Collector at Heart

THEY'RE ENGAGED!!

2011-09-25T00:25:00.003-05:00

I couldn't be happier and this is why.......

You see, my youngest son is home from Afghanistan for 15 days of R & R and on his second day back home, he surprised his girlfriend of 8 years. It was her 22nd birthday, she had no idea he was home on R & R. Once she recovered from that surprise, surrounded by family and friends, he got down on one knee and proposed!!! He actually waited until we were finished with dinner before he did the proposing. We figured if he proposed before dinner, she wouldn't be able to eat!

Now, my family and I have had a tremendous amount of sadness over the last 6 months (I'll post about that later) and it's nice to know that there is still joy to be had in this world.

I really couldn't be happier!

I love her like I love my only daughter!

My son couldn't envision his life without her. His deployment made that very clear for him!

Kale and Kacey.....I love you both very much and my hope for you both is nothing less than a lifetime of happiness!

JOYFULLY,

Cindy

Hard to say Goodby...

2011-02-20T11:49:00.005-06:00

It was a wonderful ceremony!!

Farewell ceremony to honor 45th

Weekend Fun!

2011-02-20T08:21:00.004-06:00

This is probably the last time that Keira and Jaden and will get to see their Uncle Kale for a year or so...you see he leaves next Saturday to prepare for his deployment to Afghanistan. I'm still not sure of his exact schedule - I think that is what selective amnesia is for!!! He'll be home for 3-4 days the end of March, for sure, and then we are hoping for a few days the first part of May, that I'm not sure of. And then, he will be in Afghanistan sometime in June...this mother's worst nightmare come true!
So...this weekend has been all about family, fun and food!
Uncle Kale promised to take Jaden fishing.

And this was their first catch of the day!! By the look on Jaden's face I don't think that he is quite sure about wiggly and slimmy~!
And then Keira had fun with her Uncle Kale chasing Jaden. Her little legs couldn't ever catch her big brother so Uncle Kale had to help. He hoisted her on his shoulders and the chase was on! She laughed so hard you couldn't help but laugh too!

I just love this picture!!

Right after this picture was taken Auntie Erin and I went home to start dinner. On the menu, Hillbilly Spaghetti! This has become one of my family's favorites!
Keira and Jaden spent the night to spend even more time with their Uncle Kale.

On the agenda today, Keira and I are going to make Uncle Kale cake balls!

Here's to the memories that will have to last us a year!

Hugs,

Cindy

2011-02-13T15:09:00.003-06:00

Since tomorrow is the 14th....and

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Large Oklahoma National Guard Deployment

2010-08-21T23:45:00.005-05:00

Large Oklahoma National Guard Deployment

What I've been dreading....
My youngest son is being deployed to Afghanistan!
Here is what we know so far:
He leaves March 2011 and returns March 2012.
Hugs,
Cindy

2010-08-16T21:38:00.002-05:00

My sweet mother turns 75 today!
I love you mom!
Big Hugs,
Cindy

2010-08-14T13:02:00.003-05:00

This is my week-end project!
Well.... at least I hope I can get it done this week-end!!
Take a look.
I found this wonderful old door.....

I'm going to crackle paint it and then weather/age it a bit!

I can't wait!

And then I can't wait to show you where it ends up and what else I have in store for it!

Here's to staying cool!

Hugs,

Cindy

2010-08-04T21:26:00.008-05:00

This past weekend the City of Edmond held its annual Krazy Daze sales - it's always the last weekend in July!
Now I love a good sale!
Even in this horrible heat wave that we are having I just had to get out to see what I could find!
I was excited when I found this little jewel tucked back in a corner with a few things stacked in front of it! Not to be deterred - I went for it!
It was only $15.99...less 20%!!!
Now, I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do with it or where I am going to put it...Go figure!
But I was thinking that it might be fun to decoupage some black and white pictures onto it!
Stay cool!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-10-31T10:07:00.009-05:00

Bottom line....
Drinking and Driving DON'T mix!!!
Right??!!
I thought that everyone knew that!!! Apparently someone didn't think that it applied to them.
Because....This is what I woke up to last night at about 12:30 a.m.

I had just gotten home probably 10-15 minutes before this happened. My Army Strong son had come home and we had just gotten home from visiting my Air Force son in the hospital - he'd had surgery - that's another story, believe me!

My head hadn't been on the pillow more than about 5 minutes when I heard - well, I wasn't sure what I had heard.

Son, I said, what was that?! No response. I wish I had had a weapon at that point because I was just tired enough to think "Was that a gunshot? OMG, someone is in my house and they got to my son first!" Well, I had no weapon, so I just went running into my son's bedroom which faces the street. He runs passed me yelling, they just took out the mailbox!!

He grabs my car keys and takes off! Then, I get worried! When we came home last night there was a house two blocks over that was obviously having a party. And I thought, what if the driver went back to the party, my son stops and confronts the driver and then they gang up on my son! So, I grab the closest thing which was a shovel (LOL!!) throw it in his car and take off so that I can rescue my Army Strong son (LOL even louder!!) I had just started down the street when my son passes me followed by the vehicle that hit our mailbox.

It was obvious to me that she had been drinking! My son was politely getting her insurance info and I think to myself - maybe, I should call the police. I was afraid that she would try and drive herself home and she was having trouble standing up at that point! Well, the bottom line, 5 police cars, handcuffs, a DUI, a tow truck - because her car was undriveable, there was radiator fluid everywhere, and an angry husband who had had to wake up their 2 year old daughter later......

The police said that she rounded this corner, there were no skid marks so she didn't even try and brake, she hit the curb and then my poor mailbox!

This is her vehicle and the damage to her car...you can see where the radiator fluid was pouring out!

A Toyota Highlander.

So, finally at 2:30 a.m. I made it back to bed!

Now, I wonder how hard building a mailbox is?!!?

Make no mistake...I am truly grateful that everyone walked away alive and well!

That's how my weekend started!

And yours?!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-09-22T06:56:00.003-05:00

First day of Autumn official starts in Oklahoma at 4:18 p.m. today!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-09-20T10:53:00.006-05:00

Guess where I am going to be on October 29th?
Here, I'll give you a hint...
That's right. The Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, is going to be in Oklahoma City for a book signing and I'm going! Stacey and Chery are you up for a little road trip!?!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-09-19T19:32:00.006-05:00

My son had drill this week-end and so I thought that I would have dinner ready for him when he got home. He hasn't had homemade spaghetti since he's been home from basic training and that's what he wanted. I also thought that I would surprise him with homemade rolls.
I just love this recipe!

And, typically when I make this recipe, I take half of the dough and make dinner rolls and the other half I make homemade cinnamon rolls!

