And in the end...

The love you take

Is equal to the love you make. -The Beatles

Wow! Where has 2010 gone? This has been a very exciting year!  I started this blog- woo hoo! Everyday Re-Creations started- yay! I have loved writing my thoughts down for you all to see...however many all actually is.  Today being the last day that I will post in 2010, I thought I would share some of my New Year's Resolutions.  Maybe if I tell you all about them I may actually follow through!

       1.  Do more crafts, projects, recipes to share
In the past, I've just explained about something I have done and given a few pictures.  2011 is going to be a year of doing! I want to come up with some good tips to share, or a new recipe that is cheap and easy.  I want you to want to come back and see what I'll be doing next.  I promise that next year I will experiment more things for you to try that will save you money and/or time. 

       2.  Read ten books
Pretty small number, huh?  Usually I'm doing ok if I read one book a year.  In 2011, I promise that I will hold myself accountable for my reading.  After each book I read, I will give you a breakdown on if it was enjoyable, an easy read, and if I would recommend it to you.

       3.  Be more healthy
Yeah, yeah typical resolution.  Seriously though, I'm not saying I want to lose X number of lbs or run four miles every morning.  I just want to be more conscious about what I put in my mouth and try and get outside more often and go for a walk. Easier said than done.

       4.  Recycle more

Ok, recycle at all.  I'm not a recycler. However, this year even if it's just one type of product I want to try and recycle.  Any ideas on what my first step in recycling should be? 

       5.  Save more money
Last year, I challenged myself to go two months without buying any clothes.  I think I'll do more challenges like that.  Stay tuned.

That's it.  They all seem fairly easy to obtain.  That's the key in resolutions.  Don't set your goals on something that you know you'll never live up to.  That just makes for a bigger let down. Start small.  I'll let you know how well I stick with mine! What are some of your resolutions???

Happy New Year! May you be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

New Technology

You thought I was going to tell you about something new and exciting in the technology world? Oh, I'm sorry.  Maybe I should have named this post New-to-Me Technology.  I'm very far behind on things.  I don't have internet on my phone (used to, but got rid of it because I never used it), and my lap top at my house is always turned off because I don't have internet services. That's what Stephen and parents are for.  The only Ipod I own was purchased 6 years ago, and it probably hasn't been turned on in 3.  The only exciting thing I own is Sirius XM (and I can't live without that) until now... I got a Kindle for Christmas! I am so excited!  I am loving all the free books on Amazon!  I wouldn't be surprised if I never actually purchase one...You think I'm cheap? Maybe I am, or maybe I'm thrifty!  The free books change periodically from what I understand.  So, unless there is a particular book that I just have to read, my Kindle life will probably go on with the freebies. 

All Kindle tips or book recommendations are appreciated!!!

Looking Back

Ok, I'm sad.  Sad that Christmas is over.  Sad that the decorations have to come down.  Sad that Christmas music is off the radio, and sad there are no more Christmas movies.  The Christmas season is wonderful.  This year I was running from house to house to house...or I should say from meal to meal to meal.  It was great.  I was so exhausted and full...but loving every minute! I was afraid that in the anticipation of going to the next house that I may not have ripped open my presents and loved on every one of them like I should have.  With that being said, I loved ALL my gifts.  A BIG THANKS to everyone! Santa was way too good this year!  It's almost embarrassing ....almost... :)

Christmas Eve was just as good as I remembered it being!  Lots of yummy foods, great friends, and BINGO! We rode the Merry-Go-Round one last time and went to Christmas Eve service.  There was one thing that tried to throw us off.  Let me preface by saying I don't like change.  I like traditions.  At the candle light Christmas eve service it's usually dark, and we sing "Silent Night" a cappella.  This year there was no "Silent Night", and it wasn't exactly dark in the church.  That's all right though, maybe next year it'll be back...fingers crossed! At first there was that moment of panic, but then it became a joke and we randomly broke into Silent Night the rest of the night.  I guess you just have to know my family. 

