Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Scavenger Hunt

More about Christmas......   

As most of you know, our oldest grandson (Tyler) will soon be turning 20!!  Oh my....this is hard to believe.....but anyways, I wanted to try to make some of our Christmas games a tad bit more challenging.  The reason why?  Because Tyler is in college, not married....(thank goodness) AND he still needs to be able to participate in the kids Christmas games!!  Right?  Right!!!!

All the grands love scavenger hunts and I usually always do one at Christmas.  You know, simple hunts just around the house and sometimes they kids have to adventure out to the back yard.

This year.....I raised the bar!  First thing:  I selected 6 different wrapping papers and I wrapped each of the their gifts in the paper that I selected for each one.   No names....No gift tags....which kept them a bit confused.  

In order for them to find the sample tags for their gifts....they had to go on a hunt.   It started in our backyard, where they had to find a green ribbon with a jar attached.   This gave them their next clue.

I gave them several things in town that they had to take photos of.....and a few things to do..... where they had to actually be in the pictures.  



After finding the blowup Santa, sleigh and reindeer, grinch, find a Christmas tree on the corner of **** and ***** streets...........find a blowup slide with minons on it....... etc, etc, etc.....   They then had to go to the park and take a picture of all of them on the slide.....they had to go into a local business and take a photo with one of the employees and this same employee would give them there next clue.  

The next clue was to go to the Nursery and in the middle of a HUGE pile of sawdust.....find a red flag....where the next clue would be buried under the flag. 

The last clue read:   "Down a long dark road and up a slight hill.....everything is quite and still."     This led them to the city cemetery and to my moms tombstone.    There, in a jar......were 
the samples of Christmas paper....with their names on the paper that matched their gifts!!!

Of course......I wanted to make sure that they were all safe, so I sent Trista and Shanda along with them to drive and to make sure that all were safe.    

This was a lot of fun for each of them......Oldest to the youngest!

I would love to have posted the pictures....and as soon as I get them, I will do so!!

More to come about all the fun we had!

See ya tomorrow!!

Shug

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Hey there.......Is there anyone out there?  I feel as if I'm starting all over again with this Blogging adventure!...

Would you believe that tonight is the first time that I've opened my computer in about a month?  I suppose I've been on a blogging sabbatical. LOL.   The truth is....I've been pre-occupied by the "season" and with life in general.   I think it's ok though....when we find ourselves enjoying the time spent with much family and friends.   

I can't even believe it myself.....but I even tried my hand at making Divinity!!!  Yes, that white fluffy....delicious tasting....pecan filled...pile of sugar.  Much to my amazement, it turned out PERFECT!!!

Christmas at our home was truly wonderful.   Our Christmas Eve, began with our oldest grandson....reading the Bible and then we followed in a discussion about the Christmas story.... and sharing a bit about a Christmas event that was special to us.   

A truly special time! Our family is Blessed....  

Later....I want to share about the fun we had and the games we played.  I always enjoy finding new games for the Holidays.  

OK....enough said for this evening.  Hope my friends are still out there and that they will stop by for a visit...

Hugs
Shug 


Thursday, December 10, 2015

Happenings...

Hard to believe.....but the temps here in East Texas are suppose to reach the upper 70's today!  Guess I'm going to have to pull out the Summer clothes!!

I'm making some headway.......Yay!!!  Packages are all wrapped and half of my decorations are up.......Should I even bother putting out the rest of my Christmas decor?  Hmmmmm.....I'm pretty close to taking the rest of it back out to the storage.   I'm happy with how our home looks now.

In the Summer months.....happiness is having a yard full of big ol' trees.   Today...everyone of those beautiful leaves are now covering my yard!  Yikes.....quite a job ahead of us.   

How about the rest of you?  Are you enjoying all of the hustle and bustle of the Season?  Is your kitchen filled with the fresh aroma of baked goods?  Are you spreading love and cheer everywhere you go?!

I'm thankful for every opportunity that I have to spread God's word.  I'm thankful for every opportunity to show love and kindness to others each day.   

Blessings...

Shug

Monday, December 7, 2015

I'm Still Here....

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.....    Helen Keller



Hey Y'all.....is it really December?  My surroundings are telling me that it is.  I absolutely love the month of December.....because it is truly the season of HOPE, of LOVE, and of GOODWILL.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I find myself so busy during this time of the year and if I'm not careful, all other things in my life go by the wayside.....Like BLOGGING!

Honestly, this morning is the first time I've checked my Blog....since Thanksgiving!    

Our Thanksgiving was a Blessing and the days since have been just as great...just SUPER BUSY.

