tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21993711403758761082024-03-13T14:57:14.051-05:00Quilts Pots and YarnMy forays into those things involving (but not limited to) fabric, fire and pointed sticks.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-7115234272890554712012-06-02T21:47:00.000-05:002012-06-02T21:47:31.532-05:00I'm moving...If you want to follow me to my new space, it's <a href="http://www.gramgooshouse.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-90852168358861627172011-09-28T15:25:00.004-05:002011-09-28T15:57:12.820-05:00Office RedoI have started redoing our home (Lord, help me!) room by room. This month I started on Hubby's office. I didn't take a true "before" picture because I wasn't thinking about it, but this is how it looks at the moment. Forgive the crappy photos and the mess (it was much, much worse!).<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657513153636692418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQlUvtvODEQ/ToOGPQqdccI/AAAAAAAAAT0/zcSi1Tu_WWA/s320/office%2Bredo%2B1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657513160421209394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bSK5JDCxOaU/ToOGPp8A9TI/AAAAAAAAAT8/CBHgOvniB_o/s320/office%2Bredo%2B2.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657513165764122898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrD7xOLnpEA/ToOGP913WRI/AAAAAAAAAUE/dSzV66-D5oE/s320/office%2Bredo%2B3.jpg" /></p><br /><p>We ordered new carpet and are waiting for it to be installed and in the bottom photo, you can see that I was playing around with the paint. I painted a swatch on the wall of the color Hubby choose and didn't like it so I played around with a couple of glazing techniques, but in the end, I started liking what he originally picked out. The desk in the bottom photo is staying. I picked it up at a moving sale last year to replace the monstrosity that you can somewhat see in the first and second pictures. Hubby had that poor desk for years before we met and it made 2 moves with us. When we moved into the house we have now, Hubby had to screw it together in key places in order for it to stay together. I finally decided that he deserved a new desk and was thankful when I found the "new to us" one.</p><br /><p>That bookcase standing there in the corner, which is still holding the Harry Potter series and a few odds and ends, yes, that one, I kid you not, I took off 2 plastic containers worth of books and "stuff" and that doesn't include all the Consumer Reports magazines (2003-2008) and crap that ended up in the garbage (yes, the CR mags went into the garbage too). I'm not telling Hubby that I threw them away or anything else! I promise you he won't miss any of it!</p><br /><p>I'm picking up the paint tomorrow and I'll start painting on Friday. I want to have it all painted BEFORE the new carpet is installed, that way I don't have to worry about getting paint on it.</p><br /><p>I'll post more pics when it's painted and the carpet is installed. Pray for me!</p>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-18295940227646183262011-09-16T18:48:00.004-05:002011-09-16T19:17:10.128-05:00Friends uplift the soul<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pplJ0WU0ZEk/TnPm3Qfvz9I/AAAAAAAAASI/eekBQtpbUBA/s1600/friends.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 127px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pplJ0WU0ZEk/TnPm3Qfvz9I/AAAAAAAAASI/eekBQtpbUBA/s320/friends.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653115794275422162" /></a><br /><br /><br />When did I get a social life? In high school, I didn't go to town every weekend and cruise with my friends. In college, I didn't have dates. During my first marriage, I had my ex-husband's family and very few friends. But today, my friend Lisa called me and had a list of things she wanted to invite me to! Now, don't get me wrong, I've had invites from friends before, but this afternoon, as I was telling Hubby about her call, he said to me, "You're quite the social butterfly, aren't you?". I stopped. And then I thought. In the past year, I have had to actually start using my "calendar" feature on my iPod Touch in order to keep up with everything I'm involved in. Every time someone calls me and inquires about a certain date, I have to say, "Let me get my calendar."<br /><br />So, what's changed? In all honesty, not too much, but on the other hand, a lot. And I have to give Lisa quite a bit of the credit. Her infectious enthusiasm for life has changed me. She and I have started a twice-a-month knitting group at the local quilt shop that I frequent. I have invested in a line of yarn, in said quilt shop, and my little side business is doing pretty well (the cooler weather is helping). And another friend and I are in the process of setting up a retreat for a group of women, us included, that sew/quilt/knit together on a regular basis.<br /><br />Just a few short years ago, I was very depressed. Hubby worried about me and I was even worried for myself. After infertility treatments, a failed adoption and turning 40 (my self-imposed cut-off age for having kids), I was a mess. The quilt shop saved me! And I mean that literally. This awesome group of women embraced me and included me and pulled me out of my depression. I found my niche. Now, again, someone has come into my life and has pushed (pulled) me into not just participating in my life, but actively living it. Oh, what a feeling!arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-37719284157346927632011-09-07T21:47:00.004-05:002011-09-07T22:20:07.985-05:00Good news/Bad newsGood news:<br /> Hubs found a new job! Yay!! He will be a state nursing home auditor. He starts his training a week from Monday. It's a traveling job, but I'm actually looking forward to him being out of the house since he's been home 24/7 for the past year.