The Riddle ~

I have recieved this riddle several times going back several years ago. It's one of those emails that says to send this to 10 of your friends and then hit the shift bar and the answer will appear ~ I tried this one time years ago and it didn't work so I never did that again. This one tho my husband knew the answer too. The Riddle is:

What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

The answer is: Nothing!

I thought with Christmas only days away it was a good time to post here :)

"I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

Click on link below or c/p into your browser and sing along ~~~~
This song brings back many good childhood memories for me as we had this on an old 78 and I played it over and over :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtqIM_bPTws&eurl=http://www.links2love.com/christmas-songs-hippopotamus.htm


I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,
that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too


Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian


There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!

It's Beginning to Seem a lot like Christmas!

Getting ready for the Big Day. Putting on the finishing touches :)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies

This recipe from Kraft Kitchens
Yum! I think my Cookie Monster will aprove ;)

1 C. Flour
1 C. old-fashioned or quick-cooking Oats
1/2 t. Baking Soda
1/2 t. Baking Powder
1/4 t. Salt
1/2 C. (1 stick) Butter
1/2 C. granulated Sugar
1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Peanut Butter
1 Egg
1-1/2 t. Vanilla
6 squares Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder & salt; set aside. Beat butter, sugars and peanut butter in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light & fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until well blended after each addition. Stir in chocolate.
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, 2" apart, onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from baking sheets to wire racks. Cool completely.

Makes about 2-1/2 dozen cookies

Creams & Lotions a no no?

For several months I have been using Safflower Oil as a lotion after my bath. Dr. Oz & Dr. Roizen have been saying this oil along with Olive oil or Almond Oil is great for our skin. It's a natural oil that absorbs into our skin easily and is not harmful to us. The sunflower oil is less expencive and has no oder. This morning on Fox News they stated there is a study being done to see if Creams & Lotions are a cause of Breast Cancer. Creams & Lotions being something some of us use everyday. The makers of these creams & lotions put a form of estrogen in them, which they are testing now to see if it does infact cause breast cancer. Some research shows that it does. So to be on the safe side AND to save on your pocketbook, use one of these natural oils ~
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,467531,00.html

"Merry Christmas"

Tis the Season ~

"Pocket Full Of Sunshine" By: Natasha Bedingfield

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh oh oh
Do what you want but you're never gonna break me
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me, oh, oh oh oh

Take me away, a secret place
A sweet escape, take me away
Take me away to better days
Take me away, a hiding place

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh oh oh
Do what you want but you're never gonna break me
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me, oh, oh oh oh

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine
I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh oh oh
Wish that you could but you ain't gonna own me
Do anything you can to control me, oh, oh no

Take me away, a secret place
A sweet escape, take me away
Take me away to better days
Take me away, a hiding place

There's a place that I go that nobody knows
Where the rivers flow and I call it home
And there's no more lies in the darkness there's light
And nobody cries, there's only butterflies

Take me away, a secret place
A sweet escape, take me away
Take me away to better days
Take me away, a hiding place

Take me away, a secret place
A sweet escape, take me away
Take me away to better days
Take me away, a hiding place

Take me away
(I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine)
A secret place
(I got a love and I know that it's all mine)
To better days take me away
Take me away
(I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine)
A secret place
(I got a love and I know that it's all mine)
Take me away, a hiding place

The sun is on my side and takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky, I know I'll be alright
The sun is on my side and takes me for a ride
I smile up to the sky, I know I'll be alright

"Bad Day" by: Daniel Powter

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
You tell me your blue skies fade to grey
You tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well, you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. What a horrible day..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong (ahhh...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh, you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

'Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

(Oh, yeah, yeaaah, yeah)
Had a bad day
(Oh, had a bad day)
Had a bad day
(Oh, yeah, yeah, yeeeeah)
Had a bad day
(Oh, had a bad day)
Had a bad day...
Had a bad day...

"Human" By: The Killers

I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought but I was kind
And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes
Clear your heart...
Cut the cord

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance,
They always did the best they could
And so long to devotion
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye
Wish me well..
You've got to let me go

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know is your heart still beating

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer

You've got to let me know

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human
Or are we dancer?

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Are we human
Or are we dancer?

"Personalized Gift Bags"

This is an easy craft project that is sure to bring a smile to the face of the reciever! Make copies of those "Special" pictures on card stock. Cut out and glue to a craft bag. You can make this funny or sentimental, depending on the pictures you choose of the reciever... Have fun:) No gift tag needed. The picture says who the gift if for...

