The house is quiet after several days of NOISE. I enjoyed having my family here, and can you believe I only took ONE picture the whole time? Crazy! I took one of all the cousins playing the kid version of Apples to Apples. They spent hours playing that game. It was so precious to watch all seven of them playing and having such a fun time. The time flew by, and I could hardly believe how quickly Saturday came and everyone was gone. As per tradition, M. got sick. She has gotten a stomach bug for the past three years at Thanksgiving. I am thinking that she just runs herself ragged--she's too busy to eat, and much too busy to sleep. We tried to ward it off this year by taking Airborne everyday. It worked in that this year she got sick the day everyone left instead of while everyone was here. I can't tell you how depressed she was the last two years to watch her cousins play while she barfed!! She was better by Saturday evening, but she didn't eat much Sunday or Monday. My sister and I had a great time shopping on Black Friday. We always go out --not at 5 am, mind you. I spent a little money, and then returned half of it yesterday--some stuff just didn't work out. We also enjoyed a girl lunch after we were finished shopping. I always look to our lunch with mixed feelings because my sister and her family always head for home as soon as we get back to the house. At lunch time, I know our time together is almost at an end. Anyway, even though it completely wore me out, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving together. I also wanted to let you know about a blog that you might be interested in. I can't remember how I found it--I think through Baby Bangs, a sweet young mother. This is the blog of a mom who researches great shopping deals on the web. Go check her out: The Bargain Shopper Lady. I have enjoyed looking at all the deals she finds. I even ordered one today. Also, my cousin sent me an email about feeding the hungry. You might want to check it out as it is the real thing. Free Rice It's a fun way for you to help feed the hungry--and test your vocabulary skills. I just finished helping to donate 600 grains of rice. This did check out with Snopes.

Labels: Family, Fun

Who knew? Certainly, not me. Did you all know that you could use the Brillo pad to clean your shower/tub? I have to say that my shower hasn't been this clean since we moved in. Why did I not know that the Brillo--it has power over the soap scum. Wow. If you didn't know this, and you have a bit of a soap scum problem, give it a try. OK--can you believe I haven't written much lately and when I do, I choose to write about the Brillo pad? Please forgive me.

We have a great Thanksgiving planned. My sister and her family are coming (4 kids) along with my Dad and stepmother. We will have a houseful, but I think I have planned well. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on groceries. B took off 5 days from work to help me deep clean the whole house last week. He worked for a day and a half in the garage alone. We got rid of so much stuff, and organized, organized, organized. I cleaned everything I could possibly think of to clean. I should get everything finished just in time for my sister to arrive tomorrow evening. B. went and bought a cast iron chiminea from Lowe's tonight. He has plans for the seven children. These cousins always have so much fun when they get together--which is only 3 times a year-- and I know they will have a good time roasting marshmallows and telling stories in front of the fire. I also bought Ratatouille (the movie) so that the kids would have something new to watch--rain is in the forecast. They will all be here for several days, so we have to have some things planned to entertain. I'm sure the 4-wheeler will be out too. We bought it from my dad, and he always likes to get it out and ride when he comes to visit. He will have a blast taking each of the seven grandchildren for rides. Too bad the other three grandchildren can't be here. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving--don't stuff yourselves too badly. I leave you with our Thanksgiving menu--it's the same every year. I would love to hear yours.

Turkey (fried)

Ham

Stuffing (bread, not cornbread)

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Sweet potato casserole

Cherry jello salad

Green bean and corn casserole (sometimes we do broccoli/rice casserole, but not this year)

Deviled eggs

Plain green beans for the picky ones

Cranberry sauce from the can

Rolls

Pecan pie

Apple pie

Chocolate cake

Homemade candy

Labels: Family, Food

Daddy's a proud papa:

I had more pictures to post, but blogger suddenly decided to get stubborn on me. Anyway, they are out skinning it right now and getting ready to take it to the butcher. And let me just say I am a very proud momma, even though I'm not the hunting type of person. My son's smile went from ear to ear. My son also has a terrific daddy, who just happened to have a migraine all afternoon while they were out. (Thanks to everyone who has been checking on me--I'm fine, and I appreciate your concern! I'm feeling the love!)

Labels: Kids