<br /><br />Bad news:<br /> Step-daughter is engaged. This would fall into the "Good news" category if she wasn't engaged to "The Jacka$$".<br /><br />Good news:<br /> I've started selling yarn in the local quilt shop that I go to. The summer was kinda slow, but now that it's starting to cool off, sales have picked up and I start teaching knitting classes this weekend.<br /><br />Bad news:<br /> Our AC quit last Saturday. The compressor went out and it looks like it's going to be an expensive fix.<br /><br />Good news:<br /> Even though our AC went out, it happened on the last hot day we've had and this whole week we've been able to open the windows and use the attic fan.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to our library knitting group tomorrow. I get to see my friend, Lisa, and she always cracks me up. She's a new friend and I have to say, she makes me smile just thinking about her. She's a hoot-and-a-half and a truly amazing woman. She has a blog <a href="http://karmaperdiem.wordpress.com/">here</a>. Give her a visit. She'll appreciate it.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-34153471423769559142011-07-25T19:19:00.014-05:002011-07-25T20:40:11.030-05:00What I've been up to...September 2010So here is part one of my update on what I've been up to for the past 18 (or so) months. Let's flash back to September 2010.<br /><br /><div>My Uncle Doyle (my Mom's last living brother) passed away in September of last year. He and my Aunt Jean lived/lives in Colorado Springs, CO. My mom, of course, wanted to attend the funeral and being the great daughter that I am (and since Hubs and I had recently bought a new vehicle), I took her and my brother to Colorado. My brother and I had never been and it had been YEARS since my mom had been, so it was a bittersweet trip for all of us.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>We stayed with my Aunt Jean and guess what she has in her back yard? Pike's Peak!<br /></div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633453271120944066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUl92HFx8x4/Ti4L5xvtG8I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/-V5tEnLzT3A/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B002.jpg" /><br />She took us to the Garden of the Gods and it was breathtaking. The pictures I took don't do it justice.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633463895716807202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CX2yw-Dcps0/Ti4VkNcwQiI/AAAAAAAAARA/GTW0O-2ZPHY/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B010.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633464941385912370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUD12DwVglg/Ti4WhE3skDI/AAAAAAAAARQ/HiDrQmBjxn4/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B026.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633465394406648514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACyMFmv01A0/Ti4W7cgQasI/AAAAAAAAARY/02Nmj7C5B_4/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B037.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633464461403926322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1cKILsYgWU/Ti4WFIzErzI/AAAAAAAAARI/BmBA_cljR-Y/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B014.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>Sunrise over the Kansas plains on our trip home.<br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633467977121366130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsKnVN1Twyk/Ti4ZRx3bgHI/AAAAAAAAARo/GWEeOwTkUeQ/s320/Fall%2BWinter%2B2010%2B055.jpg" /><br /><br /><div>The funeral service was touching and beautiful. The time we got to spend with family we haven't seen in years was priceless and the trip home was welcome.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>P.S. Why didn't someone tell me that Kansas was 3,000 miles long??? Well, it seemed like it anyways!</div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-7153189248182519242011-07-24T21:55:00.001-05:002011-07-24T21:56:55.613-05:00OMGHoly Cow! December 2009 was my last post? Where have I been? What have I been up to?? Stay tuned! I'm back and I'll be filling in the gaps in the coming days/weeks....arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-29330204255623054162009-12-06T07:17:00.002-06:002009-12-06T07:22:18.287-06:00THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOUOne of the blogs I follow, <a href="http://massholemommy.blogspot.com/">Mass Hole Mommy</a>, 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).<br /><br />1. Of course, I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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?<br /><br />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.<br /><br />19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-3101441899078546692009-11-30T19:55:00.003-06:002009-11-30T20:06:04.808-06:00December Monthly MenuI can't believe it's December already. Does time speed up somehow the older you get???