Sabrina's Adventures

Lake Winnie Fireworks

We went and watched fireworks at Lake Winnie Friday night and thought I'd share some pics.

Enjoy!!!

Happy 4th of July!

Today is a day of independence or so they say. Today is supposed to be about commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 where we, the USA, declared independence from Great Britain.

I think the USA is a very independent country; but the question always arises, "How free as people are we actually?'".

Just a thought to ponder; but enjoy your Independence Day and don't eat too much BBQ. I plan on going to the Lake and just enjoy the day with Shane. The kids are with each of their grandparents having fun I'm sure.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

photo by jerry

Post Christmas

I forgot to blog about how my Christmas went so here’s a quick summary:

On the 14th, Shane and I took my mom out to eat at O’Charleys for her Christmas.

On the 15th- we went to my sister’s house in Westmoreland, TN and exchanged gifts with her and her family and ate too much. Good times, good food, good company.

On the 16th- Ami, Amanda and Katie came over and we went ahead and celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts with them. Ate some good food there too.

On Christmas Eve, Logan and Ashley came to stay. I mean, literally for a week. Can we say, “I need a break?” We decided to let the kids open all their gifts on Christmas Eve since Shane had to be at work at 6 am on Christmas.

On Christmas, I actually relaxed some (I think). I did make sausage balls and pigs in a blanket for breakfast and just relaxed with the kids. They played with all their new gifts, toys and I just relaxed.

Shane and I bought ourselves a new Flat Screen TV for our bedroom. We did buy each other a little gift too. I bought Shane some RC parts for his cars and Marvel Comic Book. He loves Marvel Comics and this book has all the different super heroes and villains. He bought me a Fly Pentop Computer. It’s really neat and I’ve been wanting one.

I think we all had a good Christmas and looking forward to 2008!!!

On The 8th Day of Christmas....

On The 8th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me..........A breakfast fit for a king at 5:30 (am that is).

This morning Shane woke me up around 5:30 and said, "Get up, I want to show you something!". My reply was, "I'm still sleeping". I got up anyway and he had made Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Homemade Biscuits and Gravy.

It was a great breakfast and a big Surprise!!!

On The 4th Day of Christmas....

Okay, it's the 4th day of Christmas and my true love hasn't given anything to me....

Seriously, only 8 more days until Christmas and the presents have been bought and all but 4 big presents (that are going out of town) have been wrapped, tagged and under the tree.

I do have gift cards to buy, but that's not stressful at all. Saturday, we will be traveling to my sister's house in Westmoreland, TN for our Christmas with her family. Then back home and wait for Santa to arrive.

Oh, I do still have some stocking stuffers to buy but other than that; I'm just waiting for Santa.

I hope everyone is ready and waiting and not have to do any last minute shopping.

Post Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. We had lunch with my mom and my family. I actually cooked!!! I got up at 7:00 am and this is what my morning consisted of until we ate at 12:30 pm.

1. Finish making Truffles. I had prepared them the night before but had to wait until hard in order to make them.
2. Make Sweet Potato Casserole.
3. Make Broccoli Casserole.
4. Make Hawaiian Bubble Bread. It's like Monkey Bread that you pull-apart except it tastes sweet like Hawaiian Bread.
5. Make Corn Muffins.

That's a lot of cooking for me...I hardly ever really cook like that. All the food was great and I'm thankful for my family and all that I have in my life.

Now, Christmas Season begins.

Late Halloween

I hope everyone had a great Halloween and got lots of candy or gave lots of candy; I did neither.

I made up my candy bags and besides my nieces/nephew coming over; I only had 3 trick-or-treaters from my neighborhood. I was disappointed; I love seeing all the kids' costumes.

Well, here's a collage of my little trick-or-treaters....

In order from left to right, then bottom row.
Ashley, Gigi, Skylar and friends(Skylar is the one on the right), Noah, Diesel and Katie. Also a pic of my pumpkin I carved.

Happy New Year

It's 2007 and the start of a new year. I have about 2 weeks left at my "seasonal" job and am undecided about whether I want to work there on a part-time basis. Of course, they have to offer me the job; but I don't see why they wouldn't.

Shane is still looking for a job and he hopes to have one within the next 2 weeks. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that Shane will find work.

I turn "39" next Friday and not sure how I'm going to feel about being 1 year closer to the BIG "40!!

