Thursday, May 30, 2013

An Explosive Sweet Taste.......

Hey Y'all........

They have arrived......They being what I consider to be the ultimate Summer 

Refresher of all times!  I'm speaking of a home-grown....East Texas Watermelon!

Tell me now......Who doesn't just love to sink their teeth into a cold, juicy, watermelon??

They're so rich in color and they have an explosive sweet taste that soothes every taste bud

in one's mouth.  

Mylee Jo....was grinning from ear to ear, when her Pops announced that he had just cut 

her a nice slice of a red watermelon, yesterday......   As you can tell from the photos above, 

she loved every single bite of this scrumptious tasting watermelon.  Oh, BTW....she also 

enjoyed spitting the seeds!!

I have always loved watermelons.  I grew up around the watermelon fields and for this 

reason....I know all about the satisfying flavor of these delicious green, oval shaped balls.

My grandfather ALWAYS grew several acres of melons each summer.  Gosh...this really

made me feel special....just knowing, come June each year,  we could have a watermelon 

every single day, throughout the summer months.

I have many memories involving those watermelon fields.....Memories of how SWEET

it was to help pull the melons and occasionally drop one.....which would cause us to have

to eat it right there....out in the field.   (hey....I couldn't help it if the salt shaker may have

accidentally fallen into my pants pocket, before leaving each morning to go to the field!!)

Big Wink....right here....  :)  I do love me some salt on my sweet melons!!



Have you had a taste of your first melon for the season yet???

Blessings  sweet friends...

Shug ~








Wednesday, May 29, 2013

It's the Norm.....isn't it?


As a full time wife, mother, and grandmother
(daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend)

I always have to keep in mind that  that whatever attitude or demeanor that I bring
to any given day.....it can strongly have a profound effect on the lives of those
that I am surrounded by, and those that I love deeply.

On a number of occasions, I have heard my sweetheart say:  "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

We have laughed, a number of times about this one particular quote.....but honestly, 

Truth  is  Truth....

Everyday, I must consciously make every effort possible, to bring Peace with me....wherever I go!

Sam is the head of our home, and a good one at that.......But, I am the one that keeps things rolling, around here.   It's the norm isn't it????.....for the mother of the house to know where everything is at....what each person's schedule is.....what happened to all of the lost socks.....
How many will be here for dinner.....to know why the milk carton is empty!
and so on and so on......

The best way for me to keep up with it all......and to cover myself in Peace.....is to keep myself organized....... to read God's word and to seek HIS wisdom Daily!

What do you think......is this old saying true?
"If mama's not happy, ain't nobody happy"


**********

When Mama's Happy....the husband, kids, and grandkids are HAPPY!

Happy Day Y'all....

Shug ~


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

NO Stressing Over the Future..

It has been quite a while since I have been at a loss for words.   I'll tell you though....this sweet mind of mine has nothing very solid to talk about today.  

Have you ever been in this kind of state before?  You see.....I'm not a bird watcher.....so, I have no pictures of fowl.....but I do so love seeing all the photos of the gorgeous birds that are posted by my blogging friends.  I'm not a big traveler, so NO photos to show in this area.  I like to cook...but if you will notice, I didn't say that I LOVE to cook.  I may occasionally have some photos to post of a pie or cake that Mylee and I made at a moments notice.

I do have a heart for the flower world, but this year.....my yard is flower-less!  Yes....I mean that I have not planted a single flower and it is already near the first of June.  I guess I had better get busy planting, or just forget about it this year.  And by the way....No garden has been planted....not a single tomato, squash, nor a pepper of any kind.

 I'm definitely not a painter or a knitter.....nor am I a musician.  

What I am and what I have been for quite  some time is a care-taker.   Not just any care-taker....but a care-taker of the most precious people in the world.  

Well........changes are beginning to take place for this dear ol' shug......

  And....I do believe that this mind of mine is experiencing a tad bit of empty nest syndrome right now.  I'm honestly at a loss as to what to do with myself.  I've job searched......   :(  :(       Been thinking that a part-time job is what I need!!    Can't say that I've come up with anything in this department.   There have been a couple of jobs of interest, but the distance is a little further than I want to drive.  

