Sneak Peek of Christmas Decor at Mom's

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEmGgZzvHMU/TtVOPOIyzYI/AAAAAAAABG8/mGUthwUi9Qw/s1600/DSCN0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEmGgZzvHMU/TtVOPOIyzYI/AAAAAAAABG8/mGUthwUi9Qw/s320/DSCN0752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I enjoy that I have multiple places to decorate each year for Christmas. I'm just getting started. </span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDnFo3YfS6s/TtVPNsEqjtI/AAAAAAAABHM/yj6lYi3QVu8/s1600/DSCN0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wDnFo3YfS6s/TtVPNsEqjtI/AAAAAAAABHM/yj6lYi3QVu8/s320/DSCN0755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">    </div> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I still have Mr. Snowman and the walkway lights to add. I keep forgetting to get the pillar lights plugged in. </span></span>               <br />                   <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqYcO-HiPk/TtVPuugQlhI/AAAAAAAABHU/4UntqWNsMzo/s1600/DSCN0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqYcO-HiPk/TtVPuugQlhI/AAAAAAAABHU/4UntqWNsMzo/s320/DSCN0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>                                                <br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I think the wreath is getting a bow makeover this year. I really need to take picture lessons so I can hide the cord. Wink!!!</span></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDwJDw26NYQ/TtVQjjYuejI/AAAAAAAABHc/BtX8DWfR7Go/s1600/DSCN0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDwJDw26NYQ/TtVQjjYuejI/AAAAAAAABHc/BtX8DWfR7Go/s320/DSCN0640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>                               <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Garland is necessary everywhere. Don't Ya Think!!!        </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Alrighty back to cooking and decorating.</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">   </span></span><br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Linking to </span></span><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Between Naps on the Porch </span></a><br /> <a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Time to Shine </span></a><br /> <a href="http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/" style="color: #cc0000;">Anything Goes</a><br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"> <a href="http://www.vwbblog.com/">Vintage Wanna Bee</a> </div> <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/">Wow Us Wednesday</a><br /> <span id="goog_60172178"></span><span id="goog_60172179"></span></div>

Sneak Peek of Christmas Decor at Mom's

I enjoy that I have multiple places to decorate each year for Christmas. I'm just getting started.    I still have Mr. Snowma...

Finally Getting to Thanksgiving

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_nABevG6KY/TtUggwZrLGI/AAAAAAAABGM/ZQFzyF3F1XM/s1600/Picture+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_nABevG6KY/TtUggwZrLGI/AAAAAAAABGM/ZQFzyF3F1XM/s320/Picture+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">It's Finally Thanksgiving for our family.</span><br /> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm spending the day making all the yummy fixins. Grandma and mom aren't feeling much better so I'm bringing Thanksgiving to them and a few Christmas decorations to decorate Grandma's new home. She's not to happy about assisted living so I'm going to make it feel more homey. </span></div><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Iink1DfWA/TtUhYhJby4I/AAAAAAAABGU/xiHGNJ3wv1A/s1600/Picture+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Iink1DfWA/TtUhYhJby4I/AAAAAAAABGU/xiHGNJ3wv1A/s320/Picture+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">The fixins include Grandma's Traditional Stuffing and her homemade Giblet Gravy.</span></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-memN75k9yvI/TtUiMGSfX9I/AAAAAAAABGc/NqmZ8Yykv68/s1600/Picture+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-memN75k9yvI/TtUiMGSfX9I/AAAAAAAABGc/NqmZ8Yykv68/s320/Picture+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the first year I haven't had her help. She asked me if I thought I could do it and I winked at her and said I've had lots of practice. </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">The benefit of being the baby of the grandkids and having an 89 year old Grandma is that  you get  to spend  lots  of time with  them.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I'm going back to cooking and you all have a fabulous day!!!</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> P.S. Most of you would like to know I put together my Thanksgiving feast for under  $30.00. Feel free to check out my adventures in couponing <a href="http://thecutecouponer.blogspot.com/">here.</a></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Linking to </span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2011/11/leaving-your-parents-this-christmas.html">Time Warp Wife</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/">Between Naps on the Porch</a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Coastal Charm</a> </span></span></div>

Finally Getting to Thanksgiving

It's Finally Thanksgiving for our family. I'm spending the day making all the yummy fixins. Grandma and mom aren't feeling m...