I start back on my diet tomorrow morning and my goal is to lose another 50 lbs. this year. I've been off of my diet for about 3 weeks now. I really saw no point in trying to be good during the holidays. I have been working out though. A friend of mine at work and I joined Curves and have been going for the past 2 weeks now. I really enjoy working out there because it's just a quick 30 min workout. At first, I didn't think you'd even sweat doing their workout; but trust me, you sweat.

Today is my last day off from my real job and I'm doing laundry and I'll be all set and ready to get back to work tomorrow and get this year started with a bang.

I hope you all had a Happy New Year and may your year be filled with love, joy, peace and happiness.

Logan's Christmas

Today Shane's son, Logan, came down for his Christmas with us.

He got here around 7:00 pm and he was anxious to open his gifts. One of his "big" gifts was a grill. No, not an outside grill for cooking steaks. A grill as in Paul Wall, Nelly, etc. grill. It's a silver mouthpiece with crystals on it. You put it over your top teeth and then your styling and profiling...haha

Anyway, this is something he wanted, so we got it for him. I'll have to post a picture with his grill on later.

Well, gotta go finish up the Christmas thing......later.

Here's the picture of Logan and his grill

Christmas with My Family

Friday evening, my sister and her family came down. We went ahead and opened my mom gifts that night and then exchanged gifts from me on Saturday morning. They went back home late Saturday morning.

Sunday evening, Shane and I went to his friend's house and exchanged gifts, then went to his mom's to eat dinner and exchange gifts. She got me a really nice velour jogging suit.

We got Ashley Sunday evening and got to wake up with her Christmas morning to let her open her gifts. She loved everything. I took her home and then Shane and I exchanged gifts. He got me this gorgeous leather coat and a laptop stand.

We went over to my mom's and then exchanged gifts with my other sister and her family. We had a lot of fun watching the kids open their gifts.

Overall, even though I wasn't all hyped up about this Christmas; we all had a great time.

Hope yours was Merry.

Christmas Returns

It's that time of year when Christmas has came and gone; but the returns are still here.

I have 3 things to return or exchange this Christmas. My sister bought me 2 sets of bed sheets; however, she bought Queen and I need King size. Those go back to Wal-mart and K-mart. I'm hoping that I also find some great deals while exchanging my gifts.

Mom bought me an outfit from Target and the pants are too big (which, is a good thing) so I need to take those back and I really hope they have a smaller size because I really like the pants.

She also bought me some camos but they are too small; however, I'm keeping those in hopes of being a goal pants when I lose some more weight.

During the exchange time of the year, coupons are a great thing to have. You save a little money in order to buy "more" things. haha

this is a sponsored post

5th Day of Christmas

It's the 5th day of Christmas
And all my shopping's done
All the gifts are wrapped
Well, wait there is this one

I'm off for the next week
Yet I still have so much to do
This weekend will be crazy
When, What, Where and Who

I'll be glad to see my family
And we'll all have so much fun
But I'll be happy when it's over
And all is said and done.

Christmas Debt

This time of the year is a lot of shopping going on; which in turn means a lot spending money. At my second job, it seems 90% of the shoppers are using credit cards to buy their Christmas purchases.

It's good if the credit cards are bank debit cards because that means you have to have the actual money to be spending it; whereas a credit card means you are, more than likely, going to end up paying interest on those Christmas gifts for many months to come after the actual holiday.

The only things I have actual used a credit card for are things I bought from Old Navy; everything else I have paid cash for.

I hear people at work talking about not having any money and thinking about getting a loan. Loans are nice but you have to pay them back. Debt Consolidation loans seem like a great idea if you actually close the accounts that you pay off and don't run your bills back up.

Several coworkers are doing Remortgages. This is something I'm not interested in; but I guess you do what you need to do to survive.

Loans are good if you know how to get out of debt and actually pay off your loan and not charge again. I think I can manage to pay with cash because I just keep thinking 2 more months until February when I get my taxes back and I get a nice incentive check at work.

On the 9th Day of Christmas

The house is all decorated
The gifts are all wrapped
It's only 6 in the morning
I'm going back down for a nap

Only 9 days til Christmas
5 gifts left to buy
I plan on finishing that up today
Oh wait, did I just lie?

No, I'm sure I can do it
I mean, it has to be done
Mom and I will go shopping
And have all kinds of fun!!