 I can't see working just to pay for gas to get you back and forth to work.   


Sure sounds like I'm a basket case, doesn't it?  

Just this afternoon, I told my Sam that I didn't like stressing over the future......SO, I'm NOT.  Just gonna place it all in the hands of the Lord!  

Isiah 40:31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Teach me Lord.....Teach me Lord.....to wait!!

Don't give up on me.....I'll soon be back to writing some good stuff for my blog!  I Promise!!

Shug... ~


Monday, May 27, 2013

Wa, La......the perfect dessert.


We have beautiful sunshine, right here in the good ol' state of Texas.....East Texas that is!
I'm almost sure that the lake is going to be buzzing today with plenty of folks enjoying all kinds of water activities.   I might.....Might.....possibly go over to Tom and Shanda's ....to hop in the pool.    



Mylee and I did a little "Paula Dean" cooking, this past Friday.  I wanted to make Paula's 
"Chocolate Chip Pie" for our Church Dessert Contest, but since I had never made it before, I  thought a practice pie might just be in order.

This pie is sooooo simple and even though I am not a huge fan of chocolate chip desserts, I decided that this would be a gooood pie to take.   



My little helper would definitely be giving this recipe two thumbs up.  Here she is.....licking the mixing bowl.



I will admit.....it looks pretty yummy....!    In the oven it went and in NO time at all.....this pie was smelling so delicious.



and here it is.......A warm, chocolate filled pie.


Just add some whipped topping, chocolate chunks, and a little chocolate syrup......and
Wa, La.......you have a perfect dessert!!

When all was said and done, I chose NOT to go with this dessert, for the church Memorial Day Celebration.   Instead.....I made the "Princess Pie" that I blogged about a few weeks ago.

Needless to say......I did not win!  :(    

But.....there were plenty of great desserts there.

Next time.......  I'll be making  this chocolate chip pie!!



Enjoy your day.....Be safe.....and stay happy!

Shug ~


Oops......I almost forgot to post the recipe!!!   Sorry!

Chocolate Chip Pie...........yields 2 pies

2  3/4 cups all purpose flour                                                  Whipped Cream
1  1/2 tsp salt
1    teaspoon baking soda                                                         2  pints (4 cups) heavy cream
1  1/4 teaspoons baking powder                                            1/4 cup confectioners Sugar
1   cup unsalted butter (softened)                                         1/4 cup mini semisweet choc.
1  1/2 cups packed light brown sugar                                              chips
1/2  cup granulated sugar
3   lg eggs
1   teaspoon vanilla extract
3  cups semisweet chocolate chips
2  cups walnuts  (optional)

Preheat oven to 350           grease 2 (9 inch) pie plates

In lg. bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar.  add the eggs 1 at a time, beating until incorporated.  Beat in the vanilla, add flour mixture, a little at a time and mix until fully combined.  Fold in the 3 cups of chocolate chips and if desired, the walnuts.
Divide the dough between the two prepared pie plates and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake 30 min or until pies are golden and slightly firm to the touch.  Let pies cool completely.

While the pies cool.......whip the cream and confection sugar until soft peaks form.
fold in chocolate chips.  Ref. until ready to use.  Spread over pie...add choc chips and syrup.
Serve....


Friday, May 24, 2013

Definition of Fizzles.......

Here's Hoping that everyone is enjoying a beautiful Friday afternoon.  

 The sun is shining outside, my house is clean.... and there is a three day weekend, just ahead.....for me that is!  

My love, has to work on Monday!   Never, has he ever been off on Memorial Day.  I don't know why, but it is what it is!!  This can be a bit annoying, cause it really fizzles out my weekend as well.....    

Definition of Fizzles:  End or fail in a weak or disappointing way.

Oh well, I shall not complain!!

Does your family have plans for this long weekend?

Be safe.....and Enjoy!!

Shug

Busy Days are Here Again

My oh my......Busy days are here again.   Let's see......we have had National Honor Society Ceremonies, Awards Days..., End of the year class trips, Field days..... and a whole lot more of the usual things that happen at the end of each school year!

