Getting to Know You Sunday

Keely @ MannLand5 hosts the Getting To Know You Sundays carnival. 

Click above to link up and play along. :o)

This week's questions...

1. If you could star in any movie genre..what would it be..romance..horror..comedy..suspense or action?

I'd choose Romantic Comedy... my FAVORITE!

2. Do you recycle?

I live in a small town and there is no community recycling program. I could do it myself, true... but what would I do with it AFTER I separated it? So, no... I don't, although I totally support it. :o)

3. Have you ever been to a strip club?

Nope, can't say that I have.


4. Do you have a nickname?

2 or 3... most used is "D" and then of course Dirty Diana (Dirty D) after Michael Jackson's song.

5. What's a name you can't stand to be called?

I can't think of anything at the moment that bothers me.

6. What are your Summer staples?

Capri's and sandles/flip flops

7. What was the last thing you bought for yourself?

A melon / salmon colored pair of capris and a white cotten shirt


8. Are you happy with your boob size?

Very!



Posts will be more frequent after school is out in the next couple of weeks. We're coming up on Finals now and I should probably study a bit. ;o)

Driving Miss Abby

I've never told you before but I always wanted a little girl. I have a wonderful son (you can see his handsome pic over to the right) and two great step-daughters (we don't use step really, but just so you know I didn't give birth to them and I'll get their pics up soon... they're beautiful!) but I always wanted that baby girl to spoil, dress in cute little dresses and do the "pink thing" with. Abby is that baby girl.. until I have a granddaughter some day. I have tried more than once to walk with her but by the end of my (short) street her tiny little legs are wore out trying to keep up and she starts climbing up my legs for me to hold her. Soooooo...

I ordered her a pet stroller. It came today and I couldn't wait to get out when I got home from work and walk with her. We walked about 4 blocks or so to my mom & dad's. Here's a few snapshots of "Driving Miss Abby".

Hubs stopped me as we headed out the driveway for a quick pic.

  This is the new exercise tool for me. She whined and cried if I left for a walk without her but it was so hard to walk with her and her tiny little legs.

 Looking down at her from the top mesh window view, as she watches the world... unafraid of the cars whizzing by this way.

I squatted down for this shot of her looking out the back 'window' at me as we walked back home.

I had been thinking about this for a while and finally got it here. There are LOTS of sizes, styles, and colors to choose from. There is a tray under her sitting area where I stored my camera and her leash, for our stop-over at my parents' house. And there is a cool 2-cup holder across the top for mommy's drink and my cell phone sit in one of them perfectly. I see lots of walks in our future! :)

Dinner with the Pioneer Woman

I'm not sure how I managed an evening without homework but here I sit not having any to get done tonight. I hope I don't log in tomorrow and find I've forgotten something. *sigh* The day at the office even seemed to fly by fast.

I bought the Pioneer Woman's cookbook about a month ago and absolutely LOVE IT! So many "normal" recipes. I like to try new recipes but hate having to purchase 'not-so-everyday' ingredients. Ree's are not like that at all. If you haven't checked out her cookbook, you need to.

Today I made her Simple Easy Chili (beans optional). I like the beans but hubby don't so I make sacrifices for him. :)  Here are a few of my not-so-professional-as-Ree's photos of my chili.

My ground beef was already browning while I got the rest of my ingredients together. I don't have the little measuring/prep bowls, I just used my Tupperware deviled egg inserts. The little egg holders make it easy to measure out several small amounts of things and have ready to dump into whatever I'm cooking. The bottom right holder held the garlic, which I had already dumped into the ground beef. Here I have measured out the oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, and chili seasoning.

This little chopper from Pampered Chef is the best thing ever for chopping up your ground beef while browning. I use a little circular twist of my wrist with each downward motion and it chops it up great.

 Here is the ground beef with all the spices and tomato sauce dumped in... ready to mix and simmer. One more thing I added not pictured here is the can of Rotel shown above.

And my bowl of Chili with Fritos and shredded cheese. YUM!

And yes, that IS a paper bowl. I am way too busy with work, school, wifing and mothering. It was a paper bowl night. :)

I made dessert from Ree's cookbook too. I've had this a lot but never bothered to make it myself until now.