OMG! They were so good! Just take a look!

Needless to say, my son just loved them!

Here's the recipe for Never Fail Rolls:

1 cup milk

2 packages yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup melted and co0led shortening

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

4 to 4 1/2 cups flour

Melted butter

Heat milk to lukewarm (110 degrees). Add yeast and let stand for 5 minutes.

Add salt, shortening, sugar and eggs and mix well.

Stir in flour, a bit at a time. The dough will be soft.

Set in a warm place, lightly covered, and let rise until doubled in size.

Shape as desired.

Bake in preheated 375-degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-09-17T05:37:00.007-05:00

This week for Vintage Thingies Thursday I thought that I would pay a tribute to our hostess Coloradolady and her love of bears! These four pieces are a part of my Royal Copley collection. The black and white pieces are rare and are always of more value. Isn't he cute with his little sucker! I just love their little faces!

And this little guy....

Now, I just have to share what I found at my favorite store - TJ Maxx - last night! So....obviously they are not vintage, but they look vintage!

Are they not just to cute! I fell in love with them immediately! And won't they just be even cuter with Fall M&M's in one and maybe candy corn in the other?!?

Well, this week my contribution was short and I hope sweet!'

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to go by and visit Coloradolady for more lovely vintage thingies!

Hugs,

Cindy

Spinach Dip!

2009-09-15T19:50:00.004-05:00

So....yesterday at work, we had a luncheon for someones birthday and one of the girls brought Spinach Dip. After I took the very first bite, I just knew that I had to have the recipe. Here's what's in it....
The recipe is super easy!
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 pkg. McCormick Spinach Dip
1 15 oz. jar Tostitos Spinach Dip
1 can artichokes -optional
1 can water chestnuts-optional

Top with extra Parmesan and Mozarella Cheese.
You can serve this hot or cold.
Now I haven't tried putting this under the broiler and eating it hot - but, I'm sure that melted cheese would be wonderful!
Open Wide.....

OMG! It is so good!

Now, I probably have the same Spinach Dip recipe that everyone else does that you have to use frozen spinach and squeeze out all the water. Really, this one is so much easier and just as good if not better!

O.K. so I have to go now - I think the dip is calling my name!!
Hugs,

Cindy

2009-09-13T11:58:00.008-05:00

O.K. so this is my second attempt to join in on Mary's Mosaic Monday - I think that I experienced some technical difficulties last week!
Of all of my Royal Copley pieces, the dogs are one of my favorites! The dog with his paw raised, the dog with the cello and the black and white dog in the center are probably the ones with the most value! That black and white dog in the center is actually a lamp base! I may even get brave one day and attempt to convert it back into a lamp - I hear that there are even kits out there for doing that!

Thanks for stopping by!
Any comments or suggestions as to how I could improve my mosaics are always welcome! This is only my second attempt at a mosaic. I am using Picasa 3 and I played a little more with some of its features! I enjoyed it even more this week!
Thanks Mary from Little Red House for hosting such a fun event!
For more mosaics - head on over and visit Mary's blog!
Hugs,
Cindy

Vintage Thursday!

2009-09-09T20:38:00.012-05:00

It's Thursday and that means it's time for everyone to get out their vintage treasures and head on over to visit Suzanne at Coloradolady and share!
This week, I thought that I would share what is inside my Hoosier style cabinet (mine is really made by Monarch). When you open up the top right set of doors you will find my set of Rosemary, Dutch Rose, amber depression glass. This was made by the Federal Glass Co. between 1935-1937. This was one of my very first purchases, at my very first auction years ago!

I just love the little berry and soup bowls!

Here is a closer look at the actual pattern.

Now at the bottom right of my cabinet there is a roll-top door that I keep open and display my Sandwich crystal dishes which was made by the Hocking Glass Co. from 1940-1964 and again in 1977. I just love those small tumblers!

Now here are a couple of pieces that reside behind the door where the flour sifter can be found, bottom, left. A canister/cookie jar and what I have always assumed was an ice bucket. I'm pretty sure that is a sterling silver, maybe, handle. Now once or twice a year I take all these dishes and throw them in the dishwasher and one year, much to my dismay, I dropped the lid to the ice bucket!! I was heart broken to say the least!!

These are just a set of 3 glasses that I bought at an antique store because I just fell in love with their vintage look!

Now I'm not really sure what these are. Dessert cups maybe?? But, I fell in love with their uniqueness as well. I'm not quite sure what the bottom is made of, but I turned one of the glass pieces over so that you can see how that little glass protrusion is made to fit inside that metal piece.

Now, I've never really used any of these pieces, but I sure do get immense pleasure from just looking at them!

Well, that's my vintage sharing for the week! Now I'm off to view more vintage treasures!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let's head on over to visit Coloradolady!

Hugs,

Cindy

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

2009-09-08T19:27:00.009-05:00

I have one last homage to summer!
This weekend we took my only 2 grandchildren to the local elementary school to fly a kite - they've never flown one before! Now, they were pretty excited, considering they had no clue what they were about to do!
O.K. Jaden - now hold this....
He hopes that he is doing it right!
Keira was wondering just what am I suppose to be doing?!
Poor Uncle Kale had to give up his sunglasses because 'Grandma, the sun keeps closing my eyes!'

Now, Uncle Nathan is quite the photographer! He was laying on his back behind Jaden to get these pictures! You can bet that I will be getting these developed at Wal-Mart. I just love how they turned out! And one of these days I'm going to figure out how to get that date stamp turned off!!

Uncle Nathan, am I doing this right? Is Spiderman high enough??

Keira had to have her turn. She just turned 3, so Uncle Nathan had to help. Now she flew the Spiderman kite, but she kept asking me where her Dora kite was?!? Do you think that I will still be able to find a Dora kite? Because you know that this grandma will be on the look out for one!

Of course, the kite excitement didn't last to long - because before we knew it they wanted to play on the playground!
It was amazing really. You see my oldest son who is 26 started at this school when it opened! Actually, all of my children attended this elementary school. The boys just kept saying that the playground just seemed so much bigger back then. Does time really change things all that much? It just seems like yesterday that I walked them onto that very playground for their first days of school. Really - it seems like just yesterday!

Hugs,

Cindy

Mosaic Monday!

2009-09-07T18:14:00.009-05:00

I'm participating in Mary's Little Red House Mosaic Monday for the very first time!
I hope that you can't tell, but really, this is my very first mosaic!
Oh, I struggled for sure! But, here is my finally product!

I guess that I am happy with my very first effort!
I hope that it gets easier and quicker!
Thanks for stopping by - and now I am on my way to visit other mosaics courtesy of Mary at Little Red House! I hope that you found this! I apologize for the mistake with the #55 post and taking you to an Aug. 24th Blue Monday post. OMG! - can you tell I'm still relatively new to all of this! I just saw my blog address and forgot that I had to change the URL address!! I tried to delete it and couldn't! Again, I apolgize!

