AND THE ANSWER IS.........

If you know me you should know how much I enjoy answering questions which is why I love doing Wednesday Hodgepodge each week. So when my friends offered to play along with their awards and tags they didn't have to twist my arm. 

My friend Betty at A Bench With a View was given a Liebster Award and left some questions to answer to anyone who wanted to play along so here I go:

1.    What is your favorite Christmas song? 

I have several favorites but I do enjoy "Baby It's Cold Outside" with James Taylor and Natalie Cole.
2.    Pumpkin or pecan pie?

Pumpkin pie has always been my favorite but mainly because I didn't grow up with pecan pie. Had some at my MIL's this year and loved it! 

3.    Did you go to any of your high school reunions?

Yes I've been to a few but the most resent was just this past September for our 45th Class Reunion. 

4.    What was the last book you read?

The Shack by Wm.Paul Young and I couldn't tell you anything about it. I just don't retain things like that. I guess that is why I can watch movies over and over again too! 

5.    Favorite day of the week and why?
I think it is Friday. It is usually a pizza night, Mark is most likely in town and we usually watch a DVD together. 

6.    Have you ever been hunting?
No

7.    Facebook, friend or foe?
I am a friend of Facebook but I miss my blogging friends who only do Facebook now because I enjoyed reading their posts. 

8.    Did you play board games as a child? What was your favorite one?
I don't remember playing board games as a child but I enjoyed playing Candyland with my children. Now my favorite is Scrabble. 

9.    Do you play the lottery?
Yes we play but Mark takes care of it. We won $11,000. once! 

10.  Cat or dog?
Dogs but I don't dislikes cats. We can't have them because of allergies. 

11.  Do you think Koda is the cutest corgi you've ever seen?
Of course Betty! 

My friend in real life, Headless Mom at The Headless Family, was tagged and invited anyone who wanted to join in to play along. So here I go:

1. When did you get your ears pierced?  When I was a teenager with ice cubes and a needle.
2. Where was the first place you remember driving when you got your license? I don't remember but probably the local frozen custard stand that was a popular hangout. 
3. What was your first car? My first new car was a  1969 1/2 Ford Maverick. 
4. How many children did you want when you were young? How many do you have? I wanted to have 4 children. We have two children. 
5. Do you have a garden? What is your favorite thing to grow? (veg or flower? Something else?) I like growing tomatoes. We have a lot of flowers in the yard and my favorite is Freesia. 
6. What was the name of your first pet? Is there a story to go along with the name? I'm trying to remember her name.....I know it was a poodle. 
7. What was the cutest thing one of your children has ever said? (Substitute neice or nephew if you aren't a parent.) Well when my mother passed away Adam was around 4 years old and he said "When grandma is done dying will she come back." 
8. What is your favorite age of children, in general, (i.e. baby, toddler, school-age, teen, etc.,) I am going to go with babies. 
9. What is your middle name? Laurie
10. What dessert flavor is your LEAST favorite? Gosh I'm not sure. I'm going to go with orange yet I do like to eat oranges and drink orange juice. 

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.  

FYI: I still haven't started decorating.....

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS TAG

 

I was tagged in a Countdown to Christmas which of course involves my favorite thing....answering questions! Veronica at Adventures of D and V tagged me. Thank you Veronica for picking me! Feel free to play along. I put the questions at the bottom of the page for you. 

Favorite Winter Nail Polish
Can't say I have a favorite since I usually just pick out a color at the nail salon but I do wear red around this time of year!

Favorite Winter Lip Product
Don't have one and I rarely get chapped lips.

Most Worn Winter Clothing Piece
Probably my Christmas pajamas!

Most Worn Winter Accessory
A Christmas pin.

Favorite Winter Candle
Balsam & Cedar by Illume it is amazing!

Favorite Winter Beverage
Eggnog

Favorite Christmas Movie
It's a Wonderful Life but my list is longer than just one.

Favorite Christmas Song
Well I love "Silent Night" because it reminds me of my Mother but I also love "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

Favorite Holiday Food
Cookies! I love baking the favorites for the family each year.

Favorite Christmas Decoration
My ornaments are definitely my favorite!

Last years tree....I now have two smaller ones.

What is at the top of your Christmas list?
A bike but it's been there for a few years now!

What are your plans for Christmas this year?

Well we only have our immediate family here in California. Our daughter and son in law will be going to his family on Christmas Eve which they do each year. Our son and his best girl go to her family on Christmas Eve each year also. I will try to find a Christmas Eve service to go to in the area and then I watch It's a Wonderful Life. On Christmas Day we are all together here and it's the best day ever!

Here are the questions if you want to play along:
Favorite Winter Nail Polish
Favorite Winter Lip Product
Most Worn Winter Clothing Piece
Most Worn Winter Accessory
Favorite Winter Candle
Favorite Winter Beverage
Favorite Christmas Movie
Favorite Christmas Song
Favorite Holiday Food
Favorite Christmas Decoration
What is at the top of your Christmas list?
What are your plans for Christmas this year?

11 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME TAG + AWARD

I was tagged by my friend Trennia at Still Serving Him Through The Storm. If you don't know Trennia please stop over and say hello to her. I am supposed to put up a picture of me, list 11 random things about me and then answer 11 questions from her. I would then tag people and give them questions to answer. Thank you so much Trennia for tagging me. I love your never ending friendship.

