Accepting the Challenge

Okay here goes-7 weird or unusual things about me!

1. I will eat chili for breakfast...or pizza...or cheeseburgers!
2. I'm so old that I actually attended a one room school house!
3. Halloween is not just a holiday for me, it's an obsession.
4. I have a bird phobia, birds inside a building terrify me.
5. I can't stand to have the bottom of my feet touched.
6. When I first started college I planned to be a psychologist.
7. I usually get to work an hour before I have to be there.

Now I'm ready to hear from the rest of you on this blog! Get Busy!

Bargain Hunting

I wish I had been able to find these for the K-8 Moms Christmas party. Our goal for the gifts we brought was to make 10 dollars go as far as we could! I bought these things at the Nashville Flea Market on December 19th. The flea market is held once a month at the fairgrounds. It is normally the last week end of the month except December when it is the third weekend. Admission is free, but there is a four dollar charge for parking. We go several times a year and one of my favorite spots is the quarter table. I actually received change from a ten dollar bill and left with all this!

I had three bags after checking out, thankfully the husband came by and carried it to the car!Here's what is in the bags!

Notice the prices!Remember these things were 25 cents each!

Lovely suncatcher for my porch--valued at$3.99
I'm not even going to tell you what I bought at Target yesterday at the 75% off Christmas sale, but I did save $139 dollars not counting the $129 dollar tree that I bought for $35.00 (tax included)
Anyone want to go on a field trip?

You are still tagged!

Okay ladies. I tagged you--remember---Share 7 strange/unusual facts about yourself!
The Christmas rush is over so sit down and share. You can adjust the rules, change the number but you are still IT until you complete the tag! Let's go. . . ask your relatives they will help with your list!

Get Well Wishes to Cyndi who got an unexpected Christmas gift, read and heed her story on her blog. It's on our list.

Happy New Year to all!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone from the Pritchett gang! Blessings to you all!

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.The good you do for others is good you do yourself...Norman Wesley Brooks

Before & After

BEFORE...the magic...

AFTER...the magic...

Well...there is a Santa Claus...but it seems to me that MRS. CLAUS does most of the work!   So, I thought I would share a picture of our tree before and after MRS. CLAUS worked her magic!   I cannot wait for the boys to wake up in the morning!   I hope I can keep them in the bed until Dana & I are ready with our camera and camcorder to catch every oooh & aaah!   Oooooh the anticipation!   This is so much fun!   I love my job as a mommy!   Merry CHRISTmas to everyone! :-) :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)   XOXO   

Memories of Christmas Past

Here's Leslie's sled she made in 4th grade, I think she was trying to paint a bear. I also have a variety of mismatched ornaments,and I agree, they are the best kind because there's a memory with every one!

The Tree is Up!

For those of you who doubted--here it is. The tree is up. Some of my friends think I am a little scroogy about putting up the Christmas tree, and that I wait too long to get it in place. I think I even heard a discussion about someone coming to check and see if it was up and there were threats of a tree intervention, but today December 20th, it is ready. Now before some of you look at this picture and say, "Did they let the two year old do that?" Let me explain, we know that Martha Stewart would not approve of this tree, nothing matches and some might say it has crossed the line into tacky, but the tree tells a story, its full of things from the past. Things little girls once crafted and placed on the tree with pride. The little girls are grown and they have trees of their own but pieces of their childhood will always decorate mine. So let me give you the tour:

The Tree

In case you could not tell, this is baby Jesus made by a three year old at Sunday School. He has had a special place on our tree every year since!

This bear says DAD--he is a little roughed up, but don't he look just like Peanut?

Who doesn't have a glitter covered pine cone to adorn their tree. It must have super glue holding the glitter because it has lasted for a long time.

No tree would be complete without a star on the top, this one may be made from cardboard, but isn't it absolutely gorgeous?

