Friday Fragments

The first week of December has sailed right by and before we can say 2015, it will be staring us in the face.  But, for now, let's enjoy some fragments of this past week with our gracious host,
 Mrs. 4444
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If you are like me you are always looking for some quick and simple goodies to make this time of year.  Well, these Texas Fruit Cake Cookies/Candy "fit the bill."  I saw the recipe on one of my friends FB page and knew I wanted to give them a try.  It calls for both candied cherries and candied pineapple but I just doubled the cherries and did without the pineapple and they are so chewy and delicious.  If you would like to make these, click on my recipe tab above and it will be the very first recipe. Added note........I put wax paper between the rows when I stored mine in a container due to their "stickiness."  
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 As far as progress on the new house it's pretty much the "same ole, same ole."  They are still laying the brick and finishing sheetrock.  Both of those jobs seem to take forever and other things are on hold until they are finished.  But, we did pick out our mouldings this past week and I think we are going to be very happy with them once they are up and painted.

And, our long awaited front door was delivered yesterday.  It was ordered some 4 months ago but since it is made overseas and was a custom order, it just took time.  It is an iron door and it weighs 830 pounds.  Yep, that's right!  And, little did we know that 3 very small built men would be delivering it and it was expected that our builder would have men at the site prepared to unload the door.  I mean, really!!!  We paid a "pretty price" for this door and we assumed that unloading it at the site was a part of the price.  But, with a little guidance from Hubby and a whole lot of willingness on the part of the delivery guys they figured out a way to get it off the trailer, slide it on to the front porch and no one hurt their back. I can hardly wait to see it once it is installed and not to worry, I'll sure post pictures so you can see. ~like you really want to~
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 In the process of packing and preparing for our move I have run across some "real" treasures.  Many years ago my Dad gave me some very old books that were given to him by a member of his church.  I used the books to decorate a top shelve in our house and they have been up there for literally years.  Well, when I began taking them down the other day I began looking at the titles and the dates and these two really caught my eye.  They were both published in 1912 and can I just tell you that we could use a hefty dose of the etiquette and social graces talked about in these books today.  They were written in the day when men were "true gentlemen" and women were "true ladies" in all respects. 
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This Sunday evening Hubby and I will be sitting front and center at the church our daughter and family attend.  Clancy will be singing his first solo for the Christmas program.  He will be singing "Happy Birthday Jesus" and this CiCi will have plenty of Kleenex handy for sure.  He loves to sing and has the sweetest little voice and I'm quite sure it will be one of the best parts of the entire program. ~a bit biased for sure~ 

Happy Weekend!   

The 200th Hodgepodge

200 Hodgepodge posts, that means Joyce has come up with 1400 questions for those 200 posts.  That's a big heap for sure!  It's always fun to see what she comes up with week in and week out and some have been known to strain my brain a bit. ~grin~

1. What is something in your life right now that feels a little 'hodgepodge'?
Our house is somewhat of a hodgepodge right now.  Empty boxes are sitting around downstairs waiting to be packed and the upstairs has packed boxes everywhere. The dining room table has items waiting to be packed sitting on it.  Things are still very neat but very much a hodgepodge and it's quite obvious as you look around the house that "something is going on." ~just 3-4 more months~

2. What does 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' mean to you?
A time of kindness and generosity prevailing.

3. Which edible treat you are most looking forward to sampling this December?
 
Buckeyes!  I love, love chocolate with peanut butter and these fit the bill.  They are a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate.  A caterer here in town makes them every Christmas and I always get a couple of dozen from her and eat a few and share a few. It's the only time of year that I even think of them. ~sugary goodness~

4. It's that most wonderful time of the year...do you agree, and if so why is it so wonderful?  If not, what would you say is the most wonderful time of the year?
Anytime our family is together and enjoying each other is a wonderful time of year and the fact that we are celebrating our Savior's birth makes this time of year all the more wonderful.