11 Random Things About Me:

Have a gazelle exercise thingy in my office that loves to collect dust.
I buy most of my clothes online.
My favorite chocolate is dove, favorite candy Reese's PB cups.
I never change out my earrings, they are in all the time.
Do not like changing bed sheets.
Collect Willow Tree and Jim Shore.
Haven't been a member of a church for 4 years now.
Use to collect and wear pins on my blouse everyday.
Recently discovered Almond Milk and I love it.
Have reading glasses in most rooms of the house.
Wear Birkenstock sandles everyday unless I have to leave the house on a rainy day which seldom happens. Then I wear Born shoes.

1. What is your favorite Bible verse?
I would say the 23rd Psalm
2. What did you want to be when you was a little girl?
I wanted to be a wife and mother.
3. What is your favorite homemade food?
Turkey dinner!
4. How many years have you been married?
I would have been married 40 years this June 24th. We were married in 1972, separated/divorced for 6 years and remarried in 1989 on June 24th so my answer is 34 years!
5. What is your favorite childhood memory?
Christmases are my favorite memories.
6. What is your favorite sport(s)?
Well I enjoy bowling. I don't mind watching golf on TV.
7. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?
Back to London in the UK.
8. Do you prefer texting, phone call, or an email?
Email, texting, phone call, in that order.
9. What is your favorite season?
Spring is wonderful but I love Summer too.
10. What's the funniest thing that has ever happened in your life?
Answered the door once not realizing I had a green mask on my face.
11. Who do you miss most in your life?
I will say my mother, I was only 30 when she passed away.

I was given this award from Nani at The Chronicles of Nani. Thank you so much! Head on over and introduce yourself to Nani. (This is my 37th award)The rules for accepting this award are that you must thank the person giving it. Then share 7 things you think people might find interesting about you and select 7 fellow bloggers to give the award to.

Well here I go, I will try to come up with 7 things:

I want to be a Queen. (most of you know that)
I get a pedicure every six weeks.
Missing my "All My Children" soap opera.
Had a Lovebird named Kiwi. She lived for about 13 years.
I am 100% Bohemian from both sides.
Hate going to the dentist.
Love all my blog friends :)

Those of you who follow me know that I no longer pass tags/awards on but I will always post and give credit to those who give them to me. Thank you ladies :)

TAG,TAG,TAG,TAG,TAG, I'M IT!

Well I have been tagged by Stacy at A Life Lived Well. If you have time head on over to visit Stacy's blog!

I was also tagged by Rochelle at A Family Of Looneys. Click on over and visit with Rochelle.

I was also tagged by Mary at Life In a Small Town. Wow, I feel so honored to be tagged by so many wonderful ladies. If you don't know Mary already head on over and get to know her.


I was also tagged by my friend Karen over at Karen's Korner. Click on over and meet Karen! You have an opportunity to meet 4 new friends so why not take advantage of it.

I was also tagged by Empty Nester over at Empty Nest. If you don't know her I suggest you click on over to meet with her.

I will be answering each set of 11 questions from Stacy, Rochelle, Mary, Karen and Empty Nester. Thank you ladies for thinking of me.

1. Post these rules.*check*
2. You must post 11 random things yourself.*check*
3. Answer the ques­tions the tag­ger set for you in their post.*check*
4. Cre­ate 11 new ques­tions for the peo­ple you tag to answer.*not*
5. Go to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.*not*
6. No stuff in the tag­ging sec­tion about ‘you are tagged if you are read­ing this.’ Blah blah blah, you legit­i­mately have to tag 11 peeps!*not*
(I will always do the tag but I do not pass them along anymore. If you want to play you are welcome to join in)

Here are 11 random things about me:

1. I love to buy unusual pens. Bought my last one at Wicked.
2. I use to be obsessive about cleaning. Not anymore!
3. I never watch the news.
4. Wine will keep me awake at night yet I can sleep after a cup of coffee.
5. I always park on an end spot!
6. We are working on a gallery wall of vacation shots on canvas.
7. I've become a shut in because I don't like how I look.
8. I love to mail out cards.
9. I plan on spending less money this year on things I don't really need.
10. I still prefer my pictures from my P&S compared to my Canon Rebel!
11. I would love to have a talk show, I think I would be great at it.

Here are my questions to answer from Stacy:

1. If money and know-how aren't obstacles, what is your dream occupation?
I would love to be a counselor to people.

2. Valentines' Day is the next "big" holiday. Tell us about your best or worst or funniest Valentines' Day.
Well I would imagine my worst was after my husband left me back in January '82. Valentines Day has never been a favorite of his so I can't remember many of them. (for those who don't know we have been back together for 22 years)

3. Do you have a mentor and if so, what have they mentored you in?
No.

4. If you could be doing anything under the sun right now, what would you be doing?
I would be living in London and seeing what it is like!

5. Music can evoke powerful emotions and memories. Is there a song that can instantly take you somewhere?
I can't come up with a specific song at the moment but their are a few songs from the '80's that take me back to Parents Without Partners and dancing with someone at one of their parties.

6. What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
My father always says "Never lose the spirit of Christmas." He also says "Don't grow old" but that one I can't seem to do!

7. Have you ever met anyone famous? If you did, what was your impression? Were they what you expected them to be?
I meet Jimmy Durante years ago but I don't remember those specifics about him.

8. What one book (other than the Bible...'cause everyone's going to say that) do you think no one should go through life without reading?
I don't do a lot of reading and when I do they are usually romance novels. For now I will say "The Help." After seeing the movie I went and bought the book because I wanted to make sure there was a copy of it for my grandchildren to read some day. So kids if you are reading this don't throw it out when I die!