Hugs,
Cindy

OSU FOOTBALL! GO POKES!

2009-09-07T15:15:00.014-05:00

Well, college football started this weekend and the Oklahoma State Cowboys played the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday in what was the most highly anticipated game in school history! And guess who won 24 to 10!?! The Cowboys did!!

Now I love a good football game, but what I love even more is the tail-gaiting that precedes the game! There were 3 families, 2 grills and numerous friends that wandered in and out - some to visit and some to grab a bite to eat! The menu this week included hamburgers, brauts, chips, BLT dip, baked beans, cookies, cake etc.! As always, there was more than enough!

The OSU campus is so beautiful! We tailgait right next to this wonderful pond and we love to watch all the people go by!

You see all sorts.....

Now here is my son, he's the one on the right! He plays the tenor saxophone and loves OSU football! He just finished his basic training in Georgia. His drill sergeants knew that he would be returning to school in Stillwater and he couldn't help but wonder if they watched the game and would they be able to pick him out on the field at half time by his militaristic marching ability? I'm sure son - LOL!!

My daughter just fell in love with this twirler! Now she thinks that because she is in high school color guard and can do rifles and sabers, in addition to flags, how hard could it be to learn how to twirl! Because, she wants to learn! Do people give twirling lessons? I'm looking for one!! Hey, son, can you hook me up with the twirler - maybe she gives lessons!!

And of course, when it was all over, some of the leftovers went to the geese! That is my daughter and one of my best friends in the whole world, Chery, from Chery's Apple Basket and she was hand feeding the geese, but then they would go after her cute footballs on her flip flops!

Well that is how I spent my Saturday! And needless to say by the time we got home - it was nap time!

Hugs,

Cindy

It's a Rooster Give Away!!

2009-09-03T21:39:00.004-05:00

A girl can never have to many roosters......right!?!
Jane over at Blondie's Journal is having an Ugly Rooster Giveaway! Sorry, I find this piece just adorable!
And.....

As you can see Karen over at A Heart Felt Living is also having a rooster give away!!
So, go and visit both of these precious blogs and join in the fun and good luck!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-09-02T20:48:00.006-05:00

It's Vintage Thursday over at Coloradolady and I love anything vintage!

I've already shared the possum belly cabinet that I have in my kitchen next to my Hoosier style cabinet, but I just want you to take a closer look.

Do you see the milk bottles and the tins between the bowls? And yes, you can bet that I will definitely be changing out my patriotic dish towels for my fall ones this week.

The girl scout tin I found when I was my daughter's brownie leader in grade school - she is now a senior in high school. I couldn't find a date on it. The orange drink tin - not really sure how long or when or where I found it, has a date of 1954!

And then there are the milk bottles! The one in front, Chickagami Dairy, is really special to me because it was given to my by my grandfather when I was a little girl. I treasure it so! The other two I have just picked up here and there. And no, I don't really use them for milk - that's just salt because from a distance it looks like milk!

So that is just a few of my favorite vintage items!

Now, let's head on over to visit Coloradolady and see what other vintage treasures we find!

Hugs,

Cindy

RANGER ROLL

2009-09-01T20:47:00.008-05:00

Now, I'm not talking the New York Rangers...
or a Ford Ranger...
not the Lone Ranger...
or the Texas Rangers...
not even a Power Ranger...
I'm talking Ranger Roll...Now what on earth, you ask, am I talking about?!?
Take a look...
This is how the Army folds a T-Shirt!
Now, this is how I have always folded my son's T-Shirts. I didn't think I did a half bad job!

Upon his return from basic training one of the first things he showed me was how he wanted his T-Shirts folded...Mom, you must Ranger Roll them...Son, I'm not in the Army...Mom...

Needless to say, he taught me how to Ranger Roll! I couldn't believe how compact you could get a T-Shirt!

Oh, I was getting good!!

Thank you my Army son! I always wanted to know how to Ranger Roll!! I thought I was going to get to roll with rangers - oh well!! LOL!!
My Army son acclimating back to college life!!!

GO ARMY! GO POKES!

First football game of the season is this weekend against Georgia!

You know we will be tail-gaiting! I can't wait!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-31T05:45:00.010-05:00

It's time for Blue Monday over at Smiling Sally's - and anything blue always makes me smile!
I thought that I would share a few of the signs that I have hanging throughout my house.
This Family Matters sign hangs above my mantle.
This Primitive and Antiques, the letters are blue, signs hang in my living room next to my curio cabinet with all my Boyd's Bears figurine collection. That gorgeous counted cross stitch picture was a Christmas gift from my mother a few years ago.

Hangs in my living room and is above the door to my kitchen.

This is on the opposite side.

This is in the eating area of my kitchen.

And finally, this sign hangs in my family room.

Well, that's just a few of the signs that I have hanging throughout my house. Now don't forget to go by Smiling Sally's for more beautiful blue-scapes!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-27T21:09:00.010-05:00

It's finally here.....Bella Vista's Rooster Party and I am joining in on all the fun!
Ain't nobody here but us chickens......ahhhh roosters I mean!
This rooster adorns my kitchen table.

These four pieces of Royal Copley sit on the ledge above my kitchen cabinets. I actually have a total of 55 different pieces that cover the entire ledge! I'll share those another day!

This gorgeous guy sits on top of my refrigerator!

This antique cabinet sits right next to my refrigerator and I use it as a pantry of sorts. I absolutely love my collection of roosters here!

Let's take a closer look....

The rooster and hen in the back I got somewhere in Colorado at a wonderful little gift shop. I really love that pair!!! Love the Fresh Eggs Sign - courtesy of Hobby Lobby!

Another view.

Well, I do have a few more, but I guess that I will save those for the next rooster party!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to go by Bella Vista's and visit the other party-goers! I'm on my way to do that very thing!
Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-27T19:53:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of clinicals!

You see, not only do I work full time....

I have a part time job as well - and it starts tomorrow!

I am adjunct faculty at a local college and I am responsible for the clinical experience of 8 second semester nursing students. The first 8 weeks we do med-surg and the second 8 weeks we do labor and delivery, postpartum and newborns - ahhhh....this is where my heart is!!! I love watching people become parents - that never, ever gets old!

I absolutely love, love, love working with the students! They remind me of why I wanted to be a nurse, cough out very loud....30 years ago~! I just love their enthusiasm! I love playing a part in their journey to becoming Registered Nurses!