Funny Christmas Decorations for Your Car

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASMHRvS-Jgc/TtEl5jlnlBI/AAAAAAAABD8/WI8Zp9-vwD8/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="239px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASMHRvS-Jgc/TtEl5jlnlBI/AAAAAAAABD8/WI8Zp9-vwD8/s320/untitled.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">You ever have one of those days at work where you are bored out of your mind and stuck there even though your busy and have little down time to play? Well that's me today. While driving in this morning I got to thinking that for years my mom and I have said we are going to decorate our cars for Christmas but we never do it. The real reason we never do it is simple, because we don't know how.</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Now I have no interest in lighting up my car, don't get me wrong I love seeing other people do it, but not on my car. It's kind of like bumper stickers, you like reading other peoples stickers but don't want them on your car.</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Well I decided to get some inspiration so I looked online and this is what I found. I still can't quit  laughing</span>.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjF_Id45PvI/TtEpv2FN7AI/AAAAAAAABEE/nvmGDDOFFyo/s1600/c3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjF_Id45PvI/TtEpv2FN7AI/AAAAAAAABEE/nvmGDDOFFyo/s320/c3.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div> <br />     <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Betcha haven't seen this before.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkPuwOuHEkI/TtEp-FONnfI/AAAAAAAABEM/31P21FA0KHY/s1600/c2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkPuwOuHEkI/TtEp-FONnfI/AAAAAAAABEM/31P21FA0KHY/s320/c2.bmp" width="320px" /></a></div> <br />  <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">How does that thing not fall off?</span><br /> <br />                                                      <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmxuW1WpNk/TtEsJA20JCI/AAAAAAAABEU/FBA7EAOaFzQ/s1600/santa-hit-by-car-www.flickr.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="182px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQmxuW1WpNk/TtEsJA20JCI/AAAAAAAABEU/FBA7EAOaFzQ/s320/santa-hit-by-car-www.flickr.com_.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Does this one remind you of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer?"</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Z_pnF1FJs/TtEsbhhd4mI/AAAAAAAABEc/X2iUzy4FAJM/s1600/truck_Christmas-Art_Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="215px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d5Z_pnF1FJs/TtEsbhhd4mI/AAAAAAAABEc/X2iUzy4FAJM/s320/truck_Christmas-Art_Car.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">If you can't get your hubby to junk his old pick up truck tell him you're going to do this to it.</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7vwXPsqXlE/TtEs9-lZsII/AAAAAAAABEs/cAHbSRPn0oA/s1600/santas-volkswagen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7vwXPsqXlE/TtEs9-lZsII/AAAAAAAABEs/cAHbSRPn0oA/s320/santas-volkswagen.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Can't say I've seen this before... Santa and a slug bug.... Reduce,Re-Use,Recycle.</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Now for a little less trashy and a little more classy.</span><br /> <br />                                                                                   <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPukLUK48BE/TtEtbXroL6I/AAAAAAAABE0/4ouHVDOVI9s/s1600/reindeer-car-300x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPukLUK48BE/TtEtbXroL6I/AAAAAAAABE0/4ouHVDOVI9s/s1600/reindeer-car-300x240.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I would  do this to my minivan with a wreath in back and some garland on my luggage racks. What do you think too much?</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMrrJYZZL2Y/TtEtqM1DE2I/AAAAAAAABE8/jPP0oRgKrOk/s1600/depositphotos_4103124-Wedding-car-decoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="213px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMrrJYZZL2Y/TtEtqM1DE2I/AAAAAAAABE8/jPP0oRgKrOk/s320/depositphotos_4103124-Wedding-car-decoration.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This is simple and understated. It's like a corsage for a door handle</span>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WajtLxLaQIc/TtEviPHzG8I/AAAAAAAABFE/Nt8Kh2NB8p0/s1600/giant-christmas-bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WajtLxLaQIc/TtEviPHzG8I/AAAAAAAABFE/Nt8Kh2NB8p0/s320/giant-christmas-bow.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I like this too. Santa feel free to park this sweet baby  in my driveway. (Wink)</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Now wasn't that fun! It's always interesting to see what people do to decorate everything for Christmas. What really got me going was watching the Christmas movie on Lifetime, "A Christmas Proposal." The Kringles were Christmas CRAZY. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hope You Enjoy...</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Linking to </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/">http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/</a> <a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a> <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/11/show-and-tell-saturday-112611.html">Be Different Act Normal</a> <a href="http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.com/">Saturday Show Off</a> <a href="http://www.sewmanyways.blogspot.com/">Sew Many Ways</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>