9. What is the most unusual thing you've ever done?
Nothing is coming to mind but I am sure there is one out there! As a young girl my best friend and I took some bras, stuffed them and walked through the alleys like some sluts. I don't remember anyone seeing us or why this was important to us. We had to be about 8 years old.

10.Has your life turned out to be anything like what you'd imagined when you were growing up?
I think it has. I wanted to grow up, get married and have children. I never expected it to be so hard.

11.Have you set any goals or made resolutions for 2012? Share one?
No I have not set any resolutions for 2012 but as always I hope to get going with a plan to lose my excess weight! (lost 3 pounds) I also want to declutter because clutter holds you hostage and shuts you in.

Here are my questions from Rochelle:

1. What is a house chore that you hate doing?
I don't like changing the sheets on the bed.

2. What is your middle name?
I'm sorry but there are people who watch for this information.

3. Have you had any horrible dates?
I can't remember one specific date but I am sure that I have.

4. If you could have a dream vacation, where would it be?
I am going to say New York and Washington, DC. Two places I would love to visit.

5. What is a movie that you are looking forward to seeing in 2012?
I hope to see "We Bought a Zoo" tomorrow. I suppose the next Twilight movie would be a good answer!

6. If you could have a girl weekend with your best friend. What would you do?
I'm not sure but I would love to just be in the hotel room with room service and watch movies. Sounds like fun to me. We would eat, laugh and have a great time catching up.

7. What is something that you love to eat and wish you could have it all the time?
Pizza and Reese's Peanut Butter cups.

8. Do you like to dress up or are you more comfortable in jeans?
No dress up for me!

9. If you are on Pinterest. Is there something that you have made from it?
I have made several recipes. I love Pinterest.

10. What is one of your favorite family memories?
I think that every Christmas is one of my favorite memories.

11. What kind of music do you listen too?
I like Smooth Jazz and I listen to a lot of movie soundtracks. Since I blog and watch movies all.the.time I fall in love with the soundtracks.

Here are Mary's questions to me:

1. Who is your favorite singer/music group?
Barry Manilow has always been a favorite of mine.

2. Do you have a favorite game to play on the computer/tablet/iPad/iPod? If so, what is it?
Well actually before blogging I would spend all my time playing Webkinz online. I still go over every once in awhile.

3. What is your favorite movie?
That is extremely hard, I am so fond of movies. It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Five Pennies, The Holiday, The Family Stone, etc., etc., etc.!

4. How long did you know your spouse when you got married? If you're not married, what is the longest you have seen someone?
I knew Mark in H.S. where we dated for a few months sophomore year. Then we didn't date again until after graduation night in '69. We married in '72.

5. Were you involved in music in high school/college?
I was in chorus but I wasn't very committed to it.

6. What special group were you involved in during high school/college?
None, just the cool kids!

7. When you're all alone, what do you like to eat for dinner?
Well I don't cook much anymore so most nights are whatever they want to make for themselves. If Mark is out locally he will usually bring me home some cheesecake so that will be my dinner. I don't have a specific answer for this one.

8. Left or right handed?
I am right handed.

9. How tall are you?
I am 5'2' and most likely less since I'm shrinking with age.

10. What is your favorite pair of shoes?
Birkenstock. Next would be a pair of Born shoes.

11. How long have you lived in your house/apartment/condo?
Lived in our home now for 5 years. Last home was 17 years.

Here are my questions from Karen:

1. What is one item on your bucket list?
New York city! I think I need to spend a few months there because I want to see the Fireworks in July, want to see Central Park in the Fall and want to enjoy the lighting of the tree for Christmas. A few plays thrown in would be fun too!

2. Where did you spend your most favorite vacation?
I have had many wonderful vacations over the years so I really don't want to pick one but since it was recent and I.loved.it I will say Europe.

3. How many are in your family?
I grew up in a family of 5. We are a family of four originally but have added two special members to our family along the way. So we are six with 2 wonderful puppies.

4. What is your least favorite chore to do?
Well I already mentioned one which was changing the sheets so I will say cleaning up after cooking.

5. What is the best thing you cook?
Probably Thanksgiving dinner.

6. What is your favorite restaurant?
I like a place called The Tavern in Los Angeles but Mario's in Riverside is pretty much tied with it.

7. When you were younger what was your dream job and are you doing it now?
Never had a dream job in my mind. Wanted to be married and have children.*check*

8. Do you play a musical instrument, and if so what is it?
No!

9. Where did you meet your best friend?
Well my very first best friend was my neighbor Shirley when I was growing up. I will always consider her my best friend and we still send cards to each other. She moved to Colorado after H.S. but she is now back in Illinois. I would love to visit with her.

10. What is your favorite television show?
I enjoy Modern Family a lot and look forward to Parenthood each week.

11.Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I haven't got a clue because the first 60 years flew by sooooooo fast and I just want to live one day at a time right now.

Here are my questions from Empty Nester:

1. I am currently on a weight loss journey. What is your current journey?
I am working on cutting down on carbs and refined sugars.

2. Do you fear change, welcome it or do you simply not think about it?
Never liked change, never will!

3. How's your patience level?
Most of the time I have a very high level of patience however I hate waiting for toast!

4. Do you journal? Why or why not.
I have but I never remember to do it so I eventually quit. I thinking blogging is my best effort at getting things down on paper, so to speak.