"Oreo & Leo"

The Other Family Members :)
Oreo is 10 years old and is a very sweet & smart cat, but lives in fear of "Leo!"
He 7 year old and is also a very smart cat but very dominating and tough ~ He plays so rough that Oreo fears him and he just loves that...
Leo finding his spot in the sun ~

First Snowfall Winter 2008 ~

Ah, the first snowfall of the winter season fell today. We're expecting 5" by morning. These pics were taken around 10 am today.

Snowman Poop!

My sister recieved something similar to this a couple of years ago for Christmas and decided to Give them this year :) In case you can't read the script, it says: "You've been bad, so here's the scoop. Instead of coal, You're getting snowman Poop!" (Marshmallows :)

Some of my Favorite Things ~

That would make great stocking stuffers for the Ladies on your Christmas list.

1. Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
2. Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Lotion with Shea Butter
3. Vera Wang's "Simply Vera" line sold at Kolh's, Trouser Socks!
4. Jasmine Oil found at GNC (to add to your bath salts) Recipe is in October file.
5. Infusium 23 Hair Conditioner (Step 2)
6. Soft Soap Shower Gel "Pomegranate"
7. Lipton Green Tea "Cranberry Pomegranate"

Will be adding more ideas as they come to me ~

"Dear Abby's Famous Pecan Pie"

Description:
This is mouth watering! If you are a pecan pie lover, you need to try this recipe... Steve caught this recipe in the newspaper a while back.

Ingredients:
9 - inch unbaked Pie Crust
1 C. Light Corn Syrup
1 C. firmly packed Dark Brown Sugar
3 Eggs (slightly beaten)
1/3 C. Butter (melted)
1/3 t. Salt
1 t. Vanilla
1 heaping C. Pecan Halves or Pieces

Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, salt and vanilla; mix well. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust; sprinkle with pecans and bake at 350 for 45 - 50 minutes or until center is set. (Toothpick inserted in center will come out clean when pie is done). Cool... If crust or pie appear to be getting too brown, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
You can top this with a little whipped cream, but even plain, nothing tops this.

TIP: 1. The original recipe stated that the pie should be baked 45 - 50 minutes in a pre-heated 350-degree gas oven. If an electric oven is used, it may be necessary to add 15 - 20 minutes to the baking time. (Begin testing the pie with a toothpick after 45 minutes). 2. When your pie is done the toothpick will be clean, it will look wet, but it will be clean...

Number Of Servings: 8

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes (not counting baking time)

How I tried my first piece of Pecan Pie... We were at the Hard Rock Cafe Diner "Mr. Lucky's" in Vegas for Thanksgiving. The meal was wonderful but no more Pumpkin pie was left for dessert :( Only pecan pie. I always thought pecan pie looked funny all "Jelled!" Yuk was what I thought! Well lo and Behold it was good ~ It was so sweet ~ It was like sugar melting in my mouth :) Oh ya, I am a believer now!!

"The Pastor's Ass"

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won..
The pastor was so pleased with the donkey
that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.
The local paper read:

PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of
publicity that he ordered the
pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.
The next day, the local paper headline read:

BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.

This was too much for the bishop, so he
ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey.
The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted
the following headline the next day:

NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The bishop fainted.
He informed the nun that she would have to
get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.
The next day the paper read:

NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10.

This was too much for the bishop, so he
ordered the nun to buy back the
donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild..
The next day the headlines read:

NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.

The bishop was buried the next day.

The moral of the story is:

being concerned about public opinion
can bring you much grief and misery . .
even shorten your life.
So be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and
you'll be a lot happier and live longer!

Have a great day!

"For His 50th Birthday"

"Happy 50th Birthday"
Dear husband of mine ;)
How does it feel? Oh, better
Than the alternative, you say.
Ok.... @@
I really did buy you a birthday card
But I've misplaced it!
I know, hard to believe, but it's gone!
Maybe Leo ate it?
I wanted to let you know
That if I had the chance
I would marry you all over again!
The years have flown by.
We will be 80 when we celebrate our 50th anniversary!
So enjoy your 50th Birthday dear husband of mine.
80 will be here in a blink of an eye ~

A memory book for you
To look at when you are away
At work for the week.
I hope you enjoy it
As much as I did putting it
Together for you.
The story is not over,
There will be much more to add
As the years go by....
Husbands for our daughters,
Grandchildren! Oh my!
But hang on to your seat
Cuz you know what I told you
About time flying by
In a blink of an eye ;)
Dear husband of mine!