I always enjoyed my aunt's at family reunions. :)

Tonight the dessert was her Chocolate Sheetcake. We always called it Texas Sheetcake but the results are the same. A delicious chocolate cake with an almost fudgy icing. The picture doesn't even do it justice.

This is Ree's photo of the sheetcake too. Mine is still cooling just a bit in the kitchen. Just follow the link above (or click on the photo) to find Ree's sheetcake recipe.

What a Wonderful Weekend!

I try not to talk about very personal information about others for their privacy. I'll just say that my hubby suffers from debilitating migraines. They incapacitate him and he is in bed 1 to 2 days with them... on average a couple times a month. Needless to say this affects a number of areas in our lives. There isn't much social interaction, since the headaches can come without warning, so we stick close to home. I get out more but not far away. But we've had a wonderful weekend!

Tommy had to go the the doctor's office Friday morning so Thursday evening after I got off work, we went back out to get his hair cut. He wanted to be a little more presentable before going in. He was having a pretty good evening and you can always tell because he displays his great sense of humor and can keep me in stitches! Something so simple as getting his hair cut (and picking up a couple of things at Wal-Mart) was enjoyable for me to be out with him. I texted him the next day from work to see if he was still feeling good and let him know how much I enjoyed our time together away from the house. I let him know I'd like to get out for a 'date night' soon if he was up to it... dinner alone... no son or pets. His reply... "I'm yer man! BTW... I LOVE YOU SWEETIE :)"

Since he was feeling so good at the moment I didn't want to let it pass by. I left work an hour early and we headed out Friday evening for a steak dinner. Well.. he had steak, I had a grilled chicken breast. The food was good and we got to spend time together out of the house, away from TVs, computers. It had been a while since we just enjoyed each others company and held hands.

I think the evening out was just what the doctor ordered. Yesterday, he remembered that we hadn't yet taken my mom out to eat for her birthday as planned... I'm ashamed to tell you... the end of June last year! With work, school and "life" happening it had slipped our minds. But Tommy remembered and it was important to him. So we took her out yesterday evening. We let dad come alone too. :)

Two wonderful relaxing evenings out this weekend was very refreshing. I think I'm going to plan a "date night" at least once a month to start with. The day of the week will have to be flexible, when it's a "good day" but I'll be ready.

Do you have Date Night with your spouse? Have you done anything recently that you hadn't done in a while that you'd missed doing?

I'm Just... Tired

I've been just a little MIA lately. Not "gone" completely but the posts have been sporadic. I miss all of the great bloggers I have been in the habit of settling down to every evening to read about. I'll be back to reading and commenting SOON! don't give up on me now. :)

I just have to say that I'm SO ready to be done with school! After a 40-hour work week and coming home to housework needing done, supper needing cooked, kitchen needing cleaned up and always school work needing done. 

I'M TIRED!

I have been trying to find time between all those things that "need" done to do some things I just "want" to do. I think ADD is roaring it's ugly head. I can't seem to stay focused and am so forgetful. Why is it I just now remembered, while typing this, that I still need to burn that last DVD for a friend and print some worksheets? I was supposed to have that all done but I can't remember to do it when I get home from work in the evenings. *sigh*. I have been trying to do as much genealogy work for the branches of our family tree lately. 

I need to learn to step back and slow down a bit. I keep going like I'm running out of time at every project I have going, and trust me -  there is always a few! 

School will be over for summer break in about a month. I'm looking forward to the break and coming home to have more time to enjoy my family and some summer... without worrying about what the code is for some procedure that no one has ever heard of. That reminds me... I need to get myself registered NOW for Fall Semester but I keep forgetting. :(

Memory-Filled Weekend

We had an absolutely BEAUTIFUL weekend here in northeast Kentucky!

There was a cool breeze on Saturday while I was out and about but the sun was shining brightly.

I made it to two family cemeteries and took lots of pictures of headstones for my genealogy records.

This seems morbid to some but such photos have helped me in connecting dates that I didn't have from any other source.

Road sign for one of two Lyons Family Cemeteries on Beauty Ridge
(Greenup County, Kentucky)

My uncle Frank came along with us (my parents and I) to help identify many of the ones I needed help connecting. I'm sure I'll have to have help again when it's time to starting writing it all down to go with the pictures.

