The way it works is you put down 5 things people probably don’t know about you and then pass the tag on to 5 more people.

1. I was an extra in an HBO movie. (complete with costume and makeup)
2. I had my first child when I was barely 18
3. I'm 5'2" and my children are 6', 5'11" & 5'9" (the two shortest are girls)
4. I can whistle really loud.
5. Hair doesn't grow on my legs :)

conciousphobic, surrogate, katie's pink shoes, daniel macdonald & irles....You're It! You've been tagged :)

You can post here in reply or in your blog to tag 5 more people. If you want to post here, tmail your 5 and have them reply here. HAVE FUN!!

Tell me a happy story or share something or someone good in your life.

I'll start.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR DAVE! Today is PD's birthday, he's 50, so everyone stop by and wish him a happy birthday :D

There are so many people I've met in my short time blogging here at tblog and a few I'd like to mention are....

Each and everyone has made an impact on me in a good way and for that, I'm grateful.
ggirl, Lori Schuster, akelso, conciousphobic, finalyfree, 69whisper, Sonny, Mimi, Br. Jude Baker, Surrogate, apyjo, daniel macdonald, Lady G, appletree & katie's pink shoes!

One that I most recently came across and completely roared when I read his blog is Bawdy...nice guy and so damn funny! Check out his blog. (I just wish he'd write something new, I could use another good belly laugh)

I may be updating this list as I'm sure there's someone I've unintentionally forgetten.

Your turn now!

If this doesn't make you smile....????

Our sweetie, Lexy.

also share your new year's plans and or traditions in the post below .....

So what are your plans for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?  Do you have any special traditions?

We will have both grandchildren on New Year's Eve this year, so the Mommies and Daddies can go out...geez, I hope they are careful.  We are going to my SIL & BIL's house and grilling steaks.  SIL will have her two grandchildren as well.  We'll likely call it an early evening and not see midnight.  I don't think I've actually seen 12 am for quite some time! 

On New Year's day, we'll go to my brother's house for cabbage, black eyed peas and ham.  It' also my niece's second birthday!  She was the first baby born in our county in 2005.  So we've added birthday cake and a birthday party to our tradition.

United States

Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

My Mother's brother has a daughter who is about 9 years old. Her Mother is a drug user and abandon her and her other two children. The Fathers all ended up with the children. Kendall, my little cousin has had a very hard life. My uncle is a good person but, has no idea how to really take care of a little girl but, he loves her so I believe they will do alright. Today my Mother picked Kendall up to take her shopping for some badly needed clothes. They went to the mall and to my Mother's surprise, Kendall had never been to the mall before. Mom said she acted like she'd just walked into Disney World, instead of the mall.

They had lunch, Kendall rode the Merry go round and got a build a bear. Kendall said to my Mother "Aunt S, I can never say Thank You enough" How many children do you know that are that grateful? Not too many, I'm guessing. She's in awe of everything! Mom gave her $3 to spend on the Merry go round and Kendall used her change to put in a collection box for a charity. My Mother praised her and explained to her about when you give, you receive and what a lovely thing she had done.

 Some years ago Kendall wasn't going to get any Christmas at all. My youngest daughter had $65 saved from babysitting and was trying to figure out how use that money to buy gifts for several people, so I told her about Kendall and she decided to use her money to buy Kendall Christmas. My Mother and I matched my daughter's money and we were able to buy her pj's, clothes, toys, hair accessories, bubble bath and a coat. We wrapped them all and left them on my Uncle's door step with a note that said "To Kendall From Santa" It was fun hearing about it from my Uncle at my Grandma's Christmas party and I was extra proud of my daughter.

 I've never been wealthy but, in comparison in so many ways, we are so much more wealthy than my Uncle and Kendall. They do have each other though and that is so very important. Kendall's Mother is a thief and a drug user, so we've all tried to make a lasting impression on Kendall that if she works hard and keeps a positive attitude that she can be and do anything she wants.

We should always be as thankful as Kendall for everything we have or receive. 

Remember Kendall in your prayers if you would.