Author: Me

Why a "Tropic Thunder" DVD SHOULD NOT be on your Christmas list‏

Got this from a friend this am and wanted to share ~

As you may have heard, the movie "Tropic Thunder" was released in the US on DVD November 18. You may recall Special Olympics and dozens of other disability organizations protesting the movie's release due to its' offensive use of the word "retard" and the negative portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities throughout the film. We are once again asking you to not spend your hard earned money on this film in protest of the use of the word retard and the portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities as hapless and buffoon-like. Please do not buy the Tropic Thunder DVD and encourage your friends and family to not buy the Tropic Thunder DVD. Please sign our online pledge not to say the word retard at www.r-word.org The op-ed below, written by Special Olympics athlete John Stephens best articulates our position. Enjoy. C/P link below into your brouser to read the article.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/opinion/commentary.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-08-17-0064.html

"1998 The Year of The Cicada"

At this time we lived in a 100 year old home (which means old neighborhood with very large established trees.) What you see here on this tree and vegetation was Everywhere in our old neighborhood!! Trees, vegetation, telephone poles and on and on! The sound was also deafening. I'd open a window only to close it again so as not to have to listen to the Cicada ~ Mowing was a real treat, they would fly up at you because they were all over in the grass too. I will never forget the year of the Cicada ~

"Father's Day 2000"

This is a Father's Day card my youngest daughter & I made. We used card stock, copied photos at Kinkos on their color copy machines and "Matt" mod podge. First we mod podged the photos to the card stock and let them dry. Then we gave the whole front a coat of mod podge, letting it dry and then doing the same to the inside... Once it is completely dry it will crinkle some. Pressing it in a book will help cut down on some of that. I always use Matt instead of Gloss mod podge because the gloss is still tacky even after it has dried completely.

"Pumpkin Bread"

Requested by my oldest daughter for this Thanksgiving :)

2 C. all-purpose Flour
2 t. Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/4 t. ground Cloves
2 t. Baking Powder
1 t. Salt
1/2 t. Baking Soda
2 large Eggs
15 oz. (1 can) Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
1/2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. packed Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Carnation Evaporated Lite or Fat Free Milk
1 T. Vegetable Oil
1/2 C. Chopped Nuts

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x5" loaf pan.

Combine dry ingrediants in medium size bowl: flour, pumpkin pie spice, cloves, baking powder, soda & salt; set aside.

Blend eggs, pumpkin, sugars, evaporated milk & oil in large mixing bowl. Add flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Pour into prepared loaf pan; sprinkle with nuts.

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove bread to wire rack to cool completely.

This recipe from Fluffy at the TOH web site.

My family

This was a Christmas card idea I had about 5 or 6 years ago. I took these seperate pictures of my husband & I and our 3 daughters (all of us about the age of 5 except for our middle daughter who was not quite 3) and asked the owner of the photography store to put them all on one picture. He had to think about it and at first didn't want to do it. But walla :) he did it and it was the photo I put in with our Christmas letter that year....

In Memory of my Father

In the year nineteen twenty one, His life had just begun. With the help
of a midwife, In a little house in *******, He was born to an abusive
father and a loving mother. There were so many sisters and brothers
The little house was bursting at the seems. He was number thirteen.

For these immigrants from Sicily, There was pasta, bread and lard.
Seldom meat, life was hard.

He learned early to fight and share, and run for cover when his father
was there. It was his mother that taught him her golden rule, Her faith
of God and her love of family.

He spoke Italian at home, he learned English in school. Through seven
grades, he gave his best. He would have to teach himself the rest.

Winter found him at the railroad tracks, Throwing stones at the passing
coal cars. The railroad men through coal in return; In their cold and drafty
house, it would burn.

Summers were spent in a lean-to by the river, to cultivate and guard
their community garden. Over an open fire, his mother cooked lunch.
They were always a lean and hungry bunch.

As an amateur boxer, he fought one year. A sport he would always hold
dear. Kid ****** was his name. Fighting was his game.

He never had much money, But would always find work.
No matter how hard the task, Or how many hours it took, He got the job
done, and managed to leave time for fun.

After employment with the WPA, Roosevelts' Tree Army sounded good to
him. A two year enlistment in the Civilian Conservation Corps, From
sunup to sundown-hard work and more. Wheelbarrow, shovel, pickax
and strong young backs built the locks on the River Illinois.

While working for the CCC, He met his wife to be. They were a well
matched pair, and would go the distance through the long and lean years
With Courage and care.

