it. And my parents, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. :)



After the Craft Fair was over, and I met my parents. We decided, to go out, to a late lunch. Before I had to head back to Sin City. We enjoyed it. It may have only been a few hours, but they were AMAZING!

I got to catchup on family stuff. Like how some sick relatives were doing. All good news. Yay! And well, we just caught up. On the important stuff. Planned some things for Christmas. Or should I say, the week after New Year's. Because, well My Guy and I already have some plans.

I really do wish, that I could spend more time with my parents. I wish that I could share this guy, with them. I wish that this time of year, wasn't so crazy. That I didn't have 2 weeks, worth of shows. And Medical Conferences. And lots of holiday stuff...that I just haven't done.

But at the end of the day, I know that spending time with my family, is important. I only have 2 parents. 2 parents that are older. That I know, won't be here, for decades to come. That my friends, is the ONLY downfall, to having older parents.

There's just something, tugging at my heart, telling me to spend more time with them. And I WANT to! I NEED to! And I'm planning, on spending as much time, as I can, with my parents. I need to carve out more time, for family. This I know. Because, it's important!

At times, life just gets so complicated. And hectic. We sometimes forget, what's important. And what should take priority. I know, that my parents are very important! That they matter. They mean the world to me! And I value that. Now, to schedule in, some more, of this important "Family Time!" ♥

Sunday Sweets

I'm currently on a flight to my hometown. Why? For a Craft Fair! My Mom and I always get 2 tables. It's held at our church. And since the first year, we've always gone. We do it more for the fun, then the actually financial side of it. And to support our church.

But I do have to say, in the last 3 or 4 years, we've made a pretty good amount of money. And that never hurts during this time of year. So we have totes and totes of of crafts. We make them all year long, and just keep adding to our inventory. I also happen to have 2 suitcases with me. Loaded with things I've made over the last few weeks. So I'm pretty excited about today.

I'm a little sad that I will be missing my Family Reunion though. It's a somewhat small one on my Dad's side of the family. It was last minute. Mostly because one of my Dad's cousins, is really sick. And they don't expect her to make it past the winter. In years past, we've had much larger reunions, during the summer. But this was just too important to pass up. So I've agreed to man the Craft Fair tables alone. So that my parents can go to the Family Reunion. Yes, it's that important. In fact, had we not already paid for our tables, my Mom and I would have skipped the Craft Fair altogether this year.

But I suppose that's life. And there's not much else you can do. So I'm sitting here. Flying home. During the only real break I get from performing. But it's important. And sacrifices need to be made. It's all part of life. But I'm determined to have a good day. Oh, I may or may not be browsing Etsy...



I'm quite in love with this Cowl by Yarn Plus Yarn. The shop seems to be out at the moment. But I'm quite in love. I'm thinking a cranberry colored one would be perfect for winter. And at $25, you honestly can't pass it by.

I've noticed since I was first diagnosed, and told that I have to be careful health wise, that I really have stocked up on winter accessories. I've always had a love affair with scarves. But since my diagnosis, I've really fallen hard for winter accessories. It might just be my way of trying to protect myself.

Either way, I see a purchase in my near future. And a very fun day ahead. I hope everyone has a great Sunday! You know, Sunday really is my favorite day of the week! ♥

What Do I Say? What Can I Do? I Feel Deflated...

It's crazy. Today, is someone's birthday. Someone that was, once very special to me. A close friend. Heck, I thought of her as a sister. We were that close...

Then one day, things instantly changed. No real explanation. No warning. No clue. It just ended. As quickly as we had become friends. It was over. Final.

It still seems so weird. It's been nearly 3 years. I don't feel any better about it. It was 1 message on MySpace. It ended it all. Crazy how that happens. I still feel such a sense of shock. I still grab for the phone, to call her. Or want to send her an e-mail. Or just want to talk to her.

I've seen her 2 or 3 times since. And we've never spoken. Never done much of anything. But look at each other. I still wonder how that happened. How such a good friend, could just, I don't know. Walk away? Push me away? How did we let it come to this? I'm not sure...