Inside My House

The inside of my house is completely decorated for Christmas. When I got home from work last night; Shane had put up the tree for me. All I had to do was hang the ornaments, the lights were even already on. (haha, the tree has lights already on it).

Anyway, my tree is decorated and beautiful. I have some bows to put on the tree but I haven't actually decided if I want to put them on yet or not. Now, I just have the outside to decorate. I have reindeer and a blowup to go outside. Well do that tonight if I don't work my 2nd job.

I only have 3 gifts to buy for and 1 of them I have no idea what to get. Wait, make that 5 gifts. I have my 2 sisters, 1 niece, Shane and his mom. I only have 12 days left to Christmas.

My mom has me beat this year...she has all her decorations complete, all her gifts bought and wrapped; now she is just waiting for Christmas. How lucky she is!!!

13 Days Until Christmas

There are 13 days until Christmas, which is less than 2 weeks away and I don't even have my tree up yet. If you know me; I normally have my house/yard decorated, all the gifts bought and wrapped and under the tree and just relaxing while everyone else is going crazy. Well, this year, it's me the one going crazy.

I have gotten down all the Christmas boxes from my attic and have all but 3 gifts bought; but I don't have my tree up, my yard isn't decorated and none of the gifts have been wrapped.

Is it because I'm getting older and really don't care as much anymore or just that I'm so busy working 2 jobs and just doing other things to get anything done?

I'm pretty sure it's because I'm working 2 jobs and I just don't feel like I have time or energy to do anything else. I had planned on putting up the tree last night but then got called in to work at Old Navy. I was there until 11:30 last night, so I came home, winded down and went to bed around 1:15.

I need to make a list of things to do so that they get done, and SOON.

1) Put up and decorate Christmas Tree
2) Decorate yard
3) But 3 more presents (can't do this until next Weds)
4) Wrap presents that I do have
5) Take gifts to work for coworkers

My mom did #5 for me. When we went to Kentucky, I found these mini loaf pans that were ceramic and decorated. They were cute and a great deal so I purchased 13 of them. My mom made her Friendship bread in each loaf pan and wrapped them in red saran-wrap and put them each in a Christmas bag. They are so cute and I really appreciate her doing this. She even put a green bow on each of them. Way to go, MOM!!!! You're the best.

So, #5 will be crossed out today. Speaking of work, I have 25 minutes to get ready and out the door. Have a great day!

Shopping, Shopping & More Shopping

I've only been Christmas shopping one time this year so far; however, when I got home Shane got things down from the attic that I had purchased throughout the year.

We sat down and wrote down what we had and for who and you know what? I'm in great shape as far as Christmas gifts go. I have a huge family and out of about 21 people to buy for; I only have 9 people left.

I think that's great. Some people I just have the 1 thing left to get and I think this weekend, I'll get that all done.

Also, this weekend, we will be decorating our house for the Christmas season and I can't wait!!!

Merry "early" Christmas to All!!

My Wish List

Christmas is near and I haven't really thought about what I wanted until today. I saw a commercial for a compact paper shredder. They said it was so small, it could fit on your kitchen counter; so that is 1 thing I need/want.

Last year, we bought a king size bed and I don't have a lot of bedding. I have one comforter and about three sheets. So, king size sheets are 2 things I need. And that is a need, not a want. I'd like to have green, blue and yellow set. I really don't need the set, just the fitted sheet. I bought me a comforter set this past year at a yard sale. It was brand new and went with the colors in my bedroom. We never use the flat sheet nor have we had a chance to use the comforter yet.

I like flannel sheets also so then I can stay with my quilt during the winter and not have to worry about using the comforter.

Well, those are two things I've thought about for Christmas so far. I'll let you know if my list continues to grow.

Presents for Mom

Christmas is near and I really haven't even begun to Christmas shop. My Mother is the hardest person to buy for. I mean, she doesn't need anything and when you ask her if she wants anything; it's always the same thing, "Don't buy me anything".

I hate that answer. She's does so much for everyone and I'd like to be able to do something for her. I'm been racking my brain trying to figure out what to get her even though she told me twice, already, not to buy her anything. My sisters and I were going to go in together on a remote starter; but I kind of brought it up to my mom and she didn't want us to spend that kind of money. Scratch that idea. And that's really what it comes down to; she doesn't want us to spend our money on her.

