SNOW!!!!

The hubby took the boys up by Flagstaff at Wing Mountain. They had a blast. There wasn't a lot of snow on the ground but enough to enjoy the sleds.  They only stayed the afternoon, they had a wonderful lunch of Jeff's chili and hot cocoa.  A couple more hours of sledding then they came home.  The following day they got about two feet of snow. Might just have to take another trip up there.

Pretzel Hugs

bag of mini pretzels

candy cane Hershey kisses

red and green m + m's

preheat oven to 200 degrees

place a layer of pretzels on a wax paper covered cookie sheet

top each one with a kiss

bake for about four minutes until the kisses are really soft

immediately place two m + m's on each one

place in freezer to set

Decadent Snickers Cupcakes with Chocolate Mousse Filling

1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
1 small box Jello Chocolate Fudge instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream

Chocolate Mousse Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk chocolate chips

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
1 stick softened butter
2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 bag mini Snickers

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners. To prepare the cupcakes, place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream into stand mixer. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes are cooked through and a toothpick comes clean from center. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and let cool.
2. To prepare the mousse, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with a stand or electric mixer until it looks like whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Continue folding until well combined, then transfer batches into a piping bag. When cupcakes have cooled, press the tip of the piping bag into the center of the cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Squeeze the mousse into the cupcake while pulling the tip out. It doesn’t take much, just one firm squeeze is perfect. Continue filling all the cupcakes.
3. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until well combined and a nice frosting consistency. Spread over cupcakes then top with chopped Snickers.
Makes 24 cupcakes.

Spicy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
•  

Directions

step 1 Preheat oven to 350° F.

 

step 2 In a mixing bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and light.

 

step 3In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Gradually mix into wet ingredients. Beat until just combined (i.e., when all ingredients are just wet).

 

step 4Fold in chocolate chips until combined. Scoop cookies into 2-inch balls and place on cookie sheets.

step 5 Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes.

 

step 6 Let cool slightly, then remove from cookie sheets and transfer to a wire rack to cool further.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs, finely ground (about 30 small cookies from a 16-ounce box)
• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Three 8-ounce packages regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups canned pumpkin pie mix (half of a 29-ounce can)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Optional

• For a sweeter cheesecake, add an additional 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs,(1 1/2 cups , finely ground about 30 small cookies from a 16-ounce box) Butter(3 Tablespoons, melted) Granulated Sugar(1/4 cup) Regular Or Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese(Three 8-ounce packages, softened) Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix(1 3/4 cups, half of a 29-ounce can) Pumpkin Pie Spice(1 1/2 teaspoons) Eggs(3, room temperature) Cornstarch(2 Tablespoons)

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Directions

step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, with baking rack on lowest level. 

 

step 2 Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter and sugar together with a fork in medium bowl until crumbs hold together. Press crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and 1 to 2 inches up the sides of a 9-inch round tinplate or steel (not nonstick) springform pan. Bake 6 to 8 minutes until crust is set. Cool and set aside.  

step 3 Add softened cream cheese to large bowl and beat on high speed with hand mixer, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. There should be no lumps. 

 

step 4 Add additional sugar (if desired), pumpkin pie mix and pumpkin pie spice. Blend well with mixer on medium speed, scraping down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. With mixer still on medium speed, add eggs, one at a time, incorporating each one. With mixer on low, add cornstarch until just blended. Pour batter into prepared  pan.

step 5 Bake in oven until edges are cooked and center jiggles slightly when side of pan is tapped, about 50 to 60 minutes. Do not overcook or cheesecake will crack (but it will still taste great). 

step 6 Cool completely on cooling rack, about 2 hours. Cover top of springform pan with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Cheesecake will keep in refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, cover top of pan with saran wrap and freeze overnight. It will keep in freezer for up to 1 week. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Keep chilled until serving

Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts

Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta (health food store)
• 1 1/2 pound baby spinach, washed
• 2 Tb olive oil
• Course salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350*.  Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in the oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spinach penne until al dente according to package directions, adding the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.  Drain; return the pasta and spinach to the pot.
3. Add the olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper.  Toss well.
4. Serve immediately, topped with the ricotta, pine nuts, and parmesan. 

