Randomly, Robyn

ManCat Monday With Tardy Scout

2012-01-30T17:48:00.001-08:00

OMC I am late with my post again!! Apologies, but I i was helping Mommy and Daddy with scripture study and enjoying the great outdoors!! It was 70 today!! I think Spring is here.

Anyway, I would like to show you my new little hiding place in the diningroom. It is cozy and I can hear the TV and watch Mommy and Daddy hee hee

Mommy sprayed Bunny with catnip perfume and I played with him.

My Angry Bird has catnip in him

Daddy shared his pasta with me

Mommy decorated my condo for me

Are you ready for Valentine's Day, yet?

Spiritual Sunday -- Tithing and Fast Offerings

2012-01-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

Today was 5th Sunday at church. When we have a 5th Sunday in the month we do not have Relief Society or Priesthood meetings, but we combine our meetings and the Bishopric talks on a topic, chosen by the Bishop. During Sacrament meeting today I told TJ I thought it would either be on construction for our new building or tithing.

It was tithing. The Sacrament talks were also about tithing. Tithing means we give 10% of our income to the church. It is a commandment of God in Malachi 3. Obviously God does not need the money, but it is an expresssion of faith and love and does go to the construction and maintenance of church buildings as well as other needs of the church. As full tithe payers we also enjoy the blessings of use of the church building for free(I was able to have my wedding and reception in the church free of charge), worthiness to go to the temple and other blessings in our lives. It is a promise from God that if we pay tithing we will be blessed. We must also give of our tithings willingly and happily. I have received many blessings in my life as a result of paying tithing.

They also talked about Fast Offerings. On typically the first Sunday of the month we fast for 2 consecutive meals and the money we would have spent on those meals(or more if we are able to) is given as a Fast Offering to the church. This money goes to help members and nonmembers in our community who are in need. The Fast Offering is not a requirement as Tithing is, but will also result in blessings if you give. One of my goals is to increase my Fast Offerings.

There are also other offerings you may make or donate to through the church. These include the Ward Missionary Fund which helps members from our wards who are on their missions, General Missionary Funds which help missionaries serving in our wards or around the world, Humanitarian Aid which helps those in need around the world through LDS charites, Book of Mormon fund which helps provide free Book of Mormons to anyone who wants one(if you would like one please let me know and I will send you one), Perpetual education Fund that provides low interest loans to help those who want an education to get it, Temple Patron Fund that helps people who cannot afford to travel to a temple to get to one and anther fund I can't remember the name of, but it is a one time donation to build a memorial site for something on the Susquehnna River. I think it is to commemorate Joseph Smith and another member being baptized by John the Baptist and being given the keys of the priesthood. I also want to start contributing regularly to these funds every couple months.

We also had a young man in our ward receive his mission call this week to serve in the Minneapolis, MN mission soon. He leaves for the MTC(Missionary Training Center) in Salt Lake City in March. Since I know him I am wanting to send a couple care packages and letters while he is gone.

I really enjoyed church this morning and hearing more about tithing and the different offerings we can make.

Does your church have any charitable programs they run or support?

Winner Winner Enchilada Dinner!!!!

2012-01-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

After 5 long years of searching and trying enchiladas at numerous different restaurants within a 60 mile radius I have finally found an enchilada that lives up to my enchilada standards right in JC. It is at Panchos, which just opened today.

Panchos is different from the other Mexican restaurants around because it is a "fast" food place. It is not a table service restaurant. Also, it is open 24 hours. The only other eatery open 24 hours is McDonalds, but only 3-4 days a week. So, not only can I finally get an enchilada made the way I like it in town I can also get it at 3am if I am craving it!!!

What makes their enchildas so awesome is the sauce. It is the bright red kind. That is what I like. And all the cheese. The only other place I have found that makes an equally good taco out here is Toto's Tacos in Wamego, but that is 30-40 minutes away.

Panchos also serves Horchata which is a cinnamon and rice milk drink. I could get that in the morning before work(they have a drive thru, too!). Tonight I decided to try the Tamarindo which is a tamarind fruit drink. It was like a fruit punch, but not sticky sweet. They were kind enough to give me a small cup to sample first, but then I ordered it. I may have to look for that in the grocery store.

This is definitely going to be a much visited restaurant for me. Hopefully other people will agree and keep it in business!!

5th Grade Poetry

2012-01-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

We have started a poetry unit in 5th grade writing at school. The kids seem to like it and I have been able to write a few as well. It helps that the types of poems we have been writing have very clear directions about the kind of words you need to put in them as well as how many per line. Here is what I have so far.

We started with a biographical poem

Robyn
Creative, shy, adventurous, silly
Wife of TJ, daughter of Janet and John
Lover of cats, creating and books
Who feels loving, grateful, curious
Who fears fire, earthquakes, and losing loved ones
Who would like to travel, write, have a child,
Resident of Grandview Plaza, Kansas, USA
Schmidt

Next we did Cinqain poems, which have 5 lines

Scout
Friendly, silly
Snuggling, playing, eating
Love's to go outside
Cat

Pizza
Mouthwatering, delicious
Cooking, baking, steaming
Tomato and cheesy goodness
Pie

Rose
Perfect, elegant
Blooming, thriving, growing
Making people smile brightly
Flower

Then we did Diamante poem which involves 2 opposite things

Scout
Friendly, silly
Snuggling, playing, meowing
Limber, cat, dog, slow
Barking, panting, sleeping
Cautious, serious
Merle

Pizza
Mouthwatering, delicious
Cooking, baking, steaming
Cheesy, hot, cold, bitter
Gagging, refusing, dumping
Sour, gross
Beets

Rose
Beautiful, delicate
Blooming, growing, thriving
Lovely, soft, hard, sharp
Pricking, offending, hurting
Ugly, pointy
Thorn

Right Here, Right Now

2012-01-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

I am blogging in pairs!! LOL. I stole this off Just Make Stuff.

Time: 7:15pm
Location: Livingroom couch
Weather: 41 degrees. We had Spring again today.
Eating: Nothing -- waiting on some pizza because dinner was a disaster.
Drinking: Dr. Pepper
Wearing: Black pants, white t-shirt, striped vest, frog socks and pink and black sneakers
Feeling: tired, exhausted, hungry
Needing: Pizza!! and some headache medicine
Wanting: Pizza!! and chocolate
Thinking: about when the pizza will get here, should I take a Motrin or scavenge for Tylenol
Enjoying: watching Mr. Belvedere
Wondering: when the pizza will be here!!!

The Magic of the Brady's

2012-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

When I was in elementary school and my cousin babysat me after school I was introduced to the wonderful world of The Brady Bunch. I believe it came on at 4, after The Waltons and we(my 2 cousins and the 2 other girls that were babysat there) would all gather in the livingroom to watch. One of my most vivid memories was the 2 oldest girls(my cousin Melissa and her friend, Kim) teaching the rest of us to hula using moves they learned from the Hawaii episode of the Brady Bunch.

I would go on to watch this awesome show on my own, many afternoons throughout my childhood. Over and over and over again. I have seen it so much, every episode at least 10 times(some probably 20), that I can easily identify about 90 percent of the episodes. You know how Dr. Reid on Criminal Minds and Sheldon Cooper on Big Bang Theory have eidetic memories? I do, too, when it comes to the Brady Bunch.

Now, about(gulp)30 years later, I have introduced the kiddo I babysit afterschool, Miss K, to the joy of the Brady Bunch. We watch it when we get home and she is impressed with my quick episode identifying skills. She asks to watch it. I even gave her a little mini book I had called The Brady Bunch Guide To Life and she took it to school to read! I am so happy to have been able to share a piece of my childhood with Miss K and tyo spread the Brady Bunch love.

Questions..Get Your Questions!!

2012-01-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

I was not tagged, personally, but Meg at Hart Stories opened this up to her readers.

1) Describe yourself in 7 words: Creative, nice, silly, amusing, crazy, thoughtful, loyal.

2) What keeps you up at night? Thoughts running rampant, usually about projects or chores I need to do. My cat playing on the nightstand.

3) Who would I like to be? Well, I am pretty happy with myself, but maybe a healthier, more patient, less anxious version :)

4) What am I wearing now? A peach shirt, black slacks, purple tigger socks, rose necklace light brown earrings and and orange flower hairclip.

5) What scares me? People I love dying, fire, earthquakes and ghosts

6) The best and worst of blogging: The best is talking about anything and everything with the idea that I have an audience. And the comments. The worst is having to hold back some things. But not a lot!!

7) The last website I visited: Hart Stories

8) What is the one thing I would change about myself: Eating and exercise habits. Okay, guess that was 2. My tendency to be unhealthy, then.

9) Slankets yes or no? No, they are just more costly snuggies (I had to google them)

10) Tell us something about the person who tagged you: She used to write a blog from her cat's point of view, but now writes about her life and it is awesome.

Not tagging anyone specific. If you would like to do this go for it!!

WIAW -- Monday

2012-01-25T16:37:00.000-08:00

WIAW -- better known as What I Ate Wednesday -- was created by Jen of Peas and Crayons. It is showcase what you ate for a day, just one day. For my very first entry I chose Monday of this week.

I started with leftover pancake I brought home from the Children's Hospital cafeteria, sprinkled with some turbinado sugar.

For morning snack I had half of a small bag of goldfish (no picture, I was at work/school)

For lunch I had leftover beef and broccoli (except it was not in this bowl it was in a tupperware container).

After work I stopped at Dillons for chicken for dinner and drinking water(our tap is disgusting) and ended up buying a small cake! It had whipped cream frosting :) Miss K and I had a thin slice for a snack.

For dinner I made Carmelized Chicken from a recipe I found on Pinterest and Mashed Potatoes from a box

For dessert I indulged in my new obsession

Throughout the day I drank my Sassy Water (another Pinterest find)

I will conclude with a random picture of my fridge. I took it by accident but I like the angle and what it captured -- makes me look like I eat healthier than I really do!!(I took it by accident, too!!)

Mancat Monday on Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Deepest apologies, Friends, but I did not have time to post yesterday as I was helping Mommy clean. So I am posting today. These are some pictures that Miss K took of me yesterday

And here are a few Mommy took

The dresser is eating my face!!

MY EAR!!!!

Being "Selfish"

2012-01-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

We are not even done with January and my One Little Word, Love, continues to have a huge impact on me. I truly believe that the word chose me, not the other way around lol.

Opportunites to show love for people show up when you least expect it. Sometimes it is little things and sometimes it is bigger. Sometimes it does not feel like much to you, but to others it is.

And sometimes you choose "selfishness" and it turns out to be one of the best decisions you ever made.

Last week TJ and I were asked to do something. From the beginning I was adamant about not doing it. I was fine with TJ doing it, but I myself was not going to. I made it clear that he was on his own. I would not even help a little. I felt a little guilty and normally I would let this get to me and go ahead and help, but something kept telling me not to. That it was okay to be selfish. Other people agreed with me.

It turned out that it was a good thing I did not agree to help because I ended up being needed elsewhere. In a situation where there was no question of whether I wanted to help or not. I just did. Not only that, the first situation was not even serious. It was not what we were led to believe. If I had a greed to do that I would have not been able to help someone else who really needed it. At least not at first. I am so glad that I decided to be "selfish".

The lesson here is to always go with your gut. And ask questions. My husband would have helped out regardless, but I would not have questioned my decision.

Thoughts?

A Little of What I Love

2012-01-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

The other night while TJ was watching TV in the bedroom I happened to catch a glimpse of him strapping on his bass guitar. He has not played it in a very long time. I absolutely love to see him doing something he loves and managed to get a picture

I love everything about this picture from the barefeet, to him concentrating on the strings to him sitting on the edge of the bed. I think this is one I will print out in a 5x7 and frame :)

No Pen is Safe.....

2012-01-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

When Scout is around!!

Pinterest Inspired

2012-01-20T07:33:00.000-08:00

A few things inspired by Pinterest...

And something I made...

A Bigger Apartment?

2012-01-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I completed the second phase of my winter cleaning and purging. The main thing I got done was the diningroom. I moved 2 big items(a storage cupboard to the spareroom and a mental bookshelf to the storage unit) and added smaller pieces. The result was a seemingly bigger diningroom

I brought in the white shelf from the spareroom and combined games and children's books on it, then added the toy box, an end table(that can double as a coffee table), left the dresser, and relocated my filing shelves from the livingroom. Scout's bed is in the picture, but I moved that later. I also reorganized the pantry/coat/emergency supplies closet

Looking at the diningroom from the livingroom really opens up the apartment

What the heck was I watching on TV?????