5. What was the last word you looked up in a dictionary (actual or online) and why?
Oh, my, I can't remember the last word but it was probably just a day or two ago.  I am always looking up words, mostly for spelling.  Sometimes I have issues with not even being able to spell a word well enough to find it on the internet. ~what a shame~

6. Besides a Christmas tree, what is your favorite thing to decorate this time of year?
I enjoy decorating the dining table and sideboard and neither of them will be decorated this year.  Just too deep into the packing to do anything outside of a tree this year.

7. Share one thing you've learned (about yourself, people, or anything at all) in the Wednesday Hodgepodge, or through blogging in general.
It is so interesting to see the various way we all interrupt the questions and that, of course, affects the way we answer.  Hardly a week goes by that I don't chuckle at the different answers due to different interruptions. ~keeps it interesting for sure~

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

One of my friend's DIL has a photography business and while she was in town last week she did "pictures with Santa." My DIL took Hanna Beth and had her pictures done with him and they turned out just adorable!  I think the one of her and Santa walking down the road looks like a Norman Rockwell print.
 ~makes my heart smile~

HELLO Monday...........

It's the 1st day of December and we have only 4 more Monday's until Christmas. We have our tree up and that's about the extent of the decorations for us this year.  I have a lot of stuff already packed and ready for the move and I figure if we have a tree then "we're good to go."  Next year we'll be in our new house and my decorations will be ultra easy to get to and I'll have myself a fun time decorating for sure.  But, for now, some hello's............

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 HELLO Thanksgiving memories.....There were only 6 of us around our table for Thanksgiving but I have decided that it doesn't matter the number, the preparation is all the same.  It is a lot of work!  But, when it all turns out good, that helps to diminish all the hard work.  Hubby is the "master" turkey carver.  He is such a perfectionist and had seen the video all over FB with the "correct" way to carve and he did that this year and it definitely worked well.  As you can see,he created quite a lovely dish out of our turkey.

All enjoyed the meal and of course, it's always special when family can celebrate holidays together and it would have been ever more special if all of our family could have been here.  But, many miles separate us from our extended families and it's a rarity for any of them to get join us. 

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HELLO chalk painting........Last week I chalk painted this 50+ year old dresser for my DIL.  It was a dresser but by taking the mirrors off it makes a lovely chest for her to put the girls clothes and such in.  She wanted it purple and while we were both a little concerned about how it would turn out, we couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome.  It was a bit bright until it dried to the chalky color and once she gets the new knobs on it, it will serve her purpose very well.  Chalk painting is a wonderful way to transform a piece of furniture for sure.  

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HELLO Christmas cards........Sending Christmas cards is quite a production, or, at least they are for me.  I enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards but they are a whole lot of work.  For me, it's always a photo Christmas card and that means getting just the right pics for the card.  Then I still do a letter to enclose in a few of my cards to those that I am not connected with through social media.  Of course, the envelopes have to be addressed, stamped, stuffed and sealed.  It seems that fewer folks are sending cards but for now, I'm going to continue and I do hope that the folks on the receiving end, enjoy them. ~big smile~

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HELLO 4 point buck.......Clancy was so excited when his Dad killed this deer on Sat.  They were at Clint's parents in Oklahoma when he landed this one. He was only a 4 point but a hefty one and will put a lot of meat on their table in the coming months.

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HELLO 6th anniversary........Today marks the 6th anniversary of my Mom's death.  Life has never been the same but it does go on, just differently.  As I've said many times, there is just no one like your Momma. I still get, and likely always will, teary eyed when I remember this day but am so, so thankful that I had the privilege of being at her side when she drew her last breath.

~such precious memories~

Wishing you a happy December 1st!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 It's Thanksgiving week and I know everyone is as "busy as a bee" just as I am.  But, got to make time to answer the questions that our Joyce faithfully comes up with week in and week out.  A happy Thanksgiving Hodgepodge.......................