PS I'm pooped out tired today, so I hope this all makes sense.  I think the holidays have officially caught up with me!  Zzzzz

Since my daughter is home for the holidays, I don't have much time to write. Although, if you look to see who's online here at tblog, you'll find me here a lot of the time. Do you do that? Click on and minimize the screen? I've done that before, left the house or took a nap or gone about my merry way. Must look like I live on tblog to those who pay attention.

Here's just a few of the photos taken during Christmas.

Hmmm, that's weird how they turned out, oh well, no time to edit now...just click on the photos :)

Our Youngest Daughter

=http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

Mrs. Bedhead, err, I mean Mrs. Claus, handing out presents.

=http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

OUR FAMILY, notice Kaden sticking out his tongue? haha

=http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

The three youngest of our brood

=http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

The two oldest

=http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

If you want to view the entire album, you can go here.

by =http://community.webshots.com... TammyBelle

Enjoy :)

I slipped up last night :(  ugh, but, I'm picking up right where I left off.  The quitting, not the smoking.  No excuses.  What happened?  Well, I left the funeral home shaking and instantly went bought a pack of smokes!  Again no excuses, it's just what happened.

I had been rushing around from store to store with all my lists, I had a set time to meet my Mom and after we finally met and paid our respects.  I felt like a bundle of nerves.  I thought I was going to break down into a sobbing fit. 

I start over again today.  I'm not giving up!!

Hubby is sick, dern it!  I've tried to convince him he's not sick and this is only a minor set back *wink*  You know, mind over matter but, he's running a fever.  I hope he wakes up feeling better this morning.<P>I woke up to find my Christmas tree in the middle of the living room floor!  It's been up for over a month and last night decided to take a dive.  So now I get to redecorate it.

 I'm picking my youngest daughter up from the airport at 11 today and the rest of kiddos will be here at 2.  I still have lots to do, so...off I go, into the wild red and green yonder of my kitchen. (yes, my kitchen really is red and green)

Lots of love being sent out from me to you.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Can you believe it's only 3 days until Christmas? Is the world spinning faster? It used to seem like the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas just creeped along ever so slowly. Now, the days are flashing by and I hardly know where the time went.

Today is Day 2 of being smoke free :) Actually if I were counting in hours it would be, thirty five and a half hours! Hey, that sounds even better! There's a counter somewhere online that you can download that will be keep track of how much money you save by not smoking and I think it has some other features. I should really find that and install it.

FinalyFree was right, I popped a Hall's cherry cough drop last night and it did seem to ease my craving. Actually I think it was because nothing would have tasted good after those awful things...hahaha, Thanks FF :)

Thanks for the support that I've received already! This morning I felt accountable to all of you, which made a difference!

Tomorrow is our day with the kiddos! This is the day that I've worked so hard for and thought about and prepared for. Tony actually took off work today to stay home and help me, so I wouldn't be so worn out tomorrow and could enjoy everything more. Oh ggirl, all my gifts are wrapped :)

 I still have some grocery shopping to do and I need to make my almond joy cookies today, the rest of the cookies are baked. It looks like I'll be sending a lot of them home with the kids, I went overboard...again! I sure don't need the cookies here for me to have easy access too! My Goodness, between trying to quit smoking and all this holiday food..hubby might need to install a new door to accomodate my butt!

On a sad note, I'm going to the funeral home tonight. I'd rather have my teeth drilled than go but, I feel like I have to. I'm sure Scott's family would rather be in my shoes and I want to show my support to them. It's the absolute least I can do.

So, incase I don't make it back here before Christmas, I sincerely wish each and everyone of you lots of love, good friends & family during this special time and always. Thank You for making my first blogging experience very special.

PS Don't forget those who are less fortunate than we are.

I woke up this morning and didn't have any cigarettes and instead of getting dressed and driving to the little store about 3 miles from my house to buy a pack, I thought I would see how long I could go without one.

I tried to quit in September and lasted 3 days. Maybe this time I'll go longer or...quit altogether?!?

I've got nicorette gum and have a script for Wellbutrin. Although I tried Wellbutrin for 2 months and it was very helpful the first month, the second month, it made me feel anxious. I might give it another try.