Funny Christmas Decorations for Your Car

You ever have one of those days at work where you are bored out of your mind and stuck there even though your busy and have little down...

We Plan, God Laughs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5jFqAR1wt0/TSOs8jnO3HI/AAAAAAAAAmw/sRctLmRxZL4/s1600/DSCN0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_pui0f="12" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5jFqAR1wt0/TSOs8jnO3HI/AAAAAAAAAmw/sRctLmRxZL4/s320/DSCN0643.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">(I took this picture last year for a Christmas Table Design Idea While Boutique Shopping)</span></div><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">It's a good thing I have a great sense of humor. Thursday I turned on my oven and got nothing. No Heat! The pilot light is out and not a soul can figure out where to light it. The stove is ancient. It works great but it's ancient. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">So thinking I had a little more time to buy I didn't worry about it. Now it's Saturday morning and I'm at work and our big Thanksgiving is on Sunday evening so I popped over to mom's house and she asked me," where we are we going to have Thanksgiving?"  Well right here at your house mom! Lol!!! I'll prep it at mine and cook it at yours. Let's just say I have an eventful evening of driving back and forth to get ready. She told me," I have lots of cleaning to do." I told her, She can clean and I can cook. It only seems fair to me. So the Thanksgiving decorations are coming down tonight and being put up over at mom's. HA HA!!! Darn Fall holidays can't seem to keep the decorations in one place. I  promise if Christmas is anything like this I'm decorating my minivan and we're going mobile eating fast food out of the car with Christmas lights and music!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Needless to say I have a full work day ahead of me. For those of you who are off, enjoy, many of us are jealous. I'd much rather be at home trying to light my gas stove and cooking and cleaning!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Enjoy Your Weekend!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Valerie </span></div>

We Plan, God Laughs

(I took this picture last year for a Christmas Table Design Idea While Boutique Shopping) It's a good thing I have a great sense of hu...

Dreaming of a Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw75StO7uZM/TtAOrk6-yEI/AAAAAAAABDk/285TuI3PRA4/s1600/hot-cocoa-marshmallows-186x186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw75StO7uZM/TtAOrk6-yEI/AAAAAAAABDk/285TuI3PRA4/s1600/hot-cocoa-marshmallows-186x186.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I'd like nothing more than to plant myself on the couch and make myself  a cup of hot cocoa and some hot chocolate dippers.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--y3bJwdlqJw/TtAPPogJ79I/AAAAAAAABDs/vDnjt3IlU6U/s1600/chocolatecoveredmarshmellowpeppermintstraws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--y3bJwdlqJw/TtAPPogJ79I/AAAAAAAABDs/vDnjt3IlU6U/s1600/chocolatecoveredmarshmellowpeppermintstraws.jpg" /></a></div>                                                               <span id="goog_1202380310"></span><span id="goog_1202380311"></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I can't though I'm working all weekend. I still have Thanksgiving to prepare, a house to clean, and shopping to be done by Sunday. Then I have to come back to work again on Monday. How'd this happen?</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The good part is that I got a head start on some Christmas decorating yesterday and am moving all the Thanksgiving decor to the kitchen to get ready for our Thanksgiving feast on Sunday. This year the family is getting a little bit of both, candy canes and pumpkins.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Not bad, Thanksgiving late and Christmas early.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">These Hot Chocolate Dippers are too cute I can't wait to make them. Thank You "Make Life Delicious" for reminding me of a time honored treat.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Now for those of you who can, cozy up with your loved ones, furry and human, (although I'm not sure mine know the difference) and enjoy your weekend.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hugs.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Dreaming of a Perfect Thanksgiving Weekend

I'd like nothing more than to plant myself on the couch and make myself  a cup of hot cocoa and some hot chocolate dippers.         ...