5. Do you have pets? If so, do you spoil them?
Yes and yes. Our Skye is a family member and is spoiled/respected at all times.

6. Do you prefer a quiet night at home or a night out on the town?
I love being at home but it is also fun to go out every once in awhile.

7. What is the last movie you saw at the theater?
We Bought a Zoo.

8. Do you like sports? If so, what's your favorite?
No I am not a sports fan but I do enjoy watching golf.

9. Will you watch the Super Bowl this year?
Yes I will. We always have a party with the family and I love the commercials!

10. Did your team (if you have one) make it to the playoffs?
Well I would choose the Bears and no they didn't make it.

11. What about March Madness? Will you be filling out a bracket this year?
No and I don't really know what it is but I assume it's a sport.

If you know me you know I love answering questions. I think I hit the jackpot with this one!

GOBBLE TAG

GOBBLE TAG.....

My very good friend Amy sent me this tag. You can find Amy at Keeping Up With The Schultz Family. Thank you Amy for sending me this tag. If you haven't meet Amy yet head on over and visit with her.


Answer the questions below then tag a friend or two to and join in...

Do you like to cook your own Thanksgiving meal or go some place?
I really do enjoy cooking Thanksgiving dinner. It's really not that hard and the family loves it. I just hate all the clean-up involved.

Dark Meat or White Meat?
It's all white meat for me!

Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, or Pecan Pie for dessert?
I will take the Pumpkin pie please.

What is your favorite side dish to eat on Thanksgiving?
I've been enjoying Green Bean Casserole for several years now. I also like to bake a sweet potato for myself. (no one else likes them)

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
Well one year when I was divorced, we were living in Chicago, I took my children to Milwaukee to have dinner with my brother and his partner at the time. Well they had cleaned the stove and apparently put the knobs on wrong. Nothing would light. They ended up getting a cooker from a neighbor to make the turkey in as we waited for the gas company to come out. When we look back we laugh about it now!

What are you Thanksgiving plans this year?
I know I have answered this on other posts but here it is: My husband and I will have a small dinner at home, just the two of us. Our son is going out to eat with his girlfriends parents. Our daughter and son-in-law are going to his families house. On Friday we will all be together at our son & girlfriends condo in L.A. for a dinner with her family. It should be wonderful except for the traffic from people doing their Black Friday shopping.

What are you Thankful for this year?
My family, their health and their happiness. I am always beyond Thankful for having God in my life.

Sorry I'm being a poop head here and not passing this on. Feel free to play along if you want to.

I WAS TAGGED

E. from Whining at the World sent me eight questions to answers. If you want to play along just grab the questions. I meet E. on Post It Note Tuesday. Go on over and say hello!

1.How do you / will you know when you are all grown up?
I know I'm older because of the aches & pains. I believe children make us more mature but I will let you know when I'm all grown up!

2.As a child what did you want to be when your grew up and are you doing it?
I wanted to be a wife and mother. Yes I am doing it! Can I pick a new one now and grow up again.

3.You could have an entire day 24 hours to do whatever you wanted (no expense spared). So what would you do?
I have a lot of free time now but I am going to say that I would like to spend the day at Disneyland. (I'm just feeling like I need a day there)

4.Someone invents a new cocktail and they want to name it after you. What are the main ingredients?
It would have something sweet and something sour in it!

5.How many blogs are you currently following or subscribed to?
967

6.Why did you start blogging and is the reason you started still relevant?
I saw a show on Oprah and thought it might be fun to just write about my day. This blog is still relevant but my other blog FOR YOUR TEARS is a blessing from God that I didn't see coming but it would not have happened without being here.

7.What is your favourite item of clothing?
Always will be pajamas.

8.If you had to give up blogging or chocolate what would you chose? Is it a hard choice?
Easy choice - chocolate!

Thank you E. that was fun!

(NO MEET ME ON MONDAY TODAY)

How do you / will you know when you are all grown up?
As a child what did you want to be when your grew up and are you doing it?
You could have an entire day 24 hours to do whatever you wanted (no expense spared). So what would you do?
Someone invents a new cocktail and they want to name it after you. What are the main ingredients?
How many blogs are you currently following or subscribed to?
Why did you start blogging and is the reason you started still relevant?
What is your favourite item of clothing?
If you had to give up blogging or chocolate what would you chose? Is it a hard choice?

TAGGED WITH EIGHT QUESTIONS - TIMES TWO!

My friend Amy from Keeping up with the Schultz Family sent me a tag and you know I will always play along. I won't be tagging anyone today but if you want to play along and answers these questions feel free to join in. Thank you Amy.

What was the last thing you ate?
It was a SOYJOY bar.

What is one of your best childhood memories?
Has to be Christmas, each year was better then the next. My parents showered us with gifts. I think I loved the year I got the white mouse that I asked for.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you were older?
A wife and mother, that was my dream. Of course in the 50's girls didn't dream much further then that. Some of the girls I knew would dream about going to college to meet a guy to marry, wishing for doctor.

Do you paint your toenails in the winter?
Yes but we have some pretty nice weather here. My toes are done all year long, I go about every six weeks. Actually got them done last Tuesday!

Do you watch any reality television? If so, what show is your favorite?
Big Brother is my favorite! I only watch a few, not really into most of them.

What were some of the "trends" when you were a kid?
Well that would be bell bottom jeans and flowers in your hair! It was hippie time.

What is your favorite time of the year? Why?
Weather wise it would be Spring and all the flowers blooming. If I was picking a Holiday it would be Christmas for the birth of Jesus, the decorations and buying presents for the people I love.

