Sweet Memories of a 90th Birthday and Other Stuff

I have been preparing for this past weekend for a couple of months.  It was the weekend of my Dad's 90th birthday.  And, since only 10% of folks ever live to see 90, a celebration was certainly in order.

My sweet younger brother and his wife came from Arizona to join in the celebration. Doesn't Daddy look dapper in his pretty sports coat and bow tie?

Suzy, my sweet sister in law was such a help  assisting with the cake, ice cream and punch and serving it to the residents and those that dropped by to see Daddy.  

Our son was the only grandchild that was able to attend, but, he did a good job representing the 5 others.  Daddy has 6 grandchildren and 6 great grans.

Many dear friends stopped by to see Daddy and he so enjoyed seeing them all.

These two great guys are the men that sit at Daddy's table and they enjoy each meal together.  It's part of Daddy's favorite time of day as they enjoy conversing and solving all the world's problems. ~chuckle~  These 3 men represent 266 years!  Yep, Daddy is 90, Mr. WM is 93 and Mr. James is 83.  They have had some life experiences for sure!

The residents all enjoyed the celebration as well.  Most all of them came down to the dining room to participate.

Daddy was "tuckered out" by the time the celebration was over but it was a good "tuckered out."

After the party Daddy took a nap and then came over to our house for his birthday dinner.  These two girlies made him feel very special. 

We took him to breakfast Saturday morning to kick off his special day.  He is now settled in to live out his 91st year and feels very celebrated.

In other news...........these two boys were so cute on Halloween.  Coleman was a dragon and Clancy was a rodeo clown.

Friday night these two went to see David Crowder and Mercy Me in concert.  Bridget graduated from high school with the wife of Mike Scheuchzer (pictured above), a member of Mercy Me.  So, after the concert they got to go back stage and see him and the other group members.  It was a big night for them and their Momma.  Daddy stayed home with baby Case. 

And, Coleman has been wanting overalls for months and finally got some Saturday.  The first thing he told his Dad and Mom was that he wanted to wear them to church and he did just that.  Of course, everyone thought he was too cute in them. ~a country boy~



AND, to top off a wonderful weekend our LSU Tigers beat Alabama Saturday night.  It was the perfect weekend all the way around. 

Prime Purchases

And, once again, the first Tuesday of another month has rolled around.  And, once again, it's time for me to share my Prime Purchases with you.


Birthday Banner

As many of you know, my Daddy will celebrate his 90th birthday this Saturday.  On Friday, we will treat him to a celebration.  This banner will be hung .  I'm using all black and gold decor  and he'll have a tiered cake with a sparkling 90th birthday topper on it.  Amazon has any and all supplies for any party or event you may be having.

AMAZON

BAT WING SWEATER

I'm trying to remember which blogging friend recommended this cute sweater, but I have forgotten.  But, it is sooooo cute and so reasonably priced and comes in several colors.  I got it in 3 colors.  It only comes in one size and that was a real turn off for me but it looked so cute on my blogging friend that I decided to give it a try.  Well, it fits perfectly but I can assure you that it would not fit everyone perfectly and that's why OS is just not good.  OS usually means it fits no one.  But, this was a keeper, much to my surprise.

AMAZON

Wedge Sneakers

Okay, ladies, these are the cutest sneakers with all their glitz.  I love that they are now making sneakers with wedges.  They are very comfortable and really add some "sass" to an outfit.  My little 4 year old granddaughter saw me in them and said, "oh, CiCi, those are beautiful."  Made my day!

Amazon


Ultra Light  Long Puffer Vest




I love puffer vests and this one is so cute.  Now, just as it says, it is lightweight, so if you live where there are frigid temps then I don't know that you would want this.  But, for me here in NE Louisiana, it will be great.  And, I love the longer length.  It comes in 3-4 different colors. 
Amazon


Biolage Styling Thermal Active Spray



I have tried more hair products in my lifetime than the law allows.  And, I always, always come back to this.  I have used it for about 12 years and it is the best.  It is both a setting spray and a protectant from hot tools.  I am so afraid that Biolage is going to quit making it and I've not found anything that I like as well.  It is just what my course, thick hair needs.