Well, I have an inexpensive; yet something she needs gift in mind. Of course, I can't tell you what it is because she reads my blog. At work yesterday, I was mentioning my gift idea to someone and they said get her a streamlight flashlight. I thought that was kind of a weird gift because who buys someone a flashlight for Christmas? (unless you're a man)

When they said a flashlight, I was like, "What?". They said, well she lives alone and if the power goes out this Winter, she would have one. I'm still not convinced about that gift but they are nice flashlights. Opticsplanet even has an Emergency Flashlight Station that would be a great idea in case of emergency.

Nothing in stone yet, so give me some ideas of what to get a mom that has and doesn't want anything? So, she says.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Thanksgiving is just 2 days away and then it's Christmas time. So far we've been able to get Diesel an outfit for every Holiday and he has worn them. I even bought him some antler ears to look like a Reindeer; but this is just too adorable and I have to get him a Santa Suit. There are all types of Santa Costumes available; but this one for Diesel is too precious.

He'll be so cute and I'll be sure to put pictures on here. I may even have to get me a little Mrs. Santa Suit.

Thanksgiving #1

This past Saturday we(Shane, Mom, Diesel and I) went up to my sister's for a Thanksgiving Luncheon.

Everyone loved Diesel(of course) and he did really well on his first long trip.

My sister's boyfriend is a chef and the menu was all delicious. We had Turkey, Dressing, Gravy. Baked Ham with this wonderful glaze. Devil Eggs, Potato Salad, Sweet Potato Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Green Beans, Waldorf Salad(i think) Mac-n-Cheese and Rolls.

For desert, we had Pumpkin, Pecan, and Apple Pie and then a Pumpkin Cake. It was all so good that I'm not going to Weight Watchers this week. haha

Check out my new "Author" picture. That's my latest great niece, Jailynn. She is 4 months old and isn't she precious???!!

Christmas is Near

I'm a big family person and I love being with my family all the time; that's part of the reason I live across the street from my mom. All my family except 1 sister and 1 brother live here in Chattanooga.

My sister live in Westmoreland, TN and my brother lives in Terre Haute, IN. My brother has been in a Federal prison for about 5 years now. Terre Haute is about 450 miles from Chattanooga so the drive is about 7-8 hours long. I go and see him about 2 times a year because of that. I miss him so much and it's weird how you think you'd just write all the time but eventually you don't. I really should stay in touch more.

It's really hard around the Holidays because he is always in your thoughts and prayers; but you want him to be home with you and sharing this with his family and daughter.

I love Christmas music and I ran across this song by a band called Greener. It's called Greener's Christmas Song and the words to this song make me think about my brother. Listen to the acoustic version, it's really pretty.

Post Halloween

Okay, Halloween is officially over. We ended up having about 12 kids in total. Last year I didn't have enough candy; this year, I have too much leftover. That's not good for a dieting person.

I still had fun tonight. We let Diesel come in and he was all excited about everyone coming over. He was dressed in his Halloween shirt that glowed in the dark.

Here's my Halloween Collage of the night.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone. I hope everyone has a great day and nothing superstitious happens. Witch, I don't believe in all that superstitious stuff, but some people do and for those, I wish them a Happy day!

I love Halloween because I enjoy seeing what all the little ghouls are dressed up in. Some of them are so cute and creative. I can't wait to see the Daily Fuller Fix and see what my friend Alli's son, Fuller, will be. They are such a creative family.

So, be safe tonight when you Trick or Treat and have a great day. May you all get tons of candy!!!

Halloween Trivia

Today is Daylight Savings Time; meaning you need to set your clocks back an hour. I think that is great, we gain an extra hour and in the cold winter, that is good to have.

Tuesday is Halloween and we have yet to get a pumpkin and carve it. We've decorated our yard and the house; but we were waiting until this weekend to carve a pumpking when the kids were here. Well, Logan didn't come down this weekend, so I guess we'll do it ourself.

I remember in past Halloweens where people could take their candy to the hospitals and have it x-rayed to make sure nothing had been put inside their children's candy. I know we still worry about weird-dos out in the world; but I don't think people worry as bad. Or do they?

Click on the above link and learn all about Halloween Trivia. She tells you about the origin or Halloween.