I love you!

What a beautiful idea to share love with others! I love how symbolic this photo is.



Give love, get love.

Kid Rock - Born Free

Crazy Pizza Bread

Serves 4 to 6 Use your favorite pizza toppings for this. I used red bell peppers, green peppers and pepperoni to keep it kid-friendly. Other suggested add-ins: caramelized onions and roasted garlic (dry roast unpeeled cloves on a skillet for about 5 minutes, then finely mince or mash into a paste). If using a topping that will render fat, microwave it for a minute or two to prevent the fat from rendering into the dough while baking, which will alter the texture of the bread.
Serve with a simple marinara sauce or tomato soup for dipping.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup Lindsay Chopped California Ripe Olives or 1/2 cup Lindsay Large Pitted Black Ripe Olives, sliced
1 1/2 cups favorite toppings, chopped
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a bowl. Let it sit for 3 minutes until foamy, then add in flour and salt. Mix (using a mixer, spoon, or your hands) just until it comes together. Add in the olives and toppings and combine well. Dough will be tacky, but feel free to dust with a bit more extra flour if it feels too tacky. Let rise for about 1 hour, then put in the refrigerator for another hour.
Take the dough out of the refrigerator and flour a Silpat or waxed paper. Roll out into a rectangle about 11×17”. Sprinkle cheese over top. Then, using the Silpat or paper, fold along the long side, like an envelope. Seal sides so cheese is not exposed. Let rest while you preheat oven to 450 degrees. Let oven stay at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.
Bake the bread, either on a pizza stone or baking sheet, for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. About 3 minutes before taking it out, lightly brush the top with olive oil and let it finish baking. Let rest on a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
To pack for lunch, wrap slices in foil and lightly toast before putting it in a lunchbox. Include a small container of tomato soup or marinara sauce for dipping.

Already-Been-Chewed Cookie Cutters

Can be found at http://www.worldwidefred.com/home.htm
You HAVE to go look at the funny things this site carries.

Scary Cherry Fizz Punch

 
1 cup prosecco or white sparkling wine (nothing fancy needed)
3 Tbsp pomegranate or pom-cherry juice
Hefty splash of ginger ale (about 2-3 Tbsp)
1-3 Maraschino Cherries
*spooky skull cherry skewer, or similar
(optional) splash of sweetened cherry syrup from Maraschino Cherry jar
(optional) splash of orange juice, fresh-squeezed

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a chilled drink glass. Skewer cherries, or simply plop into the glass.

Serve chilled!

Virgin Option. Replace the prosecco with 1/2 part ginger ale and 1/2 part lemon-lime or club soda. And I would add-in the optional citrus juice. About 1/2 orange squeezed per glass.

Brandied-Option. You can also add in a shot of brandy per glass. If you do this I would advise serving the drink "on the rocks" to dilute the alcohol a tad. You can even use coconut water ice cubes. Or make ginger ale ice cubes in advance.

Chicken in Green Chili, Mint and Cilantro Sauce

If you have a food processor or blender, this recipe is easy to make. The fresh green chili, mint, cilantro and turmeric combine, creating a flavorful bright green sauce. This is a great weeknight meal which is inexpensive and requires very little prep time.

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stalks
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 fresh Seranno peppers, cored and seeded
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup fat free Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon sugar
coarse salt
1 small tomato, seeded and cut into julienne strips (to garnish)
cooked basmati rice, to serve .

Place cilantro, spinach, ginger, garlic, chiles, mint, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a food processor and process to a smooth paste. If necessary, add a little water to the paste to facilitate the blade movement. Remove and set aside.