I know that this is a quick post this morning, but I just wanted to let all my friends know that I'm still here.

Hope your day is filled with lots of joy and happiness....

Hugs,
Shug

Monday, November 23, 2015

Thanksgiving week......


Picked up the Greenberg Turkey today and the smoke flavored aroma that filled my car, made me hungry all the way home....





The grocery list is now complete!!

and now to COOK!

Lots to do....this week!

Happy Thanksgiving Dear Friends......

Hugs...

Shug!









Thursday, November 19, 2015

All About the Broth.....

Never.....does it turn out like my moms!

Southern Cornbread Dressing........

Here it is, Thursday before Thanksgiving (Thursday) and I'm stressing over the Dressing.   I've made dressing many times, but it never comes out, tasting or looking like my mom's dressing did.

Why is it that all the (many) questions that we need to ask our mom's.....seem to be asked too late?  It has been 10 years since my mom's passing, and I have so many questions that will never get answered.    Why did I not pay more attention to the small details in life?     Like.....How to make dressing the way you did mom!!

Mother was one of those cooks that did not have to measure.....she just knew!!  I have a list of all the ingredients that she used in her dressing.....just not the measurements.   Onion and celery (check)
Butter (check) Cornbread (check) dry bread (check) eggs (check) Sage and Poultry Seasonings (check)  Broth (????)

I don't know how much broth she used, nor the consistency of the dressing with the broth added.....just before going into the oven.


Seems like a simple thing doesn't it?  Well...it's not...NOT FOR ME!

I tried looking this up on Pinterest and other cooking websites, but I haven't found a recipe that seems to measure up!!

The broth added ranges from 2 cups to 5 cups.....BIG DIFFERENCE HERE..

If only I had paid closer attention!!

So.....for all my blog friends who make Southern Cornbread Dressing.....  I'd love to hear how you make your dressing....

After all.....It's all about the BROTH, bout the BROTH, bout the BROTH.

If you still have your mom......Ask questions...write them down...don't wait until it's too late!!
Hugs dear friends...

Shug ~






Monday, November 9, 2015

What a great day it has been.......I was dressed and headed out the door by 8:45 this morning.   Much to do!!   First stop...Academy!

You know.....the store that everyone loves!!!  I love it too, but evidently I don't love it for their clothing line.   Why?  Because it's all way too small.   Academy's line of clothing is so cute.......cute and small.  

I don't wear tennis shoes...(can't stand the thought of my feet being TIED into a shoe)..... This is the reason that  I don't go to their shoe department.  I don't shoot guns or fish....I don't play sports......and I don't wear camouflage.

So.....why did I go there?  To buy some comfortable warm up pants for my dad.

Next stop.....Target.    Needed to purchase a new TV for my dad's room at the Nursing Home.   What happened to his other one?  He knocked it over and it BROKE!   

I purchase the new TV only to discover that it was a returned TV.  Back in the store I go for an exchange.    Whew...I'm able to do this with no problem at all.    I  then drive over to the NH to take the TV  to the guys that work maintenance there. 

At this point, I discover that the family has to purchase the wall mounts for the TV's.    I was told that Walmart would be the best place to go to buy the mount.   So....off to Walmart I go.

I make the purchase......return (back across town) to the NH.....only to discover that the mount that I purchased would not fit the TV I had just bought.   Back to TARGET I go....

I purchased the new (more costly) wall mount......and in the morning, I will take it to the NH.   I'm crossing my fingers that it will work.    

I had several other things on my TO DO LIST.....but that will have to wait until tomorrow.   

Needless to say.....tonights dinner was Chinese take out!!

I'm truly thankful for the busyness of each day......

hugs y'all
Shug

Friday, November 6, 2015

Creative Treasures......

              O God, You are my God; early will I seek You.
                                                                ~ Psalm 63:1


Be it old....Be it new.....I "Love" a good ol' Chalk Board....
This includes the old chalk boards that we all enjoyed drawing on....in elementary school.  Do any of you remember those days? 

I'm not sure that there are many chalk boards used in schools today, but no problem.....my kiddos still have the opportunity to experience chalk drawing....right here at Shug's house.  I have a couple of boards that we use all the time.

My grandchildren enjoy expressing their artistic abilities on them..
For me....their drawings become little treasures!!

  They take turns on the chalk board below......expressing their own view of the month ahead.   As you can see.... the month of October belonged to Mylee Jo....




                                                     


Her pumpkins are so cute.....   Her take on Halloween I suppose!


I think that the drawing at the top is of Mylee carving her pumpkin!!  