A Special Thanksgiving Blessing

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf9t8Fgz-Cw/Ts5zGYl4iMI/AAAAAAAABDU/2LN2J7PjikI/s1600/DSCN1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gf9t8Fgz-Cw/Ts5zGYl4iMI/AAAAAAAABDU/2LN2J7PjikI/s320/DSCN1369.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Special Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours. I'm at mom's today starting decorating for Christmas. This is mom's front door. Isn't the wreath cute?</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Both mom and grams had a fall  this past week and were in the hospital so neither are up for Thanksgiving today so homemade Chicken Noodle Soup it is.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are going to have Thanksgiving on Sunday instead. It will give them a few days to get feeling better.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope yours is super special.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Valerie</span></span></div>

A Special Thanksgiving Blessing

Special Thanksgiving wishes to you and yours. I'm at mom's today starting decorating for Christmas. This is mom's front door. ...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98GbMEAN8s0/Tsl74NVWtXI/AAAAAAAABC8/iuYRKYTadFI/s1600/DSCN1248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98GbMEAN8s0/Tsl74NVWtXI/AAAAAAAABC8/iuYRKYTadFI/s320/DSCN1248.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spending a Sunday getting ready for a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm raking leaves, watering the flowers, and cleaning out the fridge.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">This mess is about to be replaced with a yummy feast.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can hardly wait.</span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">I won't get the final touches on the decorating until Tuesday.</span></div><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf5X36TdnVE/Tsl8KFfwxmI/AAAAAAAABDE/-km0m-6nuf8/s1600/DSCN1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf5X36TdnVE/Tsl8KFfwxmI/AAAAAAAABDE/-km0m-6nuf8/s320/DSCN1193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">How about you? Are you getting ready?</span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy a lovely rest of the weekend.</span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Valerie</span></span></div>

Spending a Sunday getting ready for a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. I'm raking leaves, watering the flowers, and cleaning out t...

My Dream Christmas Cottage

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imKB4OabBjo/Tsb3k1Bs8FI/AAAAAAAABCM/9BPelGlqGaY/s1600/Pensacola_-Seville-Historic-District_-Chloe-And-Sophies-Attic_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="226px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imKB4OabBjo/Tsb3k1Bs8FI/AAAAAAAABCM/9BPelGlqGaY/s320/Pensacola_-Seville-Historic-District_-Chloe-And-Sophies-Attic_11.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Dear Santa,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Would you please pick up this cottage for me and set in on an acreage. If we stick a  building behind it and some dog pens you'd make all my dreams come true.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hugs and Kisses,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">P.S.  How about throwing in one of these?</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub7OmNeuL7U/Tsb5KvdxuMI/AAAAAAAABCU/2jVWqOw6AJs/s1600/photo-338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ub7OmNeuL7U/Tsb5KvdxuMI/AAAAAAAABCU/2jVWqOw6AJs/s320/photo-338.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red;">Linking to: <a href="http://laurieannas.blogspot.com/">Farmhouse Friday</a> <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/">French Country Cottage</a> <a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/">Fingerprints On The Fridge</a> <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/11/show-and-tell-saturday-111911.html">Be Different Act Normal</a> <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a>  <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/">Tatertots and Jello</a></span><br /> <br /> </div>

My Dream Christmas Cottage

Dear Santa, Would you please pick up this cottage for me and set in on an acreage. If we stick a  building behind it and some dog pens yo...