Downside - 64 care plans to grade. Oh well, I even love a good care plan!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-26T19:51:00.006-05:00

Winter is an etching,
Spring a watercolor,

Summer an oil painting,

and autumn a mosaic of them all!

Stanley Horowitz

I'm ready for cool, crisp autumn air.

Soups that slow cook all day long, homemade bread!

Acorns, pumpkins and grandchildren that think that there is nothing better than to throw leaves in the air!

Friday night high school football games, cuddled under a blanket and drinking hot chocolate - Chery's ~Apple~ Basket that's for you !

Wearing sweaters.

A fire in the fire place and cookies in the oven!

I'm ready for fall y'all!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-25T20:56:00.007-05:00

O.K. so I have to do one last post on my son's graduation from Army basic training!
It was really a wonderful ceremony steeped in tradition - including the very soil on which they walked. This field was composed of soil from previous battlefields - Vicksburg, Normandy, Korea, etc.
After the Army band played a few patriotic, inspiring numbers - we began to see the smoke plumes in the distance!
The Drill Sergeant's were leading their men and advancing on the enemy! Believe it or not, that is my son, on the very left. He was one of only 2 in his platoon that was picked to participate in this part of the graduation ceremony!
To the left of us out of the woods we began to hear gun fire and what sounded like gernades or mortar fire!

I hope and pray in my heart of hearts that my son never has to do this for real!

He ended up right in front of us! We were sitting right on the front row!

He's showing the audience whatever that is on his back - you'd think that this army mom would remember what it is....Sorry, I was to busy trying not to cry and take pictures at the same time!

Really....hard to believe that is my son!

All of their equipment had already been turned in and so this equipment was all borrowed. He could tell that his helmet with night vision capabilities was crooked - but, he couldn't fix it!My son, a U.S. Army Soldier. A member of the Infantry! Blood before surrender or dishonor!

I am so proud of him!

At the time, it was hard not to think of all the soldiers that graduated that day.....how many of those young men would pay the ultimate price serving their country to protect the very freedoms that we are blessed with! It was a fleeting thought - because that day was a day of celebration!
My cup runneth over that day!!

Thank goodness that he is now home! In a matter of 2 days he went from sleeping in the barracks in Ft. Benning, GA. to sleeping in the dorms at Oklahoma State University! He will be a sophmore and will now serve in the Oklahoma National Guard while he obtains his degree after which he will then consider his military options!

My son - this is for you.

Know how very proud I am of what you have accomplished!

Know how very proud your father would have been of you!

I love you my son!
Hugs and Kisses,

Momma

Licks and Shakes,

Hudson

That is how I signed every letter that I sent him - from me and our precious Hudson, the dog!

Thanks for listening!

2009-08-24T20:26:00.014-05:00

I thought that I would join in on Smiling Sally's Blue Monday!
One of the things that bring me great joy are mixing bowls - of all things! But, I do have a thing for bowls - be still my heart!
I have a Hoosier type kitchen cabinet and a Possum Belly cabinet in my eating area in my kitchen. So let's just take a look for the blue bowls....
This one holds my potatoes!

Function as well as beauty! I remember picking this one up in an antique store in Guthrie, OK.

O.K. now, take a look at the top shelf of my possum belly cabinet...Oh by the way, notice where my rooster pictures ended up?!

Three sets of mixing bowls. I use the middle one for the Fourth of July!

Some I have had so long that I have forgotten where I got them! But, I still love them!!
Yes, that's blue around those bowls!
Now, let's take a look inside my kitchen cabinet - middle shelf...
I just love this set of Pyrex mixing bowls!
Well, girls I had better not overwhelm you with all my blue bowls, but that was a definite taste!

Now let's go on over and see Smiling Sally and peruse the blue!!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-08-23T10:04:00.007-05:00

I shared my blog with one of the girls that I work with and she fell in love with my plate vignettes. She asked me to be on the look out for plates for her and to pick them up for her if I found any. Well, on our trip down to Ft. Benning, GA. we stopped for dinner in Alabaster, Alabama and just adjacent to the restaurant was a strip mall with my favorite store TJ Maxx. I begged the girls to let me go and thank goodness they indulged me!! Well....look what I found!

Now, this happens to be a color that my co-worker was looking for, it was only $3.99 and in the event that she didn't like it, I thought that it would go well in my master bedroom. So, I made my purchase and back on the road we went! When we got to the hotel that night I unwrapped my purchase to really look at it. Can you see what I found! There are 2 price stickers - the one from TJ Maxx and then...is that a European pound mark that I see??

And then take a look at the back. This was the Spode mark on the back. Again, not what I am used to.

This is the Spode markings that I am used to.

Now, I'm not really sure what I have found! Was it for sale somewhere in Europe? Was it on it's way to be sold in Europe? Is it a Spode wanna-be? I'm not really sure. But, needless to say.....Jane, my friend, I'm sorry, but I think that I just might have to keep this one!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-08-16T10:33:00.016-05:00

As you know who would say....
"I'M BAAAAACK!"
Sorry for my absence.....With my son's basic training winding down, I was truly distracted mentally and emotionally and could really think of little else!
But, I sit here today, and can finally say that my precious baby boy has finished and survived basic training and is now a soldier in the U.S. Army!! Can I get an "AMEN!"

'You don't raise heros, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heros, even if it's just in your own eyes."
There are no words that can begin to describe how - in my own eyes, and to the very core of my being - proud I am of my son!

We had a whirlwind trip to Fort Benning, Georgia! We left on Wednesday, August 12th, drove for 14 hours, had his Turning Blue Ceremony on Thursday, his Graduation Ceremony on Friday and by 10:45 a.m. we were back on the road for another 14 hour drive back home! Over 28 hours on the road in just 3 days....this fifty something mother was exhausted!

I did just want to share a few pictures from his Turning Blue Ceremony! You know that I will have to post about his graduation later!
This was the view as we walked into Kanell Field for his Turning Blue Ceremony!

There were speeches by commanders and prayers by the chaplain as they stood in formation prepared to receive their blue cord that signifies there induction into the Infantry. My son, Kale, is the third from the right.While we waited we were able to get a picture of Drill Sergeant Brownlee with my daughter Erin and Kale's girlfriend Kacey. We even got his autograph for Kale in a book that told about his experiences while in boot camp. The girls thought that he was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Girls..put that clevage away LOL!!!Family members were then allowed on the field to place the cord onto their soldier! Boy, were my hands shaking! This is Pvt. Williams (my son) and Pvt. Warner - not sure who that is lurking in the back!

Back in formation.....induction into the Infantry complete!!

Then we were able to have a day pass with our soldiers. We didn't do to much! Hung around the hotel - I think that I was even able to sneak in a nap while the kids went swimming!