We have some pictures from Christmas Past

And this lovely plastic ornament is all that is left from a tree 34 Christmases ago when a young couple could only afford a cedar tree they cut from the woods and some red glass balls and plastic ornaments from Big K.(Those of you old enough to remember this was the store that came to Cookeville and eventually became Walmart.)

Now What's On Your Tree?

Holiday Eating Tips Continued. . .

Here's the rest of the list. . . Enjoy your holiday feasts!

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some scruples.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Holiday Eating Tips

I have a bff who lives in Murfreesboro, TN. We don't remember not knowing each other, we have always been friends. She loves to forward e-mails. Don't tell her, but I don't always read them, depending on how busy I am, but she sent me some Holiday Eating Tips and they made me laugh out loud so I thought I would share them with you:

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn in to an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's almost Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

(I can't believe it; she actually sent me a forward while I was typing this!)

Moon over Monroe

Just wanted to share this photo I took one night on the way to play practice at church. The moon and clouds were so pretty that night. I carry my camera with me at all times now so I won't miss anything. It amazes me to see beautiful views in our world like the moon, sunsets, etc. and know that people don't believe in God. How can they not when witnessing such events? I know we are all in a hurry these days with the holidays and craziness surrounding us, but the next time you see a beautiful sight, one only God could create, stop, look at it, really look at it, and enjoy it even for just a moment. And take a photo for the rest of us to enjoy! Merry Christmas to all of you!

Tag from Misty

Misty recently(well some time ago) tagged me with this challenge Share 7 strange/unusual facts about yourself
I thought about this and decided that I could not really think of 7 strange or unusual things that I was pretty average and boring. When I mentioned this to my daughters they immediately said "Oh, we can help you with that!" So here goes:
1. I love to do laundry.
2. I can crunch the seeds in Strawberries, and make them pop with my teeth.
3. I may have read more books than anyone in Pickett County.
4. I read music and can play the piano.
5. I have met Dolly Parton.
6. I will pick up bugs or snakes, but I am terrified of mice and will run screaming from the room!
7. When I am just sitting around I hold my big toe up! I can do this with either foot!
So I am tagging everyone--go ahead do it--if you can't think of anything just ask your children or your hubby!

One Size Fits All Christmas Party

Don't forget our Christmas Party Wednesday night at 6:00 in the computer lab. Bring a gift and some finger foods and join us! We are trying to make ten dollars go as far as possible with the gift. (See post made by Kim announcing the party!) Even if you are just a K-8 mom (or grandma or aunt etc.) and reader of the blog, we would love to have you join us. If you have any blogging questions or issues it would be a good time to get those answered or fixed!

Pictures Not Included

Need a last minute Christmas gift?

My daughters are making these frames. They have a little business called Splendid Bits. The frames are magnetic and you can change and arrange the pictures to suit yourself.

The 8x10’s are $20.00
5x7’s are $10.00

There are several different backgrounds and themes. Stop by the computer lab, visit with Delilah and see them.
(Lovely pictures shown above are not included)
Thanks,
Delilah

What God Wants for Christmas

What God Wants for Christmas is a kid-friendly, interactive nativity that tells the story of Christ's birth in a simple and fun way for kids of all ages.
Create anticipation and surprise in your child's Christmas experience with seven gift boxes, 6 hand-painted figurines, and a surprise ending in box #7. A colorful pop-up manger and a beautifully illustrated story booklet are also included. You can use this hands-on Christmas activity as a one-time event or 7 days leading up to Christmas morning.

From the Inside FlapWhat God wants for Christmas? It's--to you--a surprise. In box number seven it is disguised. But - no peeking! Be patient! For this you must wait. It's what you offer Him, and it's really great.

Christmas Party

Hey Blog Mom's

We are going to meet at the K-8 computer lab on Wednesday December 17th at 6:00 p.m.
Please bring finger foods and drinks(something easy). We are going to play dirty santa it's a fun game please bring a $10.00 gift if you want to play. We want to see
which mom can s-t-r-e-t-c-h her $10.00 and get the most things with the money.
Mrs. Delilah thinks she's got this in the bag, but I'm going to try and beat her.


