Mr. Reindeer Man

My Sweet Reindeer. 

Winter Wonderland.

Once upon a time there was a piece of wood. It was not an expensive piece of wood. Far from it. Just a common block of firewood, one of those thick, solid logs that are put on the fire in winter to make cold rooms cozy and warm.

This is what I woke up to this morning... 

After a night snuggled up like this...

What a splendid weekend thus far.

Cabernet and Pine Needles.

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat. 

Believe it or not, I put together my Christmas tree all alone this year. First time for everything, right? A little Cabernet, pine needle candle, and classical Christmas music was my companion this time around.

To be quiet honest with ya, it was very relaxing. Dad wasn't standing behind me telling me I'm putting the tree together wrong, mom wasn't complaining about dad just standing there not doing anything, and Charlie Ray sat and watched patiently  off to the side as the lights twinkled from a distance. I must say, it is much more rewarding putting it up all by yourself once it is all said and done. For the most part, it wasn't that difficult to match all the colors together ( mind you, this is a fake tree from Michaels, have yet to ever have a real Christmas tree), spruce out the branches, and string some lights and burlap (duh) on it. However, as I was taking the tree out of the bag I remembered last year at this time, my dad broke the base of the tree and tried duct taping it together. So naturally, this tree has a tendency to lean to the right.... my wheels started turning, I felt like pioneer woman over here by getting out the twine I used in my Christmas cards to rope this thing down somehow. Yep! It worked, I rock, I did it. All alone. I may have done a victory dance or two around the first floor.  After all that, I was too tired to even try and take a picture of it.

So stay tuned for a picture of the tree..
 and Merry Christmas!

Falling Bugs.

Yesterday morning as I was getting ready for work, I noticed Charlie Ray barking profusely at something out the window. This really wasn't too big of a shocker to me, an occasional squirrel or bunny might pass by that he likes to give a shout out to, but he would not let his brain and eyes off the subject he had in mind this time. With dripping wet hair and a robe tied tight around me, I bundled up and attached his leash so he could show me what it was he wanted. As I looked out, I noticed it was snowing! The very first snow fall of the season!! Although I brought Charlie home last February when there was snow on the ground, I'm pretty sure that little cavapoo brain of his forgot all about it. The minute I let him out the door he was jumping into the air trying to catch the snowflakes. Mom and I came to the conclusion later in the evening that he probably thought they were little bugs falling from the sky (stretch your imagination with us). After all, he is my little bug catcher around the house.

Finally, after about five solid freezing minutes outside, and a head full of frozen hair, we headed back inside. He ran right underneath the covers, only to try and keep those heavy eyes open to watch the snow fall to the ground out my bedroom window. 

To say the least, it made my morning. 
It's the simple things in life that count.

Let the countdown begin!

Wow, can you believe it's already December 1st! I have decided to ask for my present from Santa 25 days early so he can have time to save up for it. It comes from a little store that starts with a P and ends with an Otterybarn.

 I think after Santa see's this, his Mrs. will more than likely want one herself, so if he has to hand craft it to save money, that would be A-okay with me. (As long as it looks similar to the one above)

Let's be real here, how is a girl supposed to resist that (pottery barn) restored wood, chipped paint, creamy white color?

 Oh, and Santa, if it doesn't fit under the tree, you can just go ahead and hang it in my entrance way, save you some trouble. 

Photoshoot

Yep, my cousins should be models. 

and that's all she wrote.

Back to Work

Time flies when you're having fun doesn't it? We look so forward to our four day weekend full of food, family, and friends. We blink and it's gone- back to work. Here's how I think of it as, if we didn't work as hard during those long weeks and months, we wouldn't enjoy our time off half as much. I have to be thankful for it, and just start to look forward to the next holiday, which is right around the corner. 

I just really hate leaving this guy at home all day.

Happy Monday.

Generations.

Three generations of leopard feet.

Grandma. Me. Mom.

Thanksgiving Highlights.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -John Kennedy

 Tom the Turkey.

Dawner.

 My breakfast this fine and glorious morning. 

Jumble Mumble

Isn't it that life can sometimes feel like a bunch of jumbled together letters? Trying to figure out which one to start with and which one to end with. Knowing that they all need to be put in their place next to one another for everything to be complete.

I'm not even married yet, nor do I have any children and this is how my life can sometimes feel.  Everywhere we look there is some type of responsibility or trial we must hurdle over to get to the next chapter. 

The best part about this is, if life didn't give us trials, we wouldn't grow. 
With the Holidays right around the corner, and while trying to put all your letters together in life, take a step back and remember what you are thankful for and what life is really all about. 
This is my challenge to you.

Have a fabulous Tuesday friends! 

To My Dearest.

To my Dearest Friend Lindsey, 

Thank you for being my selected target. 

Thank you for being naturally beautiful.

Thank you for having a sense of humor with me.

Thank you for your generous heart.

Thank you for your smile that shines so bright.

Thank you for your endless faith.

But most of all... Thank You for being YOU! 
xoxo- me

Paula Deen's Cornbread

 Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus butter for baking dish
1 cup cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups buttermilk 

Directions 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs, buttermilk, and butter. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the cornmeal mixture and fold together until there are no dry spots (the batter will still be lumpy). Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Bake until the top is golden brown and tester inserted into the middle of the corn bread comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min

Conley Girl

It's hard to believe it's been a year now since our beloved family Golden Retriever took her last breath of life. It was in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of moving into my place when I got the call. I knew she wasn't feeling good that morning when I was packing up my room. Never did she turn down a carrot for a treat, or lay in bed all day long, not even to go potty outside. As she laid in her bed, I laid right beside her on the floor, kissing her head and stroking her belly.  She didn't ever look up at me, but I just knew she could feel my love and comfort beside her. 