But I do, still think about her. I have for a while. Then today, I woke up and realized, that it's her birthday. How crazy is that? It's her birthday!

I want to call her. Tell her that she is amazing. Wish her the best. But how do I do that? Does she still live in the same place? Does she ever check MySpace? Because I know I don't. Does she still have the same e-mail? I don't know...

But here we are. One small disagreement later. There we are. Not talking. Not communicating in anyway. But I miss my friend. "Kindred Spirits" don't come along often. A miscommunication, a mistaken identity, one bad day. This is where we are. I miss her. "Little G." I miss her laugh. Her "old school" way of life. Most of all, I miss my friend...Happy Birthday Little G! ♥

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

One thing that you should know is, I LOVE red velvet cupcakes. LOVE THEM!!! Just thinking about them, makes me want to go bake a batch. Oh. My. Goodness!

This week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, just hit all the bells and whistles for me! Red Velvet Christmas Cookies! I'm sure that the people at Gooseberry Patch, know that I'm in the middle of my Christmas baking. And wanted me to add these to the mix. But oh my goodness! I might gain 20 lbs this year. Because of this recipe. :)



Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

18-1/2 oz. pkg. red velvet cake mix
1/2 c. oil
2 T. water
2 eggs
12-oz. pkg. white chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets. Makes 3 dozen.



Earlier this week, I baked these cookies. 3 batches of them! And guess what? In the matter of hours, they were history!!! And in case you were wondering, I wasn't the only one, that ate them. All my friends were so excited about these cookies. :)

It probably doesn't hurt, that most of my friends are from the "South." And red velvet is a staple there. But we ate. And ate. And ate some more! It's a good thing that we're performing this week. For 2 reasons. 1 can't bake while we're out here. And 2, I burned off a lot of calories!

But honestly, this is going to be a "staple recipe" for me. From now on! If I know you in "Real Life," you can bet your pants, that I'll be adding these, to your Christmas baskets. :) Today is Saturday. And boy, I can't wait for next week to come. When we head home. And I can bake up a few more batches! Oh, and I just might NEED this cookbook too! ♥

Capturing Memories

Isn't it crazy, how quickly technology changes? How fast life is moving forward? Yet, how so many people, love and adore, things from our past.

Let's take pictures and cameras, for example. I personally HATE having my picture taken. ABSOLUTELY HATE IT!!! But I like getting lost, in old pictures. Of recalling those memories, from my past. I adore it! And whenever I think of old pictures, I think of my grandparents' old Polaroid. The one that my Nanie would grab, and snap pictures with. Pictures of us kids, my Tatie, or even their countless animals. Fun times!



Recently, this guy and I, picked up 3 such Polaroid cameras. And we've been having a blast with them! There's just something, about watching a Polaroid develop. Almost instantly. It's amazing.

And when we were talking about our little cameras, to friends and family, all of a sudden...EVERYONE wanted one! It just makes me smile. :) How we all want a piece of the past.

Between, Happy Birthday Anna Marie! I hope you have a truly amazing day! We're going to have to grab lunch tomorrow. And do a little shopping! Maybe even capture some memories on my new best friend...my Polaroid. ♥

22 Years

Today is my parents' 22nd Anniversary! What a blessing it is. They've shown me, that life is not always easy. Life is not always about happiness. But with lots of hard work, faith, and love...a marriage can be successful. It's something that is invaluable. To know, that real love, does exist.



I just want my parents to know, that I LOVE them! With all my heart. And I'm so proud of this milestone. They are such amazing role models for me. And I hope, that this is just the beginning of their journey! Love you both! Happy Anniversary!!! ♥

Dreaming of...

Cole and I, often e-mail each other, "inspirational" pictures. Things that we like. Something we think, might work for my shows. Or something that I need. Like this weekend. I'm going to some fabulous events, for My Guy. And I need some fabulous things to wear. So Cole and I brainstormed...



One of the pictures, that Cole e-mailed me, was this one. And I'm in LOVE with this skirt. But we talked about it. It needed to be more "formal." More "upscale." Cole not only designed a dress for me. But it has this identical skirt. The top is simple. I don't have any pictures of it. As I'm yet to see it in person. That's how we roll! But I saw a sketch. The top reminds me of the 1950s. Simple, and elegant.

