The True Meaning of Christmas

I just had to post a picture of this beautiful ornament we purchased on Saturday at the Parable. It is so lovely and is already my favorite Christmas decoration in our home. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas Wedding Cake

I baked this cake for a co-worker's wedding reception this past weekend. The top and bottom layers were red velvet and the middle layer was french vanilla. The golf themed groom's cake was chocolate. I love the brown orchids the bride provided. The reception was just lovely - although this is a busy time for everyone, a holiday wedding is a beautiful time to celebrate.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I know the next few days are going to be very busy for everyone (whoo hoo, my birthday is Saturday!) so we are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Parties and Such

This is my "Longhorn" friends at our Christmas party. We had a great time...as always!


Here's some of my co-workers and my Sweetie and me at our Gala - What a rockin' good time that was! Thanks Nicky for the inspiration! Who knew???




More co-workers at our office party.


Last but not least...a group of us at a dinner downtown. Nice looking crowd, if I do say so myself!

Just when you think...

...you have the market cornered on a great presentation you find out you are not the queen! Lee, a colleague's wife made this for my birthday. How about that!? Bet you wish I would share...but...sadly for you...no way (but still love y'all)! This makes turning 39 not so bad! (don't say it, don't even think it!)

Catching up on my blablablogging!

...and here's some Christmas cakes I baked. I also gave homemade marshmallows a shot (seriously, I know I'm sick...don't hate me for it!). I loved them...especially after I dipped the luscious little pink squares in white chocolate. My goal is to make my own Easter Peeps! Now that's "Good Eats"!

Christmas Outfits

Look at these two cuties in their Christmas outfits and Christmas Pajamas! I'm crazy about them!

How cute is this???

On the left is my son, Matt, 1979 and on the right is my grandson, Braden, 2008. Notice they are wearing the same shirt. So glad I saved a lot of my children's clothes!

Let's All Remember

During this busy time it is easy for me to forget what it's really all about. I get caught up in the "I need to", "I have to", "Just one more gift", etc. None of that is really important as long as you have love, a healthy family, food, clothing and a roof over your head. Santa and gifts for our little ones are so much fun, but our children should be aware of the real reason we celebrate. Sometimes the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the hubbub of holiday activities. The only truly important gift is the one God gave to us on that day...His Son and everlasting life if we ask for it. Let's all take a moment (or a few) to thank God daily for our blessings. All that being said...most of you who read this are my dearest friends and I'm very thankful for each of you and your unwavering support. What a special gift each of you are to me! Have a blessed Christmas!

Family Traditions

Two years ago we started our first holiday tradition when we selected our Christmas tree from a farm in Elk Park, NC during Thanksgiving weekend. After choosing the "perfect" tree a staff member cuts it down, wraps it up and puts it in your truck. This has become an anticipated event for us, as well as, my grandchildren. Braden especially likes to think he's cut the tree down himself with his trusty (plastic) hatchet. We look forward to it every year now and hope you enjoy these pictures. Oh...and of course...black Friday Shopping. Now that's really a tradition!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope all my dear friends have a wonderful holiday weekend. Lots of turkey, pie and...maybe...a new baby girl! Thanks for being such great friends!

What I did in Germany...

My friend Debra got me hooked on the Twilight series of books. I could not put them down. Fortunately, I took the first two with me. Is there anything better than a great read and some awesome pastries??? I don't think so. Seriously, I will post more about the trip very soon. It was truly fabulous!

Germany, France and Switzerland

I'm heading out the door to take a much anticipated vacation to Germany with my husband. He's going on Army business and I'm tagging along. We will have 4 days for him to show me around (he lived there for 6 years) and I'll be on my own for 4 days. We will land in Frankfurt and then head to Stuttgart, visit the castle Disney was based on, visit the RitterSport chocolate factory, drive to Heidelberg and visit another castle and shop. While Don works, I'll take a train to Strasbourg, France and along the Alps to Geneva, Switzerland (shop, shop, shop) and then we will drive to the town of...Rothenburg (or something like that!) to visit some Christmas stores before we fly back home for the Holidays. I'm just so excited! I'll have lots to post when I return!
Oh yeah, one more thing..my friend Debra loaned me the Twilight series of books...if I get too involved (as she did)...I may not see anything in Germany but those fresh new pages!!!

Halloween

Just a quick upload of some Halloween photos. There's one of my work pals, one of my daughter and grandchildren and one of my daughter and cousins, Kendra and Natasha. We had a great time Trunk or Treating in Minneapolis, North Carolina!!!

My Cousin's Wedding

Last month I had the greatest time at my cousin's wedding. I flew to Chicago for the big event and stayed with my sister during this fun weekend. We began the festivities with awesome spray tans! If you haven't tried it you are missing an opportunity for the best tan ever - without damaging rays! We laughed, we ate and just basically had a fabulous time. Look at my handsome date - yes, that's my son, Matt, who accompanied me, along with my niece/goddaughter, Allison, and her boyfriend, Keith. Weddings - they are always delightful! Oh yeah...the girl in red...a bridesmaid who declares she wants to be my daughter-in-law! Good Times!

Bonfire Night

Is there anything better than creating memories with children you love? I don't think so. Time is short and we are always trying to pack in so much work and so many activities - sometimes we all need to remind ourselves to slow down and remember what matters the most. I love spending time with my grandchildren - I can't believe the strength and power of the love I feel for them. I adored being a mother and always had so much fun with my own children. These two precious grandchildren are such a bonus! I get to do it all over again and it's so much easier now! This was our recent bonfire on a cool mountain night in North Carolina. And...I'm heading there this afternoon for Trick or Treating! Life is grand for a grandmother (or a Mimi!).

