Ten on Tuesday

1. So, the first day of winter has come and gone – meaning the days are [[really]] getting longer - yay. I do miss those ‘winter soup nights’ that always started on the first day of winter and went through the first day of spring [monthly get-togethers, at our house, with warm soup and fellowship.] Maybe we can do that again in a couple of years [next year we should be attending a graduation so I know I won’t be thinking about soup – lol –]
2. And then we were Christmas-ing for the rest of the week – had our family dinner and gift giving on Thursday evening with Matt, Drew and his sweet Haley – SO NICE to just be together. LOVE family time and it’s far too short these days – [We had sautéed shrimp, salt-crusted prime rib, crash potatoes and roasted veggies with salad and rolls. – I’ll get recipes up there after the first of the year – promise!]
3. Then on Friday we drove up to Tennessee for Craig’s family Christmas – I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical of how Christmas might play out in a hotel room – but we had a huge room and brought in chairs from the other rooms so it was just like sitting in a family den and being all together. We took our little rustic tree [designed for a mountain Christmas] and goodies that included snowflake cupcakes and a crockpot with meatballs, and everyone brought more goodies to share as we enjoyed being together and opening gifts [- they wanted to do something different since this was their first Christmas without Daddy – and while he was on everyone’s minds, I think we had a very good gathering afterall.]
4. Saturday we shopped a little at Providence and Opry Mills [yes! THREE stores are open now -] and then headed out to the Opryland Hotel – which is ALWAYS gorgeously decorated for Christmas – Love that they make no excuses for the reason for celebrating Christmas with this HUGE nativity scene in the entrance to the hotel. And I LOVE these huge poinsettias made of lights – they’ve been there for as long as we’ve been going to Opryland to see the Christmas lights – OMGoodness – 27 -28 years now?!?
5. That evening Craig and I decided at the last minute to run down to a local church for their Christmas Eve Service - a lovely little church with traditions unfamiliar to us – communion was done by tearing off a bit of bread and dipping it in a communal cup of wine. Still, it was very nice to be out at midnight and recognize our Savoir at the beginning of His Day –
6. Christmas Day we headed over to attend church with my sister and her family and enjoyed singing familiar tunes and joined in communion in the good ‘ole Baptist way – lol. Love what their preacher said about God loving us SO MUCH that He would squeeze into an earthly body just to show us his love – by giving the ultimate sacrifice. [AND – it was a treat to hear our nephew playing drums – what a great job!!]
7. Then it was home to have some of that left-over prime rib with freshly made garlic mashed potatoes – yum – and to unpack the car so we can do it all again next weekend – lol [well, we’ll only be gone one day next weekend to celebrate with my family, and we have a full week of work and activities between now and then -]
8. We’ve also had a house full of kids a couple of nights this week – and we love that actually – SO GLAD they helped us finish off the sweets we had made!! So glad the youngest and his friends still feel comfortable hanging at our house -
9. And yesterday Craig was up early to go duck hunting [he brought some home to cook – eek!] and I just had a lazy day of catching up with friends on the internet and television watching and knitting – getting ready for the new year -
10. – do y’all enjoy opening a new calendar as much as I do?

PS- Be watching for a fun blog hop coming January 7th - with lots of ideas on how to use your 'vintage' [haHAha] scrapbook tools and other supplies!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Been about as sick as I’ve been in years these last few weeks and finally, Sunday evening, it was enough to make me schedule an appointment with my doctor – luckily they worked me in pretty quickly [without the usual waaaaaaaaait] and after a few days on meds I’m feeling back to my ‘normal’ self again – well, almost. BETTER, for sure.
   
2. Good news - Mom is home and doing well. SO HAPPY she’s living where she feels secure and has people she trusts to help her when she needs it -
3. I made Knock You Naked brownies [used those new caramel chips – DON’T. It’s just not as good – still yummy though!] And red velvet Cake Balls – dipped in white almond bark with red & green sprinkles [thanks to my sweetie for helping me dip them up!] And Mama’s Chocolate fudge – tastes like hers, still, it’s not as firm as I’d like, but I’m so not a fudge eater that I’m not sure how firm it really should be – lol [and I’m VERY UNHAPPY with the marshmallow cream people for cutting an ounce out of the jars they sell these days – don’t they know we don’t want to measure?!?!]
4. Recipes on the tab above, eventually – lol. I’m not sure I’m loving those tabs – but I really haven’t had time to explore and fill them as I’d like to – [Cake Balls: bake a cake mix and crumble with a tub of frosting, roll into balls and refrigerate, dip in melted almond bark or candy coating - add sprinkles.]
   