Will tell you about his broken foot - got that during FTX and how his return home was jeopardized by his name of all things!!

Girls....It's good to be back!!!

I just want normal back, if that's even possible!

BIG HUGS,

Cindy

2009-07-18T21:11:00.007-05:00

I have been in the process - since Memorial Day! - of re-doing my guest room.
I got the curtain rod and curtains hung this week and I love them! I got rid of the levelors, finally - so, let the sun shine in!! The black drapes totally block out the light and the white curtains insulate to keep out the heat and cold, which is important since this window faces the west, they work great by the way! I still want to get some trim to put around the lamp shade. To the left in this picture you can see a hint of red...just wait until you see how this vignette turned out!!
A close up of the chest -

And here is my vignette...

I absolutely love how this turned out!! I actually have a collection of white plates and platters that I had intended to go here. After I got the walls painted the white just didn't pop! But boy,

do I love the red and black against this wall color! And, I love the different mediums - it's just not plates.

It is so funny how some things just come together! You have a little space.... and you find a little picture and there you have it!

Made these myself. Just printed these inspiring sayings on my computer and put them in a $3.99 Hobby Lobby Frame!

It never hurts to start the day out by being inspired!

Sometimes I really struggle and have to ponder awhile before I come up with a design layout. That is what I love about the blog world. I get so inspired when I visit other peoples blogs!

THANK YOU for inspiring me!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-18T09:44:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share with you my latest accomplishment!
I have had these prints for quite some time and finally decided to take and have them framed.
I am really pleased with how they turned out!

And, I really love the frames!

Then, I had already bought these cute little roosters or are then hens - no matter. Look at how well they match the frames!

Now....I just have to figure out where in my kitchen to hang them!

When I figure out where they will land I will show you their new home!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-14T11:10:00.008-05:00

More from Ft. Benning!
This is where Kale has called home for the last 11 weeks now.
Now, as a mother, it sometimes is the small things that make us so happy! These are the very mailboxes that Kale has put all letters to home in - and don't you know that I have saved every letter!

Home away from home! But, I really don't think that Kale has considered this home! This has been the furthest thing from home possible!

Kale was on the other side of this very barrack, the second floor!

That open, first floor is where we saw Kale for the very first time!

That is Drill Sargent Brownlee in the middle - he was disciplining these soldiers because they were letting family members go into restricted areas! Geez...

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-13T17:09:00.011-05:00

Well, I survived my whirlwind trip to Ft. Benning, Georgia! Barely....
It will take a few days to get caught up on my sleep!
We got on the road at 9:45 a.m. and my head hit the pillow at 1:15 a.m. Georgia time.
Have you ever been exhausted and exhilarated at the same time?
But, we were able to get a few hours of shut eye!
We arrived early to Ft. Benning and were able to purchase a few souvenirs!
While we were standing in line my son's girlfriend grabbed my arm and said "Momma, there he is!" WHAT!! WHERE?? For whatever reason, I was expecting Kale to be in his dress uniform. So, I wasn't paying any attention to all the soldier's in their fatigues. As I perused all the faces - there, with the biggest grin on his face, was my son! A girl couldn't help but jump up and down!! After the longest separation ever - was my now, soldier! My cup runneth over with pride!
We then had a meeting with the Commander at 0800 and he briefed us on everything that our soldier's have been through over the last 10 weeks and 4 days!
We then went to view a demonstration of the marching skills that they have learned since being at basic training. This is the formation that we found them in - facing away from the bleachers and all the family members. One by the one the 4 Drill Sargent's called for their individual units to 'FALL IN'.Commander Thomas G. Flook, Jr.

Is that my son! And with a rifle no less!!

There was total individual and unit precision!

He was on the front row almost directly across from us. His Drill Sargent has nicknamed him 'Smiley' - so you can just imagine how hard it was for him - not too...

After the demonstration, and by the way it was a judged event and there was only one winner. For the other 3 units, they got to demonstrate 3 different types of push-ups as their punishment!

And then it was back to the barracks to change into their dress uniforms.

Kale's unit did a Gomer Pyle cadence - I sure wish I could remember the words!

I still find it hard to believe that that is my son!

His little girlfriend and I joked about who he would hug first! I warned her that if he went for her first I would have to take her out, take her down! Thank goodness, I didn't have to resort to violence!

Best Hug ever!

Stay tuned.

Our adventure continues!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-08T22:57:00.002-05:00

So....What do you think of my new look?

Lori E. I took your advice to heart!

Hugs,

Cindy

FT. BENNING, GA. HERE WE COME!

2009-07-07T21:30:00.006-05:00

Can I stay here? Sign me up!!After 10 weeks and 4 days I finally get to see my baby boy! HALLELUJAH!! Now, I know calling him my baby boy doesn't seem quite right considering he's in the Army now - but, I can't help it! In my heart of hearts - he will always be my baby boy!
It's family weekend this Saturday and Sunday during basic training and I cannot wait!

We are still uncertain if it will be 12 hr. visits each day or a 72 hr. overnight pass. There was suppose to be some meeting today to decide. No matter! I will take what I can get!

My son's sweet, little girlfriend and I will be driving some 14 hours or so to get there!

The closest I've ever been to Columbus, GA. is a lay over in the Atlanta airport!

The closer it gets the more nervous I get! I haven't even looked at a map yet to figure out how to get there!

Not sure what my son will want to do - because it will be all about him!

I wonder if I can talk him into doing some sight seeing!

I wonder what kind of antique stores they have there!

I think that I am in love already!

A quick trip - leave on Friday and leave to come home Sunday night!

I see pure joy followed by exhaustion in my future!
I do love my Infantry Son - can you tell!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

I found this gorgeous plate at my favorite store ever TJ Maxx!
I had planned to hang it in my daughter's/guest room.
This is where it ended up!
I was washing it after I took off the price stickers, it slipped, as if in slow motion between my fingers and I chipped a quarter size piece off the edge!
I was, needless to say, MAD at myself because it truly was exactly what I had been looking for except way better!
Instead of throwing it in the trash, I simply buried the imperfection and yet look at it's beauty! You can't even tell that I scarred it!
Love it!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-07-05T11:20:00.007-05:00

I just love these old pressed tin ceiling tiles!
They are currently hanging in my entryway.
One day at the hospital gift shop - of all places - I happened across these signs! Now, I will be the first to admit that I am pretty much a blue girl when it comes to decorating. Lately though, I have been incorporating hints of red. I love, love, love the red letters, but had to warm up to the green letters. Now, I love green! My eyes are green. Anyway, I decided I just had to have them! Now, I have had them a while because it takes me a while to figure out just the perfect spot. I decided to hang them in the entry way replacing the pressed tin ceiling tiles.