Great Guy, Awesome Car

OK, I know I haven't posted in a very long time! What's up with that!? Honestly, I've just been very busy or very tired...maybe a tad lazy too! Anyway - I thought I'd post some pics of our "baby" - our 1970 Super Bee. Does anyone else have a rival in their own home??? She must always be pristine - no dust, no wind, no rain. Men and their toys! Honestly, you could get so much more pleasure out of a cool pair of shoes! This works for me though...whenever I want something...I just have to mention the car payments for this little prize! All's fair!!!
I have lots to post - I've been to the beach, a wedding in chicago and today I'll have some great Halloween pics...so...stay tuned!

Church Ladies

Some fun pics from our "Hats Off" brunch!

Happy Birthday Krista!

Today is my daughter's 33rd birthday. How can she be the same age as me now??? I was only 20 when she was born, but thought I knew everything. I count my blessings every day that everything worked out and that my daughter and son have grown into responsible adults (and never got into any trouble growing up). I will be eternally grateful that Krista and I are so close. Because...yes...there were days when I was tempted to pull every hair on her cute little head out! One of the advantages about growing older is that your children truly become your friends. It's the best! Add in a few grandkids and you have a pretty big bonus! I'm thankful for the lovely woman Krista is and for the fact that she is such a good mother (and now father too). She shoulders the burden of being a single parent with an extremely limited income and does it well. Happy Day Krista!!!

Fabulous Weekend!

My husband and I spent the night on Friday at the Wyndham in Peachtree City. What an excellent evening!!! Checked in to find drinks, snacks and a Trisha Yearwood CD in our room. Then, drinks and dinner (amazing food)...golf cart ride to the Trisha Yearwood concert (she's awesome)...golf cart ride back to the hotel...more bar time...great room for the night and fabulous, fabulous breakfast in the morning. Thanks Jenny and Karen! If you are looking for a great venue for a meeting, seminar or a weekend getaway - definitely consider the Wyndham Hotel and Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA!

My Daughter and Her Family

One more thing!

There’s a great story about the Peeps chick on the hat (scroll to the pics below). The name for our ladies church group is C.H.I.C.S. (Christian Hearts In Christ’s Service). When the Hats Off to the Ladies brunch idea was presented to me I decided my contribution could be some “hat” treats. Since our logo is a similar chick to the Peeps version I thought putting one on the brim of a hat would be cute. Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate any of the precious little treats to purchase. I contacted Just Born (the company that produces them) looking for a location to procure some chicks. Their consumer relations representative, Lisa, received my e-mail request and immediately responded, sending me two packages along with some other surprise treats. How nice is that!? I was delighted. I’ve always loved the sticky sweet confection and now my grandchildren share my sugar addiction. Of course, you will notice there is only one chick on the hat…what happened to the remainder of the open package you may ask…hmmm….let’s just say they were called to a higher purpose! Thank you Just Born for your excellent assistance!

What a Week!!!

Why is that these short work weeks that follow a Monday holiday are sooooo long and grueling? Add to that the fact that I stayed up way too late watching Sarah Palin's speech - SHE ROCKS!!! - and spent three nights baking and it all amounts to being one tired lady this week (but I think I kept my sense of humor..mostly). Fortunately, the weekend is here and that means dinner out tonight with the Longhorn friends and although I have a brunch tomorrow (the reason for all the cookies and cakes) there will still be time to rejuvenate before another work week. Well...after I write and then deliver my little speech to the church ladies tomorrow at the brunch (YIKES - how can they be interested in anything I have to say?) and then Whoopee - it's Scrap Club on Sunday after church. Ahhh...nothing like a great mix of activities and rest to boost your enthusiasm for life! I hope everyone has such fun! Posted below are some pics of my labor!

YAY!!! It's a Holiday Weekend...

...and what do I plan to do with all this extra time??? Sleep...eat...make 40 hat shaped decorated cookes, individually wrapped...sleep...eat...watch a movie...eat...sleep...read a book...Sounds like a plan!!! Hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend.

Pontoon Boat Day on Lake Allatoona

What a wonderful time was had by all of us who participated in the First Annual Longhorn Group Pontoon Boat Day Event!!! Those that couldn't attend missed a very great time! Yesterday was a perfect day for our excursion - some clouds - some sun - good foot and great company! I'm already looking forward to Pontoon Boat Day 2009. Excellent, excellent day! Only thing missng...our good friends, Cheryl, Dona, Jimmy and Dennis - maybe next year!

My Work Friends!

I've been on a friend binge lately! Let me introduce you to my work friends - the people I spend most of my days with. I'm so fortunate to work with such wonderful people - and I really mean that. What a difference it makes when you look forward to seeing your co-workers after a few days away. We share our ideas, show off our new outfits and talk about or consume lots of great food together! I'm also looking forward to connecting with new friends via Blogspot. Life is good and I am blessed!

More Friends

These pictures are of my Longhorn girlfriends (minus one - we need an updated photo including Marion) and also a pic of my Scrap Diva friends (I "lifted" the image from my friend, Debra). I have so much fun with all of these women (and their spouses)! I love the variety of subjects we discuss and hearing about the interesting lives each of them lead. I can't imagine a life without friends!