"During the 1800’s, immigrants from the Irish Potato Famine brought their use of this lantern. Back then, pumpkins were not used. A burning lump of coal was placed inside a hollowed out turnip, potato, or beet. These were left on doorsteps to ward off evil spirits and to welcome the souls of a departed loved one. The pumpkin didn’t begin to be used until the Victorian Era."

It's a very interesting story about Halloween and how it came to be or atleast how people think it came to be.

Unique Gift for Christmas

I'm always looking for unique Christmas gifts, especially for my mother. I mean she has everything and doesn't need anything; but she is the best mother. Even though she has been my only mother, I still think she is the greatest. She raised 3 children by herself on a very low income and we never wanted for anything. I wish I could give her so much more than I do. She is now retired and I talk to her 4-5 times a day and see her everyday.

I think the music box with some of her grandchildren's voices would mean so much to her.

A VoiceQuilt is a a music box that plays memories, meaning you record the message that it plays when the music box is opened.

It's a little pricey, $99.95 plus shipping and handling, but I think this would be a great and unique gift for that special someone who has everything and well worth it for a lifetime of memories.

Holiday Spending

As the Holidays approach, most people start worry about spending. I mean you have Halloween, which if you have kids, you have to buy costumes, candy, decorations(if you're like me), etc. It can get expensive. Last year, we ran out of candy because it was my first Halloween in my house and I felt bad because I had to turn my lights off so I wouldn't get anymore trick-or-treaters. This year, I bought plenty of candy and I have 2 big bowls ready for all the kids of my neighborhood.

Then there is Thanksgiving. If you are chosen to cook Thanksgiving Dinner, that can get expensive too.

On Coupon Chief, you can get online coupons for nearly every store possible. I mean there's Target, Lane Bryant, Kohls, etc. This is really helpful for Christmas Shopping. There is only 70 more shopping days until Christmas. Happy Shopping!

One of Many Haunted Houses

My cousin and brother both work at the Haunted Carnival Ghoul School at Sir Gooney's; so last night we were able to go to it.

Last year we went to The Haunted Caverns at Ruby Falls and it was pretty scary.

My cousin said the one at Sir Gooney's is very scary and that they have had people pee their pants and one guy even do something else in his pants..haha

Shane, Logan, Ashley and I went last night. We knew Ashley would go in; but she had planned on staying outside with Kevin(my brother). We waited about an hour in line and then it was our turn to go thru.

Parts of it was nothing at all; however, towards the end this one guy got right in my face and scared me that I almost did pee my pants, but I didn't. After it was over, we went out front to get Ashley and she was gone. Kevin said she got so scared because some of the characters were walking outside that her granny had to come pick her up. He had even put her in his car and when we went to check on her, she was hiding on the floorboard on the phone with her granny. We just laughed about how scared she had gotten over that.

Anyway, overall The Haunted Carnival was pretty good; however, there's 1 more Haunted House I'd like to visit in Cleveland.

Have You thought about Your Next Summer Vacation?

I'm a planner, so I think about my next summer vacation usually right after I take the current year's vacation. Plus when you plan early, sometimes you get a really great deal.

The beach is always a big hit with me, even though I don't like to swim in the ocean, I like the tropical feeling. Everywhere I've been on vacation, we've always stayed at a hotel; however, I would love to rent a nice house/condo on a nice, clean beach and just relax. That way, we could cook most meals and not spend so much on restaurants.

I've never looked at Vacation Rentals, but this Web site has awesome offers.

I mean a Gulf-Front Summit Condo W/Balcony/Pools/Washer/Dryer & Stunning Views/Specials runs about $50 a night. That is CHEAPER than a hotel.

I will definitely be checking this out and planning a family vacation.

Less than 90 Days until Christmas

We are less than 90 days until Christmas. That is less than 3 months. I normally would have started my shopping by now; but finances are tight and I haven't even begun.

I'm a huge bargain hunter when I do start shopping. I always look forward to using coupons and this site has coupons for what seems like every store possible. Just find your favorite store and check out all the coupons that come up.

Some of my favorites are Old Navy, The Gap, Target, Lane Bryant and many more. I'm sure you'll find something you like.

It's a good way to save money and may be find something different this year.

Halloween Decorating

I love the holidays, especially the Fall and Winter holidays. I always decorate at Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I have several Halloween decorations, but I could always stand to have more.

Candy Corn is one of my favorite Halloween candy, so when I was looking at onlinediscountmart, I found this cute Candy Corn Shelf Sitter made out of painted resin, metal.