I also did some stuff in the bedroom, but have not saved those pictures from Facebook(I uploaded them from my phone). This weekend I plan to finish up the spareroom and also get pictures of the livingroom.

Pinterest Recipe #1 -- Broccoli Beef

2012-01-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight I tried a recipe for Broccoli and Beef from Pinterest.

The only substitutions I made were turbinado sugar for both the regular sugar and brown sugar and Bragg Liquid aminos instead of soy sauce. I may have used more garlic than called for. I also misread part of the recipe and added the 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the second sauce instead of reserving for sauteing the broccoli and then the marinated beef. So I used a bit of the sauce for sauteing.

I was not impressed with this recipe, but that might be due to the mishaps with the garlic and oil LOL. On a positive note it is very easy to make, just make sure you allow an extra hour to marinate the meat.

On Thursday I will be making Lemon Angel Food Cake muffins and on Saturday I plan to try a chicken recipe.

Goals For 2012

2012-01-17T03:01:00.000-08:00

Not to be confused with my resolutions, these are the things I hope to accomplish this year...

1. Make a quilt or 2. I have the fabric, just need to put it together!!
2. Start ironing. I know how, I have an iron, I have a board, I have stuff with wrinkles lol.
3. Make all the recipes I have saved on Pinterest!
4. Lose 50 pounds. I figure on one a week on average.
5. Read at least 25 books.

What are your goals for this year?

Mancat Monday with Sleeping Scout

2012-01-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hey friends, we have been busy cleaning and rearranging the apartment today so this will not be a long post. We also do not have any pictures from this week, except one, because the camera was MIA. Daddy found it today. Next week I will have pictures of the new spots we moved my bed and condo to. For today, though, I have this adorable picture of my self sleeping on Mommy's legs when she was sick last week. I took good care of her!

Spiritual Sunday -- Love in Action

2012-01-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Remember that I chose LOVE as my One Little Word for 2012? Well, today was all about that.

It started in Sacrament Meeting. There is this dear older lady that I just love to death. She and the lady that picks her up for church were late. As we always sit in the back pew of the main section when we can we were right by the door and had two extra seats so I was able to sit by her during the service. She loves everyone and I always feel so happy when I see her.

On a side note, we are finally going to get a second wing added onto our building(much needed!!) and some other stuff done (I suspect a bigger chapel as we were overflowing way back into the cultural hall today). Because this will involve knocking down walls and whatnot, for a time we will have to meet somewhere else. We do not know where yet, but I am guessing the church building in Manhattan which is 20 miles away(which might make for a crazy start time! 2 wards already meet there). Or maybe they will find a place for us in town. It is going to be a challenge but I am kind of excited about it.

In Gospel Principles class I offered to hold the teacher's daughter. She was such a sweetheart. I also asked a newer sister to sit with me. I did not even realize by doing these things I was putting the concept of love in action. In Relief Society the lesson was called Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself. Coincidence?

We had the sister missionaries for dinner tonight. one of them is at the end of her mission and will be going home at the end of the week. I am so glad we got to have her over one more time. Both the sisters told us that they appreciate all that we do as ward missionaries and they told me that they have noticed that I have showed love for the sister I asked to sit with me in the meetings today by doing just that and asking her one day to sit with me at Sacrament meeting. I did not even realize that could be viewed as love. I thought it was just being nice, but they explained that they have hoped that the ward members would show love for this sister as she is new. I am so glad that such a simple action could mean so much to someone. Our ward missionary leader recently gave us a letter explaining what he would like to see us as ward missionaries do beyond teaching new member lessons and attending Gospel Principles class. I know he mentioned inviting new members to dinner and Family Home Evening, but I do not remember if it said inviting people to sit with us. I have made a concious decision to try and magnify my calling by doing these things as well as filling in to teach the class when asked. I honestly, though, did not view inviting someone to sit with me as going above and beyond as it was such a simple and natural thing to me.

Because of all this I truly believe that God inspired me to choose LOVE as my one little word for this year.

Right now my cat is showing me love by lying on my legs as I type :)

HOG Party and Winter Cleaning Update

2012-01-14T20:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight was TJ's motorcycle gang's (better known as the HOG group) Christmas party. They always do it in January and it is the first meeting of the year as well. They also do an ornament and gift exchange. This year it was at Kite's in Downtown JC (I think they usually have it there). TJ forgot they had an ornament exchange, but we did participate in the gift exchange. Our contribution was a Harley Davidson puzzle. We got a cookbook and eye popping pig

Not sure how much use I will get out of the cookbook, but I have had a ball playing with the pig! One of his eyes is almost coming off already lol. It came in this cool bag

Each table had these nice centerpieces and if you had an x under your chair you got one. I got this one

We also sat with this guy and his wife

He wasn't dressed as Santa, though, lol.

I also did some more cleaning and purging today. We took the ornaments off the tree and packed them up. I got a lot of decorations packed up, too, but came to realize the tub I have is too small so we need to get another. In the meantime I am storing everthing on the spare bed. I got all the angels taken down and packed up, and the bookcase refilled. I purged a bunch of books. We also moved the credenza from the diningroom to the livingroom for TJ to use in his Man-Corner. I also got the refrigerator and freezer cleaned out. Tomorrow after church we will do a little more cleaning up in the livingroom before our visiting teachers come and I want to do some more in my craftroom so we can move the desk out and the plastic cabinet in. Ideally, I would like to have all the rearranging done on Monday, but that may not happen. Then, next weekend for sure!! I will be working on cleaning the kitchen and bathroom and bedroom during the week.

Although I call this Winter Cleaning it was more like Spring Cleaning as it was in the 50s today!!! And it will be in the 60's tomorrow! Crazy.

What have you been up to this weekend??

Love Letters

2012-01-12T03:50:00.000-08:00

As I mentally prepare for TJ to be gone for a year(have I mentioned that this isn't even FINALIZED or even approved yet??) I have began to think of things I want to do. One thing is to take a vacation with my BFF (I have the best vacations with her) and we are talking about going to Key West. Another thing is considering taking guitar lessons. TJ has a guitar that just needs new strings. I have thought about this before. I want to learn to play and either write or be able to perform a song for TJ.

One main thing I want to do is write TJ love letters while he is gone. Nothing explicit or overly mushy, but little reminders of how I feel about him. When he first deployed I would write super long letters chronicling each day's activities and them mail them at the end of the week. Once we got a phone plan through Spaware and he could call more often that was unecessary. I still wrote, but not as much. This time I expect we will be able to Skype regularly so I was thinking that occasional little letters, no longer than one page, would be a nice pick me up for him. And me. It goes with my word of 2012..Love. Just another way to express love, but in a fun and creative way.

Have you ever written a love letter? Received one?

About My Blog

2012-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

I found these questions on another blog for a blogging challenge, but it was for pet bloggers. As Scout only blogs about once a week I don't think it qualifies, but the questions are fun lol

1. When did you begin your blog? January 15, 2007. I made 6 posts that day!! One year later on that day I started my awesome job, so that is a special day for me.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog? To talk about myself. I didn't care if anyone was reading it or not.

3. Is your current purpose the same? Kind of. I also like thinking that maybe some of the stuff I write about is helping or entertaining other people.

4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? When the spirit moves me, but I can usually find something to write about every day.

5. Are you generating income from your blog? No, and I do not intend to. This is largely a place for me to document my life, like an online diary.

6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular? I like being able to express myself with the idea that someone is listening.

7. What do you like least? Having to hold back on some stuff I would like to talk about because it can get my husband or myself in trouble lol.

8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012? If TJ goes to Iraq I would like to talk more about the separation and what I am doing and how I am handling it. I touched on this a bit last time, but I want to offer more insight this time. I would also like to maybe start getting back into creative writing and sharing some of my work on here. And I want to be able to document more craft projects.

Anyone else want to do this?

People Are Leaving and I Don't Like It

2012-01-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

I just found out that the principal of our school will be going to the new elementary school on Post. It is in the new neighborhood and I always say that it is nothing but the best for that neighborhood and again this proves it. I just hope all those parents and kids appreciate her. I do not know who will be our principal now.

I learned of this little gem of information right after learning that TJ may be deploying to Iraq with the Reserves in February or March.

Let me backtrack a bit. At reserves this past weekend they asked who would be willing to volunteer for a civilian contract job, through the army(I know, that does not make sense) for one year in Iraq. TJ asked me how I would feel about that and I said I would be sad, but would support him. He did not think he would be going for MONTHS, though. Today they called asking for some information. They explained that they do not have the contract, yet, BUT are trying to get everyone in place so they are ready to go and it will be around February/March.

Now, I will say, I am feeling much better about this possible deployment, than I did when he was supposed to go with his unit on post. But it is time for me to get into deployment mode again. That means planning a pity party, planning some vacations, thinking about what I want to get done when he is gone, consider working afterschool a bit more. I am glad to be living where I am. I was contemplating trying to buy a house and move in before he left when we thought it would be months from now, but with it being sooner we can't move without breaking our lease so it is all good. I feel safe here and we have great neighbors.

I think we need to end this post with a couple pictures...

Early Valentine's gifts from TJ (he said the HK jelly beans made him think of me lol)

Santa after partying too much for New Year's

Mancat Monday With Scout's Tummy

2012-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hello, friends. Before I get started I need to take a minute to ask you for prayers and purrs for the family of one of my favorite kitty bloggers, Lautrec.He passed away this weekend from cancer.

Now, on to today's business. I am going to show you something you rarely get to see on here. It is......my tummeh!!

I do not usually let Mommy get a picture of my tummeh. It is usually so irrisistable that she has to rub it, not reach for the camera. And if she does go for the camera I turn onto my side. But I allowed her this picture recently.

She also got this adorable picture of me this morning in the clouds on her bed

She calls it a down alternative comforter, but I think it is actually a giant cloud.

That is all for today. Have a great week!
.

The Word of 2012

2012-01-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

Every year Ali Edwards does a little thing called One Little Word. The idea is to choose a word for the year that is inspirational to you or has some special meaning. I have done this before a couple times, but the only one I can remember(or find documented evidence of) is Enjoy.

I decided to do a word for this year again. I thought about it a little and the word that came to mind and stuck with me is LOVE. I was going to copy the definition from Dictionary.com, but it is pretty lengthy so if you want to read it go here.

I would like to show more love for people this year, especally my husband. I want to do my job with love. I want to show my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus in my thoughts and actions. I want to fulfill my calling at church with love. I want to be more patient and understanding and kind, which I believe is a form of love. I also want to do things that I love like scrapbooking and cooking. I want to develop a love for the scriptures (I like reading scriptures, but I do not believe I have a love of them, yet). I want to love going to church(I am getting there!). Most of all I want to love my life.

So, that is my word. Are you choosing a word for 2012? What is it?

A Probate Update

2012-01-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my lawyer filed the petition for a First and Final Report of my mom's estate. We have a hearing date of March 20. That means that after that day this will finally be OVER. That's right -- 2 years, 4 months and 11 days and we will finally be done with probate!!

I am already making plans with my BFF to go out to Cali this summer to celebrate!

It is time for a happy dance, I think.

Purging Plans

2012-01-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

I have decided yet again to do some major purging this winter in my home. As I have mentioned before, I like to do Winter Cleaning instead of Spring, but it is more of Winter Purging as I am going to get rid of things :) I am also going to do so some major "redecorating" (ie moving furniture and items around).

Just a little preview of what I plan to do...

The Diningroom is getting a major overhaul. I will be using the closet as the sole pantry so the big storage cupboard on the left will be moved to the spare room for my scrapbooking materials. The dresser will be moved to the corner to the left and the white shelf(which is now in the spareroom) next to it.

The photo albums will be moved to the bedroom along with the photo boxes.

The livingroom will pretty much stay the same, but I will be donating a lot of books to Goodwill.

In the spareroom I will be getting rid of my skinny desk and downsizing my scrapbooking and craft stuff.

In the bedroom I will be doing several things. First of all, in the corner there by my side of the bed I will be putting my brown credenza (it is in the diningroom now) and putting the photo boxes in and around it.

I have a bigger shelving unit that my Build A Animals are on now, but they will be moved and the shelving unit used for my photo albums.

The animals will be moved to here...

I will also be doing a major cleaning out of the closet and my drawers.

I plan to start on this purging and rearranging this weekend while TJ is at drill. Plus I have Monday off.

Is anyone else planning on some Winter Cleaning??

Recipes in the New Year

2012-01-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

I have stored up a bunch of recipes on Pinterest and will be making my way through those in the New Year, along with an occasional recipe from my computer files. I will hopefully be posting my culinary endeavors as well :)

My hope is to do the following per week..