1. Besides U.S. Thanksgiving, it's also National Game and Puzzle Week...what game have you played most recently, and who were you with? Have you worked a puzzle of any kind in the past week?
Well, now that would be easy..........Candyland about a month ago with one or both of the Grans, I can't remember.  I do know that neither of them have really grasped what losing is all about and it's just so cute to watch them when they have to move backwards.  They do know that isn't the direction they need to be going to win and thus, it is most unsettling for them.
No, can't remember when the last time was that I worked a puzzle.

2. What is one place you were thankful for this year?

I have thought about how thankful I have been to call this house "home" the past 33 years.  As we prepare to move from this house  into our new house my heart is filled with all kinds of emotions.  This is the house our children were raised in, the house where many, many family affairs have taken place and where Hubby has sweat blood and tears to keep the outside "picture perfect."  As I look forward to our new house, I'll always have cherished memories of this house and I look forward to the memories we will begin making in our new house.
  
3. Take a nap, watch football, go for an after dinner walk, or hit the stores...which ONE is on your must-do list for Thanksgiving day? For those of you playing along who aren't in the US, answer as it relates to any big holiday meal.
Well, none of these.  We will have our meal at noon and then around mid-afternoon we have friends, that we haven't seen in a couple of years, stopping by to enjoy some dessert with us and take out to see our new house.  The Princess will stay with us while her parents hit the stores later that day.
  
4. Besides Thanksgiving, what's your favorite home cooked meal?
I'm not sure if you are talking about the food or a particular holiday.  But, a meal would be grilled pork tenders, patio beans, potato casserole and congealed salad.  That is like the "standard meal" around here.  My family loves it and I figure that's a win win situation for me and for them.  I'm quite the pro at grilling pork tenders.
  
5. What product from an infomercial would you most like to own?
I haven't seen any infomercials in forever but one I remember from way back was the Chia Pet.  I would like to watch the grass, or whatever it is that resembles the hair on the pet, grow.  I remember the jingle most of all, "Chi, chi, chia."  I often see the "As Seen on TV" products at Wal-Mart but I never stop to check them out.  I'm out of the loop as to what it popular now.

6. Christmas shopping? Have you begun? Finished? Will you shop on Black Friday? How do you feel about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day? What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
My Christmas shopping is done, boxed and waiting to be wrapped.  NO I will not shop on Black Friday, don't know that I ever have. I think all businesses should be closed the entire day on Thanksgiving like they use to be.  I hate it for the employees that work in retail but the almighty $$$ rules and stores opening later in the day on Thanksgiving has proven profitable so it will not likely ever be any other way.  I would say that 90% of my shopping this year was done via the internet.  In past years probably 75%.  It's the best thing since sliced bread!

7. What are you most grateful for that adds beauty to your everyday life?
Oh, my goodness, makeup!!!  I can probably count on 2 hands the days that I have not worn makeup since I started wearing it.  It is just a part of my morning and I am not one who has one bit of color with a naked face.  I'm grateful for all makeup but especially blush and lipstick.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

 
We are all so proud of our Sadie Robertson who won the hearts of so many this season on DWTS.  For a young gal that had no dance experience to come in #2 in a competition such as this is quite amazing.  She has made us all so proud here in NE Louisiana. And, there is no doubt that her little light shined in a big way into the hearts of Mark, the judges and those who watched.  I'm sure it's just the beginning of great things for Sadie!

Blessings to all for a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Letters of Thanksgiving

I often wonder if I could ever possibly be thankful enough for all of God's blessings in my life.  I've thought more about it this year than ever before.  I imagine a lot of that has to do with age.  I hope I have many, many more years on this earth but most of all I hope that while I'm here I will have a grateful heart and let those I love know just how much they mean to me.  So, today I felt compelled to write some letters of Thanksgiving...........

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Dear Heavenly Father - First and foremost, you make every day worth living.  I know that this world is not my home because I am yours and one day I will be in heaven with you.  So, no matter what comes my way, I rest assured in my salvation through your grace. My heart is overwhelmed when I think of the mountain top experiences I have enjoyed because of you and for you carrying me through the darkest valleys of my life.  You are my all in all!