Put yogurt in a small bowl and whisk until smooth (otherwise the yogurt will curdle) and set aside. Heat oil in a medium saucepan and cook the onion, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Add the chicken and stir-fry over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the meat turns opaque. Add turmeric, sugar and salt to taste cook for an additional 2 minutes, then reduce heat to medium and add half the yogurt. Cook for 1 minute and then add remaining yogurt, then continue cooing over medium heat until yogurt resembles a thick batter and the oil is visible.

Add the herb and spice mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from the heat and garnish with strips of tomato. Serve over cooked basmati rice.

Apple cake

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

2 Cups of Sugar

1 Cup of Canola Oil

2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

3 Cups Flour

3 Cups Chopped Apples

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350′

2. Beat eggs in mixing bowl.

3. Add sugar, oil and vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl combine cinnamon, baking soda, salt and flour.

5. Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until dough has formed.

6. Add chopped apples to dough (if you don't have a kitchen-aid mixture with a dough hook, then it is best to mix in apples by hand as dough becomes very thick.)

7. Pour into a lightly greased bundt cake pan and cook for 45 – 60 minutes.

My Boys ~GOLDEN BIRTHDAY~

10-10-10 and Turning 10

What's cuter than one baby?
A precious set of twins.
With matching little outfits-
and matchless little grins.
With twice as many babies,
how very busy you will be,
Just think of all the loving
They'll bring to your family.

Four little hands to guide and to hold.

Two special lives to shape and to mold.

Two little babies are gifts from above.

                          Two special people to snuggle and love

As I grow please...Understand that I am growing up and changing very fast. it must be difficult to keep pace, but please try.

As I grow please...Listen to me and give me brief, clear answers to my questions. Then I will keep sharing my thoughts and feelings.

As I grow please...Reward me for telling the truth, Then I am not frightened into lying.

As I grow please...Tell me when you make mistakes and what you learned from them. then i can accept that i am O.K, even when i blunder,

As I grow please..Pay attention to me and spend time with me. Then I can believe that I am important and worthwhile.

As I grow please... Do the things that you want me to do. Then I have a good, positive role model.

As I grow please...Trust and respect me. Even though I am smaller than you, I have feelings and needs, just like you.

As I grow please... Compliment and appreciate me. then I will feel good and I will want to continue to please you.

As I grow please...Help me explore my unique interest, talents, and potential in order for me to be happy, i need to be me and not you or someone you want me to be.

As I grow please...Be an Individual and create your own happiness. Then you can teach me the same and I can live a happy, successful and fulfilling life.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME!

Author: Helene Rothschild

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 MOM

Actual children’s answers to the question “what is love

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” - Billy, age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” - Karl, age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” - Chrissy, age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” - Terri, age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” - Danny, age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” - Emily, age 8

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” - Bobby, age 7

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,” - Nikka, age 6

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” - Noelle, age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” - Tommy, age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.” - Cindy, age 8

“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” - Clare, age 6

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” - Elaine, age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” - Chris, age 7

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” - Mary Ann, age 4

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” - Lauren, age 4

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” - Rebecca, age 8

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” - Karen, age 7

“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” - Jessica, age 8

Kenny Chesney - Reality

Happy 21st Birthday Danielle!

Danielle
~God Is My Judge~

~~Daughter~~ At times I wish you wouldn't Have grown up so fast.. But then I realized that would keep us from seeing you turn into the beautiful young lady that you are today!! She has taught me patience to rejoice in small gains which others take for granted. She has taught me tolerance to accept that your perspective is different and deserves respect. She has taught me courage to fight for you when no one else will. She has taught me endurance to go on when I feel I can't any more.She has  taught me humility to accept when I can't make things better but can only be here for you. She has taught me to love at a deeper level than I ever thought possible. Twenty-one years ago, my life was changed and it wasn't just about me anymore. She has taught me so much and I am very blessed that my daughter иelli racca  has turned into a beautiful young lady. Happy 21st Birthday to my baby girl!!