Do you have any hobbies?
Blogging is my newest hobby. I use to do all kinds of little craft things and stitching of pictures. I bowl, isn't that a hobby?

Then I was tagged from Danielle at We Don't Have It All Together, But Together We Have It All. So here are the 8 questions that she gave to me. Head on over and read the questions that she had to answer. Thank you Danielle!

What is the scariest or craziest thing you have ever done?
I drove for sixteen hours in a horrible snowstorm once and it was very scary.

How many kids do you have/want?
We have two awesome children. Our son is 31 and our daughter is 29.

What one thing could you NOT live w/out?
Actually this one thing is a HUGE concern of mine. It is Primatene Mist inhaler that really helps me to breathe when my chest gets tight. Have been using it forever and in December 2011 they will no longer be making it! I honestly do not know what I am going to do.

What is your favorite quote & why?
I answered this recently but since it's my favorite I will say it again. "Just Breathe" from Ever After with Drew Barrymore. She is going to the ball and before she enters she says that to herself. For me it's about my asthma and the fact that some days I just want to be able to do that!

Who is someone you look up to?
I have always admired Princess Diana. I look up to my husband, he works hard at his job, supports the family, works hard around the house and never stops. I think I could say that I am jealous at times because I so much want to have that drive and determination along with ability of good health.

Coke or Pepsi?
I stopped drinking cola many years ago but it was Coke.

If you only had one wish, what would it be?
That my children live long happy lives.

What song best describes you or your life?
Haven't come up with one yet. Sorry :(


HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS FROM AMY IF YOU WANT TO PLAY ALONG:
What was the last thing you ate?
What is one of your best childhood memories?
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you were older?
Do you paint your toenails in the winter?
Do you watch any reality television? If so, what show is your favorite?
What were some of the "trends" when you were a kid?
What is your favorite time of the year? Why?
Do you have any hobbies?

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS FROM DANIELLE IF YOU WANT TO PLAY ALONG:
What is the scariest or craziest thing you have ever done?
How many kids do you have/want?
What one thing could you NOT live w/out?
What is your favorite quote & why?
Who is someone you look up to?
Coke or Pepsi?
If you only had one wish, what would it be?
What song best describes you or your life?

EIGHT CUBED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Carol at The Gardner tagged me with eight questions. Head on over and meet Carol, she is a new follower of mine and I am sure you will enjoy her blog. Also check out the questions she had to answer from Candance. I am not going to tag anyone but if you want to play along I will put my questions from Carol at the bottom of the page. Thank you Carol for the tag and for becoming one of my new friends.

1. Is there any one thing in life you still long to do?
I would still love to make an imprint in the world and of course BE THIN!!!

2. What makes you sad?
The heart of the grieving parent.

3. When you think back over your life so far...what is the one perfect day that stands out in your mind?
I should be saying the birth of my children or my wedding but I am going to say the day that I became a born again Christian. Of course my husband taking me to Vegas to see Barry Manilow was a pretty good day :)

4. Who is your favorite person to be with?
I am going to plead the 5th on this one! (okay Carol, that's a hard one)

5. Do you keep or tell secrets?
I have matured enough that I can now keep a secret. I have learned my lesson. Do I tell secrets, yes but nothing that would come back to haunt me if it came out!

6. What kind of music do you listen to the most?
I listen to soundtracks from movies the most. I do like smooth jazz.

7. Eggs and bacon or French toast and waffles?
Can I choose eggs with French toast?

8. If you had one idea to share with the world what would it be?
Always speak the truth and have compassion in your heart for others.

1. Is there any one thing in life you still long to do?
2. What makes you sad?
3. When you think back over your life so far...what is the one perfect day that stands out in your mind?
4. Who is your favorite person to be with?
5. Do you keep or tell secrets?
6. What kind of music do you listen to the most?
7. Eggs and bacon or French toast and waffles?
8. If you had one idea to share with the world what would it be?

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

Mary at Life in a Small Town tagged me with a meme so I am playing along. I am not going to tag you but if you want to play along the questions are at the bottom of the page. Head on over and visit with Mary and read her answers to the questions she was asked. Thank you Mary for thinking of me.

1. Did you play a sport in high school? If so, which one(s)?
No I did not play a sport but I was pretty good in gymnastics until I took one bad spill on my back.

2. If you watch Food Network, what is your favorite show and who is your favorite personality on the network?
I loved watching Jamie Oliver and Alton Brown but I haven't watched in a long time.

3. What is the job around the house that you dislike the most?
All the above. I don't enjoy any of them anymore but I guess that washing the floors would be the worst.

4. Name one person or defining moment in your life that made you who you are today.
This may sound weird but my husband leaving me made me the person I am today. Now this didn't happen overnight, it took years. I was very spoiled and when you get knocked down you will sometimes realize that you were not a very nice person. I grew a big heart filled with compassion for others who are hurting. (We have been back together for 21 years)

5. Who/what do you look toward for you inspiration?
I have found inspirations in many things. The Bible is by far the greatest inspiration. I have also found inspiration in people like Princess Diana.

6. Are you one of those women who insists on wearing makeup before you step foot out of the house?
No! however I am sure that there was a time when I was that way.

7. What is the one item of makeup that you never do without?
One doesn't work for me. Lipstick, eyeliner and mascara with a touch of blush works for me.

