Sunday, December 6, 2009

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

One of the blogs I follow, Mass Hole Mommy, posted this on her blog this morning and I thought I'd pass it along. Alot of us will be traveling to see family and friends during this time of year and it's something we need to think about (all year around as well).

1. Of course, I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink-----and the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom......and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-------understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Monday, November 30, 2009

December Monthly Menu

I can't believe it's December already. Does time speed up somehow the older you get???

Here is my 2 week December menu. I repeat weeks 1 & 2 during weeks 3 & 4, which is why I am only posting 14 meals.

Beef Stew
Pork chops & applesauce
Fajitas
Clam chowder & super grilled cheese
Ham steak & green beans
Pizza night
Salmon skewers & wild rice
BBQ meatloaf & broccoli
Steaks & sweet taters
Chili
Beef brisket & corn on the cob
Lasagna
Pizza night
Monterey chicken & asparagus

I will be posting *fingers crossed* recipes along the way as I prepare the meals. You can click on the Mommy's Kitchen button on my sidebar to check out her December menu. Have a happy December!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to stop in real quick and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Have a safe and fun-filled holiday with your family and friends. I'll be back early next week with pictures from Madison's pageant. Now I'm off to start/finish up some dishes for supper later today.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Pioneer Woman, I salute you!

In honor of Pioneer Woman being in Little Rock tonight for a book signing of her new cookbook, and since I didn't get to go, I went to her site this morning and found this recipe to make for my and Hubby's supper tonight.

I'm sorry there are no pictures to share with you since it was scarffed down almost as soon as it came out of the skillet! If you like, nay love, beef, then you MUST try this recipe. All Hubby could say was, "Babe!!!". It was really good and definitely a must have again.

We have also had her Apple Dumplings, which my 6 year old granddaughter loves to make by herself. Perfection!

I thank you, PW for such an awesome recipe! And congratulations to you on your cookbook (which I still haven't ordered yet, but I will, I promise! Unless you want to send me a free autographed one...kidding... kind of....no really...well...maybe...).

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Can anyone tell me...

how you let go of something you've dreamed/wanted of your entire life but you know is never gonna happen?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

What do you think?

Ok, so I started this blog with the intention of making it about my quilting, cooking and knitting projects. *sigh* But it has not turned out that way. My question for you is...should I just rename my blog so that it reflects more of what I (naturally) write about or leave it with this title and just write more about those things? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Guess who wants to do pageants now?

Yes, that's right. My 6 year old granddaughter has discovered pageants. Or rather, she's discovered a new way to play dress up. Andrea and I took her to pick out a dress for the upcoming Christmas pageant and here are the results.

No to this one.

Her mom and I wanted her to choose this one, but alas, she gave us the thumbs down.

Nope, not this one either.
This, of course, is the winning dress! It's pink, which we knew would be the outcome. A redhead with freckles in a pink dress for a Christmas pageant. She definitely has her own sense of style. Kudos to her for that!
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 18, 2009

40!

My 40th birthday was 12 days ago. I have decided that being 40 is better than the alternative and I'm not going to have a breakdown over this!

My dear brother, who is only 1 year and 13 days younger than me, has been harrassing me since my last birthday that I'm old. So what did he get me this year for my birthday? Something from my Amazon.com wish list, perhaps? Nope, instead I got these cute little bites and a little note that read,

The gold is for the golden years you are entering,
The silver is for the silver in your hair.
The black is because you're so da** old!





Yes, he got me a bag of solid black ones too. Not the brown ones that come in a traditional bag, but black! I love them and him and I am now plotting my revenge for next year when HE turns 40!!!!
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Early B-day presents

Every year my hubby asks what I want for my birthday, and every year I say, "Nothing.". Well, this year I beat him to it. I found some really cute shirts on sale at Old Navy and I told him yesterday morning that I knew what I wanted. So now, I have 8 new shirts and 3 new scarves coming as my early birthday presents. Here's what I got:

4 of these in saucy red, lake victoria, black jack and purple velvet


this one in plummy mummy


2 of these in black jack and marshmallow white


this in black jack


2 of these in lagoon and blink pink

and this in black

Did I also mention that I had an email coupon for 15% off and since I used my ON credit card, I got free shipping. HORRAY!!!
I love Old Navy, but was so disappointed when they stopped carrying their Plus size line in stores. Now if I want something, I have to order online, which is quick and easy, but I like actually feeling the fabric and trying stuff on before I buy it. *sigh* At least they have a plus size line that I like AND is affordable.
Well, I'm off to the quilt shop for the rest of the day. I've got to take hubby some lunch (he requested sushi) and then pick Madison up from school. Her mom is taking her to the fair tonight. Hopefully, the rain stops so they don't end up soaked and sick!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Never forget...

all those that lost their lives and their friends and loved ones on this day eight years ago.




Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Giveaway

Do you love totes/purses as much as I do? If so, head on over to Crafty Mama Creations and check out the one she's giving away on Sunday. And if you don't want to enter? Then check out her etsy site for bags she has for sale. Beautiful!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September Monthly Menu

OK, so for the past (almost) 9 years, I have done monthly menu planning. I type out a months worth of suppers and do my grocery shopping from that menu. I used to do it on a bi-weekly basis, based on hubby's paydays, but during the hot summer months, I hated having to go out even that often. So since the beginning of summer I've stretched out my grocery trips to once a month. Then I found Mommy's Kitchen and she posts her monthly menus on her blog. GENIUS!


Here is my September menu with linked recipes.