Honestly, I can't wait to wear this dress. And I can't wait, to be supportive of this guy! He totally deserves it. And a week in Sin City, is a total bonus! Even if, I have to work a few nights. But honestly, how can I call dressing up, and performing...work? I just can't! This is going to be an AMAZING week! I can just feel it. ♥

New Bebe

Dear Baby Jellybean,

Today, is your birthday sweet girl! I just can't believe, that you are here. So perfect. And beautiful. Everything about you, is just right! A baby girl, that we've all waited for. And you are absolutely perfect!

Not long ago, in fact yesterday, your Mommy and Daddy asked your Nono and I, to be your Godparents. We were both so surprised! And excited! What a blessing, this is to us! We're so excited to be a part of your life. A special part. To help shape the woman, that you will grow into.

Baby Girl, you are already so amazing! So LOVED! With a beautiful life in front of you. We can't wait to watch you grow. And help you along the way. Today, God bless us all. You are a perfect little Angel. Sent to us, to love, nurture, and protect. We all LOVE you! Happy Birthday!

Love,
Your Nana♥

Flirty Aprons

One thing, that I'm not sure you know yet is...I collect aprons. I LOVE aprons!!! Yes, I'll admit that here. :) It started, when I first moved out, of my parents' house. My Mom was giving me lots of stuff, to take with me. Odds and ends, that she was finding. Because my parents were also remodeling their house.

I ended up, "inheriting" 2 aprons. Made in the 40s? Out of sheer fabric, ric-rac, and lace. Beautiful! They are the type of aprons, that women wore, when they had company over. Totally "useless," but so pretty!

After that, I hunted out aprons. I bought them at Antique Stores, Craft Fairs, and even at my grandma's house. :) Then a few years ago, I got involved in an "Apron Swap." I sewed my first apron. And well, the rest is history!

Since then, I've made myself, 30+ aprons. Participated in many "Apron Swaps!" And added many aprons to my "Wishlist." I've received them as gifts. And every single day, I happily wear one.

The other day, "Little Sister," sent me this link. And I was so excited! The kind of excited, that keeps you up, for hours! Because you are drooling over all the beautiful aprons.



I may have hinted to this guy, that I'd love a couple of aprons. Especially, this one. For Christmas. Oh, that would make me so happy!

Is there anything, that you collect? Are you an "Apron Collector" too? Do you "Swap?" I'd like to know. Because these are things I enjoy. Collecting things that I enjoy. Finding fellow collectors, and swapping. And oh ya, sharing some of these wonderful things, with all of you! ♥

Thanksgiving Leftovers

So I happened to come across this post about Thanksgiving Leftovers. Just thinking about Thanksgiving Leftovers makes me so hungry! I honestly can't stop thinking about a breakfast of mashed potato pancakes and a slice of ham. Or a yummy turkey sandwich with stuffing. I know, it sounds nuts.

But if you're not like me, and enjoy the leftovers, you have options. And lots of them. Lots of these recipes look and sound so yummy! Yes they do! Just look at this picture people.

So if you are interested, click here. By the way, Cafe Zupe is a yummy blog! Yes it is. A place that I enjoy a lot. I really do like to just look at all the pictures. But the recipes, yup they are delish! ♥

Old Navy Presents The Gobble

I know I can't be the only person that is this excited about Old Navy's Gobblepalooza. I may or may not have bought a few pairs of jeans for myself. And maybe a winter coat or two. :)

Yes, I know. I'm supposed to be shopping for other people. But yesterday, I just got the urge to buy myself a few things. Because I refuse to buy myself, any type of clothing, at full price. Weird I know. But it's the truth.