 Many times, the kids will use my chalk pens......but in this case, Mylee used real chalk.  {thank goodness}

The only issue that I have had in the past with the chalk pens is that I could never get the board clean.   The pens seemed to leave a permanent imprint on the board.   

Until NOW!!






Mr. Clean Magic Eraser's work great on cleaning up a chalk board!!


Back a few months ago, I used several different colorful pens on my Red chalk board.....I covered it with sunflowers and a garden scene, with a scripture written on the board.   

For a week now, I have been trying to get the dull images off of the board.....so I could draw something new for the Fall season.

I was having no luck at all in getting the board clean.....until yesterday!!!!   

While at the grocery store yesterday evening....I came across a box of "Mr. Clean Magic Eraser's"

Thought I'd give them a try.....and to my surprise, they worked WELL.

My RED board is totally clean!!!

******

Need a simple...but delicious cookie recipe???
Try these!!


Molasses Cookies

3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup Molasses
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger

Cream the butter, sugar, molasses and egg together.  Mix remaining ingredients and add to creamed mixture.  Chill overnight.  Shape into 1" balls and place on greased cookie sheet.  Press flat with glass dipped in sugar.  Bake at 375 for 8 - 10 minutes.  cool on wire rack.



Enjoy a Blessed Day......and don't forget to do something kind for someone today..

Shug ~

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Fences Everywhere....

Take time to find a good fence!!  They're all around.....


Traveling and need to potty????  No problem.....this fence has six nice commodes....lined up and waiting for you!!  Lol.



I had to turn around and go back to take the above photo.....Something you don't see everyday!!


This fence is not a fancy fence.....just a fence that surrounds a man's property.....



Fences are Everywhere!!!



A foggy morning doesn't stop this cow from enjoying it's breakfast! 

 I'd say that there are plenty of T-poles in this 
fence!!  What ya think????


I'm joining Good Fences today.....Hope you enjoy!




Shug ~

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Love = Time

           Every woman has a story to tell and usually more than one......on any given day!


photo from images



What is it that you see when you first look at the above picture?

I see a park bench filled with loneliness!  The fallen leaves that are all nestled on the ground, all around the bench, is an obvious indication that no one has visited this area in a while.

I also see a few leaves that have swirled their way down, finding a resting place on two rustic pieces of wood.   They're just sitting there, waiting to be swept away by the next heavy breeze.

Much like those that I visit in the nursing home....  They too have found a lonely place to wait.....until the next heavy breeze takes them away.  

This is the second part of my post from yesterday......

We placed my dad in this memory care unit, back in January of this year.   As I said in my last post....I try to visit him every day and by doing so, I have the opportunity to visit daily with several of the other residents while I am there.

For most of them, their minds are lost in the days of long ago, but I can see the a small light shine in their eyes, when I communicate with them each day.

This place has become a daily Blessing for me!

There is this one guy that I have somewhat attached myself to.   He loves caps and on any given day, he may be wearing one, two, three or even six caps at a time.  He stacks them on top of each other and places them on his bald head.   

He is bound to a wheelchair, but this does not stop him from going wherever he wants to go.  One thing disturbs me though.  Never...not once have I ever seen anyone stop by to visit him!!!  This is sad.....

He loves magazines.....even though he has no clue as to what it is that he's looking at.  His biggest thrill is the cards inside the magazines that you can tear out and send off to renew your subscription.   He LOVES them!!   I gave him one the other day, and my goodness....what excitement he had in getting it.

For a good many of the residents in a Alzheimer's unit....each day is a simple repeat!!!!   Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner!!  
Same holds true for many of the elderly who live in other Nursing homes.

The staff at the home where my dad is at, does an awesome job in planning activities for their residents......however, this does not replace the loneliness that many of them feel......as lonely as these folks in the nursing homes are....there are also many parents, grandparents and great grandparents who live in their own homes....that are living a lonesome life.

Why.....

Because they are somewhat forgotten.....by those that they love.

This is not the case for all elderly people.....but, it holds true for so many!!

It is our intended actions to go by and visit with them at least once a week...and then it turns into once every two weeks....before you know it, we find ourselves finding that our {personal time} is much more important than the great intentions that we once had.....
Suddenly, those intentions become hidden in the midst of the socialism that we choose for our own enjoyment. 

As people age....they begin to recognize a different meaning of the word LOVE.......in their eyes, they see it written this way....

LOVE = TIME

All they want is a just a small bit of your time!!  If distance is what separates you from your Grandparents or Great Grandparents.....then pick up your phone and give them a simple 10 minutes of your time each week.  

and you know that we ALL have a PHONE at our reach or usually stuck to our hip.....