Ten Ways to Improve People’s Lives

Ten Ways to Improve People’s Lives

When you make people feel good, you enhance their self-image and give them energy, hope, and confidence. Below are ten simple ways you can make people feel good.

1. Encourage. What sunshine and rain do for flowers, encouragement does for humanity. Regardless of one’s position in life, everyone needs to hear words of encouragement.
“Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition.”    — Robert Cavett

2. Compliment Sincerely. You can compliment someone for a job well done or on an admirable characteristic you have noticed. If you can’t do it in person, don’t hesitate to use another means like a card, thoughtful email, or text message.

3. Praise Publicly. Boost someone’s confidence by commending their efforts in front of others, either verbally or in writing. You can also do this with people who serve you, such as a store clerk, waitress, or receptionist who has gone the extra mile to assist you.

4. Listen Thoughtfully. Focus on listening, not just hearing. When you are an attentive listener, people sense your care and concern and are comforted that their feelings and experiences are validated.

5. Serve Willingly. The next time you notice that a co-worker is under the gun and needs a hand, volunteer to help. Or offer to assist someone who has a task to do that they don’t want to do.  In doing so, you will help them see themselves as worthy of your efforts and attention.

6. Show Genuine Interest. Ask about something important to them and concentrate on what they have to say. Remembering and commenting on their hobbies, sports, vacations, or family at a later date will prove that you have a sincere interest in their lives.

7. Express Love Unselfishly.  Every person has a primary love language that dictates the ways they prefer to be loved. When we understand and love people the way they need to be loved (not just the way that satisfies our needs), it draws them closer to us and us to them. 

8. Make a Friendly Call. It doesn’t have to be important or a special day, just call to let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them.  Asking how someone is doing is always appreciated.
“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.”   —William James

9. Give a Gift. It doesn’t need to be expensive. It can be a small bouquet of flowers or a card. In this department, it’s most definitely the thought that counts. Hallmark has captured the essence in their advertisement: You cared enough to send. . .”

10. Smile Often. A sincere smile never goes out of style; it can mean different things to different people. A smile can brighten people’s day in an instant, and they’ll appreciate that you made the effort to acknowledge them.

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe (unofficial video)

Unknown~

See the positive ~Wake up every morning with a grateful spirit. It does not matter what circumstances lie ahead, if you start your day with a smile and stay focused on the positive, the mountain will not seem as steep. Be disciplined and know brighter days are ahead. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do”~ unknown

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:

Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures. Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

No wonder men are happier.

Fresh Pineapple Has Many Benefits

The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is
extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit.
The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today.
It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple is actually
made up of dozens of individual flowerets that grow together
to form the  entire fruit. Each scale on a
pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.

Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No
special way of storing them will help ripen
them further.

Color is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness.
Choose your pineapple by smell. If it smells fresh,
tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit. The more scales
on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste
After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow
much like a sweet potato will. This delicious
fruit is not only sweet and tropical, it also offers many
benefits to our health.

Pineapple is a remarkable fruit. We find it enjoyable
because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may
be one of the most healthful foods available today. If we
take a more detailed look at it, we will find that
pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or
sinusitis. The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps
get rid of intestinal worms.  Let's look at how pineapple
affects other conditions.

Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical
to development of strong bones and connective tissue.
A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the
recommended daily amount. It is particularly  helpful to
older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's
value.  Proteolytic means "breaks down protein",
which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It
helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory.
Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh
pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints
common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief.
In Germany , bromelain is approved as a post-injury
medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation
and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a
cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple
is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the
bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucus in the throat.
If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to
your diet. It is commonly used in Europe as a
post-operative measure to cut mucus after certain sinus and
throat operations. Those individuals who eat
fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to
allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low
risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot
development.  This makes it a valuable dietary addition for
frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood
clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple
juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first
thing in the morning often makes a difference. It's also
good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages
plaque growth.

Yummy Sloppy Joes -Mimi's recipe

I made it for 12 people so it seems like a lot.