So do you plan on taking advantage of Old Navy's sales this weekend? Are you going to buy yourself anything? Or are you just going to spend money on Christmas presents? I'm just a little curious. Oh, and I did buy some Christmas presents too! ♥

Warm & Cozy Autumn Makeup

I tend to be a big fan of Charlotte. I've been watching her YouTube videos for years. And now I'm starting to read her new blog too! But honestly, I just enjoy Charlotte's personality and style. Oh, and this "Fall" inspired look, is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Which I might just have to try on Thanksgiving. Because you know, I like to try new things. Oh, and I have pretty much all those products already. Not sure if that is good or bad. :) ♥

Thalita Doll Illustrations Giveaway

Don't you think this is just an amazing piece? I do! It's by Thalita Dol Illustrations. I honestly think that these drawings should be in some children's books. They remind me so much of my favorite books growing up. :)

Right now, Cakies is offering a giveaway for either a print or a set of note cards from Thalita Dol Illustrations. You will not be disappointed. So head over and enter the giveaway! ♥

Emily Sparks Handmade Giveaway

I just adore that top, left hand headband! Yes I do! It's feminine and funky all at the same time. If you head over to Cakies right now, you have a chance to win a Blooming headband. Yes, that's the one that I like. :)

So hurry up and go enter! You know you want one of these gorgeous pieces. And don't forget to check out Emily's Etsy store. ♥

Jill's Giveaways

Jill over at Homemade by Jill, is having a week of giveaways! No lie. And she is giving away some really fun stuff. Hurry up and head over. It's just this week!



First off, this cute blanket and pillowcase giveaway. Aren't they adorable? I think so! And perfect for any kiddo in your life. Just imagine them all snuggled up!



And don't tell me you don't like this ruffle material! The possibilities are endless. Yes, endless! I could dream up at least a dozen projects right now. So enter here if you'd like some of this cute fabric. :)



And lastly, the Silhouette SD!!! Wouldn't you just LOVE to win one of these bad boys? Jill is giving one away on her blog!!! Go enter here! You will not be disappointed! Not at all!

Don't forget to check back all week at Jill's blog. Everyday she is posting a new and fun giveaway! A HUGE Thank You to Jill. Isn't she a doll? I think so! ♥

Safari Booties

With Black Friday being this week, My Guy and I have started talking about Christmas presents. Yes, I'm way behind! Usually by this point, I've got 90% of my shopping done. But not this year. But that's not what this post is about.



While looking around, I spotted these gorgeous shoes! They're by the company Glaze. And oh, I just might want them for Christmas. In a size 6 1/2. Oh, and in the taupe color please. :)

Ya, My Guy has requested that I make a list of things I'd like for Christmas. Or stuff that I'd just enjoy. I know that he has done a lot more shopping than I have. The evidence...a pile of boxes in his office. But I'm still keeping these on my list. ♥

Little Girl Dreams

Isn't this just dreamy? Any little girl's dream, right? Heck, I'll admit it. I LOVE this pavilion! My Goddaughter, she told me that she just LOVES this! You see, Maribel is the girliest little girl, that you will ever meet!

Hmm, if I had $470 laying around, I'd get it for her. Oh, and we'd probably need a place to put it. I doubt that Sals would be happy with me. You know, if I should up to her house with this very large present. 5 kids and a pavilion, that just might be pushing it a little too much...

But us girls, we can dream. We can dream about a lot of beautiful things. About tea parties in a beautiful garden, under this beautiful pavilion. Oh, with fancy cupcakes, some dress up, and lots of laughter! ♥

Happy Birthday Emma!!!

Emma,

Today just happens to be your 1st birthday Miss Emma Grace! How amazing is that? I'm one very lucky lady. You know why? Because I'm your Godmother! Yes, my precious little "Lovebug," you are my Goddaughter.

That is why I stayed here. To celebrate this very big and important day with you. You are truly a blessing from God. A perfect little girl. Emma you bring so much joy and happiness to so many lives! Your mommy, daddy, and big sister are so happy that you're part of their family. And your Nana and Nono are so happy to be part of your life too! :)

I'm so excited to be your Nana. To get to be a part of your life. To watch you grow and learn so many new things. It's been such a great year. Just watching you reach all of your milestones. The first time you crawled was so fun! And I will never forget the first time you smiled at me! But my favorite times, are just hanging out. You know, when we laugh and play.