These people love us and that has never changed....what has changed is the RESPECT that we owe  them.....just for being our parents, grandparents or great grandparents.   These are the folks that keep us lifted up in prayer....who are proud to call us their family....who need us in their lives!!!

Yet....RESPECT for the aging has somehow found a different definition in this world that we live in today...

Just saying'

I hope that those that read this will recognize that we all have loved ones that need us....and I hope that each of us will make every effort to allow the TIME we have to be transformed into LOVE!!

Shug

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Time for Action ...Part 1


The time for action is now!!.....grab a mirror, hold it in front of your face....lift one side of your lip and now the other side.  Show your teeth and stretch that smile as far out as you can!!

Wasn't that a great call for action this morning?

Smiles to you.........


*****

Many of you may have read a FB post this weekend, posted by my sweetheart.......about a wonderful miracle which happened at the Nursing Home this past Saturday....

I wanted to share this post with those who didn't read it.

On Saturday morning.....Sam and I made our normal trip over to the nursing home to visit my dad.   Walking in, just in front of us, was my oldest brother, his wife, his daughter and son-in-law.....and all five of their grandchildren.   Three of the kids belong to their son and DIL.

The kids range in age 9 to 5......  two boys and three girls.

As you can imagine....my dad's room was a little crowded with all eleven of us there.   So....I decided to go out into the main room.  Soon, the kids followed me out there.

This is a "lock-down" memory care unit and the residents rooms surround a huge sitting and activity area.

The eyes of our little ones were glued to the unusual behavior that a Alzheimer's unit typically sees.  While sitting there, I began to engage in a clapping manner with some of the residents who love to clap.   Before long....all of the kids were joining in.     Of course....no matter what kind of state a mind can be in, there is always something about small children that brings a smile to the faces of these folks.  

I've been visiting my dad at the memory care facility, almost every single day, for almost a year now.   There is one gentleman there, and out of the many visits that I have made....I have NEVER seen him smile.  I have never seen a single person come visit him.  

In the midst of our clapping and singing....I look up and this particular man gets up out of his chair and makes his way over to where we all were sitting.    Within seconds......he stood there with a HUGE smile on his face and he began clapping with the kids.  

He smiled and clapped his hands, over and over again!

Can I tell you.....this covered my heart with joy!! 

This gentleman was connecting with these kids.......

This was a miracle.......!!!  I only wish that his loved ones {out there somewhere} could have witnessed his happiness.  

I honestly have a lot more to say in regards to our aging loved ones...   I'm thinking I'll make this a Part 1 and Part 2.... post....

I am so thankful to my niece and her husband for taking the time to bring the kids by to visit my dad.....I'm thankful that even little children know how to bring a smile to someone in need....


Stop by tomorrow for the rest of the story!!

Sweet hugs dear friends...

Shug ~





Monday, November 2, 2015

November is here.....

Hey Y'all.....November is HERE!   Happy November to you!!




Summer vacations are really nice.....but I'm a believer that our Fall season offers so much beauty for anyone choosing to take a late break!

How awesome would it be to do a lot of traveling during the months of November and December.....and to join in on as many small town church bazaars and festivities that you could possibly find.   Finding unique....homemade items to purchase.... to give as gifts to  those special people in your life... 
I'd like to travel the back roads and to be able to take in all the splendor of the trees and underbrush as it begins to show off it's brilliant display of Fall foliage.   
I'd love to be able to stop at all of the little antique stores along the way.....and the Junk yards to boot!!

It would be nice to make our way up, into the Northeastern States and to come upon an old Farmhouse that offers a full Thanksgiving feast to those traveling for the Holidays.  To meet new folks and to be able to taste the things that are not normally on our {Texas} Thanksgiving menu.    

Enjoy a slow, beautiful day of being Thankful.....

and then....I  dream of spending cool days in the midst of the mountain scenic routes.   Looking to the sky for a single snowflake to fall and to land on the tip of my tongue.  

 I'd wait for the evening night to come, so I could hop aboard a sleigh....pulled by the most gentle of horses.  We would spend the evening, riding and singing Christmas Carols ......maybe we would make a stop for a cup of hot cocoa....and a cookie or two.  
(Do sleigh rides really happen???)

*****
I don't know about you....but I love lights....small twinkling lights that speak happiness to the hearts of those who love to celebrate...Celebrate anything and everything!

It's not enough, to only be able to enjoy the little shining bulbs for just a few hours each evening.... for only a month or so.   I could spend hours upon hours.....sitting underneath the beauty that the little lights bring.   

There is such peace.....when sitting out by a nice roaring fire, on a cool brisk evening....with festive lights shining all around.  No worries, no cares.....only the sounds of the night and the pleasure that only a string of tiny, shining, lights can deliver...