Pearl Harbor, the shock and sorrow of that day, Somebody had to pay!
To defend his country, he felt obliged His wife cried and cried. So he
stayed on the home front and Built the LST's in the Senica Shipyards,
Until he could stand it no more. He answered his country's call And
enlisted to fight the war With the 4th Division Marine Corp.

Training was brutal, combat was worse. He was introduced to the
sights, sounds and smells of battle, To death and destruction on a massive
scale, To fear, valor, unknown hardships And friendships forged for a
lifetime, To the hell that was Iwo Jima Where he did his part. Twenty
six days And a Purple Heart.

On return to Civilian life, He became a staunch
defender of Veteran's rights.

He took pride of being a member of the 52-20 club for only two weeks.
He found employment in the cement mills, and worked for a poor man's
dollar, Each week, often fifty to sixty hours. He bought our home on the
GI Bill.

Two children were born before the war And two after the war. His half-
acre garden would provide our vegetables; His pear, apple and cherry
trees our fruit. He hunted rabbit for our winter meat. At table, he was
always the last to eat.

As a devout member of his church, he was active in the fundraising And
construction of the building, That stands today in all it's beauty As a
shrine to those veterans of WWII.

He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
The American Legion, The Catholic War Veterans and The Oglesby
Memorial Group. He was honored to be a Marine And one of the first
officers of the Marine Corps League. Carrying petitions and marching in
parades, Coming to anothers veteran's aid, Calling on governors, senators
all, Never loosing sight of the problems to be solved. Ten years
working on the St. Mary's project, Finally success-the
Veteran's Home And no regrets.

He was brash, boisterous and bellicose, With strength and stamina to
spare. He made his way through life through good times and bad,
Caring and sharing all that he had. His commitment to God, country and
family never wavered. He never tired of flying the flag that he favored.
He was a good man possessed of great character. Duty and honor were
not words to him, They were a way of life. He was a proud patriot of a
great generation.

The giant of a man stood five feet four, He served his country in peace
time and war. He was steadfast, loyal and true, His favorite colors were
the red, white and blue.

Joy and sorrow, Success and failure, Loss and disappointment,
Intertwined to make up the sum of his long years. He kept the faith and
worked hard though it all. He was the protector, provider, caregiver and
strength of our family. Illness, accident, injury and great losses would
not defeat him Until Alzheimer's.......

He entered the Veteran's Home he helped to build for others. Confusion,
frustration and madness claimed his mind, Shattered his world, And
scattered his thoughts, Leaving him prey to nameless fears and vague
elusive threats, Often fighting the war he fought before.

Calling out to loved ones long gone who did not answer, Their perceived
desertion brought renewed grief and bewilderment. His mind suspended
somewhere between heaven and hell Lost and alone in an umfamiliar
universe whose language he could not speak.

Moments of carity brought Brief glimpses of the man he had been. But
the inevitable return of his failing and altered mind, Would just break
our hearts again.

Finally, joyously, Eighty five years from the day he was born, God
called his name, Gabriel blew the horn and Peter threw the
gates open wide. He stepped inside.

Author: My sister

In Memory of my Mother

Daughter, wife, mother
There was no other
like her.
In youth, she stood straight and tall
Eager for all
that life would offer.
Strong willed
Hard working
Tough talking
Clothes sewer
Vegetable grower
And canner
Flower planter
Chicken raiser
Doily maker
Chef and baker
Bingo player
Rodent slayer
Learned early to do without
Or just make do
Clever at making something from nothing
Both giving and demanding
Good at reprimanding
Afraid of heights and water
Fierce in defense of others
Hammer wielding
Never yeilding
Quick to anger and answer
Quick to laughter or tears
Quick to give a helping hand
Or a boot in the rear
A long hard life
A good life
Until time and illness bent her frame
And slowed her steps
Leaving her helpless to tears and suffering
Her husband always beside her
Loving her
Caring for her
Until God in his mercy called her home
Ten years ago today.
There was no other
Like our mother
We miss her more each day.

Author: My sister

"Its No Secret"

Why is it we fear the topic of death,
Are we afraid of dieing,
Or do we fear letting go?

Death shouldn't be painful,
But it is
-emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually
Death is witnessed everyday
-catastrophe, suicide, overdrive

Some of the old are left to die alone
A child is helped to die with ease,
Not left alone to struggle with that breath or disease
The old have lived, that much is known
Been there done that, but left alone

Witnessing, waiting, anticipating
One last breath
A dieing request
Fear of retreat,
What is beneath?
Hopes of floating
The ultimate glory
Finding inner peace in times of despair
Believing that there is,
Something better out there

The breath in and no return
That person is gone, there is no more concern
What is left now are none short of memories, pictures, and cares
How quickly those fade
In times of despair

New life begins as one is forgotten
Don't think too much into this
Death is not rotten.