Did you know, the average smoker needs four solid attempts to quit smoking before they are successful and since I consider myself to be above average, it might take more than four times. hahaha *wink*

A friend of mine said sucking on cinnamon sticks helped her to quit. Hubby says I need more sex *roll eyes*

Any tips from you successful quitters?

If you've been reading here, you'll remember Scott. Scott has cancer and is in the hospital. My Mother and I went to see him today and was met at the door by his brother who told us that Scott probably only had a few hours left to live.

I decided I couldn't go in his room and let my Mother go. I didn't want to intrude on something so private. My Mom has stayed with Scott and his children to care for them while he was home. I honestly didn't know Scott that well but, I still feel a loss. I met Scott through my brother, he and my brother work together. We had met at a cookout once. I would hear my brother talk about him from time to time and since he's been sick, I felt like I came to know him through my Mother.

I know a miracle could still happen but, it doesn't seem likely at this point.

I feel so many emotions right now but, mostly I'm just sad. Scott is so young and still had work to do and a family to care for.

I received a note from Brother Jude and I did find comfort in his words. I hope he won't mind me sharing them with you. Here is just a part of the note: I am so sorry to hear of your friend. It is so difficult when things like happen to understand God's plan, but try to rest assured that He in fact does have one. During our afternoon meal, we have reading,(we eat in silence). Our current book is on Mother Theresa. A section was read today where a young Indian mother came to her with her dying child. There was nothing to be done for the little one. Mother told this mother that we must sometimes accept that what God gives He wishes returned, and we must do so with all the love we have in our hearts. God will not abandon your friend or his children, even as I write this, He is holding them in the palms of His hands.

Thank You Brother Jude.

It is hard to understand. I prayed without fail for Scott everday since I found out that he was sick and I was so hoping for his healing. I will continue to pray for his family and hope that they can somehow find comfort too.

I might be dissappointed but, I'm still praying for a miracle.

I'll title this entry, Scott.

In just a bit, we're picking Lexy up and later this afternoon, we're heading to a family get together with hubby's folks. Lexy and I are going to bake cookies to take with us. This will be the second in a long line of festivities

Friday we had Christmas with my Grandma. She's such an incredible woman. She's raised seven children and basically all on her own. She still volunteers at a homeless shelter once a week to cook, cleans her church every week and has more of a social life than I do. Someday I'll have to share the story of how she travled from Arizona to Indiana on train with three small children and an infant with only $11 and bag of sandwiches.

Anyway, the party with Grandma was wonderful as usual. It was great to see everyone. We were missing a few this year due to work schedules but, the one that was missed the most was my cousin who is serving in Baghdad. We made a video to send to him. We all gave a personal message wishing him well. I can't imagine being where he is and especially during the holidays.

I'm nearly finished with my Christmas shopping! HOORAY! Now if only they were all wrapped. Wrapping is my least favorite chore during the holiday season.

Here are some pictures I took of Lexy Friday night.

Lexy and Carly (my niece)

Lexy dancing with my Dad

He'll be missed.

I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt and I find Joel Osteen to be very uplifting and sincere. My husband immediately assumed he was in it for the money. Maybe he is? I don't know, I'm not his judge and that's not to say I don't make judgements, (I'm human) but I get a lot out this man's messages. In my husband's opinion, mega churches are productions and not what they are meant to be. So what? You don't let your church grow because if it does, then you lose your spirit and sincerity? I don't believe that. The only church that we ever attend here in our hometown is a mega church and I always leave with a good feeling. Maybe I'm just a pollyanna and hubby is the realist? Nah!

I love my husband dearly but, he tends to makes snap judgements about people without a lot of facts to back it up. Grrrr. He's so much like his Mother. Again, I love my Mother In Law but, honestly she can be one of the most negative people I know.

It makes me sad for them that they can't first see the good in people and not look for the bad.

When I was still at home living with my parents, my Mom would always tell me to think of 3 good things about a person if I had something negative to say about them. That was a lesson that has served me well in my life.