Happy shopping hope to see you wednesday

Merry Christmas

Kim Anderson

I won some chocolate!!!

I actually won one of those giveaways I keep entering!   I won me some chocolate. (like I really need it, but who doesn't love it?)  I have only won 1 other time and it was a lovely scrapbook!   I get so excited if I win anything!   YAY!   

Check out the post showing my big win!   

Click Here!

Need some unique Christmas presents?

My daughters are creating magnetic photo frames that they are selling for $10.00 each. Each frame comes with four different backgrounds and 4 removable buttons that allow you to place pictures or objects on the frame in any way you like. I will have some with me tomorrow, if you would like to take a look at them. They also have an 8 x10 frame for $20.00. It's sort of scrapbooking on a frame!
They would tell you, "They're super cute!"
Thanks,
Delilah

Rebel For A Cause...

I found this great contest on a bog I like to frequent.  I wanted to share it in case any of you were interested and I also get an extra entry for doing so!   Wow...what a giveaway it is!!!  Check it out!

Rebel For A Cause

I'm Just Saying

Miss Veda and I were eating lunch today and someone had left a Hallmark Magazine on the counter where we were dining and I was flipping though it enjoying the festive Christmas articles, pictures and such when I came to this ad!
It implies that teachers would like to have this ornament for Christmas. Now as your friend I am going to tell you all that this is not true. Frankly, I don't even like that ornament look at its pointy pencil head and that smirky face! Teachers don't really want ornaments for Christmas, nor do they want mugs or dish towels and please step away from the chocolate covered cherries!
What do we want? Well. . . I noticed this ornament cost ten dollars, now granted that may be more than most people spend, but let's stay in that price range and buy something like gift certificates--think fast food, Dollar Store, Gas, Starbucks! How about real towels--bath towels we all use those and on sale you could get a couple for ten bucks. They don't have to be Egyptian cotton we are not real picky. We always need office supplies. Ten dollars would buy a few packs of copy paper or construction paper or staples or you get the idea. Another suggestion--a good book, most of us are readers and we enjoy a good novel during our Christmas break.
Here's what I would want because after 32 years I can't count the number or ornaments, trinkets, (I'm a #1Teacher) mugs, (I don't drink coffee) dish towels, and boxes of one dollar candy I have received. I want you to make a donation to an organization like the Imagination Library or the Friends of the Library in my name. Buy a book for the school library for me or better yet a nice card with a note that says Thanks, just like the one I got this week from a little sixth grade girl who wrote a note thanking me for teaching reading to her and wishing me a Merry Christmas! I'm Just Saying. . . .

Second Grade Campaign

Mrs. Stephanie Norris is starting a drive to save the pop tabs from aluminum cans. Be sure to read the full explanation at the K-8 Computer Lab Blog here:
http://k8computerlab.blogspot.com/2008/12/save-your-pop-tops.html

snow globe

Pickett County Humane Society Needs Our Vote

I received an e-mail from PAWS, Pickett County Humane Society asking me to vote for them at this website. They are entering a contest, trying to win a $10,000 donation from Care2.com.
They will need the votes of your friends and family by January 31, 2009 to win. You can visit here to vote:
http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/71275/?refer=2415.a7.1228272091.8816

Interesting Blog

I just came across this blog called Flipflops and Applesauce. I just looked at the first two pages, but it has some great ideas for family fun. Check it out.
http://flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com

I'm Just Saying

On our way back from Nashville tonight we stopped at a Sonic and had a sandwich. I like Sonic, their strawberry fruit slush is my second favorite drink! You can't beat the price especially if you stop at happy hour--2-4 every day. And the ice at sonic is the best, but the picture of the little chocolate cheesecakes with caramel dipping sauce on the menu looks much better than they taste. So my advice--based on personal experience-- is to save the $1.99 for 3 mini cakes and invest in a bigger, real cheesecake! I'm just saying. . .