And, I just love them! It was hard to get a good picture because my entry way is not even quite 5 feet deep. I had to open up the front door and step out onto the porch to get a good picture.

They look old.

They have music incorporated into the background.

The background even looks like old postcards.

They are each different.

Yes, I love them and I love where they have ended up!

Now, to find a new home for my pressed tin tiles - I have a few possibilities!

Hugs,

Cindy

My Army Son!

2009-07-04T15:20:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share a couple of pictures!
Last weekend at Ft. Benning, GA. they had a pre-4th of July celebration.
Verizon was kind enough to have phones for the soldiers to use and talk as long as they wanted.
My son was also able to apparently take pictures with the phones as well. Knowing that his mom was no Techno-Wiz - he sent them to his sweet, little girlfriend, who then had them printed and she gave me copies yesterday! After I wiped away the tears...I was so glad to see that my son still looks like my son (he's the second from the left)!
Now then, I only had to figure out how to scan them and save them to my computer - my son always used to do it for me! Well, persistence pays off and I figured it out!
My Infantry Son, Kale!

Not that I'm proud or anything!

Hugs,

Cindy

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2009-07-04T14:15:00.002-05:00

Thinking of Matthew and Kale and all the other loved ones who proudly serve our country!

I hope you have a happy, safe and loved filled holiday!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-07-04T13:23:00.002-05:00

You wouldn't think that I would have one more thing to say about my master bedroom!
But, alas, just one more thing!
I want to share with you my latest acquisition - and I am thrilled to death!!
Yesterday, I went to an antique store that I have been going to for years. Immediately to my left, as I walked in, I saw this treasure pushed under a table and I got that feeling. You know, that feeling that you just stumbled across something perfect and if you walk away without it you will have huge buyers remorse!
Believe it or not I walked away! Came home and immediately turned around and went back. When I walked in there was this lady with tape measure in hand, measuring my treasure! The nerve!
Well, I had time to ask if the dealer would take any less - you know you have to ask - but, irregardless, I wasn't leaving without it!
I have been wanting one for years! And, this one has character! I can't make out all the words - what I can make out is this - SANTORIO PREMIUM BLEND COFFEE. Even if I didn't like it at the end of my bed, and by the way, I love it at the end of my bed, I thought what a perfect coffee table it would make!

Now, the only question remaining - What to put in it! Oh, I'll find something!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-06-20T18:35:00.003-05:00

What Make a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Them god combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was completed,

And so,

He called it...Dad

~~Author Unknown~~

2009-06-20T18:06:00.003-05:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Hugs,

~Cindy~

2009-06-14T21:34:00.009-05:00

I have to give a shout out!!
It's a birthday!

You will never guess who!?!

That's right - it's the Army's Birthday! Who knew!!

Kathy from Kat Kollects and I both have sons at Ft. Benning, Georgia going through basic training. She and her family live in a different state, but our sons left for basic training on the same day, have our family weekend at the same time and our sons will graduate from basic training on August 13-14th - that's in 8 wks. and 4 days, for those of us that our counting!
She has been an absolute God send to me!

To have someone who knows exactly what you are going through - means the world!

Twyla from Two Crazy Crafters brought us together! Twyla, I will be forever grateful!

Go Army!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-06-14T17:19:00.009-05:00

I did something today that made me jump up and down I was so excited about how it turned out!

I have been in the process of re-doing my daughter's room/guest room.

Well, the bed is totally done, throw pillows and all, there's only 12!

When I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday they had all their wall decor half price!

I found this cute little 'RELAX' sign in just the right colors, so I thought surely I could find a spot for it. When I got home I just threw it on the bed when I was unpacking everything and thought 'WOW, that looks good!' I propped it up against the middle throw pillow and I think I really love it there. It just might have to stay there!

Here's a close up view....

Then, this is what I am really excited about! I found these pictures!

They contain the exact colors that are in all the bedding! And, I just love the sayings!

I decided to throw in a white plate to tie in the white that is also in the bedding. I am going to be doing a vignette with white plates, 1 red plate and 1 black plate on the opposite wall. I also have another idea for above the chest of drawers.

Here's the view from the door!

Yep, happy dance!!

Well, I'm going to go and layout plates and see if I can come up with an arrangement for the opposite wall that I just love! Sometimes I have to ponder things a while!

Hope that you are having a relaxing Sunday!

Hugs,

~Cindy~

2009-06-13T17:39:00.006-05:00

A quick Saturday afternoon project!
I've been told that spray paint can be a wonderful thing!
So....I thought I would try it for myself.
I have been unhappy with this vignette since I re-did my bedroom.
Can you say boring!
Well, a little spray paint and drying time later....
This is what I ended up with!

A closer view....

Yep! I think I'm liking it!

Not quite so sure about the figure...but, it's a piece I've had since I became a mother, that's 26 years old. I'm attached emotionally!

I have a clock that I might try there instead and find another home for the little boy figure.

Loving it!

What next?

It's amazing that such a small thing can bring me joy!

I hope that everyone had a good week!

We buried a family friend this week.

My son that is away in basic training, it was one of his baseball coaches and boy scout leaders.
We have known this family since my son was in the first grade.

I decided that I will wait to tell my son when I see him for family weekend next month. I didn't want to tell him that kind of news in a letter.

Well, I'm off to Hobby Lobby.

I have another decorating idea...

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-06-08T20:13:00.006-05:00

Some things to think about:
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry - God never blinks!
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!
Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
Forgive everyone.....everything.
Time heals almost everything. Give time.....time.
Believe in miracles - there everywhere!
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves!
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Hugs,

~Cindy~

Remembering Jim Leckie who lost his battle against melanoma Saturday, June 6th.

2009-06-07T14:10:00.006-05:00

Stacey at Poofing the Pillows was kind enough to share her Manhattan Deli Salad recipe with everyone.
That is where I started - and then I just started adding things.
I figured with a pasta salad you just can't go wrong - right?!
I followed her recipe, and then added things like cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese and pinto beans. I even considered adding sunflower seeds, but didn't have any!
I love Kraft's Tuscan House Italian Dressing and have used that on boxed pasta salad mixes that I have used in the past.
The Hormel 'Mini' Pepperoni makes it even easier!

Thanks Stacey! I now have something to eat this week when I get home from work. And, no more boxed pasta salads for me!
Hugs,

Cindy

2009-06-06T18:06:00.007-05:00

Look what I found today! I think that I have admitted that mixing bowls can cause me to go weak in the knees! I found this cute little set at TJ Maxx today for only $4.99!

Now, I wasn't quite sure about the color, but then it hit me, Halloween!! I thought that they would be perfect at Halloween time!

As you can see they are not very big. They will probably be great to serve condiments in. Any way, when I saw them, I just had to have them!