<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Beef Stew<br />Pork chops & applesauce<br />Fajitas<br />Clam chowder & super grilled cheese<br />Ham steak & green beans<br />Pizza night<br />Salmon skewers & wild rice<br />BBQ meatloaf & broccoli<br />Steaks & sweet taters<br />Chili<br />Beef brisket & corn on the cob<br />Lasagna<br />Pizza night<br />Monterey chicken & asparagus<br /><br />I will be posting *<span style="font-size:78%;">fingers crossed</span>* 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!arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-67681142728366594072009-11-26T08:36:00.002-06:002009-11-26T08:39:38.946-06:00Happy ThanksgivingI 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.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-30244229505914138962009-11-09T18:19:00.003-06:002009-11-09T18:43:50.898-06:00Pioneer Woman, I salute you!In honor of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman </a>being in Little Rock tonight for a book signing of her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Recipes-Accidental/dp/0061658197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257812859&sr=8-1">new cookbook</a>, and since I didn't get to go, I went to her site this morning and found this <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/marlboro_mans_f/">recipe </a>to make for my and Hubby's supper tonight.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />We have also had her <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/02/apple_dumplings/">Apple Dumplings</a>, which my 6 year old granddaughter loves to make by herself. Perfection!<br /><br />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...).arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-31633724009918263252009-11-08T18:06:00.002-06:002009-11-08T18:09:33.998-06:00Can anyone tell me...how you let go of something you've dreamed/wanted of your entire life but you know is never gonna happen?arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-36153578154255531742009-11-05T09:41:00.002-06:002009-11-05T09:44:26.442-06:00What 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.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-59426004739263385782009-10-19T20:19:00.000-05:002009-10-19T20:20:17.678-05:00Guess who wants to do pageants now?<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">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.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">No to this one.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QSnOm8TI/AAAAAAAAALY/mhazAK1g-Vg/s1600-h/DSCF0026.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QSnOm8TI/AAAAAAAAALY/mhazAK1g-Vg/s320/DSCF0026.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Her mom and I wanted her to choose this one, but alas, she gave us the thumbs down.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QSzMYYAI/AAAAAAAAALg/tz8I_GX4oyQ/s1600-h/DSCF0027.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QSzMYYAI/AAAAAAAAALg/tz8I_GX4oyQ/s320/DSCF0027.JPG" /></a> </div>Nope, not this one either.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QTfAb7GI/AAAAAAAAALo/Pu6p3av_enk/s1600-h/DSCF0028.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QTfAb7GI/AAAAAAAAALo/Pu6p3av_enk/s320/DSCF0028.JPG" /></a> </div>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!<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QTwISOII/AAAAAAAAALw/UiB1-CsNBnE/s1600-h/DSCF0029.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/St0QTwISOII/AAAAAAAAALw/UiB1-CsNBnE/s320/DSCF0029.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-38889723301193858652009-10-18T15:56:00.000-05:002009-10-18T15:56:27.748-05:0040!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">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!<br /><br />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,<br /><br />The gold is for the golden years you are entering,<br />The silver is for the silver in your hair.<br />The black is because you're so da** old!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/StuA-KR9olI/AAAAAAAAALI/FWAYO59zZOk/s1600-h/DSCF0065.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/StuA-KR9olI/AAAAAAAAALI/FWAYO59zZOk/s320/DSCF0065.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/StuA-mCi6jI/AAAAAAAAALQ/X_Ld5GBgX-8/s1600-h/DSCF0068.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/StuA-mCi6jI/AAAAAAAAALQ/X_Ld5GBgX-8/s320/DSCF0068.JPG" /></a><br /><br />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!!!!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-14578193691292041842009-09-16T08:54:00.005-05:002009-09-16T09:24:31.879-05:00Early B-day presentsEvery 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 <a href="http://www.oldnavy.com/">Old Navy</a> 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: <div><div><div><br /><div></div><div>4 of these in saucy red, lake victoria, black jack and purple velvet</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382067104727873522" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDxhC6et_I/AAAAAAAAAKY/eh9tLBDsSDo/s320/1oldnavy.jpg" /></div></div><br /><div></div><div>this one in plummy mummy</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382067120929182226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDxh_RLEhI/AAAAAAAAAKw/9OZkIBD35d8/s320/4+oldnavy.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><div>2 of these in black jack and marshmallow white</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382067111008783810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDxhaT9zcI/AAAAAAAAAKg/Gb9YEwNcDs4/s320/2+oldnavy.