No reindeer antlers or light up sweaters for me...Black Friday in Hickville, USA

I got up at 3:30 this morning and went shopping. It has always been a tradition on Black Friday. I have to get out with the crazy women who wear reindeer antlers and big gawdy light -up Christmas sweaters. As much as I love Christmas I refuse to wear those antlers or those light up sweaters! I shopped for 14 hours straight. Just when I thought I couldn't shop anymore I got a hot giant pretzel and then I felt I could go on. I went on and on......... I felt like the Energizer rabbit. I took a licking and kept on ticking. You might ask Girl "Why are you blogging?" It is because I am too sore and tired to walk or talk and I may sleep in the chair I am sitting in!

Last year on Black Friday I went to Target at 5am. The women were waiting in line with those light up antlers and sweaters. It was about 30 degrees outside. As soon as the Target man unlocked the door the women grabbed a cart and ran with the carts as fast as their legs could go. I started laughing at these women and almost peed my pants. The laugh was on me! I didn't get any of the early bird specials because they hogged them all up. These women were on serious mission. This is no recreational activity I learned. Today as a matter of fact 2 women in my hometown were arrested at Wal-Mart because they were fighting over the last item on a special! Darn, I missed the drama there! This definately gives a new meaning to "I'd kill for that!" or Shop till you drop!"

I have decided Thanksgiving is a mans holiday . The women cook and clean for days while the men graze and waller around on the floor . Then, to top it off, they watch football the live long day. Don't get me wrong I don't mind to give them this day to the men because on Black Friday I am going to shop until I can no longer walk and spend a ton of money. This is the only time of year that I spurge. I am normally very thrifty. I hardly spend any money all year long.

Tomorrow, I will start putting up all my Christmas stuff. It takes me nearly 2 weeks to get everything just right. I am looking forward to this time with my family and all the festivities. My oldest daughter is in a Madrigal choir and she will perform at a Madrigal dinner. I am looking so...forward to this. Please forgive me for skipping around from subject to subject that is the way that my mind works. I think I have adult add.......LOL

Christmas through the eyes of a 4 year old

I have been getting Abigail ready to go to Disney World with her grandparents. You should see the sparkle in her eye when she talks about meeting Mickey Mouse. Wouldn't it be great to see life through the eyes of a 4 year old? I will sure miss her when she is away.
As I put up the Christmas decorations her little face reminds me of what Christmas is all about.
Even though we live in uncertain times. I am going to make sure that this is the best Christmas ever. I hope when my children grow up they will remember the smell of Christmas goods baking ,sounds of music, love and excitement in the air.
I can never sleep on Christmas Eve. I get so excited putting out the reindeer food,cookies for Santa and reading "The night before Christmas before bed. I will always cherish these magical times with my kids.
This is the last Christmas that my oldest daughter will still be a minor. This is very hard on me . Where did the time go? Just yesterday she was 4. I hope she will always remember to think of those who are less fortunate and keep Christ in Christmas. I know she will still be home for Christmas but it still breaks my heart to let her go. Sorry, Christmas makes me so sappy...sniff sniff

Contentment Therapy

This weekend I attended a cancer fundraiser for my cousin Randy. He is 44 and has Melanoma skin cancer. It seems like yesterday we were all boating and having a great time. In a instant his life was forever changed. His wife was hospitalized this week and her mother passed away last week. Life is so precious and I now am faced of the reality of this.
Today, the carpet I hate doesn't bother me as much or the material things that my heart desires. My cousin would give any material item to have his health back. Sometimes it take a tragedy like this to make one realize how precious life is and to appreciate the simple things that life has to offer. I have taken the time today to savor the smiles of my children and be thankful for the wonderful friends and family that I have been blessed with.

Make a Smilebox recipe

Part 2 Vanilla Poppy Seed Bread Yummy!

When I make Lemon Glaze cake I always make Vanilla Poppy Seed to go with it. I give them out in little baskets at Christmas. If you are having guest over you can slice the bread and put it on a pretty tray. I have only tried name brand cake mixes. Loaves can be frozen until ready to use. I also put glazed nuts on my tray or in my gift basket. They are awesome! I will put that recipe on later!

Vanilla Poppy Seed Bread

From the kitchen of Jamie

Daisy Rae

1 box of yellow cake mix

4 eggs

1 C oil

1C warm water

1 box of Instant Vanilla pudding

4T poppy seeds

Bake as directed on box according to pan size.

My secret recipe for my blogging buddies!

Well maybe it isn't a secret but I get plenty of request for this and it is so easy! I thought you all might like it for the holidays. I love to cook and I will be sending my favorites your way!

Lemon Glaze Cake

1Box Betty Crocker Yellow Cake Mix

1 box of instant lemon pudding

4 eggs

1 cup of crisco oil

1 cup of warm water

mix together with mixer

pour in greased & floured pan

Bake as directed on cake box

poke holes w/ a fork all over the top of cake and pour glaze on top while hot

Glaze

6T real butter slightly melted

2C powdered sugar

2T lemon juice

2T Water

mix pour over the top of hot cake

You can use loaf pans and give as Christmas gifts . It can be sliced like bread or it can be put in a regular cake pan.

It is moist and tasty!

I am sorry I don't have any pictures . It is very late and I wanted you all to have it!

Let me know how you like it!

Girls! I have been robbed again!

I have had my personal space violated once again. We woke up this morning to my husbands truck windows broken and our garage windows broken. We have had documents stolen that jeopardize our identities. Please pray for our family this evening we are very uneasy tonight. The people who have done this are not fazed that we live in clear view of the police station. Many others in our neighborhood were robbed and vandalized last night. I thank the Lord for protecting our family last night. I am ready if they come back with a loaded gun!

I hope to have a happy blog soon!