I thought today that I would also share one of the best desserts ever! It's very simple to make and who doesn't like simple!

It's called:

Crescent Sopapilla Cheesecake.
Using a 9 x 13 baking pan, unroll one package of refrigerated crescent rolls and line the bottom of the pan. The Recipe Creations one works perfect here.
Mix together the following:

3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract

Mix together these 3 ingredients and spread over the crescent rolls.

Take a second package of the refrigerated crescent rolls and place on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Pour one stick of melted butter or margarine over the top and sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

And Wa-Laaaa!!!

I'll be taking this with me tonight to friends that have invited me for dinner!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-06-05T19:29:00.005-05:00

Today has been a good day!

I got a letter from my son, Kale, that continues his Basic Training at Ft. Benning!

5 wks. done and 10 wks. to go!

5 wks. until we go for our Family Weekend!

Not that anyone is counting!

He survived the pugil sticks, starting an IV, live grenades and the gas chamber!

His unit has lost 18 soldiers due to heat strokes! They had to have 5 ambulances come to take care of everyone! Just what this nurse mother wanted to hear!

Hug and hold your children close - because one day they grow up and they just might want to join the Army!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-05-31T15:52:00.022-05:00

I hope that everyone is having a restful Sunday!

I thought that I would share with you all my Master Bedroom.

I have totally re-done it over the last 6 months or so.

Initially, I had decided that I just wanted to re-paint my room.

I fell in love with Rhoda from Southern Living's Master Bedroom paint color.

She used a Sherwin Williams color called Blonde and I knew the minute that I saw it that it was the color for me!

I had a really nice Ralph Lauren bedding set and thought that once the walls were painted I would just incorporate the wall color into an article of bedding.

I had my daughter-in-law on the look out for a quilt that was similar to the wall color.

One day I got a call from her that she had found 2-3 different possibilities. After work I was on my way to see what she had found. Well, nothing that she had found was really what I had in mind. As I was trying to explain to her and show her the color that I was looking for, I found this Tommy Hilfiger comforter with the exact color in it!

Now, I'm going to tell you that I am a blue girl through and through. The background color of this quilt was something that I would have never looked for for myself. Needless to say, that because it had my exact wall color in it I had to have it! I met my friend Stacey from Poofing the Pillows for dinner that night and she loved it - at which point I knew that it was a keeper!!

I am also the kind of person that has to have everything coordinate. I want the matching sheets, dust ruffle, shams and throw pillows.

Well, I was able to get the matching sheets (2 sets!) and the Euro Shams. For the first time in my life I have pieced together the rest. It was just this last weekend at Kohl's that I found the needlepoint pillow and the 2 white pillows with the embroidered 'C' on them. They were pillows from a Chaps set that I had been eyeing because I knew that they would match. I found them on sale - even better, and of course, it doesn't hurt that my name is Cindy!

I really love how my room has turned out!

I love going to sleep and waking up in what I consider to be a haven!

This is a look from the door as you enter my room. Now, I do have to admit that I have one thing left to do and that is tackle my wall of windows! I have an idea of what I want to do and I am pretty sure that it will involve some plates above the windows in addition to the window treatments!

As far as I am concerned, a girl can never have to many pillows!

And of course, I love my plates!

This is my bedside table. I love my little 'It's a Wonderful Life' sign.

Here is a close up-

This is my dresser. The 2 pictures I just bought this past Wednesday at my favorite store TJ Maxx!!

A close up of the dresser. I just love those beads around the candles!

My entertainment center.

Love the sentiment on the little pillow!

Let's take a look inside.

As you enter my room this is immediately on your left and across from the bed.

Again, a closer look. My mother tells me that I need to simplify and get rid of the 'clutter/stuff' that I have on top of everything. I simply couldn't do it! I love to be surrounded by the things that I love!

Well, that's pretty much it!

I enjoyed sharing my room with you!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-05-30T18:22:00.010-05:00

I wanted to share with you my Memorial Day weekend project! I have been in the process of re-doing my daughter's room and no I am still not finished!

Last weekend I concentrated on painting the room!

I love the color that I chose! After going to Sherwin Williams, I ended up at Home Depot and in literally the first 10 minutes I found the exact match to the color in the comforter that I was looking for! Even the guys working there said that they didn't even think that they could have mixed it any better to match! I was sure scared, because, for me, nothing is ever that easy!!

I chose a Behr paint called Tea Cookie with an eggshell finish.

Again, I love it!!

I hope that you can tell that I decided to put the bed on the diagonal. And like my friend Stacey told me - it sure does take up a lot of room that way! But I will sure be leaving it that way. Every time that I walk down my hallway I get to see this beautiful bed!

Another view-

I'm showing you my double bedskirt. I love seeing it as well when I walk down the hall.

Another angle-

You can see a little of the window in this view. I'm going to have to ponder a while to figure out what I will do with it. It takes the west sun and can get pretty warm in there in the middle of summer.

I am showing you my bed because I want you to know that as much as I like this new look - I'm not done! I love pillows on a bed! So, I will be on the look out for some additional throw pillows! I have 14 pillows on my bed!

I have a collection of plates that I will be hanging on one wall! And I do love plates! I am still in the process of packing up the remnants of my little girl! I hope to have it done soon and will post the finished product!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-05-13T20:10:00.007-05:00

I stumbled on to Barb's wonderful blog Grits & Glamour and I thought that it would be fun to participate in 'What's On Your Wall Wednesday.'
I have this arrangement above my couch in my living room.
The wooden, quilted piece is one of the very first things that I bought for myself as a single person. I feel in love with it the minute that I saw it! The piece is hand signed by the artist, Detweiler, 1987.
Over the years, I have added the sconces and the plates and I absolutely love it. I am the kind of person that makes very few changes when I have something that I'm in love with. I can honestly say, that I will probably never change this arrangement!

It has certainly been fun participating! I can't wait until next Wednesday!
I am going to have to figure how to get the date stamp turned off on my camera! Sorry about that.
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-05-12T19:06:00.008-05:00

Well, it has been 2 weeks now since my youngest son Kale left for basic training and I am sure missing him! This is him and his ever so sweet girlfriend Kacey at the airport just minutes before he had to leave.
Brotherly love! Kale and Nathan!

Thumbs Up - I'm sure that this is suppose to be a good thing!