A Really Good Read

I'm not usually one to go around endorsing books for others but this is one book I highly recommend.

Happy Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown

Christmas Specials at Joel Poston Photography

Our school photographer, Joel Poston, is offering some special Christmas Packages at his studio in Livingston. Call 823-8x10 for an appointment.

Here's the Christmas Price List:
Package A (same pose)
$45.00
1 8x10, 2 5x7 and 16 wallets

Package B (same pose)
$60.00
2 8x10, 2 5x7 and 16 wallets

Package C (same pose)
$75.00
1 8x10, 4 5x7, 2 4x5, and 16 wallets

Package D
$100.00
2 8x10, 6 5x7, 4 4x5 and 32 wallets

Black Friday Wal-Mart Ad

I found this tonight.  Some of you may have already seen it but in case you haven't...here is a chance to get a little head start on your game plan!  I am already planning my attack!   

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8264632/Walmart-Black-Friday-Ad-112808

Rolling out the welcome mat...

I have a new blog for you to read!  I have been thinking about doing this for quite some time now...I hope you will check it out and look for updates to come very soon!   

CLICK HERE

Family Stickers at Pyzam

You can make these family stickers at PYZAM. Thought you might want to try it too! I got this idea from Faith's blog.

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

I'm Just Saying

Let me begin with a disclaimer: This is not a sermon or a lecture or directed toward anyone in particular—especially not my friends who blog with me—it’s just my opinions and nothing more!

I like to shop—thoroughly enjoy it, but I like to shop in peace. Lately my shopping has been interrupted by cell phone conversations. Loud ones! I have heard people make appointments; chat with their friends and one lady seemed to be making a real estate deal in the dressing room! I don’t want to know these things! Yesterday I stopped at the Dollar General to buy a card for my grandson’s second birthday. I like to read the cards and put some thought into my choice—so I started to the card rack. Passing around a little grandmotherly looking lady who was looking at the Thanksgiving cards I made my way to the end of the rack. (Yes, I know I am a grandmother, too, but I am hoping you can’t tell by looking!) Suddenly I heard a shrill, sharp ringing that for just a second made me think the fire alarm was sounding. No, it was the little grandmother’s cell phone. Now, I know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I would have thought this little lady did not own a cell phone, much less be proficient at operating it. But she did and she had a really annoying ring tone. She proceeded to answer and have a loud conversation with her friend about what they had been doing, how they were feeling and if they were still taking pain medication. I’m just over on the other side of the rack trying to find a card with a big two and nice picture for Parker’s birthday, I don’t want to know all this other stuff, I have a life too but I don’t share it with everyone who happens to be shopping in the Dollar Store when my phone rings! So if you ever see me wandering around a store jabbering into my cell phone for all to hear, you have my permission to remind me to say these words, “I’ll call you back.

Photo Cards for a penny each!

I got this e-mail from Snapfish. If you have your Christmas card picture ready it would be a good time to order!

Get your first set of 20 4" x 8" photo cards for just 20¢ -- that's only a penny each! Choose from over 100 holiday designs that are completely customizable.

Just use coupon CARD08 at checkout to save big on your season's greetings. Hurry, this offer ends November 23!*
* This offer applies only to customers in the United States. Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Offer applies only to one set of 4" x 8" photo cards and does not apply to in-store pick-up. Coupon may only be used once. Offer expires November 23, 2008.

Counting the minutes...

Info about the post below this one. . .

I did the photo book at Snapfish and it worked. You have to pay $7.67 in shipping and taxes. I already had an account and some pictures uploaded, so I just put them in the book changed the backgrounds, added a little text and ordered it. The $29.99 was not subtracted until the last step, so keep going when you check out you will see that $7.67 is the final price when you get ready to hit the buy the book button!
Thanks Sally and Oprah for sharing this and I can't wait to get my book.

