You are:
Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks
Like Alvin , you love Christmas—for all the stuff it brings! You love getting all gussied up and being the center of attention. It's great that you're having such a great time, but remember, there's more to the holidays than getting gifts. There's a lot of joy to be found in the simple pleasures and thinking of others. Take this quiz again
to see your results. Barbara
BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED; FOR IT IS THEY WHO LET IN THE LIGHT
Let's see if I understand
how the world works lately... 
If a man cuts his finger off while slicing salami at work, 
he blames the restaurant.
If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years and die of lung cancer, 
Your family blames the tobacco company.
If your neighbor crashes into a tree while driving home drunk, he blames the bartender.
If your grandchildren are brats without manners, 
You blame television.
If your friend is shot by a deranged madman, 
you blame the gun manufacturer.
And if a crazed person breaks into the cockpit and tries to kill the pilot at 35,000 feet, and the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the crazed deceased blames the airline.
I must have lived too long to understand the world as it is anymore.
So, if I die while my old, wrinkled behind is parked in front of this computer, 
I want all of you to blame Bill Gates
Barbara
Remember My Birthday????!!!!!!
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the
celebration will be repeated.
During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials,
and in every part of the world everyone is
talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least
once a year, some people think of me.
As you know,the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great
feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of
delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.
The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the
door in my face......... and I wanted to be with
them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me.
Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and
stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor !
At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each
other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and .... do you know .... no one
hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They
opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday
everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.
I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to
save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside.
Do you know how you can answer this invitation?
It is by extending it to others whom you care for.. I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year...
See you soon .... I love you !
-Jesus-
Get ready to read and I will tell you a couple of stories:
Picture #1
This is my son Eric being pulled in his wagon by the family dog. They had so much fun that day and would probably still been playing that game if what happened after this picture was taken hadn't happened. What?
Yeah right after this picture the dog got spooked by a car that backfired and went full speed ahead with Eric attached straight under the trailer which was our first home. At this young age, however Eric was smart and put his hand up and stopped himself from being hurt.
Picture #2
This is the picture Eric brought home from school as his school year picture. I asked him why he didn't smile and he told me that he didn't even know they were taking his picture. Lieing to the Momma...bad Eric
He also had a little girlfriend in Kindergarten named Cherish and he loved her so much and that was all he would talk about until the day he came home and told me that he had to break up with Cherish. I asked him why and he told me that she always wanted to have sex in the hall at school. I almost had a heart attack...so I asked him...Eric what do you mean? And he said, you know Mom she always wants to hold my hand in the hall and playground....Dare I ask? And Eric is that what sex is?
And he looked at me real serious and said , Of Course Mom.
Picture #3
These are slightly out of order LOL but this is Eric and my parents the day he graduated from Chef school. This is right out his apartment. He loves being a chef and we are so proud of our grown up son.
Picture #4
Bandit had puppys and this is Eric and one of them having a fun afternoon
Picture #5
Eric and his Dad on a lazy afternoon when his Dad got back from a fishing trip with his catch he was teasing Eric about letting it swim with him. He told Rick it was not a fishing pool.
Picture #6
This is Erics one year old birthday celebration. We lived on a bowhunting ranch in Freer Texas call Escondido. He stuck his face right into the cake, almost before I took the candle out. He had been asking about it all day before this.
Picture #7
This is where I found Eric one day when he snuck outside. Right in the middle of a giant puddle, He looked so cute and caught that all I could do was laugh. Thank goodness he had his playclothes on.
Picture #8
This is the twin cousins, Emily and Eric. They were born on the same day in the same hospital. Emily is Ricks sisters daughter. The kids were born nine hours apart. Emily was 3 weeks early and Eric was two weeks late. We all rode in the same car to the hospital and Beverly and I were in the same labor room. Emily was born at 4:08am and Eric was born at 1:08pm. That was a busy day!!!
I took off work today because I am having another allergic reaction to something. My face is all puffy and red. I am taking Benedral, but the pain won't go away. If it's not one thing its one thing LOL Have a great night. I gotta go catch up with you guys. Barbara
One of my Lifes Most Stupid Moments////DUH!!! 