They have so many cute halloween decorations that noone would have a problem finding something for their Halloween theme.

Labor Day Project

Over the weekend, I bought a picture mat of the word CHEER. You could insert pictures under each letter. I figured this would be a neat project to do on my day off; especially since the Jerry Lewis Telethon is taking up ABC until 7 pm.

I finished my project and have already framed it. As soon as I get my picture transferred from my camera to my PC; I'll update the post.

Check by and see how cute this project turned out. Not too expensive either - $20 for everything.

Mother's Day

The meaning of mother is "A woman who conceives, gives birth to, or raises and nurtures a child."

Well, I'm unable to conceive and I haven't given birth; but I do feel like I have helped raise and I definitely nuture a child. I never expect anything for Mother's Day; but this year, Shane gave me a card and a silver bracelet.

Inside the card, he wrote, "I just figured you deserved a mother's day card too. After all it takes the patience of a mother to put up with me, Ashley and Logan like you do."

I thought that was really sweet.

Happy "Belated" Mother's Day to every woman!!!

Easter

We had a fun time with the Easter Egg Hunt yesterday. I think the kids really had a great time trying to find eggs. You can look at the pictures here.

Here's a picture of my Irises that bloomed just in time for Easter. I think they are beautiful.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I know it's not officially New Year's yet; however, I'm sure I won't see Midnight; but I thought I'd write my entry before I passed out.

Tonight, Shane, my mom, her friend Rosemary and myself went out to eat at Red Lobster. We had a good time celebrating New Year's Eve.

I had a pretty good 2005. My house is at the stage I want it to be at, well, I would like a new kitchen; but that is one my goals for 2006. I would like a newly remodeled kitchen. New floor, cabinets, countertops and appliances. The appliances can actually wait until I can afford them; but definitely floor, cabinets and countertops.

I actually had 1 thing left to do in 2005; but it doesn't look like that will be done until 2006. I needed to put BLOK on my basement walls to try to keep the rain out. My basement is where we park our cars and store things; but some areas of the basement let rain in. I will do this tomorrow, Sunday.

I haven't really thought about any New Year Resolutions except to stay on my diet and keep loosing weight. I told Shane I wanted to be in a bikini next summer, which is coming up in like 5-6 months. So, I'm not sure I'll conquer that this summer; but I'll definitely try.

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR and may your NEW YEAR be filled with all the things in life that make you smile.

Northwest TN Christmas

Today, me and my mom went to my sister's house up in Westmoreland, TN to celebrate Christmas with her family. Westmoreland is about 3 hours northwest of Chattanooga.

On the way up there, I always break the trip down into parts. Part 1 is from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro. Part 2 is from Murfreesboro to Lebanon and Part 3 is from Lebanon to Westmoreland.

Part 2 is a 22 mile highway that is VERY boring and I can't stand to drive it; except for today.

There is one place on this road that someone has planted an American Flag up on top of this rock mountain. Well, today; there was a surprise up there.

Of course, I had to stop and take his picture as other cars were doing the same.

It was really cute and especially nice since I was on my way to see my 2 great nieces and got to show them Santa.

I had a great time with my sister and her family and ate TOO much. My belly is so full right now.....I think it's time to settle in for a long winter's nap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!

Early Christmas Gifts

Shane and I exchanged gifts Thursday night. He got me a Playstation Portable(PSP) and I got him a new Fossil Watch and what I thought was the New Star Wars DVD.

Well, the watch was too small; as we found out it was missing 2 links and the Movie I bought wasn't the newest Star Wars, it was Episode II. I really didn't do a good job this year like I thought.

However; today, I bought him Episode III and a nex XBox Game, Need for Speed, Most Wanted. That made up for my errors!!

I love my PSP, it is really neat and can do so much more than I thought.

I hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Holiday Recipe/Gift

A fellow co-worker made this Ice Box Cake the other day and brought some to work. It was so delicious and really is a good idea to give out to friends and family at Christmas time. It comes in a Holiday tin and is rather delicious. I thought I'd share the recipe for you to enjoy!!

Ice Box Cake

Ingredients

2 sticks of butter or margarine
1 lb raisins
1 lb pecan halves
1 lb walnut halves
1 lb graham cracker crust
1 lb marshmallows
1 can Eagle brand milk

Directions

On low heat, melt butter and marshmallows together. Once melted,
add Eage brand milk.