1 beverage
1 dessert
1 breakfast
2 sides -- veggie and non
2-3 main dishes including a crock pot recipe and/or soup(in the warmer months a salad)

Of course I always have my fall-back or go-to recipes of pasta, roasts and stir fry's.

What are your go-to meals? Do you like to cook? Where do you get your recipes?

New Look, New Year

2012-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

My hair was getting too long and had too many tangles. Plus, the roots were growing out (not to mention my bangs!)

So I decided that this was the perfect time to get my hair cut and colored again

My regular girl was booked up and the girl I saw last time was on vacation so I saw another lady on this visit (I always go to The Mane Thing). I love the cut she gave me and am very pleased with the color.

I got a lot of compliments on it at work today, many from the kiddos :) In fact, first thing this morning, one 5th grader came over to me and said "LOVE the hair!"

I had been feeling a bit depressed about going back to work. I had gotten used to sleeping in, hanging out with the cat, watching TV, etc. I felt a little more optimistic after getting my hair done yesterday, but this morning I was feeling kind of down again. However, not even 5 minutes after being at work I felt fine again, great in fact, and I was positive for the rest of the day. I am very happy to be back. It is wonderful to have a job that makes you feel that way.

And it's a Tuesday!! Usually not a great day, but this one was :)

Mancat Monday With New Year Scout

2012-01-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends and Happy New Year!! Here is a kiss for all of you

My year has started off nice. I found a new place to relax

I have been enjoying my new toys and bed

My daddy has been playing dirty tricks on me though!! The other day I heard a cat meowing in the bedroom and raced in to check it out! All I could find was Daddy playing with his phone! The sound was coming from there. I got fooled one more time, too. It sounds so real!!!
Here a few more pictures for you. I hope you all have a wonderful start to this new year!!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T13:43:00.001-08:00

What is everyone doing today??? I am just relaxing. Having some protein packed snacks (cheese and sausage lol).

Yesterday we had a very busy day, First, we went to help clean the church. Then we went to the bank and to get gas and a cooler(in preparation for some cold stuff we would buy later)

Then we finally got on the road. We made a stop at the Lawrence Service Station on the toll road for a snack and I got this little dude

Finally we made it to the Overland Park area. Our first stop was The Scrapbook Page in Shawnee Mission. I had a 40% off coupon that I used to get a square punch. I also scored 4 packs of photo sleeves for $3 each!!

Next we headed down to the actual OP to have lunch at Sweet Tomatoes

I recently discovered that they have this restaurant down there. TJ and I used to eat at it all the time in Florida. it is awesome. I wish we had one closer.

We were going to go to Whole Foods next, but because we made a wrong turn we ended up going to the Rawhide Harley shop next

I fell in love with all of the orange bikes

Then we went back to Whole Foods and Cheesecake Factory to get dessert for later :)

Our last stop was the mall to go to Build-A-Bear and we got a Smurf. I named him Clueless Clumsy Smurf because the tag said Clumsy but since he is always looking off to the side he seems kind of clueless lol. Here are some pictures of him

On the way back we stopped at Red Lobster for dinner.

Not long after we got home I poured me my first glass of Sparkling Apple Pomegranete Cider for the evening

I didn't make it through my second glass before my poor tummy started to hurt :(
Frosty and Santa got lit

Scout tried to go out to look for a party, but ultimately decided to stay in with us :)

We had our cheesecake

I decided to go old school for noisemakers with a pot and spoon and I also discovered that a metal spatula against a metal grater makes a nice sound as well!!

To help stay awake we watched the big Bang Theory marathon on TBS. At 11:30pm we tried watching the ball drop in Aggieville but they were having "tech" difficulties. Seriously, they could not even spell out technical so I did not hold out much hope (unless they were being brutally honest and it was the tech who was having difficulties!!)

All in all it was a great day and a nice start to 2012.

How About Another Schedule?

2011-12-31T05:09:00.000-08:00

I am off to play in OP today with TJ, but I scheduled this post.

So, you know how much I love making schedules for myself, right??? And I never seem to stick to them? Well, here is another one!!

Starting Tuesday (because I have Monday off)

6 am -- get up and exercise.
6:30 -- shower, get ready, personal scripture study
7ish -- eat nutritious breakfast
7:30ish -- leave for work
8-3:30 -- work
The rest will not have a set time.
1. Brisk walk to mailbox and get mail
2. Pay any bills
3. Clean (see schedule below)
4. Laundry (see below)
5. Make nutritious dinner
6. Short walk after dinner
7. Family scripture study
8. Read before bed.
9. Computer time

Cleaning and Laundry schedule..
Monday -- Dining and livingroom and whites
Tuesday -- kitchen and lights
Wednesday -- bathroom and darks
Thursday -- bedroom and spareroom and linens
Friday -- porch or car

On days I work afterschool program a lot of this will be modified.

Rewards for following this will be an iced chocolate Friday mornings (for the exercise and food portion) and a bubble bath (for the cleaning). For the scripture study and geneology...a craft project on Sunday.

What do you think?

New Year's Eve Preparations

2011-12-30T17:31:00.001-08:00

I am getting ready for tomorrow night. We will be gone during the day, but in the evening we will be hanging out, playing games and snacking. I have a Swiss Colony pack from my aunt and uncle and a Hickory Farms that I bought. Today I braved the very overcrowded Commissary to get these...

Hello, my name is Robyn, and I am a Sparkling Cider addict

Luckily I was able to use the express lane. They did not have the other item I wanted so I had to go to Dillons for that

It is good luck to eat herring for the New Year. I prefer this one over the one in sour cream, which is all the Commisary had. They used to have a big jar of herring, but I did not see that, either.

I would like to find a party hat while we are out tomorrow. For noise makers i plan to bang on some pots and pans. Old school. I am hoping other people in the apartment complex will be celebrating at home and out at midnight.

What are your plans???

New Years Resolutions

2011-12-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

I guess it is that time again. A few months ago I made some early resolutions. or just one and that was to not buy anymore scrapbooking supplies until I used mine up or of it was something like an album or page protectors or photo pockets. Well, I broke that resolution when I bought some twine, border stickers and a couple stamps, but I have put it all to good use!! LOL.

Anyway, I do have some resolutions for the New Year, all spiritual based. First of all, I am going to work on my family genealogy. I am going to start up an account and get it all put online. I will be going to the church to start this with the family history specialist and then, hopefully, I will be able to start working on it regularly at home.

Second, I am going to try to bear my testimony once a month at our Fast and Testimony sacrament meetings.

Third, I am going to try to read my scriptures daily and include TJ. Also, I would like to start going over the week's Gospel Principles lesson with TJ ahead of time. And maybe the Relief Society/Priesthood meeting one as well.

Fourth, I am going to make sure we have family prayer twice a day as well as continue with my personal prayers twice a day.

Fifth, I am going to start visiting the temple again. My goal is once every couple of months up in Omaha until the Kansas City one is complete and then once a month.

I think these are attainable resolutions. Have you made any resolutions for 2012?

The Great Tire Saga

2011-12-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

The title makes this sound more exciting than it actually is LOL.

Anyway, on our way to Topeka almost 2 weeks ago we hit or ran over something on the Interstate that ripped part of the tread off of our tire. Luckily I have a hubby that knows how to replace a tire in an emergency. A state trooper came by when we were almost done and stayed until we were ready to go.

So, we went to Walmart to see about getting a new tire put on, but they said it would be about 4 hours! We asked if someone could just look at it first because there was also some damage in the wheel well. This very nice guy, Pierre, took a look and said we would be fine for the short term, but to eventually get it looked at. He also filled up our donut tire(which was a bit low). We discussed at least buying a tire that day, but then I was musing that we should probably get all 4. Well, Pierre checked them all for us and said they were ok for now and that if we did not want to buy all 4 tires we could buy 2 so they would be even and suggested the new ones go on the front. All he did was suggest, he did not pressure us into anything.

Inside I talked to the lady at the desk and decided to get 2. She looked at what was in stock. I got 2. Pierre brought them in. I asked to speak to a manager AND told him that his staff was incredibly helpful.

Here are the 2 tires riding around with us

Yesterday, I finally got them put on Bertha. TJ made an appointment at Jim Clark in town. We have used them before. I especially liked their service at there Grant St site (a story for another day), but this time we went to the one by the Interstate. The appointment was for 1:30pm. I asked about how long it should take and they said give them an hour to an hour and a half. Ok, no problem. I went up to their comfortable waiting area and watched TV and read a book.

I was so caught up in my book(which I ended up finishing) and watching Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends that I did not realize that over 2 hours had passed!! About 2 1/2 to be exact. I decided to go down and check on my baby. Well, she was up on the lift and no one was near her :( They checked with the mechanic and he said it would be about 20 more minutes. He also said that the other 2 tires I was keeping were getting pretty worn down and I should think about replacing them soon.

Um, okay, sure. I planned to do that ANYWAY, but the guy at Walmart said I was okay and I can see the tires are okay so if this place is thinking I will be making another appointment to get 2 more tires put on (and maybe purchased from them) they can think again! It was nearly 3 hours after I finally got out of there. The next 2 tires will again be purchased at Walmart and quite possibly be put on at the Topeka location because I was so impressed with them! If not, I will try the one here. I will not be going back to Jim Clark unless I can drop the car off and they can take their sweet time without me waiting around. Because I have no complaints about the quality of service or the customer service (because they were very nice), just the gross underestimation of time of service.

What was your best car related service? Worst? Memorable?

Wordy Wednesday With Scout the Only-Kitty

2011-12-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say that I think it is incredibly unfair that ALL of my friends have doggy brothers or sisters except for me!! My old friend, Snowball(dog), got a doggy sister, Snow White. My friend, Sawyer(cat), had a couple of doggy brothers and sisters. My friend, Charisma(cat), had a doggy brother. My friend upstairs, Zoe (cat), recently got a doggy brother, Punk and now my doggy friend, Merle, has a doggy brother named Henry!! It is so unfair!!! I want a doggy brother or sister!!! I had a stinky kitty sister for awhile and did not like it(she was mean to me), but I LOVE dogs. I would be so happy with a doggy sibling. I would be less lonely when my mommy and daddy are not here and I would share my food and my bed and my toys and even my cat treats!! Please please please get me a doggy brother or sister, Mommy!!!

This rant was brought to you by Scout and does not necessarily reflect the views of the blog owner. Though a dog would be nice to have...eventually.

Mancat Monday With Merry Scout

2011-12-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Day After Christmas!! I have had a great one. My mommy has been home all week and I have gotten plenty of snuggle time :)

Saturday night I waited patiently while Mommy and Daddy each opened a present

Mommy was trying to get Daddy to take a picture of her, but instead he got this super cool shot of me

Finally it was my turn

Checking it out

Can you tell what it is?

It's an Angry Bird!!

Now I can play like Mommy and Daddy

Oh yes, he's very cool like me

Then I had to go in to supervise the remaking of the bed with the new memory foam. Daddy and I approve

THEN Daddy decided to go to bed and I was going to stay up with Mommy and wait for Santa Paws, but after awhile she put me to bed!!! I was really tired and the bed was warm and the memory foam combined with the comforter felt so nice that I just decided to take a little nap. Well, wouldn't you know Santa Paws came during that time???

I got up a little after midnight and Mommy showed me the kitty bed he brought me, just like I asked for!

I love it

A little while later Mommy went to bed and I soon joined her.

In the morning Mommy and Dady went to church, but after they came home we opened the rest of our presents. I liked watching them

I even helped Daddy open one of his.

I got another Angry Bird!!!

Mommy modeled her new ring from Daddy against me

And I enjoyed my new bed some more!

I also got cat treats in my stocking. I hope you all had a very Merry Cristmas. What did you do? What did you get? Did you see Santa Paws?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T11:36:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas wonderful readers! I have a picture extravaganza for you today. Scout will show you what he got for Christmas tomorrow, but I will show you the rest.

Okay, so last night we began present opening. We always open one each on Christmas Eve. TJ LOVED his present!!

Ha ha!! That was just the decoy on top. Here are the actual presents

There was a pair of dress pants, too. He wore the tie to church this morning.

I got a pair of pajama pants

Which I bought on Black Friday and wrapped up for myself!! LOL

The memory foam was restored to its proper fullness

And the boys tested it out

TJ said this morning that he did not toss and turn last night like he usually does :)

Tree at midnight

I stayed up for awhile watching TV and knitting.