I can not believe what I did this morning. I went to work at 5:45 am and started my day. Everything was going good and I was picking up speed on my items per minute/ I discovered yesterday that if you scan the item with the brand name facing you it automatically picks up the scan.
Not that any of the managers who have been on my case ever bothered to tell me that,,,, all they said was////you need to be faster...what are you items per minute? You need to pick up your speed/ blah blah blah.
Doncha think if they were so concerned about this they might think about telling their new cashiers a few tricks of the trade that I have had to figure out on my own like.
1. The brand name thing I just mentioned
2. Scanning the produce first increases your time per item.
3. If you have more than one item alike you can scan it the number of times with the same can or whatever/
4. Putting your register on price inquiry while customers stop you to ask for something they need.
All of this helps you to improve your time,,,but all I have heard from the managers was to go faster. Tell the new people how 
You morons.
Anyway back to my story....Around 8:30am after I had already taken my first break, my manager comes up to me to tell me that my schedule for the day was changed from morning to night and that I was suppose to come in at 5:45pm to 11:15pm
and that I should clock out and come back tonight........
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
So now I have to go back in today and work another 6 hours.
That will make it 9 hours for today.
The only good thing about this is that I will get a better check. 
The bad thing is . is that my nose is all sore and bruised and I was so looking forward to being done for the day at 11 this morning/ now I have to go back and I probably won't really get off until around 11:45pm.
Thank God I am off tomorrow, and do not have to be back until Monday night.
Last night we got a call 
from a place that said we won something. We had to drive all the way into San Antonio which was about an hour drive and 10 dollars worth of gas.
We were sceptical about it, but they said only seven people were picked and we would walk away with no less than a big screen television.
And the highest being a Lexus. We would not have to buy anything and would only have to listen to them for 20 minutes///
Okay now, here's what really happened...
We went as fast as we could and got lost twice.
When we got there the speech was over 45 minutes and we were pressured into buying a vacation plan
We didn't buy it we said no
We won a trip to Florida and a cruise to the Bahamas. Our 25th anniversary is coming upthis year so we might go, but we still have to pay a registration fee of 139.00 per person and airfare and food while in Florida. The cruise food is covered.
KNowing my husband we won't go because we always go to Port Aransas 
and I really can't see him going with me to the Bahamas. He is too much of a home body. Plus who knows how much it will cost for airline tickets.
So if you get a phone call from a travel agency that starts with the word global....just stay home.
Just now Rick asked me if I was going to prepare all the fixings to go along with the turkey he smoked yesterday/ Stuffing mash potatoes etc. HAAAA 
Maybe not. I told him I would tomorrow. Like I feel like spending all day in the kitchen cooking a feast and only two people are going to eat it and then go back to work.
Yeah let me get right on that....NOT
Tomorrow please come soon!!!!!
Barbara 
1. Do you already have your Christmas tree up? If so when did you put it up? If not when will you put it up?
No I don.t have my tree up yet. I am still getting over Thanksgiving. Maybe on my next day off which will be Tuesday. Since we are going to Erics I have been thinking maybe I wouldn't bother.
2. Do you have any particular theme when it comes to decorating your tree? Maybe you do all Disney ornaments? Only blue lights? Tell us how you decorate your tree. Kudos if you have a picture and post it.
I have a wierd assortment of ornaments collected over the years. Ones we made, baby toys, and also some hand painted ones. I bought me a tree with the lights attached. Can any one say lazy?
3. What is your all time favorite ornament? Only one. Kudos again if you have a picture and post it.
My angel top of the tree ornament of course
4. How many stockings do you hang and are any of them for pets? And...where do you hang them? (Not everyone has a fireplace)
4 One for Rick, Barbara (me) Eric and our dog daugher Tiny. We hang them from the ceiling where we hang our dry sausage LOL
traditions.
We spend Christmas Eve at my parents house and then we usually spend Christmas morning at home. This year we will be going to see Eric.
As this Thanksgiving Day comes to a close I would like to say thank you to all my new friends 
I have met here in Jland. I hesitate to name them all because I have met so many and I do not want to forget anyone.