5. I spent the day at Lowe Mill on Saturday – and came home with about a third less of the stuff I took – yay!! Another artist came by and whispered in my ear that I was selling too cheap – but my goal is not $$$ [I paint / create for the fun of it] – my goal is to not take it home – so, goal met. Even one of my favorite big girls [out front] went home to be gifted to someone - love it.
6. Lowe Mill is a fun, eccentric place. You see ALL KINDS of people there – and it’s always nice to come home with a freshly baked loaf of Fred Bread. [Cranberry-Walnut is delish.]
7. AND I finished Christmas Stocking Number 1 – it’s not perfect, but handmade never is, is it? I’m sure the next one will be better…
8. Working on other crafty things now – this is a quick one that I’ve already shared on FaceBook [come on over and ‘friend me!’] – little glass jars available at Hobby Lobby [mine came from Old Time Pottery] and little clips of winter goodness [spruce – bird – berries] - $1 each at The Dollar Tree [the jars have a ‘handle’ on the lid so these clipped right on,] and big golden jingle bells tied to the jar [The Dollar Tree - $1 for nine of them] Fill with Chex Mix – that, yes, I bought. - And you have some cute little gifts in no time at all.
9. Craig and I visited a different church this past Sunday – a little [of what we call] high-churchy, kind of a cross of Baptist and Methodist [the pastor and choir director wore robes.] Different, but nice, and special too.
10. And finally, I’ve sure been enjoying a local radio station [Lite 96.9] that plays non-stop Christmas music from Thanksgiving until Christmas day – love it – fun songs and spiritual ones too – helps keep me in the mood for Christmas - I’ll catch you on the flip side – Merry Christmas everyone!

Ten on Tuesday

1. First of all – Mom is doing so well - she is still having some little episodes of aphasia but they don’t last long and she has a good sense of humor about it all. We’re all really praying and hoping that the change in meds will prevent another stroke [mini or otherwise!] from occurring.
2. Also, please keep one of my aunts in your prayers – she’s scheduled to have a double mastectomy on her 80^th birthday in a couple of weeks. She also has a wonderful sense of humor about it all and is hoping this radical move will prevent any further needed treatment.
3. I don’t have a ton of news to share this week – Craig has been duck hunting a few more times. They always give them away to others who are willing to clean and eat them – I’m not sure I would even know what to do with duck – but I’m sure there’s plenty of recipes available on the web -
4. And Emma chased her first RABBIT – it was as big as she was. It would be hilarious if it or some of the squirrels in our yard decided to turn and chase her like Pauly does. Pauly, but the way, is One. Giant. Marshmallow. Now that he’s fluffed out for winter – all 15 pounds of lean, [not so] mean, machine of him. LOL.
5. I participated in an ornament swap with some of my Spark Sistas and had a lot of fun creating a fun little sparkly ornament [above] and went ahead and made a few more as well -
6. And I’ve continued to knit some – it’s so relaxing to me, but at the same time I can become so consumed with a project that I can’t get it out of my mind – at all. If you couple that with concern about my mom I’ve not slept very well most of the week so I’ve had to Step. Away. From the Knitting. – But just for a couple of days – haHAha, I can’t put it down for long.
7. I’ve got a couple of other crafty [dare I say, jewelry] projects I need to get started on before Christmas Day.
8. And news on The Tinsel Trail – our schedule hasn’t quite allowed us to get by there – and I so want to do this since I now know that seeing them from 11 floors above doesn’t do them justice. [Photos from The Huntsville Times – I work on the top floor of the yellow building to the left -]
9. My staff meeting in Montgomery was cancelled for this week – we had a phone conference instead, not quite the same, but we still accomplished the meeting goals. It’s good and bad – Good = I really didn’t want to be so far away from Mom this week, and Bad = I have a dirty santa gift and no one to play the game with, and I missed getting hotel points – lol.
10. And lastly -. I had my hair cut this week - I think it may be the first time since I had to tell the stylist to, " put the scissors down, no REALLY. Put. The. Scissors. Down." I do a decent job of trimming it up, but it's nice to have a professional [?] do it once every couple of years - lol. And while the 1/2 inch I asked to be taken off somehow turned into TWO inches - I'm okay with it, it's a nice shape and the grown out bangs blend in nicely ---
    

Ten on Tuesday

Note: I really meant for this to go up late Tuesday night [and will still post it to show on Tuesday, even though it's more than a few days later] but life happens. Please keep my mom in your prayers - she had a little mini stroke this week and is working through some things [a tiny bit of aphasia, and a lot of knowing it could happen again at any time...]