8. What is your favorite story in the Bible?
The birth of Jesus.

Thank you for stopping over, I love when you visit with me. Here are the questions:

1. Did you play a sport in high school? If so, which one(s)?
2. If you watch Food Network, what is your favorite show and who is your favorite personality on the network?
3. What is the job around the house that you dislike the most?
4. Name one person or defining moment in your life that made you who you are today.
5. Who/what do you look toward for you inspiration?
6. Are you one of those women who insists on wearing makeup before you step foot out of the house?
7. What is the one item of makeup that you never do without?
8. What is your favorite story in the Bible?

CHAOS TAG

My dear friend Amy has tagged me again with a meme. You can visit with Amy at Keeping up with the Schultz Family. Amy is a fun follow so go on over and become her new friend, just know that I am her Best blog friend. (Alexis you know it's true)

1. What is your signature color?
Yellow is my favorite color but I wouldn't call it my signature color. Maybe Pink!

2. Your most embarrassing moment?
Well there are so many to pick. I'm just going to let this one go.

3. Would you ever get anything pierced other than your ears?
No I don't think so.

4. Are you a social butterfly or a homebody?
Homebody for sure but I use to be more social years ago.

5. Are you done having babies or do you want more?
Yes! Let's bring on the grandchildren.

6. Are you loyal to your hairstylist or are do you tryout every salon in town?
Yes I am.

7. How many times have you moved in your life?
I think it's about 7 times.

8. If you could plan your dream vacation with just you and your love where would it be?
I still want to go to Hawaii but London, Rome and Paris are calling my name all the time.

Please feel free to play along. Who doesn't like answering question? You know that I love it!

THE ABC'S OF ME

Here is another one from my dear friend Amy @ Keeping Up With The Schultz Family. I really do enjoy doing these. Hope you enjoy reading my answers and getting to know me, getting to know all about me.........

I have given you this list at the bottom of the page if you want to play along.

SO HERE WE GO: -on your mark - get set - read!

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on: 74

B- My BEDROOM theme is: Don't really have one.

C- The CAR in the driveway is: Mini Cooper & Acura MDX

D- My DESK looks: Pretty organized

E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is: Around 7

F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is: Face

G- My GARAGE is filled with: Normal garage things

H- My HOUSE is: Up on a hill with a City Lights view

I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see: Beautiful oak sleigh bed

J- My favorite JUICE is: Pomegranate

K- The best part of my KITCHEN is: It' size and the island

L- The LAST person who visited my home was: Usually my son & his best girl

M- The last piece of MAIL for me was: A card from my Snail Mail friend

N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm: A wonderful person. {{giggle}}

O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see: Lots of drinks like soda, beer, milk, water, juice

P- My last house PARTY was: A get together for the 4th but I wasn't home

Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is: Pizza Hut

R- My favorite ROOM of the house is: My office, I'm here all day!

S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is: The Body Shop - Berry

T- My largest TELEVISION is: 65"

U- UNDER my bed you will find: Nothing

V- The last time I VACUUMED was: Months ago, my daughter does it

W- Looking out my WINDOW I see: An awesome view

X- I wish I had X-TRA: set of lungs because COPD is not fun :(

Y- My YARD is: Beautiful

Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is: Don't have a regular one




This should make it easy to play along. Just copy and paste.

A- My AIR CONDITIONER is set on:
B- My BEDROOM theme is:
C- The CAR in the driveway is:
D- My DESK looks:
E- The EXACT time I wake up daily is:
F- The FIRST thing I wash in the shower is:
G- My GARAGE is filled with:
H- My HOUSE is:
I- If you peeked INSIDE my bedroom you'd see:
J- My favorite JUICE is:
K- The best part of my KITCHEN is:
L- The LAST person who visited my home was:
M- The last piece of MAIL for me was:
N- My NEIGHBORS think I'm:
O- If you OPENED my fridge you'd see:
P- My last house PARTY was:
Q- A QUICK meal I like to fix is:
R- My favorite ROOM of the house is:
S- The SHAMPOO brand I use is:
T- My largest TELEVISION is:
U- UNDER my bed you will find:
V- The last time I VACUUMED was:
W- Looking out my WINDOW I see:
X- I wish I had X-TRA:
Y- My YARD is:
Z- ZZZZZZZ My bedtime is:

10 QUESTIONS

Amy at Keeping up with the Schutlz Family answered the questions to one of my tags awhile back. Thank you AMY for playing along. You can read her answers to my questions when you visit with her. These are the questions that she asked and I am going to answer them because it's just so much fun. I love answering questions.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I guess I am a night owl, however I am up at 7am each morning but certainly not going anywhere at the hour.

What kind of books do you like to read?
Romance Novels

If money was not an issue which store would you shop at?
I love the clothes at Anthropology but I think they are overpriced.

If you had a day all to yourself with no interruptions what would you do?
Well I pretty much do that now!

When you have a horrible day what is your favorite go to snack?
Anything I can make that I can put cheese & sour cream on or a thick Reese's PB cup.

Pie or Cake?
More of a cookie bar person, if I must choose I will pick pie.

If someone you did not know had a tag sticking out of their shirt would you tell them?
Yes, I do it often!

When you find out the latest news where do you go to learn more?
Google it!

Your favorite animal(s)?
Giraffe

Do you like the Lake or Ocean?
I am going to say Lake however the Ocean is awesome I just don't care for the sand.

THE ENVELOPE PLEASE

I have been given an award and I have been tagged.