I pray that God gives all of you many blessings this year and the years to come.
I pray for you to be happy with where God sends you.
I pray for your days to be full of love and joy.
I pray for God to keep you and all your families safe from harm.
I pray that you would all be financially able to live a prosperous life.
God Bless You Everyone.
Now I would like to thank some special people in my life/
Mom, thank you for always being there for me through the happy and sad times and giving me such good advice, even when you tell it like it is and say to me to let time take it's course. I love you so very much!!!!
Daddy, Thank you for being the rock that you are. So wise and always encouraging me to be the best that I can be and to develop my talents. I love you more than words can say.
Pam, Thank you for being my big sister and for loving me no matter how silly I seem at times. I have always looked up to you even if you did not know this.... I love you so much and I am sorry that we don't spend more time together/
Christi, Thank you for all the fun times we had together as kids and all the long days of made up games and night time talks/ I miss you so much and I will love you forever and I keep you close to my heart. I really missed you this year at our Thanksgiving table.
Rick, We have been together for 26 years now and will soon be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Thank you for putting up with me through the happy, sad, silly and crazy times we have had over the years. I love you more every day/
Eric, 
My precious wonderful talented son. God gave me the best kid in the world when he sent you to me. You have always been there for me and you are one of my best friends. I miss you so much but I know you are doing what God has planned for your life. You are a true inspiration to me and those around you. I can't wait to see you again and get my hugs. Thank you for being the awesome person that you are. I love you more than infinity.(Remember that?)
Heather and Brittany, You girls are so special to me and I have had so much fun watching you grow up. Always remember that I will be here for you. Come and see me sometime and I am only a phone call away.
Christopher, Ross and Dillon my super nephews. You guys rock and I love you so much. You guys are great and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you. Come and see me too and call me.
Sam, I thank God that he sent you into Christis life. You were a great husband to her and you are a wonderful Dad. But more than that you are my brother and I love you. I am so happy that you have found Brit and that you love each other so much. I love you too Brit and would like to get to know you better.
Ralph, Thank you for always being there for your family and for being my first big brother/ You are a great dad too, I love you for all the years we have been family.
And to all my friends God has blessed me in my life and all I can say to all of you is a big
Thanks, Barbara
Good Morning. Have you answered my crazy questions yet? If not.....what the heck are you waiting for?
Do you think I should offer a prize for the best answers? Well it won't be one of these...LOL
Don't make me get tough!!! LMBO
Inquiring Minds want to know...
I'll Be Back/// Barbara
Crazy Question Time.
1. How long is your hair? down to my waist
2. What color are your eyes? dark blue
3. When is your birthday? February 16 on the day I was born
4. Who is sleeping in your bed? my hubby Rick.
5. Why did you pick your career? I didn't it picked me I am a cashier
6. Where is your happy place? at my computer
7. How long have you been married or dating? 24 wonderful crazy years
8. What is your favorite name? Anastasia Lindsey
9.. What will Santa put in your stocking? hopefully a digital camera !!
10. What is your favorite sandwich?.Bacon Cheese burger
11.What is your favorite thing to eat ?.Chinese Food
`
12. What will you leave out for Santas treat on Christmas Eve? Kibbles and Bits
13/ What is your favorite Christmas carol? Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Number One favorite is O Holy Night
14. What is the name of the reindeer no one talks about? Sleezy
15. What did you last scratch? My neck
16.. What is the ancient Chinese secret in your soup? borax LOL not really
17. What will be your next excuse for calling in sick? I was sick and tired of not getting enough rest
18 What was the last thing you ate? turkey
19. What do you keep stashed under your bed? I can only imagine
20. What will you do special for next week? Live Laugh and Love
21Who do you hope to be next to under the mistletoe? Brad Pitt even though I am mad at him right now for what he did to my friend Jennifer
22 What is your favorite thing to say over and over again? I say okay a lot I need to learn to say no
23. What was your best advice? To take one day ata time
25,What was your worst day? When I don't
26. What movie did you last watch? Poseidon Adventure
27What will you do on your vacation? read swim and relax in the sun
28 . What do you put into your coffee? flavored creamers
29. What seasoning do you use the most? salt
30 What kind of car do you drive? Ford Explorer
31. What is your all time favorite Christmas present?
My wedding ring
After you answer these questions for your journal print out the questions separately and mix up the answers for a good laugh.