This is the resting place of my Great Grandfather, "Mack" Lyons. Of course I never knew him but I have some great old photos and the stories of his moonshine still days and running off the "revenuers" that came around. :)

I chose this weekend to get my photos I'd been needing from the cemetery because I had to attend a funeral on Saturday afternoon for my talented, guitar-playing and singing uncle Ed who passed away on April 8th 2010. He will be missed and remembered how he sang (and recorded) some great music for God. We'll see you again some day!

Getting to Know You Sunday

I'm playing along with Keely @ MannLand5 with this week's

Click above to link up and play along too!

1. What color do you wear the most?

I like black because it's slimming and I'll take slimmer any day!
 
2. Would you rather have $10,000 dollars or a Dream Vacation?

I'd take the $10,000. I'd rather have my kitchen re-done with that than go on a vacation right now.

3. Do you have a weird, quirky or unusual habit?

I have just a few small scattered psoriasis or eczema  places (not sure) on my scalp that I pick at. Weird I know but somehow I feel cleaner almost if I can pick all those small "scabby-type" places off.

4. I really need to start..........?

Back on my Wii Fit Plus routine. I got stalled when it was coming up on Mid Term week and the time spent between work and school study consumed me. I'm past that now and almost feel like my brain needs the freedom. But it needs to get re-focused again now though.

5. What was the first blog you ever read?



Oh dear! I have no idea now. I couldn't tell you the first.

6. Do you collect anything?

Not really (not anymore)... unless you count all the scrapbooking stuff I have in my office/craft room that I keep adding to faster than I'm using it.

7. How old were you when you had your first kiss?

16... I think.

8. Do you text/tweet while driving?

Well... only maybe a short one or two word reply while actually driving but I've been known to do more at a read light. Those things are way to infrequent when you actually want one. :)

We Have A Jewelry Winner!

The ChunkyBling Jewelry Giveaway ended last night. We have our winner. Thanks to all who participated.

Congratulations to #7 entry, Helena at A Gal Needs At Least Two Blogs!

I have given Chunky Bling your contact info and they will be in touch soon.

You all came up with some great names. I had nothing but a blank. But it seems like all your submissions just fit!
Don't forget --- Chunky Bling is still honoring the 15% off coupon code "DIANA475" through April 16th. So head over and pick yourself out something cute and fun!

This cute little Mother's Day Bead Bracelet caught my eye too. :)

Black and White Wednesday with... my Mama

This pencil sketch of my mom was a gift to her from a good friend.

She's VERY talented and mom has since had sketches of each of us 5 children done

as well as her mother and my dad's mother... all done from recent photographs of us.

Click below to link up and share your own Black and White moments.

Easter at Our House

The only 'little one' around our house now is the little "Chi-la-la" (what a friend's little niece calls a chihuahua). Abby is my baby girl, so of course she got Easter treats just like my guys did. I decided since I was playing Easter Bunny, I might as well get something out of it... besides any pieces of chocolate I might be able to sneak from the guys. ;-)

Since my guys are 18 and 56 I waived the typical baskets or buckets for their treats. I chose instead some great storage boxes that THIS Bunny will get to use, after the goodies are all gone.

I love the options of these boxes! They aren't actually photo storage boxes. They are square and deeper. They have the label plate on them and there are small "legs" (for lack of a better description) in each corner, that hold up a divider tray for more storage options. I removed the divider trays to make room for the Easter goodies and used them to stash a few of the extra goodies.

Abby's Easter treats consisted of different kinds of goodies, since she can't have chocolate. She got a couple of new toys... they never last long, she "whips" them all into shape (and shows them who's boss) within a few days... she got a couple of Dental Chews... she just knows by the name of "chew"... and of course the little princess had to have a new Easter dress. ;-)

And I couldn't complete the post without a shot or two.. or three of the princess in her Easter dress.

Sorry, this one might be a little blurry. She's so squirmy when she sees a camera, you have to be quick!

 I'm still in shock that I got this one of her laying perfectly still!

I'm pretty sure she was begging for some of her daddy's Easter goodies.

Laying on the couch next to Adam, pooped out from a busy day.

