Becca_Anne

Thank you Joan! I recieved mine Friday. My kids think it's awesome! I think it was great!

I hoped the heading might catch everyone's attention! For the past week, I have been thinking about the upcoming holidays. Since my husband has to work on Thanksgiving, I plan on cooking and staying home. I'm on the outs with my dad and his live-in thang so I won't be seeing them. They always cook a big dinner for her children and grandchildren so I know they'll stay home. I'm not close to my mother but I haven't decided to invite her. I've not spent a holiday with her in about 12 years. My inlaws are super but I don't know what my sister-in-law may have planned. She kinda rules the family but I enjoy it. (It kinda gives me a break!

We don't have very many little kids around our neighborhood. In the past it's been mainly friends that make a special trip to our house. I like to give out the good chocolate stuff so we can eat whats left! Usually, we are gone during trick or treating so nobody comes. This year we will be gone to my older sons last high school football game. He's a Senior. We can't miss it. I had planned for my younger son to spend the night with a friend of his so he could go treating but Saturday is the opening day of the Juvenile deer hunt. He wouldn't get to participate if he spent the night somewhere else. We are dressing up in non-scary costumes on Wednesday during our Homeshool Enrichment Classes at our church. It's simply something fun to do. Of course, I'll be dressing up too. I feel lost if I don't dress up each year like my kids!

I got mine last Saturday, too! Too cute! Thanks! Lisa/mommafitz/luvmyboyz

Just so poor brigid doesn't have to talk to herself....... Today was Homeschool Enrichment Class day at the church. We have 4 more Wednesdays left in this fall semester. I have a meeting planned for Friday morning to get organized and start planning for the winter classes. We don't have as many families participate in winter because of the uncertainty of the weather. Here on the mountian, our weather is unpredictable. (That's why I've really been following the $5 a week preparedness thread.) It is a beautiful sunny day today. Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today is just cold. I like the cold so you won't hear me complain! My 11 ds and I might get into some crafty things later. My hubby has to work tonight so we'll have plenty of time to make a mess. It just isn't any fun unless there's a mess. Just ask any kid.... Supper tonight will be chili dogs and we all know how simple and quick that is to get on the table. Tomorrow will be pork steak, white northern beans, fried potatoes, and yummy cornbread. I think we've got some turnip greens in a can, too. Our weekend will be busy. Friday is my 16 yo ds high school football game out of town. Sat. I work and my 11 yo ds has his final peewee football game of the season. Sunday will be spent deer hunting for my hubby and 16 yo. I think I'll try to enjoy myself by getting ready for a final yard sale this year. Hopefully, there will be a pretty couple of days left before winter sets in. I sure have lots of junk...er, I mean...good stuff to pawn off....er, I mean...sell to suckers....er, I mean people! Hehehe Just teasing. I really love going to yard sales but I haven't been able to this summer. Having the darn things is another thing altogether. That's a lot of work! Whew! I hope somebody will read this and get to visiting with poor ol' brigid on this thread.

Lowie, I got mine today!!! Thank you! It's too cute! It'll be hard to wait until Christmas to display all these pretties. My younger son is taking a ceramics class with our homeschool enrichment group at church and he is also bringing pretties home. I don't think I'll wait. Who can be depressed with such lovelies "hanging" around? I'll get mine sent out asap! Promise!

Folks, I have posted the recipe for the cake and frosting that I made for my hubby on Monday.

Here's the recipe for the cake I made for my husband's birthday. It didn't last long. COCA FUDGE CAKE 3/4 cup butter or margarine 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs, separated 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 teaspoon red food coloring 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour 1/2 cup powdered, baking cocoa 3 teaspoons baking powder Cream butter and sugar till light. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla and food coloring. Stir together dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately with 1 cup cold water, beating after each addition. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks; fold into batter. Bake in 2 greased and floured 9x1 1/2 inch round pans at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Here is the fantastic icing I made................ FLUFFY FROSTING 1 1/2 cups milk 1 envelope DREAM Whip Whipped Topping Mix 1 package (4 serving size) instant pudding, any flavor (I used vanilla) Pour milk into deep narrow bottom bowl. Add whipped topping and pudding mixes. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until blended. Beat on high 4 minutes or until mixtures forms soft peaks. Makes about 3 cups. Frosts 2 (8 or 9 inch) layers or 13x9 inch cake. Store in refrigerator. Enjoy!