Author: My middle daughter 2004

MY PLACE

What do you see when you look at me?
The little girl I used to be?
I've grown old and fat and full of care
I look before me and no one's there.

Where did they go-
The generation ahead of me?
Was I too busy
I didn't see?
One by one they took their leave
I am left to grieve

And wonder how life went so fast.
So much love now in the past.
The working, the striving
The caring, the dying
So busy living
No time to think.
Then I blinked
And they are gone.
My hair now is white
Soon it is night
No more time
I take my place at the head of the line.

Author: My sister
April 22, 2007

"The Final Inspection"

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

"Hot Taco Rice"

Description:
Great Dish! I found this recipe in a magazine years ago and it ended up being one of our favorite dishes....

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground Beef (brown and drain fat)
1 Onion (chopped)
1 Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
1 Celery Stalk (chopped)
4 Roma or Plum Tomatoes, diced
1 - 8 oz. can Tomatoe Sauce
1 Chicken Boullion Cube
1-1/2 C. medium Salsa
2 cloves minced Garlic
Jalapeno Peppers to taste (chopped)

1 C. Rice, cooked to package directions.

Garnishes: sour cream, cheddar cheese and tortilla chips.

Note for rice: I like to cook my rice in chicken stock or boullion vs just water. I also add 2 cloved minced garlic near the end of its cooking time.

Directions:
Brown beef with onion, peppers and celery - drain fat. Add salsa, tomatoes, tomatoe sauce, boullion, garlic and jalapeno. Bring to full boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 min. Meanwhile prepare rice. Serve beef mixture over rice, top with garnishes

Number Of Servings: 4

Thank a Veteran today!

"Conversion"

Look, God, I have never spoken to you...
But now...I want to say, "How do you do."
You see, God, they told me you didn't exist...
And like a fool...I believed all of this.
Last night from a shell-hole I saw your sky...
I figured right then, they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things you made,
I'd know they weren't calling a spade a spade.
I wonder, God, if You'd shake my hand.
Somehow...I feel that you will understand.
Funny...I had to come to this hellish place,
Before I had the time to see your face.
Well I guess there isn't much more to say.
But I'm sure glad, God, I met you today.
I guess the "zero hour" will soon be here.
But I’m not afraid since I know You're near.
The signal!...Well, God,...I'll have to go.
I like you lots...This I want you to know.
Look, now...this will be a horrible fight...
Who knows...I may come to your house tonight.
Though I wasn't friendly with you before
I wonder, God...if you'd wait at Your door.
Look...I'm crying! Me!...Shedding tears!
I wish I'd known You these many years...
Well, I will have to go now, God...good-bye.
Strange...Since I met you...I'm not afraid to die...

Our Granddaughter :)

"Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge"

Description:
This is one of our most Favorite fudge recipes!

Ingredients:
4 C. White Sugar
1 C. Light Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Butter (or 1 stick)
1 (12 ounce) can Evaporated Milk
1 (7 ounce) jar Marshmallow Cream
1 (16 ounce) jar Peanut Butter
1 t. Vanilla

Directions:
Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In a medium size sauce pan over medium heat, combine sugar, brown sugar, butter and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; boil for 8-1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in marshmallow cream until well blended. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth; spread in prepared baking dish. Let cool, refrigerate, then cut into squares... Enjoy!

Note: I have found that this method is much easier!
Line the 13 x 9 dish with foil and then butter the foil... Pour fudge into prepared dish, let cool, refrigerate for several hours or over night. Then dump fudge out (upside down) onto large surface, peel off foil and cut fudge into pieces...

Number Of Servings: Many

"Sante Fe' Soup"

Description:
Yummo, easy & quick!

Ingredients:
1 lb. Hamburger (Brown & drain fat)
1/2 Onion (chopped)
1 can Black Beans (drain & rinse) (I used 2 cans)
1 can Kidney Beans (drain & rinse)
1 can Pinto Beans (drain & rinse)
1 can Whole Kernal Corn (do not drain)
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning Mix
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 can diced Tomatoes
1 can Rotel
2 - 2-1/2 c. Water (depending on how thick you want your soup)
2 T. "Franks" Red Hot sauce (optional) any kind of hot sauce will do if Franks cannot be found.