Free Photo Book from Snapfish--Limited Time

Sally P.watched the Oprah show yesterday, it was about organizing and cleaning. She told me about this offer and we checked it out and wanted to share with you.
During one segment they suggested that you take your children's art work and turn it into a book. You know--all those papers that are clinging to your fridge!
Snapfish is offering a free photo book in conjunction with the Oprah episode, so hurry to this site
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081029_tows_messyhouse/7
Click on Get your free book and follow the directions! Remember this is for a limited time--it must be done by Sunday. It's a 29.99 value!

Helpful Website

Here is a website I found very helpful with organizing and housekeeping. It is www.flylady.com

GENIUS!!!

We are rated as a Genius Blog!   

Didn't we know all along it would be this way!   

Click HERE to find out what your blog is rated!

Beautiful Colors

You're right Ms.Delilah, these beautiful colors will all be gone soon so I'm trying to preserve them in pictures!

Fall Carnival

The great folks at Etter Baptist Church are hosting a Fall Carnival this Saturday Night from 6-8:30. Everything is free. . . hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, snacks, games and prizes. They invite everyone to come. I haven't been to their carnival, but I have heard many good things about it and I know the people there always make you feel welcome when you visit their church.

Christmas in November

Don't forget that this week-end is Christmas in November and many local crafters will have booths in the community center on Friday and Saturday. The hours are 9-5 on Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. They always have lots of interesting homemade things!! There is also a door prize every hour.

Autumn Colors

Just in case you were not able to get outside today, here's what you are missing!

According to the weather forecast there will be one more day of BEAUTIFUL weather before the rain comes and all these colors are gone!

A little vent about time
(Is anyone having a hard time adjusting to the time change or is it just me! I want to go to sleep at nine, but then I wake up at 4:00 A.M.!)

A Beautiful Fall Sunset

This picture was taken by my daughter, Whitney, one evening while working at the Sunset Marina. I thought the colors were absolutely beautiful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Movie Review

Speed Racer
It was surprisingly good. I would recommend it to anyone who has little boys. Especially if the boys are into cars or racing. John Goodman was in it. I like him. Susan Sarandon did a great job. She plays the mother of Speed Racer. There were no real surprises. It was very predictable. I would rate it a 6 on a scale from 1 to 10.

Idea for a Christmas present

I want to share this with you because now would be the time to carry out this idea. A couple of years ago when my little friend Hallie was just four years old, I came up with the idea to make her a dress up trunk for Christmas. So....when the Halloween costumes went on sale I bought everything I could find in her size from animals to princesses! There were also accessories like crowns and wands and wigs on sale. It was no problem to collect an entire box at sale prices as much as 90% off. We put all this in a pink storage tote and she loved it!

This is a joke that one of my friends told me:



Green-me asking you
red- you asking me or telling me an awnser

Would you remember me in an hour? yes or no
A minute? yes or no
What about a second? yes or no

If you awnsered yes to all of those questions, here is the 2nd part to the joke:

Knock, Knock
Who`s there?
You already forgot me?!

Cool Christmas Blog

Here is a neat Christmas blog I found:  

http://thenorthpoledaily.blogspot.com

I finally got to join the blog! I`m so excited to get started! To start out here are some jokes( I got them from my brother`s 1001 Cool Jokes book): What do you call ............
.....a man who likes to work out? Jim
......a girl with a tennis racket on her head? Annette
.......a boy hanging on the wall? Art
......a man who owes money? Bill

Doctor,Doctor......
.....My nose is running.You`d better tie it up then
.....I`m afraid if the dark. Well then keep the lights on
.....I think I`m a video. I thought I`d seen you before
.....People keep disagreeing with me. No they don`t
.....Everyone hates me. Don`t be silly, not everyone has met you

Food Jokes:
How can you tell the difference in a can of soup and baked beans?Read the labels
Waiter, I`m in a hurry will my pizza be long? No it will be round
Where do bakers keep their dough? In the bank
Waiter, why is this apple pie squashed? You told me to step on it because you were in a hurry
Have you heard the joke about the butter? Better not tell you , you might spread it

You Heard It Here First!