1. First let me say that I'm more than a little sad that I now have to moderate comments, but I've had some crazy ones showing up with links to not so nice places -- Be patient with me as I remind myself to check them each day.
2. As a result I'll probably be commenting on comments in the comment section. Does that work for ya'll?It will probably be more timely this way ---
3. I finished up the Christmas decor - and switched things up a bit, love that most everything coordinates enough to move from room to room. This little snowman nativity is usually in the bathroom - the one awaiting the re-do - so I put it on the table in the dining / living area with a pedestal of ornaments and the jingle bell wreath above. Love that I can combine a little whimsy with the True Reason for the Season.
4. Note - the basket holds past December albums and other mini albums, the giant glass apple is a favorite of mine that moves around the house, the copper kettle is from my mom's house - they'd save their silver in it and rotate giving it to the gr-sons when it was full - it's Matt's now, and if you look closely you can see our big nativity set on the table opposite this one - my cousin made it for me YEARS ago - still love it. I'll do a little post later on and show all my simple Christmas decor -
   
5. Saturday I cropped with friends and we enjoyed a yummy meal together [the green bean casserole in the crockpot WORKS] and then did our tag swap - such beautiful tags! Thanks to everyone who participated!! And we played Dirty Santa - love the crafty stuff I came home with!
6. That evening Craig and I attended the "Keep Christmas Alive" concert - we've gone a couple of years in the past - and it's just THE BEST way to start the Christmas season -
   
7. And an added bonus was that they had Larnelle Harris as the featured entertainer. WONDERFUL. You might remember that THIS is one of my all-time favorite Larnelle songs - not so Christmas-y, so he didn't sing it - but he was great all 'round!
8. I finally decided to bite the bullet and JUST. DO. IT. -- Knit a Christmas stocking, that is - I know it's far from perfect but I've enjoyed it [LOVE TO KNIT -SO RELAXING] so I'll work on some things and the next one will be better [and hopefully the next next one will be even better - lol.] But I have to remind myself that not everyone cherishes a heirloom stocking - as seen in a recent Goodwill excursion - kind of sad, isn't it?
   
9. This week I've watched outside my window [at work] as more than a hundred Christmas trees were put up in the park [I think there's close to 200, but am not sure-] and decorated throughout the week - I've seen them lit from afar, but almost think they're prettier in the daylight - I'll try and get some photos before the month is out.
10. Late in the week we had a last minute opportunity to sit in on a broadcast of The Rick and Bubba Show. I've listened to this radio show since the early 90s - just good, funny, God-loving guys. So it was fun to see how they pull it all together [and to know that Bubba and Craig played pingpong in-between "on-air" times. LOL - Yes, they have a pingpong table in the studio.] - Much thanks to Allison the Intern [so sorry I can't remember your "on-air" name] who is a good friend of my brother's and worked it all out for us to be there.

Ten on Tuesday

1. This has been One. Long. Week. It feels like we’ve packed two or three weeks of stuff into it – but it’s all good. [Really Good. – We. Are. Blessed.]
2. Emma Lou [aka Squiggles] went to The Shoals with us on Saturday and Sunday and even though she wasn’t out and about with all the activity -- she was worn out and went straight to bed when we got home Sunday evening – lol. We wanted to also! But stayed up to watch The Amazing Race – which came on MUCH later than usual due to the ballgames [Live! – no dvr – weird.] This is her new winter parka - lol
3. It was a short work-week for me and I enjoyed having Wednesday at home to just ‘be’ with the youngest a bit and make Craig’s favorite cake. We also went to the visitation for friend’s mother that afternoon. What a gift they gave her when they brought her home to their house since she did not want to pass away in the hospital.
4. Thursday we hated for our moms to be alone so Craig, youngest, and I drove over to The Shoals to have dinner and a little visiting time with each of them. We had a semi- celebration for his birthday that night when we enjoyed a bowl of that yummy cake together!
5. I also braved the ‘Black Friday’ sales to run down to Sam’s to pick up a skinny ‘pull-up’ Christmas tree – and I’ll concede that it’s not half as beautiful as my post-prison Martha Stewart tree that is GORGEOUS but is heavy as a log-wagon and takes up a ton of space [we all know her best designs have been since that time.] Photo taken with my camera - not the best , but you get the idea of the size and shape -
6. I had the new one up and lit [all by myself!] in about 15 minutes [yay!] and I think once it’s decorated it will be beautiful in a different way.
7. We had our family dinner that afternoon and I have to say that I love Aunt Betty’s Sausage Dressing – DELISH. We also had salad with cranberries and walnuts, roasted chicken, green bean casserole, veg-all casserole, mac & cheese, and pumpkin roll to end the meal – so good. I love to cook when I have lots of un-hurried time to do it [Recipes on the tab above.]
8. Saturday we went back to the Shoals [minus youngest who went ‘home’ to AU for The Game – exciting to be a part even when we know the expected outcome] to be with Craig’s extended family and enjoy a non-traditional – YUMMY meal of enchiladas with all the fixin’s, layered dip, and chocolate and pecan pies. Again, delish. Spent the evening visiting together. The next day his sister was taken to the ER where she was treated and released for complications of her illness. Please join us in prayer that she can have continuous days of wellness.
9. And Sunday we were supposed to be together with my extended family – but alas, they all had the crud and couldn’t make it [we’re extra careful about exposing Mom to any wayward germ.] And since she didn’t feel great herself we sent oldest and his gal on home and gathered Christmas decor from the house to take to her apartment. She was able to eat some crackers and soup while we were there decorating her door with the candles [big and plastic] that have been a part of their Christmas décor since the first gr-son was born. So sweet to carry on traditions even when circumstances change [I know the photo is horrible - but I just cropped one down form a photo of a scrapbook page - lol. I'll find a print and scan it in later -]
10. Before heading home Craig and I enjoyed a very relaxing [birthday -?] meal at our favorite place in the area – we were so hungry by that time that I ate my entire meal [and I’ve never – ever done that there.] I always get the Chicken Ricatoni – grilled chicken with goat cheese, steamed veggies, and garlic mashed potatoes – yum. It was nice to have some unhurried time to re-group together before our upcoming work-week; a good way to end our very busy week…