1 big yellow onion chopped up
5lbs Hamburger browned
2 jars of chili sauce.

Just brown hamburger with onion, when browned add chili sauce.

Last day of vacation!

   It has arrived, the last day of my vacation.  I have truly enjoyed the past eleven days of my "STAY HOME" vacation. Doing stuff I wanted and not doing things that I did NOT want to do.  I did manage to deep clean the house, in the day to day life it seems like there is not enough time or I am just to plain tired. I don't know how people keep their houses spotless. I certainly can't.
   One thing I wanted to get done while I was on vacation was to purchase some window treatments and get them hung.  Which here is a picture of the final room.

I just went with basic panels.  They are nice during the afternoon when the sun is beating on the West side of the house.  It make a HUGE difference in room temperature by just shutting. Which we do. :)

Healing Field at Tempe Town Lake  September 11th Memorial.
All 2996 flags for all the people that died on that horrific day in America.

They had a name on every flag.  It was very strange walking through them.  Very happy we went though.

Now as my last day comes to the end. I am preparing myself for the Holiday season at work.  Always very stressful, especially in retail.

All in all a very nice and relaxing "Stay Home" vacation. It was just what I NEEDED!!!

Def Leppard-Foolin by Kupi

Def Leppard-Foolin by Kupi

Garth Brooks - The Dance (live) by fireocean

Garth Brooks - The Dance (live) by fireocean

The Perfect wife

The perfect wife knows how to provide the harmonic balance within the family unit. She knows how to balance career, domestic chores, taking care of the children and support her husband emotionally. The perfect wife has many roles to fulfill and finds it both a challenge and rewarding. Not every woman wants to be the perfect wife. Many women will purposely try to be something different to establish their independence. Even those women that rebuff the idea of a perfect wife, read on. There are many deep emotional rewards for striving to be the perfect wife.

The perfect wife knows how to smile at those jokes that aren’t really that funny. She manages a small laugh and doesn’t remind her husband that he has told that joke before repeatedly. Without her husband knowing it, the perfect wife embraces these age old jokes over and over as if they were brand new. The perfect wife will know that one day her husband might be in a nursing home not able to even recognize who she is. It will be that day that these old jokes will be a memory that keeps her going daily to visit her wonderful husband.

The perfect wife finds the energy to pick up the piles of clothes, socks strewn about and the glasses that never make it back to the sink. Instead of clearing up after everyone and feeling like a maid, the perfect wife is proud of her home. It will drive her nuts to have the little messes here and there. She cleans up without a second thought as to who did it last time or why everyone around her can’t seem to walk to the kitchen sink. She knows that one day the house will be childless and there won’t be laughter as everyone is gathered around the TV watching a movie and forgetting their dishes. The perfect wife covets the memories that are being made in the household from an active family life.

The perfect wife wakes in the middle of the night to toss the covers back onto her husband because she wants him to stay warm. She doesn’t sit up and wonder why she had to marry someone that thrashes about and snores so loudly. The perfect wife cherishes the quiet moments when she can watch her husband sleeping peacefully. Deep down she knows that one day her bed will be empty because she has become a widower.

The perfect wife learns how to cook the dishes that are her husband’s favorite to eat. Eventually, she even learns to like some of these dishes herself. When he calls her telling her that he will be late getting home for dinner, the perfect wife smiles and puts the meal on warm. She knows that it is a blessing that she has a man that is willing to work very hard to financially provide for the family. At least her husband is out working late and not at the local bar picking up women or ending up in jail. There will be a day that the only food her husband might be able to eat is puree meals from a straw.

The perfect wife does not look at just today. The perfect wife does not keep score as to who has contributed the most or contributed what to a relationship. She values her marriage and embraces her friendship with her husband. When faced with multi-tasking and keeping the family balance, the perfect wife focuses on enjoying each moment for she is wise and knows that the precious moments of today are not forever. It is from the perfect wife that many of us could learn to cherish today and let yesterday’s problems stay in the past. By: Joyce Priddy