 Delightful days, fun times, and happy memories.  I often wonder why the last two weeks of school even exist!!  I suppose it's so that the kids can have just a few enjoyable days before the school year ends.  

The dreaded test are over.......as a matter of fact, test scores came back this week!!  I don't think that the results were as good as they had hoped for.  But hey, what can possibly be expected.....when the State requires school systems  to give a "Genius" test to every kid in school.......

Moving right along........!!!!  

Summer is almost here and kids will soon be out of school. 
Fun, Fun, Fun.......swimming, movies, sleeping late,  family vacations, church camps, other camps, eating Popsicles and ice cream, drinking lemonade, playing baseball, having sleep-overs .........all of this and more.....

I'm ready.....Hope all the parents are!

Lots of fun, being a kid!!     

Shug

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Seeing Pink.......

Good Morning Friends.......

I borrowed a few photos from some of my friends, to show you the majestic skies during parts of our storm last evening.  The scenes of the devastation from the EF5 that ripped Moore, Oklahoma to pieces, caused a lot of fearful anticipation as to what was going to be delivered through the storms that we all knew were coming our way.


                                                            Before the Storm hit......


                              Look at this Pink sky......Trista took this photo from her front door!

Mylee was here at our house and I remember her looking out the front door window and asking, "Why is it Pink outside?"   I had no idea what she was talking about, and to tell you the truth, I was visiting with Shanda and never gave her sweet little question another thought.

She really was seeing PINK!!



Another photo of the Pink Sky......taken by a friend of mine.
All of these pictures are the actual photos......NO EDITING WAS DONE ON THEM!!

Needless to say......every clap of thunder sure made me jumpy!


 My heart is so heavy for the many people who have suffered all kinds of losses due to the tornadoes this week.   Moore, Oklahoma......being hit the hardest, and then there was Granbury, Texas as well as other places across the Country where small tornadoes touched the ground.

Our Thoughts, Prayers, and Hugs go out to these people!!

I know that this storm system is still moving across the Country.....Praying for the safety of all who are in the storms path.

Blessings This Day......

Shug....

Monday, May 20, 2013

40 plus years of experience

I have 40, almost 41 years of experience!!  There are a lot of Pros that do not have as much as experience as me.   I'm talking about KITCHEN experience.


                              (Just threw this picture in because it is bright and cheery)

Let me give you a sneak peek into ONE of our three freezers, and a couple of my cabinets....


I never said my freezer was organized, so lets skip over that part.


Fresh peas, Fresh peaches...and yes.....a little ice cream.


Chicken, Fish Sticks, etc, etc, etc.....

The other freezers are full of deer meat and other kinds of meats that we have purchased.
And of course....veggies


I have all kinds of spices.....sugars and seasonings....


Plenty of foods in the pantry.....


I have almost anything and everything that I would need to cook with.....Even have another shelf that is strictly items used for baking desserts.  Mixes, chocolate chips, icings, cake flour, flavorings, syrup, etc, etc, etc....

Now.......here is the issue.


I'm not very good at planning out my meals!!

Seems so simple, but this is not an area that I excel in.   How do each of you plan your  menus for the week?  Do you follow a schedule (like burgers on Monday's, Spaghetti on Tuesday's and so on and so on)???

Do you wait until noon, like I do a lot of times, before planning the evening meal?

We are busy people.....but, there still should be an impressive meal planning technique.

I'd love to know how you all plan out your meals!!!!

Shug ~





Sunday, May 19, 2013

Now, You See Me.....Now, You Don't.



A blurry photo, I know.   My iPhone 5 takes really good pictures, but one must be still when the picture is being taken, for the photo to come out clear.   It wasn't Tori moving around, it was me.

Tori (our 10 year old precious granddaughter) never ceases to amaze me.   When I say that she is full of energy, then I really mean that she is full of energy.  I wish I could bottle just a bit of her pep.

Last week......in between her games at the National Tournament, we visited a few of the shops in town.   This particular shop (Paul Micheal's) has so many fun things in their store.  When Tori came upon this lamp.....her imagination went wild.  She's like....Now you see me....Now you don't!