A Good Night's Sleep is All I Need

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv2dEl6WeCw/Tsa__1icXbI/AAAAAAAABCE/5rJ0mz3gPdo/s1600/good_night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="217px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kv2dEl6WeCw/Tsa__1icXbI/AAAAAAAABCE/5rJ0mz3gPdo/s320/good_night.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Sometimes when we feel down I've realized it's because we're tired. Raising 8 little puppies and taking care of their abandoned mommy and many other rescues the last few months has left me exhausted. Let's  face it I'm getting sick because I just need some sleep. I sipped on a cup of egg nog last night and fell asleep with the munchkins barking and then they continued to bark on and off all night long.  </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">And bark and bark and bark.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">No wonder I'm in a mood.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">My solution is simple...sleep.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">So I wasted $20 bucks at the vet for these sedation pills  for the older dogs who had surgery and they still kept me up all night. It didn't work!!! Gag...........................</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Starting Saturday I'm going to try to get in a nap. I'm going to make myself turn off the t.v. and lay down for 2 hours. I've never been a napper but I'm so tired I think I'll try.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">If I work really hard I can finish up most of the cottage before Thanksgiving and you can see it decorated for Fall FINALLY!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">So here's to me wishing you not only a wonderful adventurous weekend but get some much needed rest before we have to polish our homes and meals.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Hugs and Kisses</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">P.S. Don't you just love these pillowcases. I think I need to make some.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">P.S.S. Thanks to all of you who have left comments. I'm so sorry Blogger hasn't let me respond to them. I have tried everything.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">If anyone knows how to fix it I'd appreciate it.</span></div>

A Good Night's Sleep is All I Need

Sometimes when we feel down I've realized it's because we're tired. Raising 8 little puppies and taking care of their abandone...

If You Have it Ready They Will Come

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFtJNgPY118/TsWsF1eug6I/AAAAAAAABB0/Ht8SWPCdrFY/s1600/LittleFeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="228px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFtJNgPY118/TsWsF1eug6I/AAAAAAAABB0/Ht8SWPCdrFY/s320/LittleFeet.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">My heart has been really heavy the last few days. After 14 months of prayer and a long drawn out approval process, it's official, I'm approved to be a bridge resource parent and adopt. For 14 months I have answered questions filled out forms, refilled out forms, been interviewed, returned phone  calls, gone to classes, asked questions, answered questions, done homework, taken surveys and prayed that God will send me the children he wants me to have.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I keep praying they will be home by Christmas. What better Christmas present  for me to give the entire family than to make a difference in a child's life. </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Yesterday, I got off the phone with DHS and they told me, "I need to be patient." I'm trying to be patient!</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">My co-workers say I could have met a man, gotten married, gotten pregnant, and given birth by now. You know what? Their right. I'm not saying that's not in the cards for the future but I feel God has led me to this here and now. </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">The frustrating part is the waiting. I can't move, can't change jobs, can't make plans until I know when my kids are arriving.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">DHS  has a process and the process includes waiting, waiting, and more waiting. My heart is heavy because I'm still waiting. The holidays are here and their are sweet little children, of all ages, waiting for a mommy to love them. clean clothes,  a warm bed, and for a full belly. I'm here to offer it but I have to wait. Wait for them to take a five day vacation next week, wait for them to assign me my own case worker for placement, and just wait because that's the process. I've waited so long my background check has expired and I have to refill it out again. I have to wait for that in the mail too. Then I have to wait for it to be returned again.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">See my frustration!!!</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Helpless children 3,000 of them an approved home and I just have to wait.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Suddenly cooking and decorating don't seem as important as something as simple as making sure children are safe physically and emotionally.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">So for now I'm going back to decorating, back to cooking, and more cleaning. Maybe it will make the wait go faster.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Today I know I'm blessed but I'd like to be the blessing.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Hugs,</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

If You Have it Ready They Will Come

My heart has been really heavy the last few days. After 14 months of prayer and a long drawn out approval process, it's official, I&...