I've finished 2 books this week by Lee Smith. I absolutely LOVED them. The Devil's Dream is about a southern family line that enjoys country/folk music and is poor. The story line evolves through some generations and it's like you really know this family. Great trials and triumphs-just like "real"life. Fair and Tender Ladies is my favorite of the two. This is written in letter/diary form. The book chronicles the life of one women and her family. It was great! I think the reason this was so special to me is because my family roots are in the Appalachians. My family and my husbands family were all poor and lived the life described in this book. I hope someone else will get inspired and read this author. I'm going to find anything else that may be at our library by her asap!

Glad you're back reci............

Oops, Mare!!! Was your birthday on the 12th instead of the 13th? Good grief!! I need to slow down when I read, huh? Yet another good day to have babies..........

HAPPY BIRHTDAY MARE!!!!! Monday October 13 was also my hubby's bday! It must have been a good day to have babies, huh? I made him a from-scratch instead-of-a-box yummy cake. When I find time, I'll put the recipe in the cooking forum.........

Yep, that's me - ol' multi! I wish the cleaning personality would kick in and take over cuz I got loads of stuff to do! hehehe What an experience!

okay. I still don't know what happened but I'm back to me now that I figured out where my emails were going. I was receiving the temporary passwords at an email address that I don't visit much anymore. What a goofball. so I have changed it for now. Gotta remember to keep everything updated........................

Happy anniversary! I apologize for not responding sooner. I have been without the computer/internet here at home for a couple of weeks. I planned to visit while at our public library but time did not permit. Hopefully all is well now here at home so I can visit often(as usual)! hehehe My plans for THIS week include deep cleaning and sorting. I have to find all our winter clothes...... and coats..... and boots..... and scarves...... and gloves.....................Time to get ready for winter! We've had a taste of cooler temps lately. I like the thoughts of a fairly clean and organized home if we're gonna be stuck inside so much. Don't you? Also, there's the fact of the holidays coming way too soon...........

Good mornin' everybody! My bunch is sleeping late today so we've not enjoyed breakfast yet. I'm planning a big ol' southern breakfast. Sausage, eggs, fried potates,biscuits, and sawmill gravy. (That would be the white breakfst gravy for you folks not familiar with the term. ) I'm hoping to enjoy a day outside in the cool weather. We don't have anything planned My husband is off from work this weekend so maybe we can spend some time together as a family. I hope to spend some time working on my Christmas ornaments this afternoon. I also have plans for some gifts to make. I have been battling major depression for the last couple of weeks and I haven't even started. I know that if I could just get started that I would feel better. For me, crafts are great therapy. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!!

What a wonderful topic! Last year for Christmas, I gave the Grandparents framed pictures of our boys. Since they both play football, I used those pictures. I had Scrapbooking paper in my junk stash that I used as the background. I purchased a few football themed stickers, added dates and a heading and they were gorgeous! They were a big hit and are hanging on walls. I also gave my sister-in-law the same thing. She adores our children so she was thrilled. I have given gift baskets that I have put together myself. Wicker baskets are easy to find (used or new). Just pick a theme and go with it. One I've used is an inexpensive video, box of microwave popcorn, extra large popcorn bowl, and seasonings. That was a hit years ago with my neice and nephew. I purchased plain aprons at my favorite hobby store or Walmart, and used my fabric paints to decorate. I put "his' and "hers" on a set for my husband's sister and her husband. They both enjoy working in the kitchen. That went well. Also, candle collections seem to be a good idea. They can be as pricey as you want them to be. If you get a variety of similiar smells and put in a basket, they look like they came from a nice store in the mall. My neice loves cats. One year, I gave her a basket of cat stuff. Some magnets, picture frames in the shape of cats, a coffee cup with a cat picture, a calendar of cats, and a bag of treats for her cats. I like the idea of going with a theme. I've never used a gardening theme but always thought that was a good idea. Calendars are good, inexpensive gifts. They can even be personalized by writing down all the family birthdays and anniversaries in them before giving as a gift. I think of some more things while I'm at work today..................

snowmom,my boys are (1) almost 12 and (1) 16. They understand that money is tight. That is good but on the other hand if they were younger, the gifts would be less expensive! hehehe It's hard to go to the Dollar General Store or Walmart and buy a $5 toy and they be content. They like music, video games, etc. I like to get them books since I'm an advocate for reading. As they have gotten older, they have become very picky about their clothes. Not necessarily about name brand but colors and materials. I can't imagine having daughters would be any different! Boys are just as picky! Gift giving just takes advanced planning, I think. Don't you?