I've tried for 20 years to impress that on my husband and he is much better about it but, old habits die hard I guess. What was even more upsetting was that my son, who I take great pride in and have tried so hard to raise with an open mind and a non prejudice attitude was chimming in with my husband last night about Joel Osteen. They are entitled to their opinions, yes, and for me to preach to them about this makes me seem almost hypocritical. As if I'm saying they don't and if they don't agree with me, then they are wrong. That's not what I'm trying to convey to them.

How do you teach an old dog a new trick?

Lead by example? Let it go? Keep trying?....WHAT?

Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill but this is one thing that drives me absolutely mad and I hate that it seems to be rubbing off on our son.

I'd also love to hear other's opinions about Joel Osteen...yes, really! As long as you don't live in my home, you can freely express your like or dislike of this man to me. hahaha

AH HA, that's it! I felt disrespected by my family in my own home last night! Wonders never cease! I'm my own therapist.

Quite an accomplishment! I called them this morning to thank them for staying married and for giving my brother and I such a wonderful start in life. I feel blessed to have such strong family ties

Please join me in wishing my parents a happy anniversary and wishing them many happy more!

To Mom and Dad, Happy Anniversary :)
With much love and gratitude, Your Daughter

Food for thought

Let me know what you think! :)

Yesterday I spent the better part of the day shopping with my Mom. We had a lovely time, as we always do. We caught a sale at Gordmans and found some great deals! Then we had lunch at Panera Bread, one of my faves.

I was barely home and had my packages unloaded when it was time to leave to meet my husband's sister and brother in law for dinner.

After dinner we went back to their house to have a glass of wine...or two ;) We chatted about this that and the other, made plans for our upcoming get together with hubby's Dad's side. My husband's parents are divorced, so that means two family Christmas's for him and me and us...with the same group, just different parents. It all becomes quite a bit of work, if you know what I mean.

When talking with one of our daughters the other night, we were going over the "schedule" for Christmas! Good Gravy! It all starts this coming Friday and doesn't end until Christmas day! Friday will be Christmas with my Grandma, with approx 60 people in attendance. This is one of my favorite get togethers. No gifts really, except the ones we buy for Grandma and the ones exchanged during "dirty santa", which is a blast! Have you ever played dirty Santa?

Then on Sunday hubby's Dad and step Mom's party. On the 23rd, we'll have Christmas here with our children and grandchildren, Christmas Eve with my parents and then on Christmas Day, with hub's Mother and Step Dad.

It can all be very hectic so, what does it say about me that I enjoy it?

Amidst all of this, I have to finish my shopping and wrapping and baking. Sometime this week, I'm getting together with my Mom to bake cookies and to put together fruit baskets that we will deliver to some folks who are facing some bad times. One inparticular that some of you may remember is Scott. He's hanging in there with his children and I'd love it if you would all remember him in prayers or uplifting thoughts. Here's an old post about Scott

I'm still looking for helper elves :) If you like to wrap presents for a salary of a cup of coffee and cookies, apply here!

Love and Light to everyone, Doe

I'm thinking of ordering one for my friend Cheryl who lives away from here.

Just looking at these cakes makes me hungry!

Tiramisu Classico Cake...DROOL!

I've been sitting here since about 8 am, Christmas shopping online and I've found some awesome deals!

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm a big coupon shopper and that doesn't begin and end with clip and save cents off, I use coupon codes as well.

A great place to search for coupon codes is at Flamingo World

Just search for the store you're interested in and you'll probably find some kind of savings.

I love having my packages delivered to my door! No fighting the crowds. Now if I could just find some elves to help me wrap.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?

Below is part 1, so if you want old memories stirred up, watch them both :)

The one posted here is the segment
where Linus tells the story of Baby Jesus.

Our son is going to Santa Switch with his girlfriend Julie tonight. Santa Switch is where the girl asks the young man
of her choice to the dance and then pays for the evening.

Here's a picture of them from last year. They are such a cute couple. Both very bright and sweet.

And here's one of them from prom this past year.

Enjoy the show!

I'll be adding the rest of the show later....

Enjoy! BTW, I watched this on TV Tuesday night, all by myself. I was so wishing I had a little one to watch it with. I got all teary eyed watching it! hormones, that what it was...hormones. ;)