This morning we went to church. It was all scripture reading and hymns. We only had Sacrament Meeting, but then there was a baptism as well!! Also, I had a bit of a miracle this morning. A couple weeks ago I tried on a skirt I bought for today on Black Friday and it did not fit. This morning I got on the scale and discovered I had lost a few pounds so I tried the skirt on again and it fit!! So I wore that and the black blouse I bought to go with it plus my red heels.

So, after the baptism we came home and rested a bit before we opened presents. I made some stovetop potpurri

Then we got to the presents. TJ bought me this beautiful cat necklace

And purple sweater

And a new wedding ring

My aunt and uncle sent these pretty placemats and coasters

My friend, Bren, brought by some goodies

After this things turned a little sad. Well, more than a little. I logged on to Facebook and there was a message from one of my cousins. Our cousin, Natalie, was in a bad motorcycle accident a few nights ago and early this morning she passed away from her injuries. She was only 22 and has a young child. I would like to ask you to keep her family in your prayers.

With a heavy heart I got started on dinner. I made Prime Rib and it was a pain to get it to cook properly!! It turned out a bit more rare than we would have liked. I will be cooking the left overs again tomorrow and hope to get them to at least medium!! I also made mashed potatoes which were awesome and some tasty green beans and a weird sweet potato dish (TJ liked it, but I did not). And of course we had Sparkling Cider

I should probably get dessert going (a Buche de Noel and the goodies above). I think I will be going to bed rather early tonight.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas :)

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

We have had dinner and are watching the first showing of A Christmas Story marathon on TBS. In awhile we will make hot chocolate and cider and watch a Christmas video from our church and then read from the Bible and then open a present, but first I thought I would share some pictures from today.

Ready to deliver goodies...bohemian style

TJ's Christmas Eve gift (just kidding!! It is hiding what is underneath)

Our beautiful display of cards

What the goodie bags and plates looked like. I did them as we went, not all at once

Waiting for Santa Paws

Is that him? (no, it was daddy)

All the presents(minus the five we took to our friends' last night)

He is ready

The bird fell off my wreath so I added it to my pinterest inspired centerpiece.

Not sure why he is hiding under the table

The Family Buffet is always open for Christmas and Christmas Eve

The memory foam topper. The directions said it would take an hour for it to regain it's proper shape

Candles!!!

Scout decided to take a nap so he can stay up to wait for Santa Paws

Our friends dropped off a bucket of goodies :)

Speaking of our friends, we went to their house for dinner last night and had a wonderful time. We were running over an hour late because TJ got stuck on a job (they had to have all the orders filled before closing). But we got there and had a yummy dinner and talked. Then the kids opened our presents and were thrilled with them :) Mr. D got right to work on his Lego Bumblebee Transformer and Miss K was tossing her zebra pillow pet in the air and hugging it. Then we all (minus Mr. D) played Shanghai Rummy. In between hands Miss K and I played Penguin Acrobatics on Ice with the beanie penguin that came with her DVD. I won the game with a mere 60 points! We did not finish until like 1 in the morning. It was such a great night. Then after we got home I did not get to bed until 4am! So I slept in until noon today.

Looking forward to a nice Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to you all!!

Christmas Fudge

2011-12-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

I have written about this before, but Christmas fudge is something that is very dear to my heart. 2 of my mom's cousins would make it at Christmas(one with fudge, one without) and exchange it with us for cinnamon and fruit bread and later on, cookies. I miss that. Last year our neighbors brought fudge, one with nuts, one without. This year I bought a fudge kit to make fudge.

I have done this once before. It is very convenient, but I think if I wanted to make my own I could manage that!

The first step of boiling the butter, sugar mix and evaporated milk is the most complicated as you have to constantly stir it!

Mixing in the marshmallows and chocolate morsels was kind of hard, too LOL

But the end result is soooooo worth it!

My mom would be appalled, but I added nuts this time. I had about a half cup of slivered almonds and it sounded good so I added them in :)

Eggnog is the perfect compliment to eating what is left in the bowl :)

We will be delivering a couple plates of cookies and fudge this afternoon, then I will go to Walmart to get the last of TJ's presents. Our friends are coming to bring us goodies this evening and we will also be going to dinner at a Chinese restaurant and maybe looking at lights on Post. I am also thinking of going to Mass.

What are you doing for Christmas Eve??

Scout's Present Demolition

2011-12-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Most of the time Scout is very good and we can trust him around the tree. He does not try to climb it and he leaves the ornaments alone, but once in awhile he goes a liitle crazy and starts attacking the presents! He seems to like to target TJ's the most. I was able to capture some of yesterday's present destroying fest on film.

Trying to hide the evidence

What's in this?

"Is this mine????"

"This should be mine"

He shredded this one good

"What is this one?"

(This one is actually his and he pushed it aside!)

"Ooooh.. a bow"

nom nom nom

"Back off, this bow in MINE"

He just loves that bow!

Guarding the presents (and bow)

Time to look for more presents to terrorize

"I think I will just settle down right here"

"yep, this is a comfy spot"

"I'll just guard the rest of these presents, Mom"

As you can see, Scout was having quite a good time with the presents.

Do your pets get into the presents and play with the wrapping and bows? Do they play with the orhaments on the tree? Climb the tree? Drink its water?

Cookies Cookies Everywhere!!

2011-12-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

The cookie making extravaganza commenced today. Tomorrow I will just be making fudge and putting the plates(and bags) together. I also found my camera (it was buried under some stuff on a chair) so now I have documentation of what I have been doing!!

This was from today...

Peppermint, Kolacky's and butter

Yesterday....

Gingerbread, chocolate drop and sugar.

All together in containers

Two of my favorite Christmas movies.. Once Upon a Christmas and its sequel, Twice Upon a Christmas were on while I made all the cookies today and that was awesome.

I decided to frost my butter cookies this evening while The Hub showed a marathon of Happy Days Christmas episodes.

I did some pretty pastels

Traditional

And blue and random

Do you see the theme???

We also got cards from TJ's family today. His Grandma Ruth sent a card and note and his mom and brothers and sister and nephew sent cards. Not only did TJ and I get a card, they also sent a card just for Scout!!

The check his mom sent also specified that it was to be used for Scout, too, so we went to Target and used the money she sent combined with a gift card I got from my friend, Bonnie, to put towards a memory foam topper for the bed and a stocking for Scout

Scout loved it

Plus it matches his card!!

I will post pictures tomorrow of the goodie plates and fudge and memory foam, but for now I will leave you with a picture from our lightseeing last Sunday..

If you have pets, do you buy them Christmas presents? Do they have a stocking?

This and That

2011-12-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

3 more days until Christmas!!! I am back to baking today (including the Kolacky's because I never got to them yesterday). More dough to chill, too LOL.

I thought I would share some random pictures. This is a very cool decorated house in Topeka, on 17th, near the Scrapbook store

Very beautiful candle holder from a coworker.

Pinterest inspired candle holder

I am really enjoying this week off and doing things at my leisure. Yesterday I got a ton of laundry done and then visited my friend and her twins. We had the missionaries for dinner and I cooked spaghetti. Then TJ and I went to Walmart. Very easy non-rushed day. I also got a bunch of Christmas cards so my door is looking really nice!

Oh, and I found my camera so I should have pictures of my baking extravaganza for you tomorrow!!

Baking Frenzy

2011-12-21T03:45:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I started my holiday baking. It was snowing out (not a whole lot, but it was continuous) so it was the perfect day to stay in and make some sweet goodness!!

I started out making Kolacky dough. You have to chill it for several hours or overnight so I will be making those (the first batch) sometime today. Next I made sugar cookies from a mix. I had to chill that for an hour. So then I made some gingerbread dough, BUT that had to chill for 2 hours (do you see a theme here?). I really did not realize I had to chill all that dough! And I had only taken one package of butter out of the refrigerator to soften so my other cookie recipes could not be made yet, either (you probably have to chill them, too!!). I did attempt to make some mini pecan sticky buns, but could not find any yeast!! So

I made the sugar cookies with some red and green sprinkles, then whipped together some chocolate drop cookies (box of cake mix, 1 and 3/4 cup Cool Whip, and 1 egg. Mix together, then form into little balls and roll in powdered sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes). When I was done with those I made gingerbread men (using a recipe on Carrie's blog).

I think my next baking day(aside from the Kolackys) will be tomorrow, as it is supposed to snow again. I plan to make nut balls, peppermint sugar cookies, frosted butter cookies and fudge.

And since I do not have any pictures from yesterday, here are a few from last Friday when we went to the Harley Shop to see Santa

Have you been baking? What do you make?

Winter Wonderland

2011-12-20T09:46:00.001-08:00

For several years I have been hearing about the light display at Lake Shawnee east of Topeka. We have never gotten over there until this year. It is 2 miles of these light pictures

A cow greeted us before we entered

Excuse the poor quality pictures. We were moving and my camera does not do well at night.

I love these

Happy Haunukka!

God Bless America

This was a fountain

Stars!!

The sponsor

Tunnel

Bears

Although it is hard to see here this was the coolest thing. They were on the lake.

On Sunday we went lightseeing in Junction City. There were some very cool displays, but overall it seemed like there was less than last year :( Maybe Ogden and Manhattan will have a little more.

Mancat Monday with Scout and Bunny

2011-12-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Friends!! This week I want to introduce you to a pal of mine, Bunny

He came to live with us a couple months ago.

He also brought a box of Russell Stovers Candies from the factory.

He is a great pal and I especially like it when he sprays on some catnip perfume!

I have also been hanging out on the roof of my condo

With Bunny

But Mommy's legs are still the best seat in the house

But I also like to sit on the couch just like my Daddy

And sometimes my present makes a good pillow

I wonder what is inside??!?!? Any guesses?

Spiritual Sunday -- Thoughts on My Lesson

2011-12-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

I was asked a few weeks ago to teach another lesson in our Gospel Principles class. the first lesson I taught went okay, but I kind of rushed through it and had some time left(which I filled partly with my testimony). I also felt that I could have done better, so I was nervous again to teach. I was later this time in getting prepared, but I took advantage of the long drive to Topeka yesterday to go over it with TJ. I think that helped a lot.

We did start a little late today, but I was able to fill up the whole time. I was actually rushing at the end to get some stuff in without going over. I felt that I had done better this time, but I still did not think it was all that great. I was quite surprised when quite a few people came up to me after and told me how much they enjoyed the lesson. I felt very proud, though I still feel that there is much needed room for improvement. It does make it easier to be willing to say yes again when asked to teach LOL.

The lesson was on Family Responsibilities and it is in our Gospel Principles manual. It talked about responsibilites of the parents together, individually and the responsibilities of the children. The bottom line, I felt, was that everyone in the family is important and has his or her part.

I also feel that prayer had a ot to do with how well I did. In Sacrament meeting the bishop reminded us to pray for our speakers and them during class the lady that did the opening prayer asked for a blessing on the teacher. I also said my own prayer prior to that. I believe firmly in the power of prayer. I also prayed during the lesson about something specific and the Lord answered and I was able to find the words I needed.

We also had our tithing settlement today and were able to spend a few minutes talking with the Bishop. On the way home I started praying about something I was struggling with and I felt very strongly that the Lord was speaking to me and telling me that I was on the right path and that he loves me and is pleased with the progress I have been making.

I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday. Our friends came over to help us with something and we offered to keep the kiddos awhile so they could finish up shopping. This was a blessing because Mr. D wanted to play Playstation so TJ finally got it out and set it up, which means we can finally watch DVDs on TV again!! LOL Tonight we are going to do some light-seeing before the weather turns bad the next 2 days. I will have some posts on our Christmas activities such as going to Topeka to see lights, baking, craft making and decorations, plus Scout will have a post tomorrow.

Christmas Book Review -- Rudolph

2011-12-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

I think everyone knows the plot of this one LOL. This is not the animated version, though. This one closely follows the song and features pictures by Richard Scarry (who has written many children's books. My favorite characters are Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat). These are my favorite ones...

Even though he feels sad he looks so silly!

I like how his nose is glowing (and the bunnies are cute)

I like the kittens in this one

Oof!

Look how proud he is

What did you think of this one?

Christmas Book Review -- Santa's Toy Shop

2011-12-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

Today's book is one I have had since I was a kid, Walt Disney's Santa's Toy Shop.

It is about Santa being so busy making toys and such that he never has time to try any of the toys out.

Mrs. Claus comes up with the solution to take time at the last house he visits to play with the toys. (He also decorates the tree!!)