Example if I pick my answer for 1 and the question six it would be
What is your happy place?
Answer down to my waist...get it
I did this for a Christmas party at work one time and the answers were hilarious.
We also sang the twelve days of Christmas and I divided everyone into 12 groups and gave each group a verse and they had to sing their part and act it out. We were rolling on the floor. The guy who got the part Nine Ladies Dancing was a riot.
Have fun and if you answer these leave me a link Hugs Barbara
My uncle sent this to Me:
PREGNANT TURKEY;
One year at Christmas my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick.
She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey, andre-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the
oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something,
she reached in and pulled out the little bird.
With a look of total shock on her face, my mother
exclaimed," Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!
Happy Thanksgiving yall pass the gravy!!!
Barbara
Hello!!!
Now that I have gotten this figured out somewhat watch out!!!
Here are the pictures of my son during his first haircut. I hated cutting off his blonde curls, but it was getting long enough to put in a ponytail and I didn't want anyone calling him a girl.
He had a horrible time with this. He looks like he is being tortured but the lady that cut his hair was very sweet. The lady "holding him down" is my Mom. She is the one who insisted this needed to be done.
He didn't speak to her for the rest of the day.
Now that he is older he is always going to get his hair cut so you know this didn't damage him for life. LOL
If any of you have any first haircut pictures why don't you post them for us.
I have to work from 4-10 today so I gotta get my butt busy getting ready. Tomorrow is another long day. from 12-8.
We only get one break for fifteen minutes in a six hour time, and if it is over that you get 30 minutes, but have to clock out. This is in no way enough time to get something to eat, eat. drink and be merry much less visit the ladies room.
I am off for Thanksgiving and going to San Antonio to visit with my parents and sister Pam and her family. Eric will not be able to come home. Hopefully we can get together before Christmas and go shopping or something.
Well Eric just called, I forgot he was off today....I wonder if I should tell him about this latest entry LOL Barbara
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
Name the top seven stores where you are most likely to do the majority of your Christmas shopping this year. If you can't name seven, name as many up to seven as you can. You can also include online retailers, too.
1. Target
2. Walmart
3. Hobby Lobby
4. HEB
5. Dollar Stores
6. Alco
7. World Market
.This from Patrick, in case you want to play and leave your linkthere.
Gift Basket Ideas
Breakfast Basket - Fill a basket or a large juice pitcher with gourmet pancakes mixes, 2 or more gourmet coffees, jams, spatula, wooden spoon, mugs, maple syrup, maple candies, and your favorite breakfast recipes
Lovers' Basket - NOT just for newlyweds! :)) Include several scented candles, a cassette tape with romantic music, a good bottle of wine or brandy, two glasses, and a bottle of massage oil, some good chocolates, and a cardboard note to hang on the door that says "Do Not Disturb". Include a card with instructions to read "Close the door, turn off the phone. Enjoy together your precious time alone
Tea Time Basket - Include some interesting teas, and a small jar of honey. Add homemade jams or jellies with crackers or a small loaf of homemade bread and a copy of If Teacups Could Talk. Decorate with ribbon and an interesting kitchen utensil attached to the handle (a teaspoon or honey dipper perhaps...).
Gift for teacher - Fill a basket with fun pencils, "reward" toys, erasers, Post-It notepads, Award pads, etc. Decorate the basket with a "school" theme - instead of ribbon around the rim,glue on a row of pink erasers, alternating with some cute large plastic clips. Coffee Lover's Basket - Get a bunch of the small packets of flavored coffees for the coffee lover to sample. Add some chocolate dipped cinnamon sticks, butter cookies, a special coffee cup, a jar of homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. Dip a spoon in melted chocolate - allow it to harden, wrap in cellophane and tied w/ a pretty ribbon. Attach the spoon to the handle. (This is my favorite kind of basket... Can you tell I'm a coffee lover?)