Most of all, I enjoyed my time at home.  I yearn to stay at home.  I love my job and am extremely grateful for my job, but being at home suits me.  This year since Christmas was on a Saturday I had Monday off.  I got to watch the Today show (I love Kathie Lee and Hoda!), put up some Christmas decorations, go grocery shopping, cook dinner, take Martha to the vet, (I even had time to take a shower- which is not something I like to do when I don't have to) and all before Stephen got off work! It was fabulous!  One day, I hope to find something to do that will let me stay at home while making some money... Wishful thinking....

Merry Christmas!

I hope you and yours had a Very Merry Christmas!!!! Now, let's get ready to ring in 2011!

ALL of the girls =)

It takes hands to build a house...

... but only hearts can build a home. ~Author Unknown
3 Days Until Christmas

I'm getting a little nervous, I still have a few things to pick up before Christmas. I guess I better get on that!

Today I thought I'd share the progress on how the new house is coming.  It's come such a long way already...still has a lot of work left, but it's getting there!






Good Luck getting all your last minute shopping done!!! Just remember....

4 Calling Birds Cont'd

Get it? 4 calling birds...the Beatles =)



This close to Christmas, I'm sure we could all use a little help! What do you need help with?

4 Calling Birds

4 Days until Christmas!

I'm not a huge fudge fan, but that's one thing I feel should be around at Christmas.  We haven't had it in a few years...so I decided I'd give it a go!  As a last minute thought before I went home from work yesterday, I printed off a recipe on Allrecipes.com.  My mom was on her way to the store, so I asked her to pick up the 3 ingredients that she wouldn't have already.

I've honestly been afraid to make fudge in the past, but this was the easiest recipe.  It took no time to make, and it really is pretty good!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups white sugar

1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk - make sure you only have 5 ounces!

10 large marshmallows- cut in half

1 cup chopped walnuts- I used Pecans

1.Butter an 8x8 inch dish.

2.Place butter, chocolate chips and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

3.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, milk and marshmallows. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook 6 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

4.Pour marshmallow mixture over contents of mixing bowl. Beat entire mixture until it thickens and loses its gloss. Quickly fold in nuts and pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate several hours until firm.









*Tip: you might want to cut the marshmallows in half. It'll take them a few extra minutes to melt if not.

Stir this constantly, the bottom will burn. 

 *Tip: Enlist the help of a eager neighbor to chop the nuts!





*Tip: Don't drop your bowl.



Fold in your nuts





http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Walnut-Fudge/Detail.aspx

Let the Countdown Begin!

5 days until Christmas!

Woo Hoo! It's really only 4 days until my Christmas celebrations start.  My cousin's birthday is Christmas Eve, and I enjoy this day almost as much as I enjoy Christmas day...maybe equally.  This is a day that we all gather for lunch and cake to celebrate Carlen and Jesus's birth.  We hang out all afternoon. We play bingo with gifts that can be swapped like Dirty Santa.  It's just fun.  It's not about what we get or who got who what.  Our gifts are silly.  We sometimes have other friends join.  It's a great day.  We usually go ride the Merry-Go-Round (a hometown tradition) before it closes then go to Candle Light Service at church. This is one of my favorite days.  It's a day that we get to experience what Christmas is really about, a time of fellowship and Jesus's birth. 

Happy Early Birthday, Carlen!



Parent's Christmas Card...yes, that adorable chubby cheeked baby is me =)

 

Sheer Excitment

OH.EM.GEE! CAN.NOT.WAIT!!!



My favorite book turned into a movie!! About a circus!!! With Robert Pattinson!!! I'm about to pee in my pants!!!

Weather Warning

Pixie loving the snow!