Last Kiss

I have gotten 2 letters since he has been gone and I read them over and over. He has called 3 times with the last time being Friday and we only had 10 minutes. He said that he has sent a letter with his graduation date and a family weekend sometime in July. At least now I have something to look forward too and you know that Kacey and I will be at both!
2 down and 13 weeks to go! Gosh, it's going to be a long summer!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-05-11T21:14:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share my all time favorite picture of my one and only granddaughter, Kiera Marie!
She is sitting on her Uncle Nathan's lap and chewing on his Air Force Dog Tags! Careful Kiera! If lost behind enemy lines we have to be able to read them! We do want Uncle Nathan to come home, right Kiera?!
My son Nathan, granddaughter Kiera and one and only grandson Jaden!

There is nothing better in the whole wide world than being a grandmother!!
Hugs,

Cindy

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

Hugs,
Cindy

2009-05-10T12:06:00.007-05:00

I was invited to my friend Stacey's house for dinner last night. Her husband got a brand new custom made smoker and it was his very first time to use it! Everything that he smoked was wonderful, needless to say! But I'm not one to go empty handed! I brought a Hash Brown Casserole and I thought that I would share the recipe with you! My kids love it and there are usually no left overs!
Start with a really big bowl.
Here are the ingredients that you will need:

2 lbs. frozen hash browns

1 can cream of mushroom soup

16 oz. sour cream (not Lite!)

8 oz. shredded cheese (I use Colby-Jack)

1 onion, chopped

3 sticks softened butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix them all together.

Put in a 9 x 13 baking dish.

You can top with bread crumbs or crushed potato chips (I usually don't).

Bake at 375 degrees for 1 - 1 1/2 hrs. or until brown and bubbly.

And this is what it looks like when done:

I really love this recipe!

I like to make it for all those special holidays!

I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!

Hugs,

Cindy

2009-05-06T19:14:00.008-05:00

Well, Stacey said that I should share one of my many collections, since down deep I really am a 'Collector At Heart.'
This is my Boyd's Bear Figurine Collection of Bearstones, Folkstones and Dollstones....
I have it in a curio cabinet that I got at an estate sale and I absolutely love it! I bought the set of pressed glass dishes that were in it and asked if the curio cabinet was for sale. Because the family hadn't finished dividing things up, I ended up leaving my name, number and offer. A week or so went by before I got a call that said the cabinet was mine if I still wanted it and off I went to get my new treasure! The family that I bought it from said that it had been in their family as long as they could remember. They were even pretty sure that it had been transported at one time by covered wagon! You can certainly tell by the glass that it is definitely old!
These are the top two shelves....

Third and Fourth shelves....

and finally, the bottom shelf...I even have pieces signed by the creator of Boyd's Bears, G.M. Lowenthal.

I counted the pieces inside my cabinet and there were a total of a 157 pieces including not only the figurines, but water globes and musical pieces as well!

My four year old grandson loves to come over and get on his knees in front of the cabinet and look, point and of course want to touch! But, we certainly don't go there!!

Now, in all honestly, I can say that I truly can't even remember when the last time was that I bought a piece. No matter. I love what I have! And who know what the future might bring my way! Right now, I really love the dollstones, because they depict little girls and boys engaging in everyday activities! Should I ever run across another piece who knows?!?

I think that the reason I stopped was because I ran out of room in my cabinet!

I enjoyed sharing one of my many collections with you!

Cindy

2009-05-05T19:22:00.000-05:00

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!
I am absolutely loving blog world!
Your words of encouragement and empathizing spirits have driven me to tears more than once!
To know that people I have never met are willing to....express compassion, understanding and who have served to fortify my soul. My cup runneth over!
Last week, after my son left, I dreaded the drive home. Knowing that when I got home there would be no text messages or phone calls. I could work myself up to a pretty good panic.
Now, I look forward to coming home.
Excited at the thought of what I might post.
Anxious to read everybodies comments and I am really enjoying visiting your blogs!!
I am truly inspired and my list of projects grows!!
Again, Thank You!
Hugs,
Cindy

2009-05-04T18:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I have decided to begin this post with an introduction of sorts.
Everyone, I would like for you to meet Petee!
Before everyone goes running in the opposite direction, let me explain.
This is my son's pet Ball Python Snake and while he is away at basic training, for the next 13 weeks, guess what I get to do?!!?
I get to take care of Petee and I have only ever held him once!
Did I mention my terrible fear of snakes?!
I tried to pick Petee up and get a really good, close up picture.
But, his tail got caught on the side of his cage, he stretched out, I couldn't see his head, I thought he was going in for the kill and in a very quick manner, back in his cage he went! Whoooo...! Close call.
Did I mention my terrible fear of snakes?!
Well, on top of that, have you ever had to feed one?!!?
I'm not sure which was worse!
And did you know that there is a mouse etiquette of sorts?
When I went to the pet store to pick out a mouse for Petee's dinner I learned for the very first time that you don't go cute, go white!
So, mouse in hand, home I go!
Now, my next dilemma, how to get the mouse in the cage.
Holding the mouse by it's tail is almost as appealing as picking up Petee!
So I opted for the drop the mouse from the box method.
This was quite effective.
I left the room and when I returned, Petee was done with dinner.
Thank Goodness! I don't have to do this for another week!
Not sure how I am going to handle letting Petee go for a swim, but according to my son I'm suppose to do that do. Great!!
I have also considered letting Petee do a 13 week sleep over.
Stacey?????
The things that we do for our children!

Talk to you soon,
Cindy

2009-05-03T19:26:00.001-05:00

This afternoon my kids and two beautiful grandchildren tried out a new restaurant that my son heard about on the radio.
"Humble Pie" located in Edmond, Oklahoma. It has only been open about two months.
Their specialities:
New York Style Pizza and Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
Now, not having been to either New York or Chicago, I am no connoisseur!
But, I do like pizza! This is definitely a restaurant that we will visit again!

Today, we tried the Meat Lovers Deep Dish Pizza pictured above and
the Seven Cheese New York Style Pizza. We liked them both, but my favorite by far was the Meat Lovers!

I have my eye on The Vegan and The Margherita and of course the good ole Supreme!

This is definitely a place that I will take my son when he gets back from Fort Benning, Georgia!

2009-05-03T08:06:00.001-05:00

Have you all ever seen this Mary Engelbreit book?

It is one of my favorites!

I just love to peruse it's pages!

I was truly inspired by it's cover, but wondered if I would ever come across half of a discarded wagon wheel!

Well...here is my attempt at re-creating this vignette .

I have this hanging in my bedroom and I just love waking up to it! I even love my 'Count Your Blessings' Sign.

What do you think of my recreation?

Happy Sunday All,

Cindy

2009-05-02T22:46:00.001-05:00

I have started this blog at the encouragement of my 2 best friends Cheryl and Stacey, partly, as therapy. You see, my youngest son left this week for basic training and will be gone for 13 weeks! My heart has truly ached these last few days as I miss him terribly! I need something to keep me occupied and I hope that the blogging world will help!