Pamper Me" Bath Basket - Fill a basket with some homemade bath salts, lotions, etc.), along with lufa, scented candle, and a cardboard note to hang on the door that says "Pampering, Do Not Disturb
The Ultimate Chocolate Basket: A pkg of Hershey’s bars, triple fudge brownies, better than sex chocolate cake, red velvet torte, chocolate truffles, German chocolate brownies, 3 different types of fudge, chocolate syrup, yoo-hoo in the can, a few boxes of chocolate pudding, and chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate/fudge butter cookies, homemade hot cocoa powder and a box of cocoa krispies.
The Wearable Art Basket: An Ironing board cover, some iron ons. Fusible web, some pretty fabrics for appliqué, an assortment of fabric paints and pens. Rhinestone studs, and the metal studs, a box of Band-Aids and a candy bar.
The Baker's Basket: A recipe for something that you made that someone liked, along with all the premeasured ingredients (within reason) and a pack of recipe cards - perhaps a bottle of extract or some food coloring.<o:p>
You can turn any basket into a great special occasion gift - baskets with a personalized "theme" will always be a big hit. There are so many different ways to decorate a basket, there's really no limit to what you can do with a simple basket, some ribbon, and a few decorations.
Suggested Materials:
Wicker basket with handle
Hot glue gun
Ribbon
Dried or silk flowers, leaves, etc.
Thin wire
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
Stuff to put in the basket
Tips for decorating:
Use silk flowers for baskets to be used in a bathroom - they'll be less susceptible to water/moisture damage than dried flowers.
Decorate the basket with ribbon! Measure a length of ribbon to go around the lip of the basket. Twist it into a narrow rope and glue it around the rim. You can also wind matching ribbon around the handle, securing the ends with dabs of hot glue.
I like to buy silk flowers that have multiple stems and then separate them; snipping off to the lengths I want with wire cutters. Use wire to hold in place, and hot glue where needed.
Line the inside of the basket with plastic wrap, tissue, straw or colored confetti. Then fill the basket with stuff!
TEEN AGED GIRLS Find a small to medium sized basket and line with pink tissue paper or raffia grass. Buy a sampler pack of flavored lip glosses, powders, lotions, a makeup kit and a light sporty fragrance and artistically arrange. Don't forget bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, and necklaces. Wrap in colored cellophane and tie with a bow.
TEEN AGED BOYS Place a couple of their favorite c.d.s in the basket along with a pocket comb, cologne, and skin care products designed for males. <o:p> </o:p>
SMALLER CHILDREN
Using a medium sized basket, place a thin and soft blanket in as a liner. Select a couple of dolls, stuffed animals, cars, or whatever toys the child might enjoy inside. <o:p></o:p>
OLDER CHILDREN Big kids are wild about cartoon pencils and erasers, stickers and trading cards. Add small games (like a Game Boy along with accessories) and the latest Harry Potter book. <o:p></o:p>
BBQ FANSMake up a batch of your famous BBQ sauce and can it in a pretty jar. Add bags of chips, beer and/or cokes, homemade potato salad, and big soft cookies wrapped in colored cellophane. Line the basket with red gingham cloth napkins, and add a package of rolls and a can of baked beans. <o:p></o:p>
TEA OR COFFEE LOVERS Place gourmet tea or coffee in a basket along with cookies, tea cups or coffee mugs, pretty cloth napkins, and a ceramic tea pot (or coffee pot.) Add sugar cubes and flavored creamers. You could also include flavored syrups. If the person you are giving the gift to likes music or reading, throw in a c.d. or a novel.
FRUIT AND BREAD BASKETS Buy an assortment of various fruits and create a basket filled with fruits and nuts. Add homemade breads and rolls, or cookies, candies, or other goodies.
SWEETHEARTS A romantic gift idea would be to add sexy lingerie and massage oils into a basket. Include flowers, scented bubble bath, a soft jazzy c.d., candles and a bottle of champagne, along with two wine glasses.
ARTISTS How about creating a basket filled with art supplies? Include paint brushes, different types of paints, markers, pencils, and sketch books.