Kim at Consider It Pure Joy has passed this award on to me. Thank you so much for this award and for the prayers. Please take some time to go over & meet Kim if you don't know her already. You will consider her pure joy with a heart of gold!

Rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award
2. Share up to 10 things about yourself. Short & sweet
3. Pass the award along to up to 10 bloggers
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award

(I am being a poop and not passing this on today but you are welcome to grab it and play along)

1. If I like a movie I will watch it over & over for months
2. I do not like cleaning house
3. I love Jamba Juice
4. I get pedicures all year long
5. Blogging has gotten me more interested in cooking again
6. I haven't belonged to a church in 2 1/2 years :(
7. I love cheese & sour cream way too much
8. I spend way too much money on make-up & creams
9. I buy books but seldom read
10. I don't like being overweight :(

***************************

My friend Mara at Weighty Matters sent me a tag. Thank you Mara! Answer her 10 and make up ten, pass them on to others. (I am answering her 10, not passing any on today so please feel free to answer them too) I love answering questions! Head on over and visit with Mara, she lives in the Netherlands, is Dutch and is a tour bus driver with great tales to tell. I love reading her posts.


1. What is the best sound you ever heard?
The laughter of my children :)

2. They offer you a film role. What role would you play?
The Queen of course!

3. What is the best thing about where you live?
The weather

4. If you had a magical power, what would it be?
To heal broken hearts

5. One of those telemarketers rings you up. How do you deal with them?
I usually listen and tell them no thank you. If they won't give up I hang up.

6. What would you not write about in your blog?
I don't share too much about my children because they don't want me to.

7. Do you have a tattoo? If so, where? If not, would you ever get one?
No I don't but I would like a Christian fish symbol on my ankle and a ladybug on my thumb.

8. You HAVE to watch a sports game. Would it be football (the soccer variety), football (the American variety), tennis, Formula 1 racing or chess?
It would be golf.

9. If you had the chance, would you go to the moon?
I don't think so. I don't think I could stand how long it would take.

10. Do you own your (adopted) country's flag and do you fly it?
I just have little ones, I do not own a big one. Well actually we do have the American Flag from my father-in-law when he passed for his years of service to our country. So the little ones I put out for the 4th of Jul.

So I hope you enjoyed this. Play along, don't play along but make sure you have a great day!

(Did this before I went to Florida)

10 THINGS THAT I LOVE

My dear friend Amy tagged me with a ~I love Your Blog~ game to play. You can visit Amy over at here blog Keeping Up With The Schultz Family. Thank you Amy.

The rules are that I have to list 10 things that I Love and then tag some friends to play along.

(Besides the obvious, Family, God, Skye, Friends)

1. Blogging
2. Gambling
3. Pizza
4. Margaritas
5. Movies
6. Dove Chocolate
7. Louis Vuitton
8. Eating out!
9. Freebies & winning giveaways
10. Large Peanut Butter Cups

Today I am passing this on to my friend IRL Sarah. I did a post last October about her and thought that it was time for you to meet her all over again since I have many new followers since then. Her blog is called Share the 31 Secret (Proverbs that is!) I enjoy her blog so much. If you want a deal, want free stuff or maybe your interested in buying some Pampered Chef from her, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Also she is getting her first shipment of reusable grocery bags (with her cute logo on them) so if you need some, and these are large ones, I am sure that she would appreciate you buying a few from her at a great price point.

She is a woman of God, a wife and a mother. She is saving her family so much money with all the great deals that she gets. She even teaches a class on how to shop with coupons. Do you know all the research that goes into each one of her posts? I really appreciate all the effort she puts in to save me money and all the freebies are fun too. I actually wanted to go shopping in her house the other day when I was there for lunch. Thanks for having me Sarah. She did let me shop in her Pampered Chef closet and that was fun :)

Okay, time for you to go and visit with her ~ bye bye

10 FROM HEADLESS MOM

I have been given a tag from my friend IRL Headless Mom at The Adventures of the Headless Family. Go on over, meet my friend and read the questions she was given to answer.

The rules: Answer the questions, come up with 10 more, and tag 7 people. Easy!

1- Which celebrity do you want to tell to "Shut up, already!"?

Since I don't watch the news or read trash magazines I really haven't got a clue.

2- What is your favorite happy hour drink?

Margarita

3- What is your favorite thing to cook/bake?

I don't have one but I would say that a turkey w/stuffing is the easiest thing to make. I do enjoy making cookies at Christmas.

4- What is one thing that you wish you had more time for?

Honestly it's not about the time for me. I have the time. It's about moving past my insecurities, meeting friends for lunch and traveling to visit family/friends or see the world.

5- What is the FIRST thing you would do with a jumbo lottery jackpot?

Obviously give to charity. Invest it for the future although our money isn't making money right now. Pay off the mortgage, our sons mortgage and buy our daughter a house. Then maybe pay off the kids cars. I love, love, love to take people out to dinner! It brings me great pleasure to treat people.

6- What song/artist do you always turn off when it/they come on the radio?

Country Music, I just can't get into it. I have tried several times. Honestly I seldom listen to the radio, I always play Cd's or my MP3.

7- What one household chore is your favorite? (Or at least the least hated?)

I like doing a load of towels, they are so easy!

8- What is your favorite flower?

I love the smell of a Freesia but I love the looks of Sunflowers!

9- What food do you like that most would say "Eeeeew!" to?

I can't think of anything other then raw mushrooms. I know several people said eww to them on one of my posts.

10- Is there something that you refuse to blog about? Why?