Amazon


Christmas Cookie/Candy Boxes




You have likely picked up on the fact that I do love cute ways to package sweets.  When I saw these boxes, I had to get some.  They will make my holiday goodies all the better.  Don't they say, "presentation is everything?" ~chuckle~  These are the perfect size as well, about 6"x6"x3".
Amazon


Amazing Wrap Non-Adhesive Tape


This truly is amazing and you get 3 rolls in 1 order.  I first saw this on Shark Tank and knew I had to have some.  It is just like tape but it doesn't actually stick to the item.  It sticks to itself so it is non-damaging and easy to remove.  I'm always needing to hold items together but I can't always use regular tape due to damaging the item I'm taping.  Well, no more.  This is about an inch wide and "works like a charm."  It is re-usable if you care to do so.
Amazon

Okay, there you have it!  Hope you saw something that you just might need or want.

Have a great week!!!

Saturday 9

It's been some time since I've participated in the Saturday 9 and even though I've never even heard this song, the questions were interesting.  

Saturday 9: Miss Me More (2018)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Chosen because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn more and spread the word that help is available.


1) This song is about a girl who ditched her high heels so she wouldn't be taller than her beau. Tell us about the most recent addition to your footwear wardrobe. Do you need to go shoe shopping?

I just replaced my old pair of black booties with these Sam Edelman suede booties from Nordstrom.  They are really good looking and comfortable, which for me, is an important combination.  And, as far as needing to go shoe shopping, the answer would be NO! ~smile~

2) She sings that she misses the sheets on the bed she made herself. As you answer these questions, is your bed made?
Yes, not all fluffed with the decorative pillows, but made.  I simply cannot stand an unmade bed.

3) This video shows her in a ring. Have you ever worn boxing gloves?
Well, it was about 60 years ago when my brother got some boxing gloves for Christmas.  I merely tried them on and that was about the extent of it.

4) This week's featured artist, Kelsea Ballerini, got married on Christmas Day in 2017. That makes their anniversary easy to remember. Are you celebrating any birthdays or anniversaries this month?


October happens to be our families biggest birthday month.  In the first 7 days of the month our son, and our oldest grandson and granddaughter have birthdays.  It is definitely a "happening" month or perhaps I should say, week. 

5) Kelsea has been quoted as saying, "Perfect doesn't exist." She worries that we exhaust ourselves "trying to be something that isn't real." How about you? Do you believe your best is good enough? Or do you strive for perfection?
I do believe that my best is good enough and like to refer to myself as "perfectly imperfect."  I do not spend my days striving for perfection, just progress. 



6) One of Kelsea's tattoos is a square inside of a circle, aka a square peg in a round hole, on her left wrist. She says it's there to remind her that it's OK to "not fit the mold of what normal might be." Tell us about a time where you felt like a square peg in a round hole.


When I watch the national news most evenings I often think I must be a square peg in a round hole.  Have mercy, most of our country have lost their minds.  To directly answer the question, I can't really think of a time that I have thought that.

7) In 2018, when this song was popular, French President Emmanuel Macron lowered fuel taxes. When it's time to fill your tank, do you shop around for the best price?


I am a creature of habit and I go to Wal-Mart so much that it is just too easy not to stop on my way in or out and pump my gas.  I think they are usually fairly competitive in their gas prices, but I don't really pay any attention to the price.

8) Also in 2018, Luxembourg made all public transportation free. When is the last time you rode a bus or train?


I was in Chicago in May for my nephews wedding and we rode the subway everywhere we went on our short trip.  Thankfully my niece knew how to navigate us through and got us to where we wanted to be and safely back to our hotel. 

9) Random question: When did you most recently say, either out loud or to yourself, "I haven't got a thing to wear?"