Yes, Emma you are a true blessing. Someone God has sent to make our lives so much better! You bring such happiness and love. I look forward to the coming year. To watching you really accomplish this thing we call walking. You're doing great already. But we all can't wait to see you really running around. And talking. I can't wait until we can sit and talk. You know, about the important things. Like dollies and books.

I love you so much! And your Nana just wants to wish you the best birthday ever! Yes, little girl, I'm so excited to be a part of your life. To watch you grow and become such a great person. I want to watch you dream about life, and then chase after those dreams. I can't wait. I really can't! But until then, you just have a great time being a perfect little girl. I LOVE you!

Love,

Your Nana♥

Baked Macaroni

I can't be the only one that LOVES baked Mac-n-Cheese. Oh no! Especially the homemade kind. Yes, my absolute favorite! So I'm very excited with this week's free recipe from Gooseberry Patch. :)

Mary's Baked Macaroni

Submitted by: Paula Weaver from Steeleville, IL

8-oz. pkg. elbow macaroni, uncooked and divided
1-1/2 c. milk
2 T. cornstarch
1/3 c. water
1-1/2 c. Colby Longhorn cheese, diced
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. oil
1 onion, diced
1/2 c. green pepper, diced
8-oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 to 2 c. soda crackers, crushed

Measure out 1-1/2 cups macaroni, reserving the rest for another recipe. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Heat milk, without bringing to a boil, in a saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water; slowly stir into warmed milk. Cook just until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Combine macaroni and milk mixture with remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs. Pour into a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Cover with cracker crumbs. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for one hour, until golden. Serves 6 to 8.


Yummy! I sincerely want to make this for dinner tonight. With a big salad. Oh, and maybe some pork chops. Possibly a warm fruit cobbler, with ice cream. Yum! Can you tell that I'm a little hungry right now? ♥

Rock Candy Necklace

Let's all take a minute to look at this beauty! There are 11 different colors in each and every necklace. At $74, it isn't a bad buy. Just imagine all the outfits, that you can pair this gem with! The Lavaliere Multi Drop Necklace is made of 11 different color Swarovski Crystals. It comes on an 18 inch chain. And honestly, it's just beautiful! I'm adding this beauty to my Christmas List. :) ♥

Updates on Baby C

Today Baby C turns a month old! I can't believe it's been a month! So much has happened. Good and bad. But prayers are still needed. Definitely needed! Today, Baby C is also having surgery. Why? To have her feeding tube moved. And to check her intestine. She is having a difficult time when it comes to eating, and gaining weight.

Since her birth, Baby C has lost weight. And hasn't been able to "feed" like a "normal baby." But she is staying strong. H is also doing so well. I'm so proud of her. Because they've been through so much! And she is still so incredibly strong.

Hopefully with this surgery, Baby C will start gaining weight. We all want her to grow. And in 7-10 days, they'll try bottle feeding again. Very exciting news! Because it means, Baby C is getting closer to going home. :)

Barracuda has a lot to do with H and Baby C doing so well. He is spending so much time with them. And I personally know, it's good for the 3 of them. They're becoming such a close little family. And I think it's good for them. H needs someone to love her, and to be there for her. Barracuda, he's ready to settle down. He wants a family. He wants Baby C. See, even if her biological father doesn't want to be in the picture, God has sent her a Daddy to love her. :)

So I need to get moving. I need to go say some extra prayers for Baby C. There are so many important things to do. But I honestly can't wait to see Baby C after she gets out of surgery. Knowing that the doctors have fixed some of the things that are plaguing Baby C. I really can't wait until she gets to go home with her mommy. And just to get my mind off of things, I really want to make these beautiful shoes for Baby C. I'm pretty sure that she would enjoy a new pair of shoes. ♥

So Pretty

Isn't this just the prettiest thing ever? See, crochet doesn't have to be all about granny squares and baby sweaters. It can also be about cute jewelry pieces. Yes, I have this necklace on my Wishlist. Maybe I'll get inspired, and make me one. It shouldn't be that hard. Right? But isn't this necklace just beautiful? ♥

Holiday Leaves

Isn't this just the cutest little wreath? I think it would be perfect in browns, oranges, and yellows for Fall. Or in just white for Winter. Those are little crochet leaves all the way around. It's simple and classy. Just perfect for your front door! The best news is, it's a free pattern from Lion Brand. ♥

Am I Going to Be Ready?