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><div>this in black jack</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382067114139009202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDxhl-RQLI/AAAAAAAAAKo/XfLlF7Ffc9Y/s320/3+oldnavy.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><div>2 of these in lagoon and blink pink</div><br /><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382067129292592130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDxiebKlAI/AAAAAAAAAK4/ooCyXOC0ZfQ/s320/5+oldnavy.jpg" /> </div><div>and this in black<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 38px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 51px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382068495195803778" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SrDyx-z3kII/AAAAAAAAALA/ZsYqNldX1gs/s320/6+oldnavy.jpg" /><br />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!!!</div><div> </div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div>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 <a href="http://www.baxtercountyfair.org/">fair</a> tonight. Hopefully, the rain stops so they don't end up soaked and sick!</div></div></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-78575609676353011322009-09-11T08:23:00.002-05:002009-09-11T08:32:48.379-05:00Never forget...all those that lost their lives and their friends and loved ones on this day eight years ago.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380202073287727202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SqpRR7YimGI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/vVHhTSDqpSw/s320/9-11twin+lights.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-60262179766443487622009-09-02T18:05:00.002-05:002009-09-02T18:09:01.413-05:00GiveawayDo you love totes/purses as much as I do? If so, head on over to <a href="http://craftymamacreations.blogspot.com/2009/09/you-should-think-about-winning-this.html">Crafty Mama Creations</a> and check out the one she's giving away on Sunday. And if you don't want to enter? Then check out her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5081756"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">etsy</span></a> site for bags she has for sale. Beautiful!arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-8010744369866150082009-09-01T20:09:00.003-05:002009-09-01T22:02:32.667-05:00September Monthly Menu<div>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 <a href="http://www.mommyskitchen.net/">Mommy's Kitchen</a> and she posts her monthly menus on her blog. GENIUS!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Here is my September menu with linked recipes.<br /><br />1. Beer brats, <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1712,131183-247194,00.html">easy baked beans</a><br />2. Burgers, <a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/343/Cold_Pea_Salad_II57686.shtml">pea salad</a><br />3. <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Smothered-Pork-Chops-With-Fried-Onion-Rings-164764">smothered pork chops</a>, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/oven-roasted-asparagus/">oven roasted asparagus</a><br />4. crock pot <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/crock-pot-boston-butt-shoulder-for-pulled-pork-375370">pork butt</a>, steamed broccoli<br />5. crock pot pintos and leftover butt, cornbread<br />6. pizza night<br />7. <a href="http://www.pauladeen.com/recipe_view/202">bacon cheeseburger meatloaf</a>, mashed taters<br />8. steaks, mashed sweet taters<br />9. <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/crock-pot-southwest-chicken-383200">southwest chicken tacos</a><br />10. <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/meatball-stuffed-shells-385195">meatball stuffed shells</a>, garlic bread<br />11. <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1712,145190-253207,00.html">easy pot roast</a> (I also add 1 envelope onion soup mix to this recipe), corn on the cob<br />12. <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/stovetop-twenty-cloves-of-garlic-chicken-363985">garlic chicken</a>, oven roasted asparagus (see above)<br />13. <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Muffaletta-Sandwiches-270575">muffuletta</a> and chips<br />14. pizza night<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Bon appetit!</div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-36514615959950651602009-08-28T09:05:00.002-05:002009-08-28T09:08:51.595-05:00GiveawayIf 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 <a href="http://twiddletails.blogspot.com/2009/08/little-organizer-giveaway.html">Twiddletails</a> blog for a giveaway in honor of her "500th Post Week".<br /><br />Good luck...but I'm gonna win!arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-63808308112130165902009-08-16T17:45:00.002-05:002009-08-16T17:48:49.640-05:00YumI am so going to try <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/08/lemon-rosemary-palmiers/">these</a>. Simple <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ingredients + easy instuctions = YUM (hopefully!)</span>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-47219922516077696112009-08-13T12:07:00.002-05:002009-08-13T12:19:46.591-05:00ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!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. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Horray</span>! Well, I got the call a few minutes after I hit the Submit button that we were approved for the refinance. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Horray</span>! Then at the end of the conversation, our processing person told me that they would be doing an appraisal, I thought "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, 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.<br /><br />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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Monsterquest</span> 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.<br /><br />Please Lord let it appraise for what the county appraised it at for taxes!!!! I'll keep you posted.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-91832422899464106402009-08-11T10:52:00.000-05:002009-08-11T10:56:17.681-05:00No excusesThe 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.<br /><br />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!arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-48559532202950299442009-02-14T16:14:00.006-06:002009-02-14T16:36:41.462-06:00Hearts & a Quilt<div><div><div><div>Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you have someone to love on today and everyday.<br /></div><div>I've started another quilt. It's called Fun & Crazy. Super simple and quick too. Here are some pics of my work so far.</div><br /><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302782505759652354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZdEl_j1ugI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/eyP9vIHK9zs/s320/DSCF0009.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302782505953485394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZdEmASDYlI/AAAAAAAAAIY/xLzutNHLTj8/s320/DSCF0011.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302782512201833506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZdEmXjxnCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/F20FR3xx5lc/s320/DSCF0010.JPG" border="0" /><br />Yesterday was Madison's kindergarten Valentine's party too. She invited Lee and I, since her mom had to work.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302784972435095826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZdG1kpGARI/AAAAAAAAAIo/5273JNf_MiY/s320/DSCF0014.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302784976138457058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZdG1ycCz-I/AAAAAAAAAIw/OCNbsUC9-hI/s320/DSCF0018.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-45520401625765745672009-02-11T22:51:00.003-06:002009-02-11T23:02:43.293-06:00Is 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.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZOs2bOPnjI/AAAAAAAAAII/08xg0Vz4-SI/s1600-h/DSCF0003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301771237365620274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZOs2bOPnjI/AAAAAAAAAII/08xg0Vz4-SI/s320/DSCF0003.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZOs2Km0RoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/NW93r6A8a1Y/s1600-h/DSCF0002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301771232905283202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjI3KpUP8LA/SZOs2Km0RoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/NW93r6A8a1Y/s320/DSCF0002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2199371140375876108.post-35996101504848359932009-02-10T19:21:00.002-06:002009-02-10T19:45:38.666-06:0025 Things About MeI thought since I've been tagged so often on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php">Facebook</a>, that I'd post these here too.<br /><br />1. Contrary to what anyone else says, I have the BEST husband in the world.<br />2. I met my husband online and we got married 5 months after our first date.<br />3. I'm thankful that my parents raised me in a Christian home.<br />4. I won a blue ribbon at the county fair when I was in Jr. High for raising chickens for 4-H.<br />5. I lived in Tennessee for 4 years.<br />6. I've been to the Bahamas. (Hated it!)<br />7. I'm afraid of heights.<br />8. I taught myself how to <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/">knit</a> one weekend when I was bored.<br />9. I've been known to walk barefoot in the snow on more than one occasion.<br />10. My fabric collection is bigger than my husband realizes.<br />11.I love the act of DOING laundry, but I HATE putting it away.<br />12. I learned how to quilt from my Mom (initially) and the fabulous ladies of <a href="http://www.sewuniquemh.com/">Sew Unique </a>(now).<br />13. I own 2 sewing machines, an embroidery machine and a serger.<br />14. I love to shop at <a href="http://aldi.us/">Aldi</a>.<br />15. I love to cook.<br />16. Even though I love going to the <a href="http://www.bullshoals.org/">lake </a>during the summer, I don't know how to swim.<br />17. Fall is my favorite season.<br />18. I love mowing the yard.<br />19. I'm still trying to come to terms with never being able to be a mom. (See #20)<br />20. I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2002.<br />21. My husband surprised me with Toby Keith concert tickets one year for Valentine's Day.<br />22. I am a huge procrastinator!<br />23. I spend way too much time on the computer.<br />24. My Mom is one of my best friends.<br />25. My Dad picked my middle name, Annette, because he liked Annette Funicello.<br /><br />Now it's your turn. Leave me a comment with one thing about you.arbeckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01086741266665555929noreply@blogger.com1