Thanksgiving Weekend Menu

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0aHJQkkcyM/Trx52Yqg8ZI/AAAAAAAABBk/r83YQSh_QZU/s1600/thanksgiving_day_graphics.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276px" nda="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0aHJQkkcyM/Trx52Yqg8ZI/AAAAAAAABBk/r83YQSh_QZU/s320/thanksgiving_day_graphics.gif" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving and already cold again brrr.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I have to say I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I thought I would share with you some of my menu plans.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Main Course</u>: </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Stuffed Turkey and Dressing in Brine</span><br /> <br />                                <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Lingonberry Sauce</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                    Pork Tenderloin w/ Cranberry Chutney</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Sides:</u>            Mashed Potatoes and Giblet Gravy</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                      </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Cranberry Sauce</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Sweet Potato Crunch</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Sauteed Green Beans</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Bread:</u>          Homemade Sourdough Bread</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Dessert:</u>        Pecan Pie w/ Whipping  Cream</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Pumkin Chiffon Pie</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Grandma's Pumpkin Roll</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Beverages:</u>   Apple Cider w/ Aspen Mulling Spices</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                     Riunite Lambrusco Wine</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><u>Snacks:</u>        Rollover Pretzels</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">                    I can already taste it all!</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Happy Planning.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> </span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Thanksgiving Weekend Menu

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving and already cold again brrr. I have to say I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. ...

Chicken Corn Chowder in the Crockpot

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXXYn6QxpOA/VrT5F0w7VaI/AAAAAAAAMmc/3vodblb4XGc/s1600/facebook84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXXYn6QxpOA/VrT5F0w7VaI/AAAAAAAAMmc/3vodblb4XGc/s320/facebook84.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">First you need a few potatoes. Go ahead wash, peel, and slice them into bite size pieces.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fsjOsfQ7Kk/TrinNmOReyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/RFiWxraAVy8/s1600/DSCN1397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fsjOsfQ7Kk/TrinNmOReyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/RFiWxraAVy8/s320/DSCN1397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmz7GgZ493k/Tripf76hMnI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IWoYLfLqPjg/s1600/DSCN1401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmz7GgZ493k/Tripf76hMnI/AAAAAAAAA_M/IWoYLfLqPjg/s320/DSCN1401.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Next take 8 green onions wash and chop them into bite size pieces and set them aside.</span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhlijgeFONA/TriqGyUFapI/AAAAAAAAA_U/LLdB76W8ikQ/s1600/DSCN1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhlijgeFONA/TriqGyUFapI/AAAAAAAAA_U/LLdB76W8ikQ/s320/DSCN1392.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Now grab your crock pot and dump in a  large bag of frozen corn.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjqfE7Ry2nQ/TriqsvdPhbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/2l9_lXL8Ndc/s1600/DSCN1393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KjqfE7Ry2nQ/TriqsvdPhbI/AAAAAAAAA_c/2l9_lXL8Ndc/s320/DSCN1393.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Stick your onions in the kettle on top of the corn.</span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">                            </span></span><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIVF6YLnSRQ/Tritw-WTktI/AAAAAAAAA_0/05ZEvQmZKDE/s320/DSCN1390.jpg" /><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYrTuoOoMyM/TrirZtLAs0I/AAAAAAAAA_k/EmIaAVwmWfE/s1600/DSCN1403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYrTuoOoMyM/TrirZtLAs0I/AAAAAAAAA_k/EmIaAVwmWfE/s320/DSCN1403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Now I like to add about 2 cups of diced pre-cooked ham to my chowder and 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or whatever you have on hand.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Pour it on top of everything else.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vEEmuUkuL4/Trir2evTA0I/AAAAAAAAA_s/tLTwRi7n2Rw/s1600/DSCN1398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vEEmuUkuL4/Trir2evTA0I/AAAAAAAAA_s/tLTwRi7n2Rw/s320/DSCN1398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Now for the fun part. Pour in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream. If you don't have cream just use another cup of milk.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Last add about a 1/4 c. of potato flakes to thicken.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Season to taste. I never go wrong with our family favorite "Greek Seasoning." I also add about teaspoon of fresh garlic cloves.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Yummy!</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Stick your lid on your crockpot and turn it on medium and cook overnight. If your up overnight it doesn't hurt to go in and give it a stir. It helps the flavor to spread.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With the earthquake/tornado/rain/cold/wind and whatever else Mother Nature keeps throwing at us lately this is the perfect warm weather dish.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Stay cozy!!!</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Valerie</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;">Linking to <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/">Show and Share</a> <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/">No Place Like Home</a> <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/">Maple Hill</a> <a href="http://www.lorisculinarycreations.com/2015/12/tickle-my-tastebuds-tuesday-84-is-live/">Tickle My Tastebuds</a> <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2016/01/home-sweet-home-254.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCharmOfHome+%28The+Charm+of+Home%29">Home Sweet Home</a> </span></div>