Well I don't post pictures of my children as adults because they don't want me to. Otherwise I am pretty open and honest. (I don't think I would ever talk about sex)

If you are here and want to play along, these are your ten questions from me.

(I'm not tagging today since I just did one on Friday)

1. How often do you change the sheets on your bed?
2. Do you wash your hair everyday?
3. Have you ever told a white lie to get out of doing things when people ask?
4. Do you like to talk on the phone or send emails to communicate?
5. Matthew McConaughey or George Clooney?
6. I have know people who take a new towel each day after they shower. Are you one of those people?
7. Have you ever been on the news or had your picture in the newspaper?
8. Do you buy new cars or do you always buy a used car?
9. Do you have a green thumb when it comes to house plants?
10. Where would you like to live when you retire?

So come on, give the tag a try and pass some questions on to others. Let me know if you play!

TAG YOUR IT !

I was tagged by Kim over at Consider It Pure JOY. I really enjoy answering questions so I have decided to play along. If you have some time please go over and visit with my friend Kim today.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not my first name but my middle name was after my moms sister.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I believe it was Saturday morning. Skye ran into my office and apparently wasn't looking for me and ran back out. She hadn't even said good morning to me yet. I was hurt :(

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No, never have!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Salami, roast beef and turkey. I usually eat turkey because it's better for me.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes I have a son and a daughter.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
That is a hard one to answer. Definitely yes but over the past few years I have become a bit of a shut in and always turn down invitations, lunch dates, parties, etc. So I'm not the friend I should be or use to be.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Yes, but in a fun way, we have quick comebacks!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I knew it was 100% safe, yes!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I had to be in the past so I would say that I was but I am kind of burnt now when it comes to inner strength. Now if you are talking physical strength I use to be very strong, not so much anymore.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Butter Pecan

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
I would have to say their eyes and looking for the honesty in them.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink

16. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE OUTSIDE?
Sunny and warm.

17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?
I have several. Margarita, wine, green tea frappuccino and lemonade.

18. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Skin tone because I am barefoot and are usually that way unless I leave the house.

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A turkey sandwich with mustard and muenster cheese. (I love those new bread thins) Oh wait I think I had a peanut butter egg since that!

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Bride Wars is on TV right now!

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Yellow

22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Freesia flowers or my Tova perfume but if I really give it some thought I could say puppy breathe or babies!

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My husband yesterday

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Golf ( speed skating in the Olympics)

27. HAIR COLOR?
Color weave of brown & blonde

28. EYE COLOR?
Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pizza from Chicago

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Well I just said that Bride Wars is on but last night it was The Hangover.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
PJ's (computer & Debby is almost always PJ's) they are white with grey flowers.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs

36. CAR OR TRUCK?
Car

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Not! Have several to read but only have found time to read my TV Guides!

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Mini Coopers

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Watched my Tori & Dean from Monday, watched Flashforward, V and Parenthood.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Listening to a water fall.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles

44. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO NEXT?
Condo on the beach and a cabin in the woods!

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No, but I do like to talk with people who are hurting.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Illinois

Like I have been doing for a few months now I will be tagging my newest followers providing they have a link in their profile. Head on over and visit with them. If you would like to play along too just grab the questions and do a post. It is really allot of fun and it gives us an opportunity to get to know you better.

• Linda at Just Words
• That Corgi at A Corgi In Southern California
• Terra at *Terra Garden*
• Eve at Tranquiltity..and Turmoil
• Scrappy Girl at Scrappy Girl's World
• Dena at Dena E's ~ God~ Everyday Living~and ~Dream Doodlers Art Blog
• Gigi at Afterthoughts
• Nananor's at Life Blessings

If your not interested in doing a post and answering the questions that is perfectly okay with me :)

Here are the questions without my answers so you can just copy them and past them on your post.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
15. RED OR PINK?
16. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE OUTSIDE?
17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK?
18. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
27. HAIR COLOR?
28. EYE COLOR?
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
36. CAR OR TRUCK?
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
44. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO NEXT?
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND,

P.S. Update on the fire. It went in a different direction then my house. It burned 50 acres when I told you about it yesterday. Over 800 acres have burned. Our brush got very high this winter with the rains. Then the heat comes and it all dies. It is all brush, no trees which is better. They have already trimmed the brush behind our fence, they go out about 50 ft. They actually said my street name several times on the local news. As of 11pm last night it was still burning and they hope to get it contained by this afternoon.

THE TOP 5'S OF 2009

Amy at Keeping up with the Schultz Family tagged me with Top 5's of 2009! She certainly likes to keep me busy! Amy is a wonderful blog friend, I never tire of seeing pictures of her daughter Alyce and I enjoy reading her posts each day. Go on over and say Hello!

WHAT ARE MY TOP 5 OF 2009?

1. Getting our puppy Skye

2. We had the pleasure of having lots of company. My great nieces from Florida, my MIL and SIL's, and my Daddy.


3. Our annual vacation in Mammoth Lakes, CA

4. My birthday celebration at Disneyland in October and our visit in December to see the decorations for Christmas.

5. Our wonderful Christmas with our family.

Now on a side note I want you to know that blogging was a beautiful addition to 2009 for me but I didn't list it as my top five but it has forever changed my life in the most beautiful of ways.

Now I must tag five:

1. Carrie at Cottage Cozy
2. Tami at Hearts Make Families
3. Sandy at It's a Jungle Out There
4. TJ at Just Another Day At The Kihn's
5. Alexis at Running Away? I'll Help You Pack