1 month ago today, I found out about this 5K. I knew about it before then. But that's the day, I found out the actual date. It's in 15 days. No lie! And I just started training. As in, Sunday morning...

I usually run. Every single day. At least a mile. But usually more like 2 or 3 miles. By the end of the summer I was up to 5 miles a day! I was so proud of myself. But lately, things have been crazy. For about 2 months now, life has been ridiculously busy. The last 2 weeks, have been especially bad. But honestly, I wish I was still back home with Baby C. She is way more important than all of this.

Sunday, I decided that I needed to get my butt moving. I was 20 days away from running a 5K. I got up early, and somehow got My Guy to go running with me. We ran a mile. And walked the mile back to the house. It felt good. There is something incredible about running in the cool air. :)

Monday, My Guy had to work again. It's a little weird for him to work Monday and Tuesday. But this week, he had to. So he got up before me, again. Had me a glass of juice and a little snack ready. Then we went to run. A mile and a half! After that, we walked back to the house. Honestly, I thought I was going to die!

That was 3 miles on Monday morning. I was really sore from Sunday. And my back was really hurting. I don't know why. But on Sunday, I woke up with such a sore back. I could barely get out of bed. On Monday, ugh, I was in some fierce pain!

Tuesday, I could barely get out of bed. It didn't help that My Guy didn't have to be at work until near noon. His first day to sleep in since October 7th? I think that was the last day. Anyway, he was happily in bed. Asleep. And felt like I should be there too. Ugh, but I had to run.

So I literally rolled out of bed. Looked for some shoes and was out the door. Yes, I went running in my pjs. I mean, who in world is going to see me? We live in the BFE. And I run on our trails. No one in sight! I don't think our animals cared what I was wearing. They were the only ones awake at that hour. And just so you know, I had on 2 different shoes. I realized this on the walk back...

Wednesday, I had to run on the treadmill. I was already in Sin City. I'm not a fan of running outside here. So I ran on the treadmill. For 1 1/2 miles. My 3rd day at 1 1/2 miles. And I hated it. I just can't run on a treadmill. I hate it!

Yesterday, it was another mile and a half. Really annoying. But today, I branched out. I went running with some friends. Outside! Praise the Lord! I rather run outside than on a treadmill. Even though it was cold. And icky from all the rain. Oh, and we left in the dark. But it was a good run. And we ran 2 miles! :)

So am I crazy? I'm trying to get in gear for a 5K. In less than 3 weeks! I started with a mile. And I hope by this coming Monday, that I'm running 2 1/2 miles a day. My goal is to be running 3 miles by October 30th. Ugh! I should have been training weeks ago! You know doing it the right way. Slightly increasing my distance. And hopefullly my speed at the same time.

Whatever happens, I will be running a 5K on November 6th. Even if I'm sick. Or barely moving. You know, because of my back. Or if I have to haul my TPN with me. Even if I pass out halfway through, I'm going to accomplish this run.

Why? Because this event is in memory, of a very special person. Someone that meant the world to me. And I want to honor him in this little way. No matter what, I'm going to accomplish this. I just hope I'm ready for 3 miles of running. In my hometown. I know it's harder to run out there. Especially in the cold weather. ♥

Afforable Accessories

I just watched this video by Candace. Now I feel the need to go shopping. I'm not really a "clothing person." I like clothes. But I wear pretty boring clothes. But I adore accessories!!!

This website has some cute things. And they're so affordable! Don't let the video fool you. There are so many different styles available. And did I mention, super affordable!

I know, I should be thinking about work. Or my new Goddaughter. Or school. But even I have to indulge in a little bit of fun. And girly goodness! Um, now to narrow down my favorites. There are so many cute things. :) ♥