A few days ago I noticed our outdoor kitty, Maggie, licking what looked like water...it was ice.  At this time of the year if you have outside pets, please remember to take extra measures to keep them warm.  Maggie has her own little house made up complete with electric heating pad. (ok, that might not be the safest thing, but at least she's warm!) Just remember that animals get cold, too.  So, maybe fill their dog house with pine straw and a blanket.  Or, you can cover the opening of the dog house.  BUT BE SURE THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO GET IN AWAY FROM THE ELEMENTS! Something that is preferably off the ground and covered and with walls...something like this would be ok.

Ok, it doesn't have to be this elaborate, but do be sure your pets have somewhere they can get warm.  Put yourself in their position.  Would you want to be stuck outside all night long just to sit under a tree? No. Let's recap.  Be sure they have something to get into, be sure they have water that is not a frozen block of ice, and it doesn't hurt if they have a cute pink polka-dot coat to wear, too! :)

LOL

I know I haven't posted Hawaii pictures, and I know I haven't posted anything lately.  Sorry about that.

Today is my mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Mama!!!!

In honor of her birthday a video with sprinkles! This made me LOL seriously... Enjoy!

Imagine

Thirty years ago today, John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City. 

As I have expressed before, I do enjoy some Beatles and John Lennon music.  It's my favorite. It saddens me to think about what we missed out on.  John Lennon was forty when he died.  40.  That's not old.  Some could argue that he lived many lives during that forty years.  He had way more experiences than I'll ever get to go through, I'm sure.  Be that as it may, he wasn't through.  Stephen and I watched a special on Fox News this weekend about the days leading up to his death. The days before his death he had gotten back in the studio to make music.  Imagine all the talent we could have been experiencing the last thirty years to the present.  He only would have been seventy.  Paul is still rocking on (I got to see him last summer- great!!!!). So, I imagine John would have been pleasing crowds still as well.  I definitely would have loved the chance to get to see him perform...

A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

69 years ago today Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.  I have been lucky enough to visit this place, and tomorrow I will share pictures.  In 2004, the summer after I graduated high school my sister, grandmother, cousin, along with a large group took a 10 day(I think) trip to Hawaii.  It was so worth every penny! We stayed two days on land and then cruised around some of the different islands.  That was my version of a "senior trip", and I could not have asked for anything better!

We traveled to Pearl Harbor the day before we left (I think...it was a long time ago).  It was weird being there.  It has a silence about it; I'll never forget it. 

I can't wait to share my personal pictures...can't believe I left them at home!

Personal Perfection

mu·sic 
[myoo-zik]
–noun

1. an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color.  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/music

In my opinion, these guys are the definition of music.  I want to thank Stephen for giving me a copy of their album Abbey Road, which introduced this song to me.

Afternoon Awww

Tell me this didn't make you say, "Aww..."

http://www.peoplepets.com/news/amazing/have-you-ever-seen-an-elephant-ultrasound/1

Smile because tomorrow is Friday!

Hold On To Your Biscuits!

My friend from college used to say that all the time...good times...

Check out Everyday Re-Creation's latest post!

www.EverydayRe-Creations.blogspot.com

Too Much for One Post



Ahh...the Big Top!

There were too many events last weekend to fit all in one post, so this is part two.  Stephen and I went on a date to the big city of Atlanta.  I have been looking forward to this for quite some time.  I bought us tickets to see Cirque du Soleil a few months back, and Saturday was Showtime!  If you have never seen a Cirque show, you really should put that on your list.  It's my favorite!  It's like a circus for big kids, and that's all I really am anyway, so I love it! Nothing beats watching a circus type show while sipping on a glass of eight dollar wine. This was my third show to see, but it was Stephen's first, so I was anxious to see how he felt about it.  After reading Water for Elephants this summer, I have been hyped up on circus stuff!  APT has been airing a show called Circus about the Big Apple Circus the last few weeks, and I have been all about it!  I love the idea of joining a circus.  Everything about it excites me! I think I would be a great elephant master! Give me a showgirl outfit and an elephant with a pink headdress, and I'll be set! 

Forgive my crazy eyes...I was excited!

This picture was taken right before we got in trouble for taking pics! ;) Oops!

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