In a seperate BIG bowl, mix rest of ingredients thoroughly. Once mixed,
pour melted ingredients into BIG bowl and mix with your hands until well
blended.

Buttom bottom of tins and then press mixture in. Refridgerate for
atleast 16 hours and then serve.

This makes 6 small tins and can be refridgerated for up to 10 months.

ENJOY!!!

Christmas Decor

Well, my tree is up and decorated. My house is fully decorated in every room and the outside is decorated. My house is all decked out for Christmas.

Believe it or not, I have all my presents wrapped and under the tree. Well, the ones that will fit. I only have 3 more people to buy for and I'm finished and can breeze thru December with no worries.

I hope everyone had a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!!

Here is a picture of my Christmas Tree.

Almost Thanksgiving

Well, it's almost Thanksgiving and I started getting all my Christmas decorations down. I know, it's not quite Thanksgiving yet; but I wanted to see everything I had and if I needed more? You can never have to much Christmas decorations.

Anyway, I can't wait until Thanksgiving because then that next week; we are going to decorate for Christmas.

Thanksgiving doesn't have a lot to decorate about. I mean, I know you could; but I don't have any Thanksgiving Decorations. Maybe next year.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Growing up I don't remember if we actually carved pumpkins. I remember we had one sitting on our porch; but unsure if it was ever a carved pumpkin with a face.

So now that I have my own house, I wanted to decorate a pumpkin. It was a lot of hard work. It's a pain trying to clean out the pumpkin insides. Below is my finished product.

Haunted Cavern

Tonight, Shane and I took Logan (his son) to the Haunted Cavern at Ruby Falls. This is supposed to be the scariest haunted house, cave, barn, etc. in Chattanooga.

Shane is big into surprises, so anytime we take the kids anywhere special; he won't tell them where we are going. He just builds them up to the surprise. So, he has built Logan up to going somewhere, but Logan never expected this.

We get to Ruby Falls and wait for the "FUN" to begin. We have to wait about 5 mins and then we ride the elevator down 260 feet to the caves that wait us below. Once we got to the caves, I had to stop and remind myself that nothing is going to happen to us. I can sometimes get panicky if I think I'm in an enclosed place without any air. I got to thinking what if something happened and the caves just fell upon us. Anyway, back to the story.

We are off to the tour. I haven't been to many haunted houses, actually just 1; so I was a bit nervous.

The cave is dark and Shane is in the lead. Shane is always in the lead because he is 6'4" and a rather big guy that could protect us. Logan is right beside Shane and I'm behind both of them and a bunch of kids are behind me.

Of course, all these creatures start jumping out at us and scaring us. I screamed a few times; but everything seemed okay until the END.

We hear a chain saw going as we are nearing the end and I'm thinking, OMG, that is a real chain saw because I can smell the engine going. Shane has Logan right beside him holding onto him and here comes Leatherface. He is right on Shane and Logan, mainly Logan. Just putting that saw right about 1/2 inch from Logan and Logan starts screaming and crying hysterically. We make it past him and Shane is consoling Logan. We are waiting on the van to take us back up to Ruby Falls and while in line, here comes Leatherface again with that dang chainsaw.

This time, he zeros in on Logan and is running that blade up and down Logan's chest. I then look closer at the saw and the blade is fake; however, Logan is screaming and crying and the guy won't stop. I thought Shane was going to knock the hell out of him. I finally said, "Enough" and the guy walked away.

It took about 10 mins for Shane to get Logan calmed down. The Haunted Cavern was really great if you are looking for a scare; however, it states not entended for children under 8. Logan is 10 so we didn't think it would be that bad. You may want to think twice before you take your children there.

I enjoyed it though except for that last part.

Halloween Decorating

Since Halloween is only 2 weeks ago, today is the day we are going to decorate our yard.

We have some spider webbing to go over some bushes and then we have skeleton's to hang from the trees. They glow in the dark. Also, I have a big blow up Mickey, dressed as a vampire, in a pumpkin to set out on my porch.

I can't wait for Ashley to get up so we can start decorating and go to The Dollar General Mart to buy more decorations.

I'm all about decorating for the Holidays!!!! I'll post pictures afterwards.

Here is a picture of Mickey; but you can find all other pictures of my Halloween Decorations from my flickr page.