Ten on Tuesday

1. The week started with travel to Montgomery for staff meeting. I chose to not spend the night – making it a 14 hour work day – yippee. And of course it was a rainy messy day – Craig and I have decided that we can almost predict the weather based on the days I plan to travel. LOL.
2. And the next day was a little worse with storms south of us for most of the day. I had a little ‘come-a-part’ when I couldn’t reach the youngest after hearing of the tornado in Auburn . I’d talked with him minutes before and he was in a basement at the BCM where he lives [so much safer than the 3^rd floor apartment they lived in before – although, I did love that little apartment.] And finally reached him afterwards to learn that all was well. [Thankfully, no lives lost, although there was substantial damage in some of the student trailer parks.]
3. Craig and I went to Turkey Toss the next morning – had a lazy [comp-time using] morning with my favorite sausage and tomato biscuit and then we went on over to hang-out with the boys of the show – and watch people toss those frozen turkeys! It was fun to see some of the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff that goes into a radio show [I'm not sure this photo is fixable -lol.]
4. And low and behold later in the week a former pastor said hello to me while walking past me in Wal-Mart – this is the same pastor who would walk right past me over and over [and over again] and never even give me a nod when I was a member of his church – in a teaching position with Craig as substitute music director. Go figure. I’ve always tried to be benevolent and say that he’s just not an extrovert – but still….
5. I worked on my little ‘30 Days of Thankfulness’ book this week – made from a hardbound library book I picked up a thrift store [with 30 numbered pages, how fun is that?!?] I put some pumpkin paper down on the front, painted the edges, and then finally decided to try this iron-on [for fabric] that I’ve had for a while – and it worked well enough. Used alpha –stickers for the title. I’ll try and remember to share photos of the inside before the end of the month.
6. It’s been an honor to prayfully walk along side some close friends who said good-bye to a loved one this week. It’s always hard – even when it’s not unexpected. Please keep them in your prayers in the coming days and weeks. LOTS to take care of. Love you guys.
7. Had a routine doctor’s visit this week, took care of some insurance requirements [whew!] and talked about some things that need to be scheduled during the new year. I’m ready for it. [Nothing serious – I’ll share more later on.]
8. Youngest is home and we enjoyed the traditional $1 Night Sushi with oldest and his gal. Nothing says family time like raw fish – lol.
9. I went to Lowe Mill Saturday to sell my wares. Surprised to find that there were less vendors than the last time I was there. And I LOVE my new cart to carry things in /out on my own. – Also still love the set-up that my sweetie designed for me using old shutters.
10. Today is the last work-day of the week for me as we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving – it’s a favorite holiday for me – with the only expectation being to enjoy family time. And THAT we will – lots of traveling over the next few days. And cooking, something I really do enjoy when I’m not rushed to get it done. Hope you all have a wonderful day – remember your blessings – the greatest one being our Savor who loved us enough to provide redemption.
    