Directions:
Brown hamburger with onion, drain fat. In a large soup pot mix all other ingrediants together. Add hamburger & onion, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes... Enjoy!

Number Of Servings: Many

Preparation Time: 30 minute prep, 45 minute simmer

You and Your Hand

Artist: Pink
Lyrics to: You And Your Hand

Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh oh
Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh oh
Check it out
Going out
On the late night
Looking tight
Feeling nice
It's a **** fight
I can tell
I just know
That it's going down
Tonight
At the door we don't wait cause we know them
At the bar six shots just beginning
That's when ? put his hands on me
But you see

I'm not here for your entertainment
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight

Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh oh
Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh oh

Midnight
I'm drunk
I don't give a ***k
Wanna dance
By myself
Guess you're outta luck
Don't touch
Back up
I'm not the one
Alright
Listen up it's just not happening
You can say what you want to your boyfriends
Just let me have my fun tonight
I

I'm not here for your entertainment
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight

Uh uh uh uh uh uh uh oh
Break break
Break it down

In the corner with your boys you bet up five bucks
To get at the girl that just walked in but she thinks you suck
We didn't get all dressed up just for you to see
So quit spilling your drinks on me yeah

You know who you are
High fivin, talkin ****, but you're going home alone arentcha?

Cause I'm not here for your entertainment
No
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
Just stop and take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight
It's just you and your hand

I'm not here for your entertainment
No no no
You don't really want to mess with me tonight
Just stop and take a second
Just take a second
I was fine before you walked into my life
Cause you know it's over
Before it began
Keep your drink just give me the money
It's just you and your hand tonight
Yeah oh

I'm Yours

"I'm Yours" Lyrics by: Jason Mraz

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to get you but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing
We're just one big family
And It's our God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

Scooch on closer dear
And i will nibble your ear

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
But my breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what I'm be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm your's

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
Please don't, please don't, please don't
There's no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This this this is out fate, I'm yours!

Hurt

Lyrics to Christina Aguilera "Hurt"

Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were, but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
Ooh, ooh

I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I wanna call you
But I know you won't be there

Ohh I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you

Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just wanna hide 'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye
When it comes to this, oooh

Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?

There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes
And see you looking back

Ohh I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself, ohh

If I had just one more day
I would tell you how much that I've missed you
Since you've been away
Ooh, it's dangerous
It's so out of line
To try and turn back time

I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you

Verses from Mother Teresa

These verses are engraved on the walls of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta.

People are often unreasonable, illogical,
and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone
could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Quotes I like...

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."

'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.' So... if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.'

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

"Even if the majority agrees on an idiotic idea, it is still an idiotic idea."

"The greatness of this or any country may still be measured by the number of people trying to get IN vs. the number trying to get OUT."

"You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power"
Glinda the Good Witch

"Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it, and right is right, even if nobody is doing it."

"Wipe your mouth, threre's still a little bit of bullshit around your lips!"
Maxine

"Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
Dove Chocolate

"It is, what it is"

Sunflower Seed Bread

INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2-1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 Cup salted Sunflower kernals, toasted
2 packages (1/4 oz each) Active Dry Yeast
2 t. Salt
1-1/4 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Milk
1/3 Cup Honey
3 T. Butter
Additional Sunflower seeds optional

DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup of each flour, sunflower kernals, yeast and salt; set aside.
In a saucepan, heat the water, milk honey and butter to 120-130 degrees.
Add to dry ingrediants; beat until smooth.
Stir in remaining flours, a little at a time, to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top.
Cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down.
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in 1/2.
Shape into loaves.
Roll loaves in additional sunflower kernals if desired.
Place in 2 greased 8"x4"x2" loaf pans.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake: at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 2 Loaves

Note: Original recipe called for 4 cups all-purpose flour and only 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
I made the bread with 1/2 each, all-purpose and whole wheat flour and it is delicious and a tad more healthy this way :)

RECIPE BACKSTORY: This recipe from TOH, Best of Country Breads. Delicious!!

Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS:
1 c vegetable oil
2 c sugar
3 eggs
1 8-oz can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 c shredded carrots
2 t vanilla
3 c flour
1 t salt
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t Allspice (my addition)
1/4 t Nutmeg (my addition)
1 c raisins (I omitted)
1 c chopped walnuts or pecans

DIRECTIONS: preheat oven to 350°
Combine all dry ingrediants together in small bowl, wisk gently, set aside. Combine all wet ingrediants together in Large bowl, beat well. Add dry ingrediants to wet in large bowl and beat until well blended. Bake in a greased 13 X 9 pan at 350° for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cool completely, then frost. (see recipe below)

RECIPE BACKSTORY: This is an excellent Carrot cake, our favorite! 4boysmom from TOH said she made this cake for her & her husbands wedding cake ~~~

Cream Cheese Frosting

INGREDIENTS:
1 - 8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese (room temp.)
1 Stick Butter (room Temp.)
1 t. Vanilla
1 lb. box Powdered Sugar

DIRECTIONS: At room temperature, blend together cream cheese & butter. Add vanilla & blend. Gradually add powder sugar and blend. If you want a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar until you get the consistancy desired.
Frost your cake....

RECIPE BACKSTORY: Frost any cake with this, carrot cake, spice, chocolate or a yellow cake. What ever kind of cake you choose, this delicious frosting will top it. This recipe couldn't be easier...

Tamponade - Olive

Description:
This recipe from my daughter Jamie. If you like olives you will LOVE this spread. Easy to put together and easy to pack along for a get together :) Yummo!!!!

Ingredients:
1 cup Calamata Olives - drained
1 cup Green Olives - drained
1 cup Roasted Red Peppers - drained
2 cloves Garlic
2 T. fresh parsely (or) 2 t. dried
1 T. Italian Seasoning

Directions:
Throw it all into a food processor and chop. Mix well, store in refrigerator...

Serve with toasted baguette slices or assorted crackers...

Mexican Fudge

Description:
This recipe from Jamie... Yummo!!

Ingredients:
1 lb shredded monterey jack
1 lb shredded cheddar or other pizza/taco/mexican blend
1 large can evaporated milk
2 eggs
½ cup flour

Directions:
Using 9x13 pan, pack cheese on bottom. Mix evaported milk, eggs and flour in small bowl and pour over cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Cut into 1inch squares and serve warm.

Great for taking, with the coming holidays ~

"Bloody Mary Rice"

Description:
Got this recipe from a friend a while back. Might have to finally give it a go this week! :) Sounds great!

Ingredients:
12 oz Bloody Mary Mix
Couple of dashes of Frank's Hot Sauce
1 tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon chopped Garlic
1/2 cup chopped Onion
2 stalks Celery, chopped
1 cup Brown Rice
Green Olives, chopped (optional)

Directions:
In medium saucepan, combine Bloody Mary Mix, 1-cup water, hot sauce, butter, garlic, onion and celery and bring to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for about 25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
You can add sliced sausages or chopped ham if you like.

Top with Green Olives if desired

Chocolate Eclairs

Servings: 12

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. box Graham Crackers (use 2 pkgs.)
2 small boxes French Vanilla Pudding (instant)
3 cups Milk
1 tub Cool Whip

Frosting:
2 oz. Nestle pre-melted choco bake (unsweetenend)
2 T. Butter, melted
1/4 c. Light Karo Syrup
1 t. Vanilla
3 T. Milk
1 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Mix pudding with 3 c. milk, let set up, then fold in cool whip.
In 9x13 cake dish, layer, starting and ending with graham crackers. (Start by covering the bottom of cake dish with a layer of crackers.)
Then add 1/2 the pudding mixture, layer of crackers, rest of pudding mixture and the last layer of crackers.

Frosting: In Medium bowl add soft choco bake, butter, syrup and vanilla, beat with mixer. Add 1/2 the powdered sugar and 1/2 the milk and beat with mixer again. Add rest of powdered sugar and milk, beat again. Spread frosting on top of crackers.
Keep in refrigerator.

RECIPE BACKSTORY: A deffinate all time favorite. The kids are going to love this recipe too!

Author: Sherri Gallas in IL

The Animal Shelter 10/22/2008

The lady bending over with her back to the camara is another volunteer. Sue is the lady holding the cat and looking at the camara. She & her sister were the founders of our animal shelter in the late 90's...

The Animal Shelter 10/22/2008

This is the animal shelter that I volunteer at twice a week, working with the cats. We have 100 + resident cats. Unfortunately always more coming in than going out ~

Personalized Fans

I made this double sided fan to give to everyone who came to my daughters baby shower. I made 30 of them on card stock with extra large popsicle sticks or tongue depressers. I made a templet first, taping everthing to a piece of clean white paper. Then scanned that to the printer loaded with card stock. Then it was rounding the corners of the card stock and gluing the wooden stick to one side and then the other. I punched wholes on each corner and attached a pink ribbon. I used my daughters wedding pic, the babys sonogram pic and the words to the song "Arms Wide Open" by Creed. The other side of the fan are pics of my daughter and her husband as children...