Happygirl, I know what you mean about $ being tight for gifts. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. Last year was hard during the holidays. Having a financial strain is a pain. This year doesn't look to be improved.( We were just told that our rent is going up $300 per month starting in October.) Last year I did the baking mixes in a jar. It was great. I used our computer and printer to type the recipe. There are great sites on the web with different recipes. I chose the tastiest recipe that contained the most economical ingredients. I have quart jars so there was no extra expence there. I have craft scraps that I've accumulated over the years so I had ribbon that I tied around the scrap of Christmas fabric that I used to decorate the top of the jar. It was great. I made sure there were enough ingredients so we could have some cookies, too! This year, I am going homemade once again. I am trying to sort and clean out all my years of accumulated stuff/junk. I've located lots of craft kits (and some are partially finished) to celebrate Christmas. Our families have been blessed that they do not "need" anything. So pretty decorations and trinkiets are appreciated in lieu of socks and undies. I am tying up some lose ends and getting organized. When I start working on my Christmas ornaments this weekend for our exchange , I will also start working on the gifts for family and friends. I plan to spend my money on things for my children. My boys really need clothes and a few fun things thrown in. Times like these really get those creative juices flowing!!! Don't forget to visit your local library for books on crafts, recipes, decorations, etc.

Oooooohhhh.............Dumplins'.............Great idea!!!!!

So .........the number of exchanges depends on the number of sign ups. That way every one gets one from everyone. Right? Cool! Sign me up!!!

I've never participated in the exchange before. How many ornaments do we make and send out? I've got a cutie in mind that I really enjoy making but I'm still undecided on participating. I don't mean to sound so dense but I can't help it!

Hey lowlander, I feel the same way about soup. My husband and older son aren't too crazy about it. They are both big eaters and claim they can't get full! Even with sandwiches added. Yesterday, I made a big pot of homemade potato soup. It was delicious! We like to add grated cheeses and bacon bits to the top. Chopped green onion is always a tasty plus if we have it. My 16 yo ds made the comment that I didn't let the weather cool off very long before making soup. hehehe I didn't tell him that I've got chili planned for Saturday! hehehehe Soup is a healthy and cheap meal. I love soup too!

Yesterday was great. The weather was really cool and breezy. The music was great and there were food vendors set up everywhere. Craft booths were everywhere. Momo, have you ever been to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Van Buren county TN? That's where the Fall Folk Festival was held. This was the 25th year. I'm definitely making plans to attend next year. Thanks for the well wishes for my mother inlaw. She's 76. She is in poor health but she is doing great! She's mobile twice a day with the therapist. She also gets up and goes to the bathroom now. I've noticed that she has a wonderful glow about her again. The pain in her hip was really bad. This surgery seems to have been a good thing. Have a lovely week...................

Good Mornin' Ladies! It's nice and cool here too. The mornings and evenings are sooo pleasant now. I worked yesterday so was inside but it was a bit humid during the day. Since my hubby has been gone for the past 8 weeks we haven't really been able to enjoy the summer. We're having withdrawal symptoms from no fishing or camping. His mom has had hip replacement surgery( this past wed. )and we go visit her at the hospital every day. He has to mow her yard today but we are going to treat ourselves anyway. A state park not too far away is having a Fall Festival this weekend. Today is the last day. There will be blue grass music, crafts, all that fun stuff. I went to the grocery last night after work and picked up sandwich stuff (and treats, of course!) so we can have a picnic supper. We really need this stress reliever right now. I know our 11 yo ds will go with us but I'm not sure about the 16yo ds. I just love the fall!!!!!! It's my favorite time of year!!! Lisa