Chicken Corn Chowder in the Crockpot

First you need a few potatoes. Go ahead wash, peel, and slice them into bite size pieces. Next take 8 green onions was...

A Tour of Oklahoma City in Fall

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPNMhUyBMBo/Trb9ogQBRmI/AAAAAAAAA88/rFD_1Px7j_0/s1600/DSCN1435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPNMhUyBMBo/Trb9ogQBRmI/AAAAAAAAA88/rFD_1Px7j_0/s320/DSCN1435.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Each and every season I just love driving around looking at houses around town. Oklahoma City is such a diverse city with such a variety of cultures. We are the 2nd largest city area wise in the United States but everywhere you go in the state you run into someone you know. I think instead of our state motto being, " Native America" they should say Oklahoma, " one big small town." </span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TER7ruM4Rqw/Trb_Dlnh3zI/AAAAAAAAA9M/DwGOyybeC34/s1600/DSCN1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TER7ruM4Rqw/Trb_Dlnh3zI/AAAAAAAAA9M/DwGOyybeC34/s320/DSCN1416.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It's a fabulous city to roam around in. One neighborhood is full of old historic mansions while the next is full of Dallas style homes. One thing the city does well is decorate for the holidays.</span></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ynh_KWfvk/Trb-sIsVPXI/AAAAAAAAA9E/NMURrIbhxVw/s1600/DSCN1421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8ynh_KWfvk/Trb-sIsVPXI/AAAAAAAAA9E/NMURrIbhxVw/s320/DSCN1421.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Each and every house has it's own character.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMH9jay80Vg/Trb_eyr2qNI/AAAAAAAAA9U/Ma-HjjhCL_I/s1600/DSCN1418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QMH9jay80Vg/Trb_eyr2qNI/AAAAAAAAA9U/Ma-HjjhCL_I/s320/DSCN1418.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">I love the door on this one below.</span></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFvoAw8qFyQ/TrcAB7zA0XI/AAAAAAAAA9c/eh_E8a99tp0/s1600/DSCN1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFvoAw8qFyQ/TrcAB7zA0XI/AAAAAAAAA9c/eh_E8a99tp0/s320/DSCN1417.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">They don't make houses like they used to do they?</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4U-ubJgAU/TrcAftuV4aI/AAAAAAAAA9k/Kv99uQ5FgRk/s1600/DSCN1419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd4U-ubJgAU/TrcAftuV4aI/AAAAAAAAA9k/Kv99uQ5FgRk/s320/DSCN1419.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlGWCboTGeo/TrcBXckccyI/AAAAAAAAA90/QFJnAtD-jPI/s1600/DSCN1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlGWCboTGeo/TrcBXckccyI/AAAAAAAAA90/QFJnAtD-jPI/s320/DSCN1422.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hukuHgEt1JM/TrcA3Hw53qI/AAAAAAAAA9s/3flKMoG-fVw/s1600/DSCN1420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hukuHgEt1JM/TrcA3Hw53qI/AAAAAAAAA9s/3flKMoG-fVw/s320/DSCN1420.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <br /></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">You can't go wrong with a stained-glass front door and pumpkins and mums.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItIs8r8VtSY/TrcB1EqajCI/AAAAAAAAA98/8gNsJ-ZDVfA/s1600/DSCN1423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItIs8r8VtSY/TrcB1EqajCI/AAAAAAAAA98/8gNsJ-ZDVfA/s320/DSCN1423.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This has to be one of my favorite front doors in all of Oklahoma City. Look above.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbEQnz7EcVQ/TrcCNpTmrtI/AAAAAAAAA-E/HVi8LyKi8vU/s1600/DSCN1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbEQnz7EcVQ/TrcCNpTmrtI/AAAAAAAAA-E/HVi8LyKi8vU/s320/DSCN1424.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We have very few Mediterranean style roof's in Oklahoma City. This one is adorable!</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdaKC_EEo5A/TrcCx4QvBmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/YMj7_0nYwyE/s1600/DSCN1433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdaKC_EEo5A/TrcCx4QvBmI/AAAAAAAAA-M/YMj7_0nYwyE/s320/DSCN1433.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Now this is my kind of porch. I wonder if I should just knock on the door and tell them I'm moving in?</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <br /></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I sure hope you have enjoyed our Fall tour.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Which one is your favorite?</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to more house tours.</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div> <div style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Valerie</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Linking to <a href="http://www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/">Masterpiece Monday</a></span> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Metamorphosis Monday</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">MM Monday</span></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/">Tabletop Tuesday</a> <a href="http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/">A Bowl Full of Lemons</a></span></span></span></div>