Football Fan -- For teenage boys, brothers, fathers and brothers-in-law! Fill a large bowl purchased at the dollar store with candy bars, bags of microwave popcorn, sodas, chips, dips, a favorite football flag or hat and a calendar of game days
Fisherman -- In a tackle box or fish bowl put hooks, bait, line, hot chocolate or sodas, trail mix, gloves, fishing magazines and a fish pillow.
Relaxing Basket -- Line a basket with a hand towel. Add a lavender candle, bath oil or bubble bath, bath salts, a favorite magazine or book, a poof and scented soap and a "Do Not Disturb" sign. (Make one out of a piece of cardboard
Coffee Lover -- In a basket, include flavored coffee packets, cinnamon sticks dipped in chocolate -- wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon -- cookie mix or cookies, flavored powdered creamer and a coffee cup
Baker's Delight -- Line a large mixing bowl with a dish towel. Add cookie mixes, hot chocolate mixes, brownie mix, muffin mix, a package of walnuts, measuring cups and pot holders
Ice Cream Lover -- Place tissue paper on the bottom of a basket. Add sundae dishes, an ice cream scoop, nuts, hot fudge sauce, butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, Maraschino cherries and a gift certificate for two half-gallons of ice cream
Soup Basket -- In a basket, stock pot or bean crock add large soup mugs, seven-bean soup, cornbread mix, cookie mix and oyster crackers wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon
Nail Polish Basket -- In a pretty bucket or basket, add a variety of nail polish, emery boards, nail clippers, polish remover, cotton balls, hand cream, cuticle cream and a nail buffer
Family Night -- In a large bowl, add a puzzle or game, popcorn, candy bars, soda, hot chocolate mix and mugs
Cookie Delight -- In a basket lined with tissue paper, add two cookie mixes in cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbons, Russian Tea (also in a cellophane bag or small jar tied with ribbon), cookie cutters, a teacup and two pot holders
Dinner and a movie: box of pasta (this looks really nice if you buy the colorful pasta and put it in a mason jar, put a small piece of material over the top with a ribbon on the lid), jar of sauce, a jar of shaker cheese, could also include a clove of garlic or a shaker of Italian seasoning, a pasta spoon or wooden spoon with a ribbon tied on the handle, a pair of candles for romantic lighting, two cupcakes or a bag of gourmet cookies, and a gift certificate from the local movie rental place. This is also nice for new parents, as they won't be going out much in the next few months.
If anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them...thanks Barbara
I am so sad today....
I just can not get into the Christmas spirit this year. I don't have the money I have had in years past to spend on presents and I am getting depressed about it. I don't care if I get anything or not. I just want to be able to give presents.
I will not be able to see my son this year for Thanksgiving either becasue of work and his work. This will be my first year away from the one person I am most Thankful for...:(
I just wish the holidays would go away and I would have a year to save for them.
My husband has been really grumpy too. He took a week off for his vacation and could not afford to go hunting. What a bear.
Last night he started yelling at me about the house, which is clean but he does this to pick a fight. I tried talking to him and he yelled at me that he did not want to hear about my job and how hard I work because he works hard too and he didn't even get to go hunting because we have not money.
I told him fine I wouldn't talk to him any more......
I am just so sad today and don't know how I am going to be able to give my family gifts this year. I can't even afford to buy food.
This is hard on me becasue I see all these families at work who do not have jobs and are on foodstamps and eat like royalty.
We have been eating the same chili for three days now.
Oh well never mind.....I am too sad today
Not usual for me........Barbara 
Hey I found Patrick you can go see him too. Here is a linkPatrick's Weekender: Saturday Six - Episode 84
1. What was the last movie you watched at a theater completely alone? I have never gone to the movies alone. I always have someone with me to enjoy the movie and talk about it afterwards. It is kinda like eating alone...not my cup of tea.
Would you have enjoyed it more or less if you had gone with someone to see it? I am not sure maybe I will try it one day and see...or maybe not.