That is a quick look into Easter at our house. There were more treats around than this house needs so I'll have to get some stuff together to take to work, so it disappears faster! I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday and celebrated the Resurrection and our Hope!

Monday Minute

I'm playing along today with Ian at Daily Dose of Reality... the Monday Minute - 5 Questions.
Click below to play along and give your two cents. 

1. What's wrong with fake breasts?

I wouldn't really say anything was "wrong" with them. But it's just not for me. Not because I have plenty already. I just don't go for cosmetic-type surgery for myself (and hubby concurs). I DO have areas that could use it... like that leftover baby belly that I have never quite gotten completely rid of, in spite of losing the weight in surrounding areas. I could use a tummy tuck. But it's not something I ever plan to do. I've reached that acceptance level with myself and besides,  who can afford it? :)

2. List your latest run-in with the Carnival of Idiocy.

Well... just yesterday, driving to my sister's to take my nephew home, I was driving down her country road and the 'main attraction' of this Carnival of Idiocy, was parked in the middle of the road. He was carrying on a conversation from his truck with someone at the house he was parked in front of. He pulled his truck over JUST enough for me to get by, but still taking most of his half out of the middle. And just as I get up next to his truck, he decides to open his truck door and get out. Luckily that small ditch was there for me to drive my right tires into to avoid the crash of his door into my car. This Carnival is over, take your show to the next town, please!

3. Name one thing you'd like to tell your 10-year-ago self.

I don't really have a major life issue that I'd like to address. I would have myself spend more time talking to my Granny and my Aunt Sandy. I lost them both in 2004. I wish I'd listened to  more stories and written them down.

4. What's your favorite word that is not in the dictionary?

I use a variety from time to time (numbskull is one). But I prefer the commonly defined ones, such as... stupid, idiot, jerk.

5. Why do fools fall in love?

Why not? Even fools want to be happy.

Don't forget to check out the ChunkyBling Jewelry Giveaway Post. You could win 2 free pieces of Jewelry!

Chunky Bling Jewelry Giveaway!

What woman doesn't like a little bling?

ChunkyBling.com has contacted me to host a giveaway in promotion of their new site of ADORABLE chunky jewelry!

I love the beautiful color coordinating sets that make wardrobe accessories quick and easy!

Dark Chocolate chunky jewelry

 

 And this darling bead watch in pinks and browns is one of my favorites!

ChunkyBling.com makes it VERY affordable to have a few sets of color coordinated jewelry to match your whole wardrobe.

This giveaway is for a Swarovski Bead Ring.

What is a Bead Ring? 

The Swarovski bead ring features alegant Swarovski crystals and pearls are accented with sterling silver. The Swarovski pearls are abrasion proof and resistant to UV light, scratches, perspiration, and perfume. They will not be damaged by washing or dry cleaning.

Swarovski bead rings come in a variety of color and styles. Choose a Swarovski Crystal Ring for maximum sparkle and brilliance or a Swarovski Pearl Ring for classic elegance and luster.

ChunkyBling.com is also offering a 15% off coupon for ANYTHING from their website from now until April 16th, with coupon code DIANA475. Take advantage of this coupon to get some great affordable spring jewelry accessories for your wardrobe.

There are options for a number of entries, but the *required entry* is to participate in Chunky Bling's weekly contest, Name That Bling. This contest can also win you some free jewelry.

"Name That Bling is a weekly contest where participants  help come up with fun and creative names for new jewelry designs. Winning names are featured on Chunky Bling's website and the person who submitted that name wins a FREE watch of their choice."

All you have to do is visit the Name That Bling page, submit your entry, then come back here and leave comment with your jewelry name submission. The following are optional additional entries AFTER you've completed the *required entry*. Leave a comment for each entry to increase your chances.

• Become a Facebook Fan of Chunky Bling (tell me you did so)
• Leave a comment telling me your favorite piece of jewelry at ChunkyBling.com 
• And, lastly, you don't have to be a follower of my blog for this Giveaway but if you already are (or become one during this Giveaway), leave me a comment saying so and that will  count as another entry.

 

Winner will be chosen randomly immediately after the deadline on Friday, April 9, 2010 @ midnight. Winner will be announced on Saturday, April 10th.