I did not think this was a well known book or anything, but about a month ago I was buying this fabric at JoAnns in Topeka..
and the lady cutting it said that it reminded her of the old Disney Christmas book, Santa's Toy Shop!! I was stunned. I also had thought of it when I first saw it.

I like this book mostly because of the pictures. And it is a neat story.

Any requests for the next book?

Christmas Book Review -- Fear Not.

2011-12-14T17:51:00.001-08:00

I had a request, from Betty, that my next Christmas book review be of Fear Not because she had not heard of it. Chances are, most people have not because it is rare, however you may actually be very familiar with the story if you have watched the show, Touched By an Angel, because it is adapted from their very first Christmas episode :)

The angels, Monica and Tess, are sent to a small town where a Christmas pageant is going to take place. The organ stops working and Tess is there to fix it. Monica gets involved with the show. They meet Serena and Joey, who are best friends. Serena is a sweet little girl who is playing the angel, but she has a heart condition. Joey is a developmentally challenged young man who is afraid of the dark. The pageant is going to be at night -- problem #1

Joey's brother is running late to pick him up so Monica offers to drive him and Serena home in Tess' awesome car

Joey is afraid to be out in the dark because his parents died in a car crash at night. At his house Monica meets Wayne, Joey's big brother (played by the awesome Randy Travis). he tells Monica he does not know what he would do if serens was not around as she is very patient with Joey. Monica tells Wayne that Serena is going to die soon (problem#2)

One day Serena and Joey are walking home and making snow angels when she starts coughing and passes out. Joey takes her to his home and calls 911

Wayne stays with her and prays to know what to do. Monica whicpers in his ear that her favorite song is Silent Night(in the show Wayne starts singing, which is awesome).

Now, this where the first major discrepency between the book and the show occurs. See, in the show, the forst season, the angel of death was Adam. However, during the course of the series they added Andrew, who became beloved as the angel of death. Since he was more popular, they use Andrew in this book.

Serena does not die just yet, though.

I forgot to mention that Serena has a bear named Mr. Beans, whom she promised could fly in the pageant(she was going to be hoisted up on a pulley thing), but she dropped him and asks Joey to find him.

Well, he can't find him and so he prays to God for help(in the show he destroys the pageant set) and Monica appears as an angel. Joey tells her that Wayne hates him and that once Serena dies he will be alone. Monica talks to Wayne the next day and helps him to understand what Joey is going through and that he is a blessing from God, not a burden. Wayne tries to talk to Joey that evening, but Joey is despondent and is afraid to go in the dark to the pageant. Wayne goes and after he leaves Monica comes and tells Joey that when things seem darkest, that is when you start looking for the stars. She reveals that Mr. Beans is on the porch. Joey hurries out to get him and go back in , but there is a bright light, which is a star and he follows it into town to the church (in the show Randy Travis sings O Little Town of Bethlehem)

Inside the church the pageant is going on. They are reading Luke 2 and when they get to the part where the angel speaks Joey comes in and recites the lines " Fear not. I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people! Fear not!" he sits with Wayne and tells him he loves him.

Monica asks for mr. Beans and decides to go up on the pulley thing. However, the rope breaks, but instead of falling she flies!!

Mr Benas turns into a dove. In the back of the church Joey sees the angels with Serena (who has died).

I love this book and the episode. My friend, Laura, bought me this book. I highly recommend it and the episode. You can find it on Youtube -- Touched by An Angel Fear Not.

Every time I see it I cry when Monica flies :)

Christmas Book Review -- The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-13T00:40:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share some of my favorite holiday books with you in a mini series of posts.

I am going to start with the all time classic, The Night Before Christmas. I have 2 versions of this story. The first is actually a newer copy I picked up recently (I cannot remember where!!). I have a copy from when I was a kid, but it is falling apart so I am glad to have one I can use so I can preserve the original.

This is the newer copy

These are some of my favorite pictures from this one..

The other copy I have is this amazing one.

It was a gift from my mom 's cousin.

The drawings in this book are AMAZING

Not only do they have the color pictures they also have these incredible pencil drawings

More color ones

I also really like the cat and dog

More beautiful pictures

Of course, the story itself is timeless and was the introduction of the tradition of Santa Claus that is so popular today.

Other books I will be reviewing are Rudolph, Frosty, Fear Not, Berenstein Bears Christmas Tree and Santa's Toy Shop. Which one would you like to hear about next?

Mancat Monday With Soft Scout

2011-12-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday friends!! Did you know that there are only 13 days until Christmas? And 5 more days until my mommy stays home with me for many many days!!

Last week I showed you my awesome new condo, but I wanted you to know that as much as I love hanging out in it or on it, nothing beats my mommy's legs!! And I also like to find soft and snuggly places around the house! Recently mommy bought new sheets and a comforter for the bed and I tested them out.

I am happy to report that they are quite soft and comfy. Perfect for cat naps!

Cat friends, do you hang out on your people's beds? Human friends, do your furry kids hang out on your bed?

Christmas Questions

2011-12-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

I "stole" this from Lauren's Blog. Feel free to "steal" it from me :)

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Depends on what I am in the mood for. This year I am going to pick up some eggnog at Braum's. I will probably have it with breakfast the week before Christmas. I will probably get hot chocolate when i am out looking at lights. So I guess the best answer is BOTH.

Colored lights on tree/house or white? COLORED!!!!!! This year I have all blue, though. White to me is boring. Unless it is a really awesome display.

Do you hang mistletoe? No,I am afraid it will fall and Scout will get to it and it will poison him. I suppose I could get something fake.

When do you put your decorations up? I like to do it Thanksgiving weekend, but sometimes I end up doing it the week or weekend after.

What is your favorite holiday dish? Hmmm..I don't really have one. I do like homemade tamales this time of year. And we have Chinese for Christmas dinner and I like that.

Favorite holiday memory as a child? When I was 10 my cousins and aunts and uncles came from Illinois and our house was filled and it was awesome. When I was 6 my cousin Patti came to celebrate with us.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Not sure the age and I think I suspected already, but one year my mom put out a present from Santa before Christmas.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We didn't used to, but then one year when I was in my twenties I would go on Christmas message boards on AOL and people talked about the tradition of getting new pajamas on Christmas Eve and my mom and I started this. Now that she is gone I buy a pair and wrap it for Christmas Eve :) And I have my husband open something.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? It varies year to year :) Last year I did all round ornaments. This year I have a blue theme.

Snow! Love it or dread it? LOVE IT!!! I grew up in Southern California and there was no snow(unless you went to the mountains) so it is a thrill for me to experience it now.

Do you remember your favorite gift? Absolutely. My Funshine Carebear. I also got an awesome teacart and dishes one year :) Oh, and the dollhouse my cousin made for me.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? Kolacky cookies (I make), Krum Kaga (my cousin used to make but now I order from a Swedish bakery) and my cousins' fudge.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Looking at Christmas lights. My dad took me until he died, then my mom, then I drove myself. I still go, sometimes by myself, sometimes with TJ. I go different places and spread it out over several nights.

Candy Canes: Yuck or yum? Okay. I can usually only have about one. I like the fruit flavored ones. In high school I would get so many the day before vacation and I would eat them all and that would be it for me LOL. My husband does not like mint of any kind.

Favorite Christmas movie? The Christmas Gift with John Denver. This year I have been liking Nothing Like The Holidays. I also love A Very Brady Christmas. I always try to watch Smoky Mountain Christmas and Christmas Story as well as It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas.

Saddest Christmas song? I'll Be Home For Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

What is your favorite Christmas song? Feliz Navidad. As for a hymn I like O Come All Ye Faithful.

Spritual Sunday -- Bethlehem and Gifts

2011-12-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Last night was our Night In Bethlehem activity at church. It went a bit better than I expected, but the turnout was a bit lower than normal.

This is me and TJ dressed up..

That was my favorite part! When we got there we met in the chapel and learned what was going to happen during the activity and watched a video. Then we went outside and passed Mary and Joseph and a (real) donkey. Then we went in to the census table to give our name, lineage, how many in our family and we recieved 3 shekels(washers) each. Then we went into Bethlehem(the cultural hall/gym). There were 4 stations. The first was meat and bread and that cost one shekel. Then there was one with fruits and vegetables (also one shekel). Then there were desserts (for a shekel). There was also a trinket table where you could spend your shekels instead of on food. I bought a little battery operated candle for one shekel and TJ and I shared dessert.

While we ate Mary and Joseph came to the inn, but there was no room so they were shown to the manger. Then, after a few minutes they turned off the lights and shown a spotlight on the manger where Jesus had been born and there was a Christmas star and we all sang Silent Night. We closed with a prayer. Then you could go back and get more food and the kids got a free trinket(battery candle, beads or bells).

We did okay sitting on the ground, probably because it was short and we had pillows. My legs did not fall asleep but my right leg and hip were hurting after awhile.

I did miss hearing Bishop read the Christmas story from the Bible.

In church today the talks were about gifts. Not the kinds of gifts that you find under the tree but spiritual gifts. Heavenly Father's gift to us was that of Divine Love. Gifts we can give to Heavenly Father and Jesus are service, a repentant heart and time (to go to church, prayer, read scriptures). The first speaker also told a really awesome story about a Jewish woman who was just released from a concentration camp and trying to get home to Krakow, Poland. She was helped by a young seminarian (not yet a priest), but feared he would take her to a convent so she fled, but wrote his name in a diary. Many years later she was reading a paper in Israel where she now lived and saw his name and that he had become the Pope. I beleive it was Pope John Paul.

I would love to hear your thoughts on spiritual gifts.

Pinterest Worthy Projects

2011-12-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

I have made a few decorations so far this year and I thought I would post them, then pin them to Pinterest :)

Ribbon Wreath....I bought the foam circle at Hobby Lobby, covered it in ribbon, then added the bird ornament and ball embellishment, also from Hobby Lobby.

Ribbon Wreath .... Learned to make this at church. Cut 8-10 inch strips, 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide. This was tied around a wire frame, but you can use foam or anything else. I used 4 different kinds of material. Added the ribbon ornament to embellish.

Holiday bowl...just ornaments in a crystal bowl.

Not a project, but a great memory..

And I just love this picture!!

Skinny Pete

2011-12-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

To go with my blue Christmas theme I had planned on using Silver Belle again this year, but I could not find the color wheel. I had planned on getting a small real tree so instead opted to get a slightly bigger one to use.

We decided to go to Lee's Christmas Tree Farm. It is literally across the interstate from our apartment complex.

We went on December 1

The girl explained to us about the farm. They have 3 kinds -- white pine which is super soft, but has weak branches, Austrian pine which has long pointy needles and stronger branches and Scotch pine which has short branches and needles. The trees with yellow ribbons were reserved

The girl said she would follow behind and if we wanted more privacy she could walk further behind. We walked with her and talked to her the whole time :)

The "perfect" tree. It is an Austrian Pine

TJ opted to cut it down himself

Loaded into the truck.

We went to True Value and bought some pretty blue lights for him

I named him Skinny Pete and decorated him

Next year I am getting a white pine. As awesome as this one looks the needles were sharp

Do you have a tree yet? Real or Fake? Size? Color? Lights?

Dec (orate) my Halls!

2011-12-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

I went with a Blue Christmas theme this year, as I have wanted to do for 2 years now LOL. Here is what it looks like...

Wreath on my door

Christmas village potholders

Blue potholders

75 cent box of vintage ornaments from the thrift store

Kitchen/diningroom pass through

Pretties

Countdown calendar and vintage cards

I need one more stocking

Dining table

Vintage Christmas shopping print pillow

Ribbon wreath

Guest chair and banner

Santa print pillow

Side table

Top of TV. This is not an elf on the shelf. I have 4 elves, but only put out the blue one. Every year they go someplace different and stay there. This year it is on the stetson!!

Vintage Chistmas album

Other side table

Nativity

Bookcase

Tomorrow I will show you my tree

Christmas Letter 2011

2011-12-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Here is what will be in my Christmas cards this year.....

Robyn’s Annual Christmas Letter 2011
1. Got my appendix out and had my first ever hospital stay. Cross that off my bucket list!
2. Sold my mom’s house. To a guy I went to high school with. He flipped it.
3. Felt 2 earthquakes – in Kansas!!!
4. Spent another year working at the best elementary school in the state!
5. Got a free Pasta Boat and ended up melting it in the microwave.
6. Fell in love with Criminal Minds.
7. Discovered Angry Birds
TJ went from Active Duty to Reserves and is currently working steady temp jobs. We went to Florida for 1 week, were called as Ward Missionaries for our church and moved to an apartment. (address) Scout made a new dog friend and has a crush on the girl cat upstairs. The Buick became an official Kansas resident. Kim Kardashian really outdid herself this year, huh?