2. What was the last non-sexual thing you did around the house completely naked? cleaned the bathroom and washed the dishes and folded laundry....let's just say it is a good idea to call first and make sure you knock on the door. LOL
3. How well do you know your neighbors? Would you like to know them better or not know them? My neighbors are not really that close to my house. I do not know the people in back of us but we rent to a couple in front of us. I use to work with her and we are friends. We get together every once in a while and throw some meat on the pit.
4. Take this quiz: How much of a conspiracy nut are you? 46 percent is what I got
5. Of the following "conspiracies" mentioned in that quiz, which single one would you most like the "truth" about and why? the one about the government knowing the cure but keeping it to themselves so that drug companies could make money.
One Day At A Time, You Gotta Live Laugh and Love every single day at least once a day.
Okay now it is your turn friends. Some thought questions this week and now my brain is tired...Thanks Patrick for keeping the questions coming.Barbara
1. What is the one thing on your Thanksgiving table that you will NOT eat? Actually I love it all//oink oink
2. Did you ever play in a pile of leaves as a kid? Yes it was one of our favorite things to do until Dad came out and said/ "Alright now lets put those leafs in these trash bags.... not fun anymore :O If so do you have a picture of you or someoneyou know playing in the fall leaves? Post it if you do! Remember me the one it takes an hour to figure out the picture thing???
3. When you think of Fall what are the three things that come to mind?
Football, pecans and hunting
4. When was the last time you had pumpkin pie? Was it last year or have you already had some this year? This year around April at my waitress job.
5. Tell us something really nice about the last person you read an email from.
Beverly my SIL was the last person I read email from she is the best and so good to her family. She introduced me to Rick too!!
How;s that Robin?
Great Idea, Barbara
Hey! 
Enjoy!!! all of the Moms and Grand Moms know this if true. We may all have other occupations but nothing as tough as being a Mom. Hugs to all!!!
Just a Mom???
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a. stay at home mom?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, "housewife covers it," said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day, I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly
emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned
family) and already have one credits (my son). Of
course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I
often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is
more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards
are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the
clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistant age 9
"just another Mom."
Motherhood! . What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human
Relations"
And great grandmothers Executive
Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants.
Please send this to another Mom, Grandmother, Aunt,
and other friends you know.
May your troubles be less, your blessings be more
and nothing but happiness
come through your door!
Hugs to all the SAHMs everywhere.
Barbara
yet another one...
1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? I would probably want a place close to the ocean, but not too close to where I would lose it to a storm.
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING? my camoflage shirt that says major hottie {:)
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT? Rascal Flatts These Days
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Depends on what time I work that day. Usually around 7 but some days I have to be up by 4.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE? my bread maker because it is new but I could not live without my coffee pot!!!
6. IF YOU COULDPLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I play 4 instruments, the piano, the clairinet, the violin and bagpipes. I would love to learn to play the guitar and banjo.
7. FAVORITE COLOR? royal blue
8. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV? I love my Ford Explorer given to me by my angel sister Christi.
9. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE? I know there is a Heaven and I will see you there one day.
10. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK? Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Spring everything is new again
12. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To make a mean person nice\
13. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT? nope
14. CAN YOU JUGGLE? Sometimes
15. THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO? My sister Christi and my PaPa
16. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY? Monday
17. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR/TRUCK? I don't have a trunk but in the back I have an extra pair of shoes, antifreeze that needs to go in my car, an overdue library book, stuffed animals and Lord knows what else.\
18. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER? hamburger
19. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? sunflowers and african violets and tulips
20. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? chinese food.
21. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? February 16, 1061
22. SOUP OR SALAD? brocolli cheese soup
23. MOUTH WASH OR BREATH MINTS? altoids gum
24. COMPUTER OR CELL PHONE? computer...hands down.
25. POPCORN OR PEANUT? Peanuts with M&Mis mixed in
26. COKE, SPRITE, OR DP? Diet Pepsi
27. CABLE OR SATELLITE TV? I have neither
28. OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU WILL EMAIL THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?? whoever reads the alert first
29. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? whoever doesn't have me on alerts...duh
30. WHO DID YOUR Receive THIS FROM?
krspkrmmom Link to this entry who got it from