1. Beer brats, easy baked beans
2. Burgers, pea salad
3. smothered pork chops, oven roasted asparagus
4. crock pot pork butt, steamed broccoli
5. crock pot pintos and leftover butt, cornbread
6. pizza night
7. bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, mashed taters
8. steaks, mashed sweet taters
9. southwest chicken tacos
10. meatball stuffed shells, garlic bread
11. easy pot roast (I also add 1 envelope onion soup mix to this recipe), corn on the cob
12. garlic chicken, oven roasted asparagus (see above)
13. muffuletta and chips
14. pizza night

OK, I should mention that instead of having 30 different meals, I instead have 14, that I schedule this way: meals 1-7 week 1; meals 8-14 week 2; meals 1-7 week 3; meals 8-14 week 4. I should also mention that every Friday night is Pizza night. Sometimes that is homemade pizza, sometimes frozen store bought and sometimes take-out...depending on my mood and schedule. Now, I realize that not every family wants to eat the same thing twice a month, but it works for my family, so please adjust to fit your crowd.

Bon appetit!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Giveaway

If you are a super crafty person and love organization...or even if you're not crafty and need to get organized, head on over to Twiddletails blog for a giveaway in honor of her "500th Post Week".

Good luck...but I'm gonna win!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Yum

I am so going to try these. Simple ingredients + easy instuctions = YUM (hopefully!)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I am pulling my hair out right now! Day before yesterday, I filled out a refinance application online for our house. We found that we could drop our interest rate from 7.25% to 4.8% and drop it from a 30 year note to a 15 year. Horray! Well, I got the call a few minutes after I hit the Submit button that we were approved for the refinance. Horray! Then at the end of the conversation, our processing person told me that they would be doing an appraisal, I thought "ok, no problem", then he told me that someone would have to be home because the would also be doing an INTERIOR appraisal as well...wait, what??? I've never heard of in interior appraisal, but I said "sure". The guy told me that someone would be getting in touch with us in 5-7 days to schedule that appraisal.

Fast forward to last night. About 28 hours after we were approved, the appraiser called and said that he would be in our area the NEXT DAY!!!!! Oh, and by the way, they would also be taking interior photos!!! Lovely! I had planned on an evening watching Monsterquest and all of a sudden I've got to clean the entire house and make it presentable....interior & exterior. Hubs and I got up this morning at 7am and have been working ever since. Yard mowed and trimmed...check...beds made...check...floors vacuumed and mopped...check. Now I have a splitting headache and we're waiting for the guy to get here.

Please Lord let it appraise for what the county appraised it at for taxes!!!! I'll keep you posted.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

No excuses

The only reason I've not posted anything since February is, well, laziness. No other excuse, but I am turning over a new leaf and I promise to be more diligent, whether I have pics to post or not.

Stay tuned! Fair season is right around the corner and Madison has asked me to help her with some blueberry jam to enter this year. I'm also entering one of my baby quilts. Be back soon...I promise!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Hearts & a Quilt

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you have someone to love on today and everyday.
I've started another quilt. It's called Fun & Crazy. Super simple and quick too. Here are some pics of my work so far.



Yesterday was Madison's kindergarten Valentine's party too. She invited Lee and I, since her mom had to work.







Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Is spring coming?

Guess what I found yesterday when I took the dogs out? My daffodils are coming up!!! YIPPEE!!! Hopefully spring is right around the corner.





Tuesday, February 10, 2009

25 Things About Me

I thought since I've been tagged so often on Facebook, that I'd post these here too.

1. Contrary to what anyone else says, I have the BEST husband in the world.
2. I met my husband online and we got married 5 months after our first date.
3. I'm thankful that my parents raised me in a Christian home.
4. I won a blue ribbon at the county fair when I was in Jr. High for raising chickens for 4-H.
5. I lived in Tennessee for 4 years.
6. I've been to the Bahamas. (Hated it!)
7. I'm afraid of heights.
8. I taught myself how to knit one weekend when I was bored.
9. I've been known to walk barefoot in the snow on more than one occasion.
10. My fabric collection is bigger than my husband realizes.
11.I love the act of DOING laundry, but I HATE putting it away.
12. I learned how to quilt from my Mom (initially) and the fabulous ladies of Sew Unique (now).
13. I own 2 sewing machines, an embroidery machine and a serger.
14. I love to shop at Aldi.
15. I love to cook.
16. Even though I love going to the lake during the summer, I don't know how to swim.
17. Fall is my favorite season.
18. I love mowing the yard.
19. I'm still trying to come to terms with never being able to be a mom. (See #20)
20. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2002.
21. My husband surprised me with Toby Keith concert tickets one year for Valentine's Day.
22. I am a huge procrastinator!
23. I spend way too much time on the computer.
24. My Mom is one of my best friends.
25. My Dad picked my middle name, Annette, because he liked Annette Funicello.

Now it's your turn. Leave me a comment with one thing about you.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

The Ice Storm Cometh...and Goeth!

The ice storm came last week. School let out early on Monday and we lost power on Tuesday afternoon. Lee spent 2 nights where he works, while Madison and I stayed at the house with no power, which meant no heat. Thursday, Lee came and got us and we spent the next 3 nights at Good Samaritian, the nursing facitlity where he works. The administrator let employees, their immediate families, pets even, stay in the unoccupied rooms and apartments. They even fed us for free and trust me, after 2 days with no hot water, I really appreciated a hot shower! They were so awesome to us and really lived up to their name. We went home on Sunday night and the first 6 houses on our street had power...we are the 7th house :o( But we did finally get power back yesterday afternoon. Oh how I dread having to clean out the frig and freezer, but luckily we didn't lose as much as some others that we know.







I can't believe I almost forgot to mention, Madison lost her first tooth (bottom middle) Monday night! She pulled it herself after I "deaden" it with Ambesol. She was so proud of herself and so excited about the tooth fairy visiting (the fairy brought her $2, I only got a quarter when I was a kid).