And the picture...

Mancat Monday With Scout's Cat Condo

2011-12-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Guess what friends?????

We got a Christmas tree on Thursday named Skinny Pete

and because he is so skinny my cat condo box did not fit under or near it so mommy decided to open it and set it up!!

I really liked the top and playing with the bow

But then I remembered you can go inside it

I am in it now!! And I may never come out!

Spiritual Sunday -- Fasting and Talents

2011-12-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hello. I am here. Sorry I have been MIA this week. I worked late a couple days and have been battling a cold and putting up Christmas stuff. Plus, for some reason, my computer will not let me post my post so I was doing it on my phone, but that stopped working, too. Scout's was sent from school. I am not sure if TJ's will work. You may get this on a Monday!

Anyway, in our church the first Sunday of the month (unless it is General Conference)is Fast Sunday. We fast from Midnight to afternoon/evening. Basically, you skip 2 meals. We have a fast offering with our tithing that goes to help those in need. Normally you give what the cost of the 2 meals would be. We also fast with a purpose, not just to go hungry. We pray for what we want to fast for at the beginning of our fast. For example, I am fasting for a friend that is having some physical problems that the doctors be able to diagnos and treat it and for friends of ours that are having a family problem that it will be resolved for the best. We also have a Fast and Testimony Meeting for our Sacrament Meeting. Instead of talks, members are invited to come up and bear their testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus, the church or anything else spiritual.

In Gospel Principles today the lesson was on Talents. How we all have talents and that we should use them and develop them and how they can bless others. Aside from my freaky talent of quickly identifying Brady Bunch episodes(which is basically useless, except for entertainment and awe and wonder), I realized that I have a talent for scrapbooking and cooking. I am a fairly good cook and that blesses people who eat my cooking. I never realized how important or purposeful my scrapbooking was until me husband once said that he was glad I do it because it helps him remember things we did(he has a bad memory). The teacher challenged us to dsicover our talents this week so i am going to pray to discover one I may not realize I have.

Speaking of teachers, every other week class members are being asked to give the lesson (like today) instead of the regular teacher. As you may remember, I gave a lesson on Charity last month. I was aksed to do another on the 18th. This time it is Family Responsibility. I don't know why, but I seem to often end up being asked to give talks or lessons on topics involving raising children LOL.

I hope everyone is having a great Sunday.

Mancat Monday With Thankful Scout

2011-11-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!! I had a very good one.

On Thursday Mommy got up really early to cook! She made lots of good stuff. I napped most of the morning and when I got up she and Daddy were already eating!! But when she saw me she immediately made me a plate of canned turkey and giblets and olives!

It was pretty good as far as canned cat food goes, but I could not eat it all. But I enjoyed what I ate!

We had a nice afternoon nap. Mommy went shopping at about 11pm and then came home and then went shopping again at 3! She was gone for days!!! When she came home we took another nap. THEN she brought in the stuff she bought and guess what she had bought???

A cat condo!!!!!!!! I wanted one of these sooo bad. It is my present from Mommy and Daddy, but I cannot have it until after Christmas :( She says it will go in the place we are going to put the Christmas tree so that is why we have to wait. I discovered, though, that there is a hole on the side of the box and I can touch my condo!! I may be able to get it out, too!!

In other news, on Saturday my mommy was sick so I took care of her ALL day. I hardly left her side. I am a good nurse :)

Are you ready for Christmas yet? Are you gonna see Santa Paws??

Sad Saturday

2011-11-26T07:06:00.001-08:00

After the excitement of Black Friday, today is a bit of a letdown LOL. But that is because I am sick :( I have a cold and low fever. I was supposed to help out with a service project at church, but TJ had to go without me. I am hoping to be able to do a few things around here today like take down Thanksgiving decorations, clean up the kitchen and maybe start on Christmas decorations. It will depend on how I feel :( In the meantime, I thought I would share some pictures from yesterday.

While standing in line at Penneys I learned of a new donut shop in Aggieville that makes a bacon covered maple donut! I had to check that out. They also had a fruity pebble donut :)

I wrapped most of the goodies from yesterday up! Just a few were presents for TJ, but since yesterday was like my Christmas morning I thought it would be fun to unwrap them on Christmas day!!

My awesome new phone

Seasonal candles from Walmart. My house will smell so good!

Memory foam bathmat and a bathsheet from K-mart(the bathsheet was not on sale, but I needed another one)

I hope you are al having a great Saturday! When do you plan to put up your Christmas decorations?

Thanksgiving 2011!!

2011-11-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! It has been a crazy day here!

Last night I baked the pies (pumpkin and peach) and made the mashed potatoes. I put the pies on the counter and covered them.

And, as per tradition it seems, Scout walked on them!!

Then, later, he walked on them again!!

I think the cover confuses him because uncovered he does not mess with them.

Next it was time to get Percival(aka Percy the Turkey) ready to cook!

Is there anything more disgusting than gutting a turkey?? Yuck! I did it, though and rubbed him down with butter, seasoned him up, stuffed him and slapped his bum!! Then into the oven he went!!

I opted to baste the bird this year, rather than use the bag. What a pain!! I was then told that opening and closing the oven actually dries the turkey out more so I abruptly stopped and then only basted when I put the sides in.

I made my stuffing with a pre-made mix, then added mushrooms, sausage and apple. I also made my own greenbean casserole with fresh beans and homemade broth/sauce. It was awesome!

The table!!

Sides on the side

It was delicious, but I think that next year we will go out!! LOL

Scout had his own dinner of Fancy Feast Turkey and Giblets and a few olives(he likes to lick them)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Thanksgiving Past

2011-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share some memories of Thanksgivings through the years.

We always had Thanksgiving at home. My mom and grandma would cook. For a few years my aunt and uncle started coming as well. My aunt would always name the bird!!

The year after my grandma died we changed things up. That year we ordered our dinner from Polly's Pies. My boyfriend at the time joined us. The next 2 years my mom and I would go to Black Angus. She would get a traditional turkey dinner and I would get Prime Rib.

Then I moved to Florida. The first year there my friend, Kate, and I went fishing off the pier. Her parents and daughter had gone on a trip, but she had to work that weekend. After fishing we met up with our friend, Mark, and we all went to my aunt and uncle's for dinner!! They lived next to a lake so we sat out on the patio with my uncle (there was also a table inside -- they had lots of guests) for dinner. Later we met up with more friends and went bowling.

The next year I went with Kate and her family to Busch Gardens in the morning and late that afternoon we went to a friend's house for a soul food Thanksgiving!! The year after that I went with TJ to Busch Gardens and then we went to his family's for dinner.

My first year in Kansas I took a trip up to Illinois to spend Thanksgiving with family up there. The next year we went to California and had dinner at Black Angus!!! This time TJ had the turkey dinner and my mom and I had steak and lobster tail. Except she did not like lobster so I had 2!! After, we went to my cousin's for dessert.

The next year we went to our friend's house for dinner. We were going to do the same the next year, BUT that was when my mom died so I was in California and had dinner with my cousin. Last year was the very first time I ever made Thanksgiving dinner myself and I liked it so much I am doing it again this year!!

What is your most memorable Thanksgiving?

Black Friday 2011

2011-11-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a loooong post so get comfortable! LOL

I had a heck of a time trying to find the Daily Union Wednesday morning. They were late in delivering them. I finally got one at their offices around 10am!! Then the fun began..

The preliminary discard pile on the right was very small

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Discards after reading

First round

I am quite proud of the last minute Petco flyer I made!!

Some key ads were missing, though, so Thanksgiving morning I sent hubby to get the Topeka Capitol Journal.

They had a few I did not have

But no Penneys or Kmart!!

The final plan

I even made a special one for TJ to look for a Christmas present for me LOL

I decided to stick to JC and Manhattan instead of going to Topeka.

At about 11pm I headed over to Walmart. When I walked in there was a very long line for what i thought was the cash registers. I almost left, but that standing mixer was calling me! Besides, lines are part of the fun!! Well, the mixer was gone! But I picked up a game, some candles, a pair of jeans for TJ and pajama pants for me. Then I went to the front. I guess that line was for something else because the lines at the registers were regular. I only had to wait like 2 minutes. It was not midnight, yet, but the stuff I got went on sale at 10pm so I got the discounts!! I did not stick around for the midnight electronics release! Then I went home and slept for 2 hours.

At 3 I got up and then headed to Manhattan. First stop was Penneys. This would be the only store I would wait out on the cold for. It was not as bad as last year. It was in the 40s with wind. I got there 20 minutes early and they let us in 10 minutes early! I wanted memory foam for the bed, but they did not have a queen size!! I ended up getting an outfit for Christmas, socks, and gloves. Plus a free snowglobe :)

Next I went down to Sears and snagged the last Hamilton Beach standing mixer!! It was a few dollars more than the one at Walmart, but that was ok. Then I stood in the slowest line ever!

After Sears I took a breakfast break and got a cinnamon twist. Then I went to Kmart. I got lots of stuff there!!! A memory foam bathmat for $7 and a $12 tree skirt were the biggies!! I also got a bunch of Christmas socks, a soft warm cap, and presents for my friend, Amanda's, babies (which I think are being born today).

Then I went to Walgreens to get a Mickey Mouse cat bed for Scout, but they did not get them! The manager offered to call the other store up the road, though, and they had them! So I went there. (don't tell him!!)

Next I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond. They had a 20% off coupon and I got myself an apple peeler/corer!!! As I was checking out TJ called from the mall where he was getting my new ring and we decided to meet at Best Buy. The phones we wanted were free again with a 2 year contract so we got those (LG Marquee's). The girls helping us were very nice and helpful!! While there we saw a friend from church who had just come from Joann's where she spent $250, but saved $800!!!! I went there next. Did not spend or save nearly as much, but I got some fabric, yard and a blanket :) Was able to use 2 coupons!!! I had to wait FOREVER, though, to get my fabric cut so by the time I was done Petco was open.

I got Scout a kitty condo!! He will be so happy Christmas morning :)

My finally stop was Target. I was hoping to get the Memory foam we saw there for $80 during the pre-sale, but it had gone back to over $100 so I passed. I got a jersey sheet set instead, plus a scarf, more jeans for TJ and a shirt for me.

And that was it! I did not make it to Goody's and I still need to go to True Value to get some Christmas lights with a coupon.

It was a very successful year and I had fun. I am glad I did not go to Topeka as well!! I caught a cold and that drive back would have been brutal!

Pre-Black Friday Sales

2011-11-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Target nearly ruined Black Friday for me!!!!! LOL

They decided to have a 4-Day Pre Black Friday sale. They enticed with me with vaccuum cleaner. Not the Dyson Ball vac going on sale Friday morning, but a cheaper one. I decided to check it out.

We ended up finding an even better one!! Only $99 and you got a $10 gift card!! It is also lightweight.

I also found the down alternative comforter I wanted. At the same Black Friday price!! It just does not come with the free duvet cover.

Luckily that was all we found LOL. I still have some other stuff on my list.

I may not be going to Topeka, though. The reason for this is that the phone we want at Best Buy went from being free with a new contract to $50, but is supposed to be free again on Black Friday. TJ is contemplating going with me for this! I could always head out to Topeka afterwards. It really depends on what Kohls, Old Navy and Macy's has to offer.

The ads today will help in determining that. If I ever get them!!! I went to get a Daily Union(because they put their sales ads in on Wednesday as they do not put out a paper on Thanksgiving)and they had not delivered yet!! I went to 4 places!!!! I guess their paper is so stuffed with ads that it is taking longer to assemble and deliver LOL. I hate to have to wait until tomorrow to get the Topeka paper!

I am super excited!!

Black Friday Practice

2011-11-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I got in some practice for Black Friday by going to a an aggravatingly crowded store and standing in an absurdley long line.

It wasn't a department store or Target or even Walmart(which I heard was just as crazy, though). It was The Commissary.

I guess I should have expected that the Saturday before Thanksgiving, but I didn't. It was worse than payday!!

I managed to get everything on my list. Unfortunately I forgot to add sparkling cider. I remembered while in line and saw the Welch's display. However, I am a sparkling cider snob and prefer Martinelli's.

I have heard that they are now out of turkeys!! Glad I went when I did!

I have also been thinking about what paper to buy for the ads. Normally I get the Daily Union, which comes out on Wednesday, but looking back at a BF post from ast year it seems they did not have the JCPenney ad, which is a big one for me this year. I am also afraid they will not have a Khol's and Old Navy one since those are not around here. The Topeka-Capitol Journal, however, should have them all. I think I will start with the Daily Union and then get the TCJ if needed.