I am so grateful we didn't have to make the decision on taking her to the vet to be put down. She went gracefully, surrounded by my parents in the comfort of her own home. It was almost like she was holding on until the next chapter of my life started. For those of you that don't believe that dogs go to heaven, you are so wrong. Conley will be waiting my arrival when I get home and I so anxiously await that very day. 
You would think I was talking about a family member that passed away by the way I write, but that is exactly how I felt. Conley was a big part of our family since I was young, and will be the best dog I EVER have (sorry Charlie). 

She will forever be in our hearts.

Imitation Creation

Love Love Love... did I mention that I LOVE Pottery Barn? I have a slight addiction with a low budget to back it up. So... my fix? Go to PB, get ideas, go to craft store to buy matching materials, come home and get creative! 

 Saw this guy at the store, wanted to bring him home, but figured for the price of just HIM, I could make several more! That's exactly what I did...

Plus, I like the red better on mine! I'm a happy camper :)

One Year Anniversary

A year ago today I woke up with pure excitement of the events that were to unfold. Owning my own home was always on the list of To Do's, but never did I think it would be crossed off so soon. After countless number of hours, days, weeks, and months of my Dad and I doing our homework together, I finally came across the perfect place.

Although the place I bought was older and needed a little "updating" I was blessed to be able to move in to a clean, well kept home. The previous owner was a single, 90 year old woman who never married, had kids, or pets. Pretty sure she had to have been the cleanest lady in the United States, if not world... she even ironed her dish rags! 

 That's me stripping wallpaper. I was so determined that week to get everything done, I have never worked so hard in my life!

I thought I would share a few before and after pictures with everyone.

Before Kitchen

After Kitchen
(Stripped wallpaper, put in new appliances and flooring)

 Before Living/Dining Room

 After Living/Dining Room
(Painted, put up crown and base molding) 

 Before Guest Bathroom Before

 Guest Bathroom After

(I have re done this bathroom about 3-4 times since I've moved in, but I think I'm happy with it now)

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since moving in, but I love my place and feel extremely blessed.

Clothespins.

My creative juices are flowing again. 

What better way to close up a bag or help hang a picture or two than with a decorative clothespin. Anyone can go to the store down the road and purchase a bag of plain old pins. I thought it would be fun to create a few different ones, in hopes to make my day just a little bit brighter every time I grab one from the drawer. 

Pretty fun, huh!

Have a wonderful week.

xoxo-Joyful Me

Rosette

I have been practicing my Rosettes. Not the best, but I will get there!

Wet Little Willies.

I recently had the privilege of shooting some photo's for a local swim club. They saw my blog and were impressed by my photography skills (which by no means are skills, more like luck) and asked if I would take some pictures for their post cards and billboard. Of course I was excited and said YES to my first paying photo shoot.

How hard could it be to capture a few kids swimming around? Yikes, one of the hardest subjects to capture in the history of my picture taking days. The lighting was extremely difficult to shoot in, and silly me forgot how much kids squirm around. In no way am I complaining, because I had a great time interacting with the kiddo's. Just put it this way, don't ask me to take your child's Christmas picture this year unless they are tied down to a chair.

Just Teasing. I had a wonderful time and lets just cross our fingers they like them!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Oh the sweetness of Victory! What a long and grueling campaign this has been for the Senator and my Momma. From the weekend parades in the middle of hot July, to working 60+ hours a week, victory is finally in the hands of one who truly deserves it. The down right dirty commercials, lies, and fraud couldn't surpass the greatness of Dave.

I don't think I could ever be involved in politics. Really, the way he must have been feeling while waiting in anticipation for the results would probably give me a stroke. It takes a strong man of faith to be able to stand his ground and remain calm during the storm. The only comfort I found was knowing that God was in control of the situation and already knew the outcome before they even started campaigning!  I'll just stick to licking envelopes and closing them shut for now.

 

This is one heck of a Gal who has been my moms biggest cheerleader from the sidelines since the beginning.

How could you forget these clowns?Been with Dave since the very first day he took the Senate seat. 

Congratulations Dave- You Deserve It!

Two B's

Don't you just adore the innocents of children at Halloween? After buying a bag of 360 pieces of candy and only having five Trick-or-Treaters ( one being a 50 year old woman by her self...strange), my girl friend brought her three year old  daughter over to see me. 

I am " Aunt Teh-ah" to her and I'm pretty sure she LOVES to come over to my house. Number one because most Aunts give in a lot easier than their own momma's, and number two, Charlie lives here. Almost positive she still thinks he is a stuffed animal the way she drags him around. Poor Charlie, he can't help his size and defend himself. Anyways, they had a great time running around in their bumblebee costumes chasing each other and it definitely wore him out which I was thankful for to say the least!

It was time to leave, and Miss Bumblebee told her mom she was just going to stay at my house for the night. She explained that she would even be okay with just sleeping on the couch. Unfortunately, I attend a little thing called work every day so it didn't work. We arranged for a slumber party in a few weeks and I think I am just as excited as she is!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!