Ten on Tuesday

1. It was mostly just a normal week for us – temps are cold and warm, like a southern ‘fall’ should be. I harvested the last of the peppers and gave them away. Still have some tomatoes ripe on the vine as I type this, and am contemplating if I should try to save the last basil plant that’s still living by bringing it inside for the winter [LOVE the idea of fresh basil through out the winter – caring fro the plant, not so much.] Brought the bougainvillea in and hoping it can winter over inside…enjoying these little mums that I planted last year…
2. I’ve had this urge to do a cartwheel for a few weeks now – strange? Perhaps. [Many] years ago my sister and I made a semi-pack that we’d do a cartwheel every year on Thanksgiving – but who can remember the last time that happened? Still. I kept thinking, I want this 50+ year old woman to give it a try – thinking that I’d probably break a leg or something… so one evening this week when I was out in the backyard with EmmaLou I just went for it.
3. Wow. Wasn’t expecting the WRISTS to be weak. Ha. I made it all the way through, but, wow, the wrists hurt. LOL. And sadly, that may be the last cartwheel this old woman ever does. SO glad I didn't break my wrists.
   
4. We went down to see our city’s new veteran’s memorial after church on Sunday – it’s so very nice and respectful. Gives a great history of the USA ’s defense of our freedom and honors those from our area who have lost lives fighting for our country.
5. Enjoyed dinner with good friends on 11-11-11. So fun. We’ve tried to get together each year on these ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ dates. But as life has gotten busier we’ve missed a few years. [Missed our boys – had them text me a photo at 11:11 a.m.]
6. Here’s a quick [?] run-down: 01-01-01 – Disney; 02-02-02 – bowling; 03-03-03 – Pizza Hut; 04-04-04 – picnic on the mountain; 05-05-05 – Cinco de Mayo potluck; 06-06-06 – cook out; 07-07-07 – The Melting Pot; 08-08-08 – we moved both boys to Auburn; 09-09-09: who knows? I have one photo taken that day of a scrapbook frame I completed and other photos that month included Drew's birthday and mine and Craig's trip to the sunflower field; 10-10-10 – Mentone antiquing; 11-11-11 – Macaroni Grill; and 12-12-12 –? We’re hoping to do a progressive dinner all together – but we’ll see what the next year has planned for us.
7. Cropped with friends on Saturday – so thankful that I have a group close-by to get together with regularly. And it’s so fun that we’re different in lots of ways and yet still find so much in common while sharing this love [addiction - ?] of paper crafting. And I say that because everyone had different projects to work on – cards, and mini-books, and vinyl lettering on glass jars [fun!] and scrapbook pages, – and I finished up 24 tags for a swap [did two pages too!].
8. I’m taking a couple of on-line classes right now – I always think its great to try new things. One is [wet] felting which is so fun, but I’m not sure I have the patience for it – lol. Still – I’m loving the projects, the flowers in particular. The other is a Christ-based creativity / art class. I’ve done one painting from that class that I’m happy with, but I love the way it stretches my thought process. And Craig and I worked on a little ‘trophy’ project for a friend at work who’s retiring; should be fun – we enjoyed putting it all together.
9. I’m also enjoying discussing Mama’s homework with her as I type it up for the class she’s attending [via DVD] – ‘Jesus and The Gospels” with Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson from Yale and Emory Universities . Love seeing her involved in so many things in her new community.
10. And lastly, praying for so many I know who are dealing with illness – their own, and that of their loved ones. Praying God’s peace will be felt as they walk through these days.
    

Ten on Tuesday

1. LOVING this fall weather! And I’ll surely miss the view from my office once we’re moved to the new building!
2. And I so enjoy having time to [just] sit out on our patio [at home] to enjoy God’s creation.
3. I took some time this week to get all the scrappy – creative stuff unpacked and sorted [for give-away] and put away. Between the two events in October – there was a lot of STUFF.
4. And I’m taking two on-line classes right now so I also have a lot STUFF out for works-in-progress. I’ll share them soon.
5. Soooo happy to report that little Emma Lou has [for the most part] gotten the hang of house-training. Something just clicked during the weekend she traveled with us to Atlanta. Sooooo happy to have the doggie gates down. [Of course – she’s crated when we’re not home.]
   
6. It’s hard to believe that there’s only a few weeks left in 2011 – in some ways it seems like it’s gone in a flash and in others, it seems time has lingered on. I usually pre-post the monthly quotes when I work out / town in January – and there’s only one pending now. Wow.
7. So I’m making plans for blog changes for 2012. I want to be mindful about my posts. One category I’m hoping to add: family heirlooms. As we’ve been going through things in Mama’s house it’s clear that the BIG things aren’t always the most meaningful.
8. Sooo fun to have youngest and his gal home for the weekend – love that our boys enjoy spending time together. And this is another one of Craig’s toys that he’s enjoying tinkering with –
9. We enjoyed a nice steak dinner before THE GAME on Saturday – and I made this little dish to go along with it. YUM-eee. It was an attempt to be healthy, but then we finished the meal with these. LOL. Warning: Apple Dumplings should only be made when you have a group of people to share them with –
10. And lastly, I must say once again, how thankful I am for multi-symptom cold meds – lol. It reduces the swelling and takes care of clearing the sinuses all in one [well two] little pill[s]. Yay. Because of them [and the zyrtec I take nightly] I have not been to the doctor since January –