Less than a week now!!

ManCat Monday With Scout The Reindeer!!

2011-11-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

Why does Mommy do this to me?

It's not cute, it's not funny, it's not amusing!! I feel stupid.

Ahhhhhh...it's trying to eat me!!

I better be getting a good Christmas present and some extra cat treats for this!!

Spiritual Sunday -- They're Going To Do What?

2011-11-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Today we sang one of my most favorite hymns of all -- The Prayer of Thanksgiving. I wait all year to sing this song in church.

They also had flyers for our Christmas dinner and program. I think they have gotten a bit carried away this year. When I first started going we just had a potluck, maybe some light entertainment and Bishop would read the Christmas story from the Bible(much like on General Hospital and Days of Our Lives when one of the patriarchs would read to the children in the hospital). I much prefereed that. And it was easy to invite people to. Last year they decided to class it up, so to speak. First, we had to wear church dress, which was a pain because it was a Friday and that is when I can wear jeans to work. It is hard to go from wearing jeans to church dress. They used real plates and utensils and had cloth tablecloths on the tabes. I am sure the clean up on that was monumental. It is also hard to invite people to when they have to dress up.

This year, though, I think they have lost their minds. In theory the idea is original and interesting, but I am not sure about the actual execution. It is called "Night in Bethlehem" and we are supposed to dress up in robes and stuff, bring wooden or paper bowls and cups and a blanket to sit on as there will be no tables or chairs (less cleanup, though). We will receive only so many shekels to spend on dinner items. There will be people acting out scenes throughout. We have to know all the words to Silent Night.

Um, where should I start? I like the part about wearing robes and head coverings because I LOVE to dress up, but how do you invite someone to this and then tell them they have to dress that way, too??? Personally, the shekel thing doesn't bother me as I know what I like and don't, but what about families with kids who are picky(or numerous) trying to choose what they want and them making sure they have the shekels for it. That could take FOREVER. And if you have ever been to a Mormon social involving food you know it already takes forever to get food! It is hard for me to sit for a long time on the ground as my legs fall asleep when I sit criss cross and it is difficult for me to sit up any other way on the ground. They probably do not want us laying down. For authenticity there really shoud be couches and cushions and such. Also, older members of the church are going to need a chair at least. The flyer basically excudes them as it says no tables or chairs will be set up.

We are not sure if we are going to go. Thoughts?

Thanksgiving Funnies

2011-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

With the day of the bird fastly approaching I thought I would share some random Thanksgiving stuff with you.

The state bird was almost a turkey, not an eagle. I am glad they changed their minds because turkeys are, well, stupid.

My aunt and uncle started coming out to California every Thanksgiving for several years. (That's not the funny part.) They would fly into LAX on the day before -- the busiest travel day of the year!! (Still not the funny part.) My mom hated driving on freeways, but to get from Whittier to LAX by taking Imperial or Rosecrans would take FOREVER so she had to suck it up ant take the 105. (Almost at the funny part.) Luckily, the 105 had a carpool lane and I was very familiar with carpool lanes as I used them to get to work. Unfortunately, my mom did not like riding in the car when anyone else was driving so she had to be the driver. She felt that she would be fine in the carpool lane. For the most part she was. Except for getting on the freeway. At this time we did not know there was a direct entrance from Studebaker road so we got on the 605 first. (This is the funny part) On the onramp from Imperial Hwy there was a meter (stoplight). Only 2 cars (one in each lane) could go at a time. Neither was Diamond(carpool) lane. As we went up the ramp my mom breezed right through the red light at the meter!! Now, my mom barely drives over the speed limit and would NEVER run a red light so I was quite shocked! I asked her what she was doing. Her response was "we're a carpool, we don't have to stop, right?" LOL!! Um, no, not unless there is a diamond lane!!

My aunt always named the turkey and I have carried on the tradition. Last year we had Bartholemew.

One year I heard on the news that Bill Clinton (who was president at the time) had a cranberry mold at his White House Thanksgiving dinner. I was proud to say that we did, too -- cranberry mold in the shape of a can!! I still make this.

Do you have any random or funny Thanksgiving tidbits to share??

Why Would They Make That???

2011-11-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how many of you know this, but I have a huge aversion to balloons. Yes, ballons. Mylar ones are fine, but regular old latex ones freak me out. It is not the ballons themselves, but the potential for them to pop. I HATE popping ballons. I get anxiety if I am around people playing or messing with them. if they are just decoration it is fine, but as soon as you get that potential for the ballon, even just one, to pop, I turn into a basket case!!

I know this is partly due to the anxiety issues I have. I worry about what could be. I do not like to be startled or unpleasntly surprised. I think this is why earthquakes are so traumatizing for me, too.

However, I have also always believed that a toy from my childhood was also responsible for the this aversion. I have vague memories of having a game or something that involved a machine blowing up a ballon and popping it. When I told people about this they would look at me funny and maybe say they had never heard of such a thing. My mom could not recall this. I began to wonder if maybe I was crazy.

Turns out I am not

There really was a ballon popping game and this was it!! Now, it may not have actually belonged to me. There was a girl my family babysat and it could have been hers. I was only 2 at the time. I know this because I do remember playing it in our apartment(we moved when I was 3). BUT the fact of the matter is that this is something that actually existed and very well could be the cause of my balloon issues!

I feel very vindicated.

But it also begs the question.....why the heck would they make a game like that????? First of all, it looks awfully dangerous. Second, don't they know that it has the potential to scar little kids for life???

Have I ever told you of my lifelong fear of fires? Two words: Happy Days

My First Black Friday and Beyond

2011-11-16T04:37:00.000-08:00

Wondering how it all began? I'll tell you!

My first Black Friday experience was with my aunt and uncle when I was in my early twenties. They usually came for Thanksgiving and the night of we were seeing all the ads and decided to go. K-mart was opening at 6am and was giving away a sesame street coloring kit. Since we had a Super K-mart in the next town over that was 24 hours, we got wait inside. After getting that (and possibly a TV) we headed down to Mervyn's(a relative to Target) to get a free Disney Christmas stocking and Target because my aunt and uncle wanted tp get my mom a 2 drawer wooden rolling file cabinet and matching shelf(still have it!).

Now, this next part is hazy. I am not sure if it was the same year or not.

We headed down to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. First we passed where I worked and found a Spires to have breakfast at. After SCP we decided to drive almost an hour away to go to Ontario Mills Mall. I remember finding lots of stuff there!! We also ate at the Wilderness Cafe.

We came home, exhausted (we literally had been shopping ALL day), to find we had company!! I hid out in my bedroom LOL

Another year I just went to K-Mart with my mom to get a TV and another time a DVD. I do not remember any other major Black Friday shopping in California prior to moving.

I did not do ANY Black Friday shopping while living in Florida because I always had to work that day. Boo.

My first year in Knasas, though, I spent Thanksgiving in Illinois. I took my 2 cousins and their friend to Sears, Khol's, Bath and Body Works and Michael's. The next year TJ and I visited California and started our drive back home that day.

I resumed the next year in Junction City. I went to Walmart about 3:30 and got a Red Bull. Then I waited outside of Goody's for them to open at 4am. I got some awesome flannel sheets discounted 70%. Then I went back in to Walmart. got some stuff I needed, picked up a copy of Twilight and then parked my cart near the pallet of DVD's. After they opened those at 5am, I went over and picked up a small blue floor cleaner and checked out!! Then I headed over to Manhattan and it started to snow!! I went to Sears and JCPenney's and Hallmark. Then I went home and slept.

The next year I was in California. I started at Old Navy at The Quad at 3am. Then I went to Khol's at Whitwood at 4am. Then Target. Then Sears. Then Cost Plus. Then JCPenneys. Then I headed over to La Habra and went to Bed Bath and Beyond. I intended to go to Walmart but the lines inside were unbelievable. I then headed back to Whittier, stopping at Goodwill, then Burlington Coat Factory, then Old Navy again. I believe this was the first year I employed my sales flyer system.

Last year I was home again. I started at Walmart in JC at Midnight, but did not end up getting anything at that time! I went home, slept, then headed to Manhattan. Froze outside Target at 4am. Went to Walmart for a printer at 5am. JCPenneys or Sears after.

This year I will be doing Topeka, as you know. Starting at Midnight!! I have come a long way from that first time at 6am!!!

My Mom

2011-11-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

2 years ago today my mom was reunited with my dad and her parents and many others in heaven. In honor of this day I thought I would share some photos with you. I photographed these from a scrapbook I made of my mom a few years ago.

School pictures

At her sister's wedding

Graduation Day

California

At work at Uniroyal

Either her sister's 25th anniversary party or my dad's cousin's wedding

Sometime in the 80's

Knott's Berry Farm

At a party

Michigan Park

In her backyard

Easter

Family Portrait

My college graduation

Bears Fan

Random

Teenage picture

I also put up her angels

Mancat Monday With Silly Scout

2011-11-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!! My face disappeared!!!!!

Just kidding!! Did I fool you???

I am back! And I have stuff to share with you. Mommy got me a new kitty bed
It is so big and spacious, but she took the covers off it yesterday because Grandmommy's angels were in there(and the Thanksgiving deorations in the smaller one) and we had to put them up for the anniversary of Grandmommy's journey to heaven tomorrow. But now she has forgotten to put them back on!!

The other thing is that I have discovered a wonderful, magical, mystical new place called THE HALL. I used to be kind of afraid of it, but now I have discovered there are lots and lots of stairs to climb and strange new places to explore!!! Mommy, however, does not like climbing all the stairs so I rarely get to go in THE HALL, but I do get to go outside quite a bit :)

I also get to sleep with mommy on her side of the bed at night, sometimes right up agains the pillow!!

I hope you all have a great week!!

Black Friday Decisions

2011-11-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

The big decision right now -- where to go to first??????

It is down to 3. All open at Midnight

Old Navy --
Pros: They are giving away a free Waterproof Kodak Easy Share camera bundle with the first however-many purchases over $40. That's 3 pairs of their $15 jeans for TJ! Old Navy is in the mall so it would be a warm wait.
Cons: I am have not been able to definitely determine if the camera is actually included in the bundle! And I do not take that many waterproof-needing pictures. Jeans and the other clothes offered there are not a huge priority.

Target --
Pros: $30 alternative down comforter with free duvet over. This is a HUGE priority and the cheapest offering I have seen. The only one with a free duvet over. Also on the opposite end of the road where the other places I want to visit are so a great place to start(as opposed to driving back and forth due to the different times of opening).
Cons: I almost froze to death waiting outside Target last year. Granted, it was in Manhattan, not Topeka and 4am in the morning, not midnight. Not sure if the quality is as good on this comforter and I really do not need a duvet cover at this point, since it will be new.

Walmart:
Pros: $18 Hamilton Beach standing mixer, warm wait insoide as it is open 24 hours, awesome excitement of waiting for the plastic on the palates to be cut by all the employees!!
Cons: Not the biggest priority, I doubt there will be a rush on these, and Sears also has one for just a bit more in case these are gone by the time I get there.

Right now I am leaning toward Walmart for the warmth and excitement. However, Target is a close 2nd. I will probably just save Old Navy for when I do the mall. I got JC Penney's at 4am for the Memory Foam(biggest priority) and also Sears.

There are so many ads out right now I cannot keep everything straight!!! LOL Looking forward to the physical sale bills in just a little over a week!

Computer Casualties and Mom's House

2011-11-11T16:31:00.001-08:00

So, my computer is back, but he is not entirely whole. They were not able to save my Favorites for the internet. I was able to recall most of the blogs I read(that I do not follow through Blogger!), plus a couple other websites I visit.

My recipes, however, are GONE. Oh well. Ones I have already used and loved are easy to find agaon because I know where they came from. But there were many more I had not yet tried. I am very sad about that.

In other news, my mom's house is up for resale! That was a very quick flip. My friend, Kim, drove by and took this picture of the outside for me.

I looked it up online and found where it was listed and they had pictures of the inside as well. You can view it HERE

What they did is absolutely amazing!! The house looks so beautiful. I am so glad they were able to restore it and make it look beautiful again.

I will have more blogs soon on the Veteran's Day Parade, the first snow, Thanksgiving preparations and more Black Friday Preparation and Scout will post as well. Luckily my pictures were not wiped out on the computer!!

What have you been up to lately???

Black Friday-- It's On !!!!