More Rose Room Ladies

Lorea, Me & Tango at the Sahara Hotel & Casino in Vegas on the Strip. We had just finished eating at their buffet. November 2005

More Rose Room Ladies

Lorea, Jane & Me in Vegas at the Forum Shops on the Strip. We had just finished an awsome meal at the Cheese Cake Factory. January, 2004 ~ Forgot to mention I don't know who that "Busty" one on the end is ;)

The Rose Room Reunion October 11, 2008

Here are some of the ladies from The Rose Room on the TOH web site. We recently had our first reunion in Branson. From left to right: Me, Amy, Jeanne, Pat, Laura and Marilyn... This was my first meeting in person with these ladies, although we have been friends posting in the Rose Room for years. Much fun was had and we hope this to be the first of many reunions to come :)

"Your Special Box"

Buy a nice box.
Photo copy pictures of the recipicant of "your special box."
Mod Podge (Matt, not Gloss) photos to the box inside and out; let dry.
Give the whole box a coat or 2 of mod podge to seal the photos plus give the box a uniform look.

Note: Pick photos that are near & dear to the recipiants heart :)

T&T Spiced Olives

Preparation Time: 10

INGREDIENTS
1 - 7 oz. jar Pimento stuffed Olives
1/2 C. Tomatoe Juice or Bloody Mary Mix
1 T. Olive Oil
1/2 - 1 t. crushed Red Pepper flakes (I use 1 t.)
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/2 t. dried Basil
1/2 t. dried Oregano

DIRECTIONS
Drain olives, discard juice, then return olives to jar.
In a small bowl combine remaining ingrediants and mix well.
Pour over olives, cover and refrigerate for 3 - 10 days, turning jar over daily. Enjoy!
The olives will last a long time in your refrigerator

RECIPE BACKSTORY
These spiced green olives are Delicious! A wonderful addition to a Bloody Mary ;) or to just eat by themselves... Got this recipe from Dianae at TOH.

Scented Bath Salts

INGREDIENTS
3/4 C. Epsom Salt (found at Wal-Mart or your local drug store)
1/4 C. Baking Soda
1 1/2 C. Coarse Sea Salt (found at your grocery store)
10 drops of essential Oils (found at Wild Oats, GNC, etc.)
2-3 drops of Vegetable Food Coloring (if desired)

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine salts & baking soda. Add food coloring and desired scents. Stir mixture together until well blended. The drops of food coloring will break up and distribute throughout the salts. The food coloring will not stain your bath tub. It just gives the salts a pretty pastel color.
Pour salts through a funnel into large glass bottles. You can also make your own personal labels for your jars of bath salts.
These home made bath salts make great gifts... And don't forget to give yourself a jar. Add some to your bath water for a nice relaxing, soothing & scented bath.
They have some very nice Cruets at Wal-Mart that work out perfect for putting your bath salts in.

Number Of Servings: Depends on the size of your glass jars...
Preparation Time: Very quick and easy!

RECIPE BACKSTORY
This is a great fun & easy project that you can even do with the kids. Make these wonederful soothing, scented bath salts for gifts for the upcoming Holiday Season... This is a Martha Stewart recipe. She was on the Oprah Show and demonstrated how to make these bath salts....

Linguine with Kalamata Olives & Sun Dried Tomato

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 lb. Linguine
1/2 c. MEZZETTA Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used a little less)
4 cloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp. hot pepper flakes (I added 1/2 tsp.)
1/2 Cup Red Onion, chopped
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped (I used 6 Roma tomatoes)
1/2 c. pitted MEZZETTA Calamata olives, chopped
1/4 cup MEZZETTA Sun Dried Tomatoes
1 tsp. salt (did not nead this much salt, olives are salty)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped
1/2 c. feta cheese

DIRECTIONS
I soaked my chopped sun dried tomatoes in olive oil (enough to just oil them up) for a 1/2 hour before cooking time.
In 1 large pot of boiling, salted water cook linguine for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender but firm drain well.
Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat half of the oil over medium heat cook garlic, hot pepper flakes, onion, & both peppers for 4 minutes.
Add fresh tomato and cook for additional for 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
Add sun dried tomatoes, olives & basil and heat through.
Spoon enough over pasta.
Top with crumbled feta cheese.

RECIPE BACKSTORY
I found this recipe on the Mezzetta web site. I tweaked it to my liking. I made it for dinner tonight and it was Delicious! One of my all time favorite pasta dishes!