I do, sometimes, have a hard time deciding what to wear but can't remember the last time I said I didn't have a thing to wear.  If I said that, it would be a lie and I try not to lie. ~laugh~ 

These were fun questions to answers.  Hope you enjoyed as well.  Have yourself a great weekend!

The Latest

October has been jam packed with lots of fun and we finally have some fall weather to enjoy.  I'm excited to share some of my fun with you.

I am in a Pokeno group and we play the first Thursday evening of every month.  I hosted it this month and even though it was still rather warm here at that time, I just pretended that fall had arrived  and the temps were cool.  I served a chili dish and used fall decor.  Don't you just love my cute goblets with the fall leaves?  I found those at the Dollar Tree a few days before and had to have them.  I mean for $1.00 each, why not? ~chuckle~

I attended a function at this gorgeous home a couple of weeks ago.  Isn't that front entry something else!  The lady hosting this function has such a flair with decorations.

Our sweet Case was 2 months old yesterday.  His Momma found him some cute caps to wear during his first Oklahoma winter.  We went to see this little guy and his family a couple of weeks ago.  We had such a good time but the weather was sooo cold and it was sooo WINDY!  We left 90+ degrees for 30's and 40's degrees.  Burrrrrrr!

Bridget and I went to the outlet mall for a while one day and Poppa and Case hung out in the food court area.  We would check in periodically and they were both doing well, so it all worked out and was a fun outing for us.  Poppa had to have a refresher course in giving a baby a bottle. ~grin~

Clancy celebrated his 11th birthday on Oct. 2nd and he got a guitar.  I know, the guitar looks bigger than he does.  But, the salesman assured them that this was the size he needed.  He has started guitar lessons and is eager to learn. He told his Momma and Daddy that he wanted to play in a praise and worship band one day.  And, I have little doubt that if he sets his mind to it, he will do it. 

Coleman is going to be a dragon for Halloween.  He could hardly wait for the costume to arrive and once it did, he did not want to take it off.  He puts it on everyday.  

On our way to Oklahoma we stopped to see my only two paternal cousins.  We had not seen each other in 20+ years.  We had such a good time recalling childhood memories and catching up with each other.  We all agreed that we would not allow so much time to pass between our next visit. 

The Grandgirls had their pictures taken in the cotton fields a few weeks ago.  Cotton field pictures are popular here and always make for such a great background.  And, I love the one of the girls not in the cotton field as well, especially the way the sun is setting between the trees.  

Andi Kate had to decorate a pumpkin this past weekend as one of her favorite book characters.  She chose Fancy Nancy.  My DIL invited me over to share in the fun and I thought Fancy Nancy turned out as cute as can be.  I don't know how we survived our kids school projects without Pinterest.  It is such a helpful resource. We had such a fun time being creative.

Tommy and I have never had professional pictures taken.  We've had pictures taken for church directories but they are generally not anything to get excited about.  I decided it was time for us to have some taken.  We did them about an hour before sunset and had such a good time.  I imagine the gal took close to 200 pics.  We had a zillion poses of us together and by ourselves and different outfits.  I was so pleased and these are 3 of my favorites. 

Have a wonderful new week!

22 Random Facts About Me

This was another Q and A I saw on Facebook a while back and thought it would make a good blog post.  If you are like me, it's always interesting to know more "tid bits" about folks. So, in case you are interested..........

1. Do you make your bed every morning?

Well, depends on what you call "make." ~chuckle~ I don't always put the spread, the pillow tuck and the pillows on the bed, but our bed is always made.  That means sheets are straightened, retucked , and  and folded back very neatly and the pillows are always fluffed and all is ready for us to crawl in a neatly made bed that night.

2. What was your first car? 
I did not have a car until after I was married.  I occasionally got to drive our family car before that.  My first car was a red Pontiac Firebird  with a white vinyl top that my Hubby and I bought shortly after we married.  