Check out the mirrored pot in the background.

She was in awe of the many unique items that she came across.  With her creative mind, she had already designed a brand new bedroom for herself.   Only problem......there were some pretty high price tags on almost all of the things she liked.

Tori, is definitely our creative one... you would be surprised at the things she can make out of tree limbs and a little string.  I can assure you that it's more than some kind of  kids fishing pole.
  
She makes me laugh....she warms my heart.....and she keeps me busy!

shug ~

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Flags are waving again!!!   I watched several of the City employees as they diligently worked, putting these flags out.   They are almost in perfect alignment and they compliment our City very well.

This year's display of flags had to be moved across the street to the property that is adjacent to the bank.   We (our City with a Heart) is growing.   Work has already begun on a super nice gas station that will also house a What-A-Burger Fast food chain.  I am thrilled, as What-a-burger is my favorite place to eat this perfectly designed sandwich.

I'll be posting more photos of the flags as memorial day approaches.  

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

Shug

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Life's Potholes



Life's Highway is a fascinating journey and there can be many stops along the way.  What I want to remember is to not crumble when I hit a bump in the road.  Have you ever noticed how, big storms, are forever causing potholes on the highways?

Our life journey can sometimes cause us to encounter many potholes.   These annoying holes can cause headaches, stress, anger, and at times they can bend us far beyond what we want to be bent.  What exactly are these journey of life potholes?  Hmmmm.....let's see.

According to my face book page this morning, I had many friends who were hitting various kinds of deep holes.   Aggravation was at the top of the list.   Some were disturbed because another driver pulled out in front of them.....One was not happy because an older person was driving way too slow (they should have known that driving 60 mph was way too slow on a country road...lol)  Then, there was the one who was complaining because a lady ordered something other than a drink while pulling through the drive-thru at Sonic.  (We all should know that the drive-thru is just for those ordering a coke!!  Lol)

I really had to laugh at this one......One person was mad because THEIR chosen contestant DID NOT WIN.......American Idol.   According to one friend.....the weather man had ruined their day!!

These are only small bumps in the road....yet...they can certainly cause some folks to get mudslinging mad.  I must say.....(and this is just my opinion).....these kind of potholes are not worth getting a headache over!!

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while passing over the potholes on Life's Highway!!

Shug ~





Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A Pink Glittered Heart

I was so impressed with how the sun made the glitter on the sidewalk send out gorgeous rays of nothing but pure BEAUTY.  Our daughter (Trista) has this thing about glitter.....she loves it and wants everything in her life to shine.   I like it too!!

My header photo was taken this past weekend, during our photo shoot of Tyler and Kelsey all dressed up for the Prom.  Just thought that it would make for an interesting shot.

Speaking of glitter......I am totally convinced that I have Pink Glittered Heart inside of me.



I have great Love in my heart for people, but I also have great Compassion for people as well.  It truly bothers me to see people unhappy.  Most of the time, their unhappiness comes from unhealthy decisions for which they have made in life.  But.....my heart bleeds pink glitter when it comes to those that are hurting.

I have always loved things that shine.   I will be the first to admit, that I love all the clothes, shoes, handbags, and other accessories that are out now....THAT SHINE!   You had better believe that I am the very one that is always looking for something to wear that shines.  (I know, I know.....as my husband would say...."Shug, you shine no matter what you're wearing.")  Bless his heart....he certainly needs his vision checked (immediately)

For me, the shine factor does not stop with clothing......I get a huge thrill out of seeing huge smiles on people's faces....A huge smile is like glitter shining in the sun.     It would be so nice if I had the same ability that tinker bell has.....instead of throwing out pixie dust, I would love to be able to share some of the pink glitter that wraps itself around my heart.... with people that I know who have hurting hearts.

I'm thankful for the tons of compassion and Love for which God has blessed me with..... HE often reminds me that I need to allow my Pink Glittered Heart to dance for me too!!!  I simply need to give myself permission to back away especially when I have emptied too much of my shine on needs that I have no control of.  

May you see Pink as you Shine among the Stars!