In the next day or so your child is going to bring home a flyer that describes the things we have planned for November. Thought I would give you a head start! Here's what it says-minus the pretty pictures.
(Anyone who wants me to add them as an author on the K8Cooks blog just let me know and you can post directly on the site)
P.S. I think Kim A. has been talking "smack" about how well she can color, so you may just want to challenge her! ( See Cornucopia Coloring Contest)


During the month of November, our school would like to celebrate the theme Giving Thanks for Family and Friends with some learning activities, contests and displays. Below is a list of our planned events.
If you have questions you can see Ms. Alice or Ms. Delilah, the two turkeys in charge of these events!

Homemade Turkey or Scarecrow Contest

Create with your family a homemade turkey or scarecrow and bring it to school for display. It can be made from any type of material. There will be prizes for the best! There will be 2 categories for this contest. One category will be 12 inches and under (table top turkeys and scarecrows). The second category will be above 12 inches. These will need to be brought to school on November 12th so they can be judged and displayed.

Walls of Learning
Ms. Alice will be creating walls of learning during this time period. One will be Turkey Trivia and the other will be the Story of Thanksgiving. There will be questions to answers each day, so read and learn!

Cornucopia Coloring Contest
Pick up your entry form on Ms. Alice's door and turn it in by Nov.19th. Adults can enter too, so teachers grab one and students take one home to your parents!

Guess the Candy Corn
See if you can guess how much candy corn is in the container outside Ms. Alice's door. Listen for the announcement that tells you when this contest is ready!

Turkey Table Manners
Ms. Patricia Garrett will be visiting with classes and reminding them about good table manners and showing how to set the Thanksgiving Feast Table!

Thomas the Turkey
Teddy T. Bear was a huge sucess, but now we have Thomas T. Turkey who will be taking his place! Thomas will be coming home with students and asking them to sit down with the family and make a list of the things your family is thankful for. Thomas will come with instructions and a page to write on. These lists will be displayed in the hallways. If you could send a family picture along with your list that would be great. You can also e-mail that picture to gibsond2@k12tn.net.

Wild Turkeys
Ms. Patti's art students will be creating wild turkeys. She will display them in the halls and on her blog http://mizpattisartroom.blogspot.com
Ms. Cross will be reading turkey stories in the library, too!

Send a favorite Thanksgiving recipe to us!
Send us your favorite Thanksgiving recipe to us and we will post it on a blog we have created just for that purpose:http:// k8cooks.blogspot.com
You can send a hand written copy or e-mail it to gibsond2@k12tn.net.

Sampling Day
Mrs. Lisa Cummings from School Coordinated Health will host a food sampling day on Nov.18th. She will have some tasty, healthy foods for us to try.

Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup flour(all purpose)
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat @ 350. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 cookie sheet. Mix the first eight ingredients together. Add nuts. Bake for 12 min. or until done. Turn out onto wax paper. Roll wax paper and cake together. Let cool 1 hr. Unroll and spread with filling. Re-roll without wax paper and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Refrigerate.

Cream Filling
1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
4 Tbs. butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Giveaway Carnival

I have recently discovered that there are many blogs out there that host GIVEAWAYS!  I had the privilege to win one of them and was a finalist in another larger one.  They are fun and who doesn't like to win something, right?  Well, one of the blogs I frequent is hosting a Giveaway Carnival!  There are HUNDREDS of giveaways linked on this blog!  So,  I just wanted to share it with everyone because I am sure you will find a few on there you would be interested in winning! If you enter any of them....Good Luck!!! Let us know back here if you are a lucky winner so we can share in your excitement! 