3. What two grocery items do you never run out of?
Only two???  Well, I'd have to say bread and cheese.  I guess that sounds weird but cheese toast is a staple at our house.  No joke!

4. At what age did you start doing your own Laundry?
Hummmm.......I never remember doing my own laundry until after I got married.  That's hard for me to believe because I had a lot of responsibility around our house growing up but I don't  remember ever doing my own laundry.

5.if you could, would you go back to high school?

I do have fond memories of my high school years but not fond enough to go back. 😆

6. Can you parallel park in under 3 moves?

Even if I do say so, I am a VERY good parallel parker.  And, of course, the backup screens in vehicles today make it all the easier.  

7. A job you had which people would be surprised you had?
Money was very, very tight when I was a teenager and I was always looking for ways to make money.  During the summer when I was 15 and 16 I cleaned two of our neighbors houses and did their ironing.  I was thrilled too death with the little bit of money I made.

8. Do you think aliens are real?
NO

9. Guilty pleasure?
I love Shark Tank and have probably watched EVERY episode!  I enjoy those trying to get a deal and I enjoy watching the Sharks reactions to the various products, services, etc. And, finally seeing those that land a deal. I have never watched any other show as much as Shark Tank in my life.

10. If the world ends, do you want to be one of the survivors?
I'm proud to say that I have the guarantee of being an ETERNAL survivor because I know Jesus Christ as my Savior.  As a result, I am going to live forever in my heavenly home. 

11. Sweet or salty?
A little of both but prefer salty a little more

12. Do you enjoy soaking in a nice hot bath?
I do but I NEVER take the time to do it.  We have an awesome spa tub in our Master Bath and I've only been in it one time since we moved in this house 4 years ago. 
~what a shame~

13. Do you consider yourself a strong person?
I really do.  I've surprised myself over the years how often I've had to pull myself up by my bootstraps and trudge forth.  I might break after the fact but I  do what I have to do when I have to do it.

14. Something people do that drives you nuts?
Folks that have no clue about time or organization if it affects me.  Hey, if it doesn't affect me, well, no BIG deal.

15. Do you have any birthmarks? 
I always wanted a birthmark when I was little but I did not and still do not have one.

16. Favorite childhood game?
Monopoly. Our family did not have a TV until I was 9 years old so we filled our time playing games.  I have the fondest of memories of us gathered around the kitchen table playing games.

17. Do you talk to yourself?
I did as a child, all.the.time.  But, guess I outgrew it but on a rare occasion I might revert back to my childhood. ~chuckle~

18. Do you like doing jigsaw puzzles?
Not particularly

19. Tea or coffee?
Oh, COFFEE all the way!  My days begin with a fresh cup or two and it's not unusual for me to enjoy it in the afternoons in cooler weather.  I love me some coffee!!!!

20. First thing you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
Besides a wife and mother, I always wanted to be a nurse.  But, that wasn't in the cards but I have been a long time care giver and that's often sort of like being a nurse. ~smile~

Wednesday Medley

Thanks to Katsumi for taking over the Wednesday Medley since our friend, Terri retired from doing it.  

1. The first week of October is National Mystery Series Week. Do you sleuth alongside Nancy Drew or Miss Marple? Fan of Nero Wolfe? 



Well, I must confess that I have never even heard of any of these except Nancy Drew and I've never read any of her books.  

2. The first week of October is also National Chili Week. Do you plan on celebrating with a bowl of red? Have a top secret recipe to share?


Oh, we are big chili fans here and I'e already made a big pot in spite of the hot weather.  And, I always make enough to freeze.



And, my "secret" recipe is this box of Ballow's Chili seasoning.  Oh, my goodness, my sweet neighbor told me about this a couple of years ago and I've been a "believer" ever since.  Even my Hubby said it was the best chili he's ever eaten.  So, go get yourself a box!  Cooler weather is eventually going to get here. ~smile~


3. October 2nd is National Name Your Car Day. Does your car or did a family car have a name? 
Neither of our cars have a name but when I was growing up our family car always had a name and it was Bessie.  I can still hear my Daddy talking to her.  Perhaps it's time for us to name our cars.  That might be fun!