Shug ~

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Being Ten

Happy Birthday to our youngest grandson.....Trey Booth.   Trey is 10 years old TODAY and he is such a huge Blessing in our lives...


I snapped a picture of him as he was jumping into the pool........

Hey Trey......Hope your day is filled with lots of happiness and fun!

******

Today, began just like any other normal day, but......I have since, crammed about 90 seconds into EACH normal 60 second minute.  I'm not really sure where the day has gone.

Birthday gift shopping was on the top of my list.....BECAUSE, I am somehow....days behind!
Trey mentioned yesterday afternoon that his Birthday was today, and I am almost positive that I had a blank stare on my face at that moment.   You know, I'm not even sure that I have looked at the Calendar ANY this month.   I was thinking that we were about to approach the 8th day of May.

Thank goodness.....I managed to pick out just the things he wanted....

Trey loves little match box cars and Lego's.....found the perfect Lego set for him and he was thrilled with the cars I picked out.   Since he loves swimming, we got him some goggles and a water gun to boot!!

Loved seeing the smile on his precious face!

shug....



Monday, May 13, 2013

Hope all you enjoyed a beautiful Mother's Day weekend. 

My husband, girls, grandchildren, and son-in-loves made my day super special.   After church, we went out to Tom and Shanda's for lunch.   Both of our girls did a great job at making this meal wonderful...

Brisket, potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese (always), corn, BBQ sausage, salad, rolls, and.........chocolate delight, chocolate covered brownies, sopapilla cheesecake, strawberries/cream, AND...chocolate eclair.

We were all stuffed!   I have a few photos of this great day.


I did it again.....I have developed this habit of holding my camera with my finger in front of the flash.....This is exactly what I did in Trista's picture on the top right!  
Sorry Tris..... :(


It was way too cool for the pool, but kids have no problem with cold water when it comes to having fun.....They totally enjoyed the pool!   Upper left corner photo....Mylee 
has finally learned to ride her bike without the training wheels....


Later in the evening, we made a trip over to  visit Sam's mom and my precious mother-in-love.  Then it was a visit to the cemetery to freshen the flowers on my mom's grave.


It was truly a delightful day......

*******

Happy Monday to all.......

shug

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day......Remembering


in

Gorgeous tulips......for me.......from my son-in-love.....Ty    Such a neat surprise to find these on my front porch this past Thursday evening!!   I am Blessed!!

                                                   ******

Today is Mother's Day and I can for sure tell you that I miss my mom terribly.....There are days when I will catch a scent of something that reminds me of her, and I find myself searching the room until I find that particular scent.



Like this past week for example.....I used some lotion that I haven't used in a while.  It took me back a spell.  My mom used this same lotion, and the sweet fragrance brought back so many memories for me.  

Do we really realize how special memories can be?  What would we do without them?    I love remembering the precious times that I had with my mom.

I guess I was a mama's baby.....I could not stand to be away from her.  I remember when I was in the fourth grade....My mom worked at the school, and every single day, my mind would get lost, just thinking about my mom being there and my need to go be with her.  

Sometimes, my teacher would let me out of class to go see my mom, and I can remember never wanting to go back to class....I just wanted to stay right there with her.

There was another time....I think it was the end of my sixth grade year.  I was going home with a friend of mine for a sleep over.   I remember being so excited, until it got dark outside....all I could think about was my mom.   She had just bought me a brand new pair of house shoes, and I remember.....going to sleep with those little slippers in my arms.    It was all I could think of, to keep me close to my mom.

All of this closeness didn't end there.....I never wanted to be very far away from her.  She was what made my heart happy.  Even after Sam and I got married......I had to talk to my mom every day.....sometimes we talked several times a day.  

I remember all of the tears that I cried when we first found out that she was sick.   I honestly could not bear to think of her not being here.   There was one day (about a month) before she passed away.... I was at the hospital, sitting there with mother and trying to do anything and everything that I could do to ease her pain.

It was just mom and I in that hospital room.....I could tell by the trembling sound of her voice, that she had something very important to say.  What she wanted to tell me was that she knew in her heart that she didn't have very long to live, but she wanted me to know that she would always be with me.  