***  Click HERE to get started!***

A Trip to the Knoxzille Zoo

We were in for a wonderful (little) surprise at the zoo. A baby chimp was released into the viewing area to play. The zoo keeper told Bailey that his name was George and he was three months old. His mom is having a hard time learning how to carry George correctly on her chest, but she loves him very much.

Been outside on this gorgeous day playing with my camera, since my favorite boy was not here, I had to find another subject! We don't have many colorful leaves here on our Ponderosa, but I did find these and the sky was such a great shade of blue, it made a lovely background.

Everyone check out Cyndi P.'s blog, she been working on it for a couple of months and since she has two teen-age boys and a little blonde-headed tom boy to go along with them she has lots of interesting stories! Her hubby, Jack, has probably provided some interesting tales too! I look forward to seeing her post with us! Welcome Cyndi!!!
I have placed her link in our blog list column on the right.

Rebecca went to see High School Musical 3 today.

Stories in Hand

Some of you mentioned it would be nice to have a writer's workshop for adults, and when I saw this class I thought you might be interested. It's called Stories in Hand click here to go to the site
http://www.jessicasprague.com

Freebies & Deals

I have a few things to share with you.  

1.  Click here to get a free pack of Stride gum sent to you.  It is a quirky sites that mocks a legal trial.  Just click on SETTLE and answer some goofy questions and you will get a free pack of gum.  Just pick from even sillier multiple choice answers to get to the actual form.  Very goofy...but Hey, a free pack of gum!  :-)

2.  I have read on a few different blogs about Old Navy having a Halloween Special this Saturday & Sunday(25& 26).  They are supposed to be offering $1 shirts and giving away free prizes and candy to the children.  They are even having a costume contest. It all sounds very good but I am not sure if the Old Navy store in Cookeville is participating or not.  However, it might be worth it to call them and find out.  It said "in participating stores only." We may not be lucky enough to be part of it...but I wanted to tell  you in case we were. Click here to see they flyer advertising all of this good stuff!

3.  Click here to see how to trade in old cell phones for Amazon gift cards.  

4.  Click here for a printable coupon for a FREE Wallflowers or Scentport Pluggable Diffuser Starter Set from Bath & Body Works!  

5.  Click here for a free mini Magic Eraser to be mailed to you.

I love these little guys!

Keyton & Garrison

I just wanted to share one of my favorite beach pictures of my favorite little guys in the world. We had so much fun on our Dowdy Family Vacation!  If you haven't already read about it, be sure to check out my family blog and see what a great time we had in Florida!

Wow! This Blog Is Great!

I have really enjoyed everything that has been posted to this blog. What a great way for us to commuicate with one another and have lots of fun. I didn't realize that Rebekah's mom was a Bon Jovi van, but I knew that Shelby Gayle's mom was.

Look up top!

I created us a pretty header. I called Delilah and asked her opinion about it. She liked it, so I left it on here. I hope everyone likes it and finds it as a refreshing change from plain text!

Free Samples

I just wanted to share this in case any of you might not know about it.  If  you go to walmart.com you can get free samples sent to  your mailbox.  You will find them by looking on the left hand side of the site for the title IN STORES NOW.  After clicking on that you will need to select FREE SAMPLES.  There you will find many different samples offered.  Just fill out the forms requesting any that you want. (or ALL of them like I do!) PRESTO!  In a few weeks, you will start receiving them in the mail.  They change them often so be sure and check back regularly for different ones.  I always get them and I also have some sent to my mom as well.  She enjoys getting them. Happy Sampling!  

My mom and Bon Jovi

My mom loves Bon Jovi. She went to a concert. She got really close seats. Daughtry opened up for them. That was her Christmas. She got some good pictures. Her and my dad stayed at the Paris Hilton hotel. They also went to the country music hall of fame. We thought that he was staying at the same hotel because the concert was right across the street from the Paris Hilton hotel. They had a great time! 