4. Today is also National Walk To School Day. Did you walk to school with your friends? Take a school bus? Ever have someone carry your books home from school? 
Indeed, I walked to school and later rode a school bus.  I never had anyone carry my book though.  My Mom sent me out the front door to walk about a block to school in the first grade and, amazingly, the thought of anything happening to me on the way to or from never entered her mind.  ~sadly times have changed~

5. And it is National Pumpkin Seed Day. Do you like pumpkin seeds? Do you carve the pumpkin and roast the seeds? Do you buy packaged, prepared pumpkin seeds? Or more of a pumpkin spice person?


Well, I've never heard of such a day and while I love pumpkin and all things pumpkin, I've never, ever tasted a pumpkin seed.  And, they don't sound appealing to me at all.  Pumpkin Spice, yes, very appealing!

6. Please tell us something interesting about your week. 

Today is this little guy's 11th birthday.  How can it be?  He was the one that made us Grandparents for the very first time.  He is one the sweetest and most responsible kids I know and is the best BIG brother.  We love our Clancy!

Happy mid-week!

Prime Purchases

Well, what a way to start October!  The first Tuesday happens to fall on the very first day of the month and that means it's all about Prime Purchases.  You know I love this link up and love sharing with you my "finds" this past month.


Shine Infusion Spray 
Do you ever wish that your hair had more shine?  Well, my dears, if you do, then you need this Shine Infusion spray by Chi.  It adds the loveliest shine that is not sticky or yucky.  

AMAZON

Candlesticks
Amazon has some of the nicest pieces of home decor that I'm slowly but surely discovering.  I ordered two of these Royal Victorian Candlesticks for our foyer table and they are just gorgeous and look like they belong there.  I am using electric candles and they have the nicest glow through the globes. They are 23 1/2 inches tall. I was worried that they would arrive broken but they were packed wonderfully and without any damage.





AMAZON


Walnut Orbs
I needed some decorative filler for one of my fall containers and these  "fit the bill."  They are Walnut Orbs.  They, too, were perfect and look so nice.






AMAZON

                                                            Decorative Filler                                                           

And, more decor........these orange and ivory pumpkins made the perfect filler for another container I had.  They are well constructed and look even better in person.  I was most pleased. 




AMAZON



Disposable Gloves
I use disposable gloves a LOT!!!  And, it is so hard, or has been for me, to find them in sizes.  All I've found in our area are one size.  Well, one size isn't worth a flip in anything as far as I'm concerned.  No joke!  I want these to fit my hands tightly so that they stay on good.  I found these some time ago and they are great and I had to reorder .  As I said, I use these a lot for various things.  I always order 2 boxes at a time.




AMAZON


Sheets
If you are in the market for new sheets then you may want to check these out.  My friend, Katie, over at Preppy Empty Nester, recommended them the other day.  Katie likes good quality so when she recommended them I immediately went to check them out and ordered some.  They have extra deep pockets and are made of a soft, soft micro fabric. A set of king size is only $45 and they come in several great colors. If you are a lover of 100% cotton sheets then these will be an adjustment for you. ~smile~



AMAZON

Disposable Napkins
I found these Simulinen napkins a couple of years ago and I've never seen them anywhere except on Amazon.  They are the closest disposable napkin to a linen napkin that I've ever seen.  They are 16x16 and come in just about any color you could want and are very, very durable.  They work very well in napkin rings too.  They are a bit pricey, about 50 cents a piece but, I do not use them that often, so their worth it to me.  I just got these bronze colored ones to use for my Pokeno group this Thursday evening.  They are such a great color for fall.  And, the only upkeep they require is walking to the trash can to drop them in after they have been used.  A winner!

AMAZON

And, there you have it, September's prime purchases.