Dear Hubby - I don't even know where to start.........as a mere 13 year old I knew that you were the "one" for me. Thanks for being my Prince Charming, my provider, my protector, my steady force and my confidant. Thanks for sticking with me when I've been less than what I should have been. Thanks for being the best Dad our kids could have asked for and for loving us to a fault.  You are the best Poppa our Grans could ever desire.  And, most of all thanks for loving me through "thick and thin" and I look forward to "doing life" with you the rest of our days.

Dear Brandon - I cannot even describe to you how my heart felt when you were placed in my arms a little over 38 years ago.  I dreamed of being a Mother and you more than fulfilled that desire.  I love your tender heart and how you still end each phone conversation with "love you Mom."  There's hardly a week that goes by that someone does not stop me and tell me what a fine young man you are. I am blessed watching you as a husband and daddy and you make me proud as you desire to be the man God intended for you to be.

Dear Bridget - As I carried you I dreamed of having a daughter and that dream came true a little over 35 years ago.  You have been a delight!  I love sharing laughter with you as so much of what we laugh about no one else would even find funny. ~big smile~ I love your spunk and determination.  You are the best Mom to our little man and I know you have made a difference in so many lives of the children you have taught these past 13 years.  You are the cream in my cookies!

Dear Windy - I am so, so thankful for our relationship as MIL and DIL.  I'm thankful the Lord chose you to be my son's wife.  You have accepted and loved me in spite of my crazy ways. ~big grin~ You are wise beyond your years and I marvel at your outlook on things.  You are such a good Mom to our Princess and have such a desire for her to grow and become all that the Lord has for her. You are a blessing to all the kids that are fortunate to call you "teacher." And, you make the absolute prettiest pregnant Mom-to-Be!!

Dear Clint - I would have never in a million years dreamed my daughter would have married a good ole' Oklahoma cowboy.  But, you have added a flair to our family for sure!  Thanks for being such a hard worker and provider for your family.  And, thanks for always being so willing to share Bridget and Clancy with us. That means more than you know. I love the way you love that little man of yours and the look in your eye when you speak of him.  And, I am so, so thankful that your last promotion brought you all a much closer distance to us. And, thanks for loving me!

Dear Clancy and Hanna Beth - You two are the "icing on my cake."  You both make make my heart nearly burst when you call my name and give me a big hug.  You are delight with a capitol "D."  I pray daily for God's hedge of protection over you and that His hand will guide all the days of your lives. CiCi loves you to the moon and back!

Dear Daddy -  Where in the world would we be without each other these past 6 years?  We've been through the fire for sure and there were plenty of times that I wasn't quite sure that either of us would survive.  We have tested each others patience but we always knew who was in control.  I'm thankful for your Godly wisdom that still blesses me today and for the lives you transformed during your 50+ years of ministry.  I am blessed to call you "Daddy."

Dear Extended Family - I am so sorry that many miles separate us and likely always will.  I wish that we could share this Thanksgiving together.  But, even though the miles may separate us, always know that you are never far from my thoughts and are always in my heart. 

Dear Friends - your friendship is such a special part of my life and I cannot imagine life without you. You help to double my joy and divide my grief.

I wish for each of you a special Thanksgiving week and may you be reminded of all your blessings, great and small.  May all of our hearts be extra grateful!

Friday Fragments - House Progress

It's Friday and I think there are only 4 more Fridays until Christmas.  How can that be?  What a fast year this has been!  But, for this Friday I'm going to share a few fragments of my week and they are all related to the progress of our new house.

We have been dealing with some really cold weather this past week and it has slowed up the brick laying at the new house.  The sheet rock finisher was to start last Friday and, due to the cold weather, had to wait until Monday and then had had to figure out how to get some heat into the house.  He has managed to work but the brick layers missed 2-3 days.

The sheet rock finisher is shown in the top pictures and once again, this is no easy job.  They work a lot with both of their hands up over their head and it makes me tired just watching him.  But, he sure seems to really enjoy what he does and his work is a reflection of it.
In the bottom two pictures the carpenters are putting in the louver at the top of the eave on one end of the house.  Now, the brick layers can do the brick work around it.  You can get a good view of the brick here too.