2nd Blogging Class

Our second class will be Tuesday, October 21 from 6-7:30 in the computer lab. Hope to see you there. Bring a friend!

Free Sandwich

If you sign up here you can get a free Beef 'n Cheddar from Arbys.

https://secure.fishbowllocal.com/apps/arbys/join.asp?sssdmh=dm24.143354

Miz Patti has a new granddaughter

Kali and her big brother Owen

Last week the kids and I went to Cookeville to see the Shriners Circus. I wanted to say "Thank You" to Kim Anderson for the tickets. We had a wonderful evening.

Photo at Twilight!

I caught this with my camera about dusk tonight. Just wanted to share! I love to try my zoom lens and this was the view from my back deck!

We Are Free!

It seems that we are now free from the blogger robots that thought we were violating their service. There is no longer a warning when you come to our site and I can publish items in our layout! I knew when a human looked we would be okay!
Check out the family blog Melissa has created called The Conners . You will see that I also added it to our blog list. She is off to a great start.
Hope everyone is enjoying Fall Break as much as I am.
Delilah

Aliza posts on our blog

Aliza checks her email on her laptop

Okay Ladies, if a 10 month old can do it, WE CAN TOO! I am excited to see this blog take off! Thanks to all for contributing, this should be lots of fun.

My Hobby

I crochet name doilies, I can make 1st names , last names, I can do WELCOME which is a favorite. I made my daughters each one for their room. If anyone is interested, you can e-mail me at kimandersonanderson@yahoo.com or see me at school. Be sure to spell the name how you would like it, and the time you need it. The cost is $3.00 a letter.

Thank you

Kim Anderson

Hello everyone,
It seems we are having technical issues again. When you come to our blog you have to proceed with caution!!! I have ask for a review from a human and I believe that when they look at our blog it will be apparent that we are not a bunch of spammers. Reading our welcome message will explain us. The blog should be reviewed by tomorrow and back to normal. If not there are threats to delete us. Should that happen, "we will just back up and punt." Keep your fingers crossed!

Puzzle

I added a halloween puzzle widget to the bottom of our blog.  I thought I would switch widgets out according to our holidays and seasons.  It is cute and not nearly addictive as that BUBBLE GAME we discussed the other night!  HAHA!  

Loved the class

I really enjoyed the class Tuesday night, I got alot more ideas , learned alot more things and places to visit on the web . Can't wait until the next class. Keep the ideas coming.

Kim Anderson

Excited

I am so thankful for Mrs. Misty and Mrs. Delilah to take time from their busy schedules to teach me how to blog. I am excited to learn something new. I had a wonderful time last night and can't wait to be able to get one of my own going.

Thanks

I wanted to give a special thanks to Delilah and Misty for putting together this class. I enjoyed it and Rebecca did, too. She came home last night and blogged for an hour and a half. Her blogspot is rebeccareagan.blogspot.com Check it out. It is good.

Show Me The Money!!!

OK folks! I finally added an ad to my family blog. Delilah's mention of REAL money gave the push I needed! So, if you don't mind helping me out...please click on it when you drop by my blog! Thanks!

P.S. I had a great time sharing with you all tonight and I am so excited to have this group blog to get to know everyone better and learn all of the neat things you choose to share with us!

Happy Blogging!

Issues!! Already!

Like I said, technology always fails you when you need (want) it the most. When I tried to accept my invitation to join this blog all I got was an error message. I went to the help boards and it seems I am not alone. Try this:
Go to blogger.com and log on to your google account, then go back to your e-mail invitation and click on accept invitation --put in your info and it should work! Hope this helps.

One Size Fits All

Here we are!

We had our first blogging workshop tonight! There were 17 people all interested in blogging!!! We took lots of photos and discussed many things concerning blogging. We hope everyone had a great time!!! Expect to see many interesting posts on this blog.