A Tour of Oklahoma City in Fall

Each and every season I just love driving around looking at houses around town. Oklahoma City is such a diverse city with such a var...

Inspiration to Warm Up the Outside of Your Home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <br />                                               <a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.ltkcdn.net%2Fchristmas%2Fimages%2Fstd%2F2-200x267-Outdoor_tree_lights.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://cf.ltkcdn.net/christmas/images/std/2-200x267-Outdoor_tree_lights.jpg" /></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">With Winter's chill coming early this year I have been looking for some ways to brighten up the outside of the house that are both pretty and affordable and also something that can stay out all Winter.</span><br /> <br /> <img src="http://decoholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/outdoor_christmas_decorations.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I really love these empty hanging baskets. I have plenty of them I just don't know where I would hide the cord for the lights. Hmmm?</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TkDILaCcmVo/Sul-RhWuiZI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/rYLslNC51KY/s320/lanterns.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Aren't these lanterns adorable. Someday when I build my dream house I want brick arches in the entryway with gas lanterns and a flame as the lighting.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <img src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/023/1/6116545/il_340x270.486152573_3as0.jpg" /><span style="color: #b45f06;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">These are too cute. You know you can make them very cheaply with twine and Christmas lights and use them year after year. I happen to think it's a great project for the whole family.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /> <img src="http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mexo5bQ_D6w7IU_iuUORAZg.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">A very simple heart wreath that's lit up.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <img src="http://mollyirwin.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8349eed6669e20120a61bbfbd970b-500wi" /><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">A few colorful votives next to some pumpkins on a front porch table would be adorable. The only thing is the candles would melt down quickly. I wonder how some white Christmas lights. intertwined  would look.</span><br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /> <img src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/05/p_BHG152790.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">It just so happens I have  two of these wreaths with bright red berries that are looking to be hung up on my door and my mom's door right after Thanksgiving.</span><br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.dayonedesign.org/portfolio/manza/manza%20chanda_wide.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">My favorite, a simple pile of twigs with intertwined white Christmas lights suspended from the ceiling of a porch with rope. I happen to have alot of experience in suspending trees with lights from the ceiling. My entire gift shop was decorated that way and I loved it. We even had fake leaves. It was beautiful!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">I sure hope you get some inspiration for outdoor decorating from these pictures. I know I have.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Stay warm and Winter blessings.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/">Tidy Mom</a>,<a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2011/11/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-50-to-the-ribbon-retreat.html">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/">Flaunt It Friday</a><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Saturday Night Special</a>,<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/11/more-creative-projects-ideas-sunday.html">Under the Table and Dreaming</a> <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2015/12/show-and-share-no-293.html">Lindas Coastal Charm</a> <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/">No Place Like Home</a></span></div>

Inspiration to Warm Up the Outside of Your Home

                                              With Winter's chill coming early this year I have been looking for some ways to brigh...