 The outside doors, except for the front door, were installed this week.  The one on the right goes out onto our covered porch and has the short fractional window to match all the other windows across the back of the house.  Our front door is due to arrive next Tuesday and I can hardly wait for it to be installed.  It is a beautiful oil rubbed bronze metal door with side lights and a transom.  It weighs about 700 pounds.  Don't worry, I'll post pictures as soon as it is installed.

 The spa tub for our Master Bedroom was installed this week.  We are both looking forward to using this on those days that we need rejuvenating. ~that's most days~  It is not near as deep as some and we opted not to have the wide frame as it will make stepping in and out a whole lot easier. ~we're not as young as we use to be~  The big window above the tub will be covered with a Plantation Shutter.

The above pictures show our choices for our various tiles and flooring. The tiles for the backsplashes in the extra baths are not shown. We are still a good ways away from any of this being done but I can hardly wait to see it all come together.

It became apparent as soon as we started building that record keeping was going to be of utmost importance.  So, I devised a method that has worked very well for us and whenever we need to refer back to a bid or other information, we know exactly where to look. Of course, the files are alpabetical. ~did you ever doubt that~ chuckle~  In addition to the above items, we have a spiral bound notebook that is our "bible."  It has notes on almost any and everything to do with the house and it goes with us any time we are doing something in regards to the house.  If we should loose that notebook, it would be almost disastrous, thus we keep a most watchful eye over it. ~smile~

Construction began on June 12th, so we are about 5 1/2 months into this and probably have about 3-4 more months.  It has gone very well and neither Hubby nor I have pulled our hair out. We look forward to this time next year when we will be enjoying our new abode.

A happy weekend to you!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge and somehow Joyce finds the time to come up with great questions.  And, all the while, she is planning a wedding that will be happening in less than 2 months.  I think we could call her "Super Woman!"
 
1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?
In recent years I have seen so many I love stricken with such serious health issues and many have died as a result.  It has made me so grateful for the good health that I enjoy and have often taken for granted. And, I have never had to worry about where my next meal was going to come from and I'm truly grateful for that as well.  And, the list could go on and on.........a husband that loves me and shows me that love in his actions, words and deeds every day. I am blessed!

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?
I would have to say that I love brown, it is a great color for me and I am so glad that it has made a "come back" in recent years.  I'm not sure about my favorite shade, maybe a chocolate brown.  I don't have any brown in my home decor  so guess it would be a brown, cowl neck, sort of sweater-like, tunic top.

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?
Hubby and I will be finalizing the flooring and the lighting for the new house today.  All the choices have been made but now it's time to do the actual order placement for these and that means we are one step closer to the end. ~still 3-4 months away~

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?
Oh, my.......this is a good one!  I immediately think "women's lib" when I hear the word.  No, I do not want to  and likely would not be, known by those who know me, as a feminist. That is not to say that I do not think that there are those women who are every bit as capable as a man in both the corporate and political world but for me, I will leave those positions to men and other capable women and I'll enjoy continuing in my role as "domestic engineer." 
~chief cook and bottle washer of our home~ ~chuckle~

5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?
Well, I cannot think of one thing that I eat that makes a mess, but I'm sure there is something.  But, I cannot stand a mess, so I probably just do not eat it if it makes a mess. ~big laugh~

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?
I surprised a good friend with some cute decorative kitchen towels for her new home.  I knew there wasn't really anything she needed but know that most of us enjoy a cute decorative towel hanging in our kitchen that is for nothing but merely looks. ~smile~

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.


"Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend."


8.  Insert your own random thought here

 I attended the Thanksgiving Feast at Hanna Beth's school yesterday.  She came  dressed in her Indian costume, all handmade in her class.~I'm sure the ideas were Pinterest inspired~  Her Indian name was "Princess Sweet Molasses."  How cute is that? There were literally scads of parents and grandparents in attendance and the school did a great job orchestrating such a feat. The food left a lot to be desired but it wasn't about the food anyway, so all was good!