Ten on Tuesday

1. In the past 14 days I’ve been away from home for nine days - in five states and traveled [most of the day for] six days – and I’ll admit – I’m VERY HAPPY to have a week with no out / town things on the calendar!
2. The travel’s all been for good things [well, one day was work related-] and as you know I had a blast in Utah – but also enjoyed seeing family in Knoxville as one of the youngest members of our family celebrated his 6^th birthday.[Photo taken by his mom-]
   
3. We also decided to carry-over a work trip into a quick overnight in Atlanta to pick up THE BATHROOM SINK. Guess which one we got? [Hint – it’s been discontinued and we had to get it quick!] We also enjoyed a delish meal at a favorite place – Pappadeux – where Craig had craw-fish ettouffe’ and I had the most delicious cheese grits – ever!
4. We took EmmaLou along and we both agree she won’t be a constant traveling companion – but she did SO WELL – it made us very happy.
5. LOVED seeing the beautiful fall colors as we traveled –
6. Had time with my sweet Mama on Sunday as we went over to ‘help’ her sort through some of her clothes [in quotes because my sister did most of the helping there-] and gathering of things from the house. Mom has never been one to hold on to things – but there’s still lots of ‘stuff’ to make decisions about.
7. We’ve decided to finalize some of those when all the gr-sons are there for Thanksgiving. There’s already a ‘for sale’ sign up in the yard – change is hard, but good too.
8. Missed the mark on my goal of completing the HUGE mixed media project for the oldest – I had hoped to have it done by the end of the month – it’s SO CLOSE – lol. Hopefully I’ll be sharing photos of it NEXT week.
9. But THIS ONE is coming home for the weekend, so who knows – yay. [Yes - the kangaroo -]
10. Can you believe the holiday season is fast approaching? [It happens every year – lol] The cooler weather we’re having is really helping to set the mood!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I’ve had a really enjoyable week that started when I hopped out of bed at 4:30 Wednesday morning, drove to Nashville, and caught a plane to Utah –
2. You may have noticed those USA Today articles that tagged our little town as the most expensive in the US to fly in / out – so it’s worth the drive [and parking] to fly out of Nashville – although, we’ve been known to get a deal now and then down our way…
3. It was an adventure since it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve traveled so far alone. Craig was doing his own thing with some fishing buddies and would have been left on his own for HOURS if he’d gone with me, so it worked out okay – we’d plan things a little differently if we had it to do over… but we both had fun [I’ll share more on my reason for going in a few -]
4. LOVED seeing the first glimpse of mountains when we were about 160 miles out of Denver – whether I’m driving or flying – they always look like clouds on the horizon when I first see them… LOVED that they had snow on them already!
5. And I love Utah. Some may [or may not] know that I went to school out there my freshman and sophomore years – I can still sing most of the Cougar Fight Song [Rise and Shout! The Cougars are out and on their way to fame and glory…] so it will always be a special place to me. Would I want to live there? Maybe, -- probably not - but I do love being there on occasion!
   
6. My first stop was IKEA – and I wanted to BUY so many things but had to keep weight [for luggage] in mind… I did pick up some of those cute pedestal photo frames… but I was really there to look at the bathroom sinks again to make a final decision on what I want for our [ever] upcoming re-do. And while I took photos of three different bases I’m still undecided… the sink-top is for sure the Lilla’ngen because it’s only 16 inches deep --- love it. Which do y’all prefer? One - Two [different sink - but I love the base] - or Three -
7. I shopped a little on Thursday, but am so NOT a buyer that I only picked up a new purple scarf. [Oops – can’t say that – I *DID* pick up a few things at the Deseret Industries Thrift Store!] And I sure enjoyed driving up [& down] State Street from American Fork to Orem . I shouldn’t be surprised to see how whole communities have overtaken the farms and rural areas... I can remember getting a speeding ticket out on I-15 near Lehi [years ago] and having to go to someone’s HOUSE to pay for it – now Lehi is a little city of its own. Wow.
8. I stayed near what used to be the only Orem exit [near Utah Lake ] – now Orem ’s expanded northward so that there are 3 or 4 exits – lol. It was nice to be near University Mall and things that are still familiar – drove down the hill to Provo, out the canyon a bit, around by our church [and noticed that the Community Church that served us non-Mormons dinner on First Sunday evenings is still there,] and had lunch at In and Out – oh my! I’d forgotten how truly GOOD that place is!!
9. I was sad to see that the [really] old Provo Tabernacle looked like it was being torn down – I always thought that was such a beautiful building – and that each time I visit there are more modern buildings being built in the little downtown area, and I have to say that I’m still a little disturbed to see a HUGE empty field where our dorms were, but there is still SO MUCH that is the same around campus. And mostly, I just enjoyed being in the shadow of those wonderful mountains of Utah.
10. Starting Thursday evening the crazy – creative – artistic – extravaganza began. I was busy from early morning ‘til late at night soaking up all the goodness of Spark [3] – The Event. And then I was back on the road to the airport at 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning to see my sweetie. [And I saw a shooting star come over the mountains -] It was One. Great. Trip. FULL of creative goodness – I’ll share more in a few days – after I catch up on some sleep – lol! But I’ll leave you with this - It's so FUN to attend artsy weekends where I can TRY new and different things –