Oh yes.....I am a dreamer......I love the wonder of the Holidays.... the Joy and the great thrill that is out there....and it's all for our taking....



I'm glad that November is here and that December is just around the corner.....


Shug ~












Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween....


 Happy Halloween Folks.....

Watch out for all those precious little goblins that will be out on the streets this evening.

Have fun and Be safe!

Shug

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Fence of Bras

Hello everyone.....this is a good Thursday morning and the sun is shining here in East Texas!  


I know that I have shown this picture before.....but I think it's worthy of being shown again.   After all.....October is "Breast Cancer" awareness month.    

This owner of this fence lives about 40 miles from me and each year during the month of October, she displays Bra's on her fence.





Bras of all kinds and sizes can be found hanging on this fence....


Definitely an Eye catcher......and it sure brings awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness month.....

joining Good Fences today....

 



Shug.....




Monday, October 26, 2015

Fall colors....


 Well....it is finally beginning to look a little like Fall around here.  
  




Wreath for the front door......



I always enjoy mixing colors .....makes the book shelfs "Pop"



Placed a "Cheap" little round mirror behind this lattice pumpkin........


Isn't this little girl owl just adorable?  She's perfect for the mantel.   





I always enjoy changing up the mantel.....layers are great for adding character to your decor.



Simple....but colorful.

Enjoying the Fall season around here!!

Joining Marty @ astrollthrulife.net

Shug ~

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Letting Go

When our hearts have been hurt and there is great pain living inside of us....the last words that we want to hear are.."Let it Go."

I think it is fair to say that bad things happen in life....With this being said, don't assume that you are the Only One that bad things happen to.   If we are not careful.....no matter how kind and good of a person we believe ourselves to be, we can also be the offender and not even realize it...


You know.....it is NOT easy to forgive someone who doesn't deserve to be forgiven!   Let's think about this....

Through all our sins.....does God forgive us?????


There are times when we are So hurt
and we can't help but to play the old scenario, {over and over again}.....You know, then one that has caused our pain!   When we do so.....we usually end up being full of anger.    

Did you know that Anger is toxic???  Yes...it really is!

"How.....could he/she have done this to me?"
"How.....could they have hurt me so bad?"
"Their apology just isn't enough for the pain that I feel?"
"I don't deserve this!"

Is it true that when we forgive - we are accepting - the actions of the person who has hurt us????

The feeling of being disrespected can create a ton of emotional responses and heaviness upon us.   These emotions take control and one way or another.....we are on the hunt for some kind of release.

Most people Want to Forgive and we want to do what is right.....yet, there is a certain degree of anger that over-floods our defense mechanism, and we try to protect ourselves from having to go back to the place that has caused the enormous pain in the first place.   


The question that we must ask ourselves is:


What would God want me to do????

Let's read Mathew 18:21-35

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.  As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.  Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
"At this the servant fell on his knees before him, 'be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.  He grabbed him and began to choke him.  'Pay back what you ow me!' he demanded.
"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.'
"But he refused.  Instead, he went off and bad the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.  When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.  
Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

Forgive and let it go!!

It might not be easy.....but it is necessary!

Shug ~






Sunday, October 18, 2015

All in a Saturday!!

Hello everyone!!!


Guessing this caught you by surprise!

Just goofing around.......

Hey...do any of you know what life is like when you have a 7 year old for the day and "Entertain" is the name of the game?


This "Little Red Riding Hood" kept me pretty busy....all day long on Saturday!


Our homemade Tent!  


Books that we read!!


More Books.....Yes, Reindeer books!!!


A New Halloween Barbie Doll....and, the "American Girl" magazine came in!!!   This was a big highlight of our weekend.
Mylee, can sit for what seems like hours....looking at every detail on the dolls, and all of the cute furniture and play things that go with the Doll...

Of course.....every girl needs to do a little shopping!!  After purchasing the Halloween Barbie Doll....we took pictures of things to go on  her "Christmas Wish List."


Barbie with twins.....


Barbie with her horse.....


Barbie and her Bike...


Lego....Friends.


Pretty neat stuff here and our little 7 year old had herself quite a day, picking out the stuff that she hopes to get for Christmas.

She told me not to worry about the Barbie Doll house....that she was asking Santa for that!!!

Thank goodness......LOL.

I enjoyed getting to spend the day with this precious grandchild...

Pretty awesome!!!!

Shug ~









Sunday Thinking

  Happy St. Patricks Day!   🍀 Tomorrow, I will be filling my hummingbird feeders.  The little beauties should be arriving any day now.  I a...