The next month was very hard for all of us......but God was there for us to lean on.   My heart was shattered the day that mother passed away, but I just kept remembering what she told me that day....."She would always be with me."

It has been eight years since her passing.....and I truly miss her as much today as ever.   I dream ever now and then about her.....but something always stops me from being able to touch her (in my dreams)  and this is the one thing that I long to do........

I sometimes ask myself......Did I hug my mom enough?  Did I tell her that I loved her often enough?   Yes....I did and for this, I am truly grateful.   If your mom is here with you today......make sure you give her a special hug.   Let her know just how much you love her.  

I love you mom.....and some sweet day.....I will be able to hug you again!

Sp

Wishing all my friends a very Happy Mother's Day!!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Prom Date.....

Prom Night........    Tyler and Kelsey!!




Focus on the shoes and the softball......Kelsey is an awesome softball player!!


Trista, Tyler and Ty


One of my favorite photos....  Tyler putting Kelsey's shoe back on her.

  

Ok....I probably should have left this one out......I have allergy eyes......But....what a sweet kiss on my cheek from my precious grandson....




Down by the railroad track.....




The two of them were spelling out something with the rocks..


Mr. Handsome and Miss. Beautiful!!


Sorry Friends......I just couldn't decide on any ONE photo.

Shug....

Friday, May 10, 2013

The Band.....

Just got home from a LONG day in Canton, Texas......   This last gym that we played in (I promise you) had NO noise barriers!!!!!!   It was extremely LOUD.

My ears are still ringing from all the shouting and cheering that parents were doing in order to help referee the game.  And oh......the bouncing of balls is still bouncing my ear drums.

I wish that I could report that our teams were going to be able to play in the championship games tomorrow, but 4 of the 5 Brownsboro teams that went to the National playoffs, are not OUT.  It was a hard fought battle for all of the losing teams, and I am so very proud of all the team players.

I do have a cute little funny to share with you.  This National Tournament is not cheap.....the fee that they charge to attend the games is almost crazy.  One can either pay $12.00 for a day pass (which ONLY gets you into the games for that particular day) OR they can purchase a tournament pass for $25.00 each person.  This covers a person for the entire tournament and you are required to wear a band that is similar to the ones below.


The players had to wear orange bands, while the fans who purchased the tournament pass had to wear a lime green colored band.  Children, 5 and under, got to attend the games for free.  

Since Carson, Trey and Tori were all team players......this meant that they all had to wear the orange band on their ankle.  Mylee just had to have her hand stamped.

Ok....now to the funny

When we got home from the games last night, Mylee was playing in the toy room and she found herself a band.   She was so excited because this would make her be just like the other kids.

Just so happens that when I had my colonoscopy last month.....I had a orange/red band around my wrist and this is what it looked like.


Yes.....I have an allergy to a certain medication, so this band was placed on my wrist to let the doctor know that I was allergic to a particular medicine. 

I have no idea as to why this band was in the playroom, however........Mylee Jo was thrilled when she found it.   A few hours later, we went back to the gym in Canton, because Tori's team was playing at 6:00 P.M.

Miss Mylee Jo......wore her ankle band and was so very proud to be sporting the thing.

Now, I have to wonder......how many people noticed the big letters......ALLERGY on this child's ankle band????   She slept in the thing, and wore it back to the gym today!!

We have laughed!!

Laughing is a whole lot of fun......

Shug ~

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Still Bouncing the Ball...

Here it is, May 9th......and our kids are still playing basketball!  Yes, they are still bouncing a basketball.

The National Little Dribblers Tournament is this week, in Canton, Texas.    We were there, all day yesterday!!   Tori played at 11:45.......Trey played at 1:00 and Carson played at 4:45.    This was a full day of playing ball.

The great thing is.....Canton is only 30 minutes away from us.  We usually have to travel a long distance for this tournament and this can be costly and tiring.



We had two wins and one loss yesterday.

All three kids play again today, with the first game beginning at 8:00 this morning.  I'm ready to go cheer them on!!

Busy Day ahead!!

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...