Ten on Tuesday

1. I worked in Montgomery and Birmingham a couple of days this week [had the opportunity – lol- to attend a workshop from 5 – 7:30 one evening.] And we celebrated ‘Bosses’ Day a bit early – gave them some HUGE mums [so gorgeous!] from the Montgomery Farmer’s Market [downtown.] This is such a fun place to browse through – check it out if you’re ever there! But be careful if you’re hungry – those caramel cakes and fried pies will call your name!
2. Did the Ghost Walk downtown on Friday evening – and let me say that I believe spiritual warfare is REAL [I’ve been in its midst and know firsthand how draining it can be!] but at the same time I can do the ‘pretend’ thing and enjoy a good ghost story now and then [afterall I was trained early with these stories being told by a kerosene lantern out in my MamaM's storm cellar!] – We *never* expected these little ghost walks to be sponsored and guided by people who are members of a ‘paranormal’ society and believe it’s all real… As a result we listened to the historic parts, enjoyed seeing the older homes up close, tuned out a lot, and just enjoyed being together with friends we’ve hung out with for the past 20+ years.
3. Okay – should I even talk about this here? When I was having my eyebrows done the other day I was persuaded to let her wax my upper lip and chin area too – I don’t have a lot of stragglers there – but I have a few that can drive me nuts [you younger girls will know what I speak of soon enough- lol] And the verdict is still out on whether I’d do it again – I think I notice a few little pimples – small and barely noticeable -- this week [in-grown hairs maybe?] Have any of you done this? What did you think?
4. I’m still picking peppers and tomatoes! And basil! Enjoyed a fresh pasta sauce one evening this week. Yum.
5. I also enjoyed a day of crafting on Saturday with ‘Scrapping for a Cure’ – a charity event for cystic fibrosis. Watching Rachel [the event coordinator] watch the video about her little girl who is diagnosed with CF always brings tears to my eyes. What a burden this young family bears knowing the reality of CF and hoping desperately for a cure within their child’s lifetime. She works tirelessly to get everything donated for these events so that every dollar that is given goes directly to CF. Go HERE to see this sweet video and contact Rachel about donating –
6. I was there for about 12 hours and only completed 2 pages and a couple of cards on my own – lol! We had lots of cool classes and I did a couple of cards, some embossing [fun!], a mosaic layout [tedious, but I *may* give it another try-], and the cutest little notebook during those! But I mostly worked on THIS – it’s a part of the HUGE piece of art I’m working on for Drew’s living room. I hope to have it completed and ready to share with you by the end of the month!
7. Sunday afternoon I did some straightening and cleaning and re-painting of the kitchen table – we’ve had what I call an old ‘farm table’ for 20+ years [LOTS of dents and marks from being used for anything and everything through the years – LOVE IT.] We painted it black a few years back – and who knows why, the kind of paint, maybe – but it’s been so yucky / sticky since then. And I was TIRED OF IT and wanted to take care of it on my own – got new paint – and I ‘think’ it worked. Yippee!! Time will tell…
8. Well now Craig has TWO new toys [but he’s such a savvy shopper that I can’t complain-] After some repairs he and Drew had a fun time checking them out on some trails – and came home with just a few adjustments planned.
9. I was so disappointed to find that the little diner on our courthouse square has closed. It’s been there since we moved to Huntsville and one of our earliest memories is stopping in after the Christmas Parade when Drew was two years old and having a homeless guy draw a beautiful Santa for him – I still have that drawing in a scrapbook somewhere –
10. Ahh – but life goes on, doesn’t it? Speaking of change – Mom called me the other day asking that I pick up an Auburn outfit for her. [What?!?!] She’s never been one to follow football – but apparently her new group of friends all dress to show their allegiance to another team each Saturday and she wants to show her support for the school her grandsons attend[ed.] FUN.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I had a couple of early mornings working out of town this week - and so enjoyed the gorgeous view of the foggy lakes and mountains as I drove. I love living in our little neck of the woods!
2. I'm still picking tomatoes and peppers from the garden and had time to give the back yard a good clipping - wondered if this was the last cut of the season? - I love the mindless task of mowing lawn, where it forces me to slow down a bit, and has built-in time to think about things...
3. Craig and I had a 'dinner and movie' night one evening - ate at The Olive Garden - the new mushroom sauce is so delicious and watched Soul Surfer and something with Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson [How Do You Know - maybe?.] Good, in different ways...
4. And I worked on some blog posts for the coming weeks. AND one day I wasn't on the computer AT ALL until the evening - nice.... [I sometimes think I spend a little too much time just surfing through when I could be using that time in better ways. It's not that computer time is BAD - it's just not always THE BEST.]
5. I enjoyed being a part of the Artist Market at Lowe Mill Saturday afternoon. It's a free venue that promotes local artists. I wanted to check it out since I hope to participate several times before Christmas. And while Craig helped me get in and set up - I was able to get it down and out in two quick trips just using my rolly cart.
6. It's such a fun place - a renovated [cotton-?] mill with these HUGE windows letting in wonderful light throughout! And let me just say that it's a different community than I usually hang out with [are these *real* artists? - some of you know what I'm talking about] but fun, still!
7. I was complaining about my [drive-thru] breakfast one morning this week [honestly, I only drive-through a few mornings a week - lol] - it took them an few extra minutes to get it to me, and it was 10c more than the regular price, and the bacon was curly - not flat [I get bacon and egg on toast] - then Craig reminded me that our immigration law had gone into effect the day before....
8. Hey! what do you think is fast becoming my new favorite color? I happened to notice one afternoon as I was getting ready to leave the office - ha... even the clip board matches.
9. It was a 'long' weekend for us and I enjoyed having time to 'play' too - I worked on the BIG piece that's still covering our dining room table, I got all of Halloween out - and made a few new little things [will post more on that in a few days] and played with photos too - a big THANK YOU to all our boys' friends who so generously post photos of them on Face Book. This Scrapbooking Mama loves you.
   
10. Lots going on in the next few days - my minds' whirling with things that need to be done - and I know I won't meet all of my self-imposed deadlines, but at least I will have a plan - let the list making begin!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Okay – finally! A ‘normal’ week where I was ‘mostly’ in town… my sinus cold is ‘mostly’ gone, and I’m loving this ‘mostly’ cooler weather! Love {{LOVE}} fall in the South with mornings in the 50*s and afternoons in the 80*s! We’ve added extra quilts to the bed, but we haven’t turned on the heat yet!
2. Enjoyed dinner with oldest and his gal friend. They’ve been to Disney with a group of friends – and I’ll admit, I’m a little jealous…
3. My regular scrapping group held a 24 hour crop and my hat’s off to those who met this goal! I never intended to stay up all night – I made it ‘til midnight and then went back for a bit Saturday afternoon. And I completed a total of THREE pages – ha.
4. But I did a little clean-out of my ‘basic tool kit’ and found MY FAVORITE STAMP that I’ve not seen since a class I took in 2009 and have secretly been accusing class mates [or worse, the teacher who complimented it] in my head for taking it… whoa.
5. THANK YOU LORI for showing me how to use the Close To My Heart circuit cartridge – which choices to make to get the shapes I want. I’ve printed off the guide sheets and copied them on transparent overlays so I can easily use it. [Again, thank you!]
   
6. I attended the free [pressure cooking] class at Williams-Sonoma Sunday afternoon. It’s really more of a product demo – Craig had purchased a little pressure cooker a few weeks back from one of his favorite discount stores so I found it interesting to see how these new ones work. They’re sure different from the one my mama has!
7. And I tried a new craft this week – jewelry. I’m doing a pin swap with some girls before an event later in the month and I’ve never done anything like this before. So here’s what I did: I found some earrings on sale and took them apart and built a pin from them [glued the pin back on the largest part.] It’s two of my favorite colors and since it’s made from earrings I went ahead and made two. Still debating if I’ll buy some alcohol ink to spiff it up a bit more. – I’ll share photos soon!
8. By the way speeder in my parking garage – I don’t appreciate the beep-beep you gave me as I was TWO STEPS from the building’s entrance – not my responsibility to get out of YOUR way – SLOW DOWN.
9. And I’ll admit I’m listening to the Michael Jackson doctor trial on XM radio on my way home each day – VERY INTERESTING. I believe he’s guilty of something – just not sure what I would convict on yet… what do y’all think?
10. And finally, I got the Halloween décor out – I’ll show you more later in the month -