2011-11-07T16:04:00.001-08:00

My computer is sick with a virus and in the hospital(Best Buy). Also getting some "surgical" enhancement with Microsoft Office LOL. In the meantime I am on my husband's computer and do not have access to pictures. Scout will have his ManCat post later this week.

The ads have begun to be released for Black Friday and I am finding stuff on my list!!

It looks like I will be hitting Kohl's at Midnight. They have rings(something I recently added) and the down(alternative) comforter. They also have towels on sale, but not sure they are big enough. And vaccuum cleaners!! I also saw some gloves I am interested in.

I will be at JC Penney's at 4am. They also have the down (alternative) comforter, towels and rings. In addition, they have a memory foam bed topper, any size, $38.99!!!!!! This is something we really want and need. And they give you a free Mickey Mouse snowglobe :) They also did have a free standing mixer. It was $100 after mail-in rebate. I would prefer for that price the savings be immediate.

I am still waiting for the sales flyers from Sears, Target, and Walmart.

I cannot wait to get the hard copies and start putting my own "flyers" together.

Have you seen any leaked ads?? If not you can go here http://bfads.net/ or like their Facebook page.

Not OK!!!

2011-11-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Do you know what happened just a little while ago???

My couch MOVED!

It went back and forth, back and forth.

Except it wasn't my couch, it was the ground!!

There was an EARTHQUAKE. In Kansas! Only it wasn't Kansas,it was Oklahoma. But it was big enough to feel here.

That is not ok.

We should only have to worry about tornadoes and ice storms. Maybe a blizzard.

But not earthquakes. I moved AWAY from California to get away from those. I know there are fault lines everywhere, but still.

I thought Scout was in the couch, but quickly realized the movement was not jerky enough. It was a rolling motion. I knew then immediately what was going on.
Then I went outside. A guy across the parking lot came out on his balcony and was leaning over the railing to see if the neighbors were responsible LOL

One good thing, though, is that I could not hear it (because there was no shaking). I did not have to put my hands over my ears and yell, which is my normal earthquake reaction. I did have a few choice words after, though.

Unfortunately TJ is at drill this weekend(and closer to the epicenter but apparently slept through it) so sleep is going to be tricky tonight.

I think Scout tried to warn me earlier by meowing by the front door and tearing up the carpet, but he normally does that so it was ineffective. When it happened he was in the spareroom and came out only because I opened the back door.

Let's hope this doesn't happen again.

Success With Scout

2011-11-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!! I sure am blogging a lot this week!! Today I wanted to tell you what happened yesterday. I was spending 5 hours on my mommy's legs and then she picked me up and announced we were going upstairs to meet the new kitty! I was excited, but when we got up there it was super noisy in the apartment across the hall and I did not like it (I don't like those people, either. They are rude to my friend, Merle's, parents.) Then Ms. D opened her door and I felt better. But the noise kept scaring me.

Then they brought Zoey out. OMC, she is the most beautiful kitty I have ever seen!! She is a brownnish tabby and has big beautiful hazel eyes. I think the noise was scaring her, too, because she jumped out of her mommy's arms. Ms. D asked to hold me, but I got scared and accidentally dug my claws into her so she let me down.

I went over and introduced myself to Zoey with a butt sniff. She said hi, too, but then she hissed at me! I decided to give her some space and looked around her apartment instead. I guess she did not like that because she growled and hissed at me!

Sigh.

I know I will eventually win her over. It will have to be from a distance, though, until she stops hissing at me! Her mommies said she will be able to come out on the balcony more once she stops trying to jump off it!! LOL. She is a brave kitty like me. When she is on the balcony and I am outside we can talk to each other :)

Right now I am back on my mommy's legs for another 5 hours.
(Scout is exaggerating the time just a bit)

Black Friday Countdown

2011-11-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

It is getting closer!!! This is just an update, though.

I have decided to spend this year's Black Friday in Topeka!! I have been hesitant to do this before as it is an hour drive, but I think with some Red Bull and loud music it will be fine :)

Toys R Us is opening at 10pm, but I think I am going to hold out until the midnight opening of Target :) Macy's also opens at midnight. I think Walmart will, too, and probably Sears. Oh, and Kohl's!! I know JCPenny's won't open until 4am.

My tentative plan is to have dinner at about 2pm(maybe earlier) on Thursday and then take a nap no later than 6, but hopefully by 4 or 5. I will get up at 10 or 10:30 and be on the road by 11pm for the midnight openings!

I am hoping to find deals on a down comforter(going to get anyway for our big Christmas gift, but it would be nice to find it on sale!), free standing mixer under $100(I can HOPE), big towels or bath sheets, a nice vaccum cleaner under $100, a cat tree or condo for Scout(another thing I will be getting anyway, but am hoping for a deal), memory foam for our bed, blue Christmas lights(gonna get regardless), and snowpants.

Are you going to Black Friday? What is the earliest you will go? What stores?

Halloween Night 2011

2011-11-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

After a fun day at the pumpkin patch followed by Mr. Ryan reading The TellTale Heart and an impromptu popcorn party I came home and hurried to decorate for any potential Trick or Treaters!! We were given things to put on our doors to show we were participating so I wanted the hall decorated (since I would not be sitting out on my porch)

I redid the porch a bit

I put glowsticks in my pumpkin and skeletons

I dressed up as a superhero witch

And of course Miss K and her brother came by before going to their church's Trunk or Treat

That was it. No Trick or Treaters :( It was okay, though, since I got my trick or treating fix at our church's Trunk or Treat on Friday. I took the leftover candy to work and it all disappeared save one Hershey Bar :)

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-11-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Every year on Halloween our school tries to do something fun. My first year there we went up to Milford Lake Nature Center for the day. the next year we had activities around the school. Last year we wore costumes in the afternoon and went Trick or Treating at local businesses. This year, we went to pumpkin patches. Our lower grades went to one in Clay Center and the older kids went to Walter's Pumpkin Patch in Burns, KS.

I was able to be with the class I am normally with most of the day :) It was fun to watch them have fun and some things I even joined in on stuff like the jumping pillow and corn pit. I did not go down the underground slide or play on the playground LOL

I did go into the corn maze with a few kiddos

And managed to lose them all LOL

They all made it out though, of course.

After lunch we took a tractor pull ride out to the pumpkin field

Before choosing our pumpkins(everyone got 1) we learned about the different kinds.

I chose a perfect littlish one and one of the kids took this picture for me :)

I really liked this place. I had heard of it before and was told it was awesome. It is over an hour away, though, but I think well worth the drive. I plan to go back on my own next year and get a few pumpkins :) I wonder what we will do at school?

Have you been to the pumpkin patch? What was it like?

Devil Kitty Has His Say

2011-10-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Do you know how long I was in that stupid Devil Costume today???

10 HOURS!!!

It was 2, Scout.

I hear there is a group called PETA and I think their purpose is to make sure kitties do not have to wear horrible costumes!!

I am pretty cute in this picture, though

But I am NEVER EVER wearing that stupid costume again!!

I am buying you a new costume next year, Scout :)

NO Mommy!! NO MORE COSTUMES!!

I mean it!!

Luckily I wasn't wearing that hateful thing when I met the new cat upstairs. She is beautiful!!

I will have to show her my new ESS :)

ManCat Monday With Excited Scout

2011-10-31T01:15:00.000-07:00

Friends, I have had the most wonderful weekend!! Even though Mommy left me for HOURS on Saturday. It was okay, though because she had to go buy me this...

A Curvy Scratchy Thing!! I have wanted one FOREVER. All the coolest cats in Blogland have them. It feels super good on my claws(better than the carpet and I LOVE the carpet!) and is comfy to rest against

I had asked for one of these awhile ago, but Mommy said they were expensive and maybe Santa Paws would bring me one for Christmas. But she found this one at Big Lots for only $12!! And decided I shouldn't have to wait until Christmas!!

Now all I need is a Cat Condo :)

I also had a fantastic adventure this week. Mommy put that stupid devil costume on me, but then she did something completely unexpected. She let me out without a leash!! She thought I would stay on the patio trying to get it off, but no way!! I was not going to pass up a chance at freedom, even with an embarrassing costume on. I took off!! I went all the way down the parking lot and found a cool trail to follow. Mommy followed me!! I teased her by letting her get close, then raced ahead. It was so much fun! We went MILES!! Then I let Mommy catch me and she carried me all the way home :) And, as a bonus, she has not put that hateful costume on me again! She also gave me a fun plastic thing to play with

And let me take a dirt bath!!

I also discovered that her costume tub is a very comfy place to take a nap!!

The new cat moved in upstairs, too. I haven't seen her yet, but I know she is up there. I can't wait to meet her!!

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Abilene and Salina 10-29-11

2011-10-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Before attending Stake Conference in the evening (which I will talk about as part of Spiritual Sunday) I took some time to go shopping in Abilene and Salina. First, though, I stopped at The Greyhound Hall of Fame

To visit Jade

And Gary

I also snapped some pictures of the Eisenhower Library and Museum across the street.

He is buried in this building(with his wife and young son) and it is also a place of meditation)

Next I went to my favorite antique stop. I always was on the lookout for Camp Snoopy glasses there and I only found one once. Wouldn't you know that now I have a set I actually found some there???? I did break one, but could not remember which one to try to replace it LOL. I did find, though, a California handkerchief and a Mickey Mouse glass and Disney cup

I wanted the glass and it came with the cup -- $2.00!!!

Next stop was Russell Stover's!

I got TJ a box of Valentine chocolates

And myself an Easter box with bunny and treats for the kiddos at school

After that I headed to Salina on Old 40, which is more fun than the Interestate :) My first stop in town was the mall. I went to JoAnn's(yep, it is right in the mall!) and got a carvable pumpkin on sale, material for a Thanksgiving pillow and a felt snowflake to decorate.

Next I had a slice of pizza and bought a churro. Before I left the mall I had to use the bathroom so I decided to go in Sears to use theirs. I took a detour through pajamas and found a pretty blue nighty and a pink shirt

As I was leaving the mall I ran into people from church :) When I got to my car I realized I had forgotten the skirt I was supposed to bring along to wear for the conference. I could have gone in pants, but would have really felt out of place. I went back downtown to Salvation Army and found a skirt for $3!! It is also a nice warm one for the winter :)

On the way back to where all the chain stores are I passed Kansas Wesleyan University

It is such a pretty campus. One day I want to walk around and explore it.

Back down by the mall I went to the new Big Lots and found the best purchase of the day!!

A curved kitty scratching thing!! For only $12!! I have heard that cats love these and they are very effective. I had planned to get him one for Christmas. I have never seen one under $20 before, though. I couldn't wait until Christmas to give it to him(he has already messed up the carpet around the front door). I was afraid I would have to regularly spray it with catnip to get him to use it, but Scout took right to it. He has used it to scratch and lay on.

The last stop before Conference was Party City. It was not as crowded as I expected 2 days before Halloween. I bought this little guy on sale

After Conference I stopped at Braum's for the best nonfat milk ever!!

And I decided to try their chocolate. Now, normally I also get a Peanut Butter Fudge Sundae, but tonight I just wasn't feeling it. Instead I got a Coke Float, chili, and their awesome crinkle cut fries.

Then I came home :)

Trunk Or Treat With a Twist

2011-10-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

Things I learned last night --

1. It is very easy to be mistaken for a pumpkin when you are actually dressed as a FABULOUS Carrot, when your husband with bunny ears is not with you (and your headband is actually a pumpkin top, not a carrot top)

2. Motorcycles are not very common at Mormon Trunk or Treats.

I will start by showing you my FABULOUS Carrot costume. The boa is what distinguishes it from just a plain old carrot costume

TJ was going to be late so I brought a date until he got there

By the time TJ got there we were finishing up dinner so no one really got to see us as a FABULOUS Carrot and Bunny

It was then time for Trunk or Treat

Bishop said that this was the first time he ever saw a motorcycle at Trunk or Treat

Kids and parents alike were VERY surprised to see a FABULOUS Carrot/Pumpkin handing candy out from the seat of a motorcycle

We ran out of candy and then walked around to see the other trunks. Bishop had this display of Stripling Warriors(a story in the Book of Mormon)

Then some random kid(I swear, I have no idea whose he was) wanted me to take a picture of him, which I did, because he was a ham. I will not be posting his picture as I have no idea who he was.

It was a very fun night. Next year I think I am going to go as Hello Kitty and have a Hello Kitty pumpkin.

Devil Kitty On the Loose!!!!

2011-10-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

I made a grave error in judgement the other night. My cat was driving me crazy so I put his devil costume on him. He is so cute in it!! He was still for maybe a minute, but then started trying to get out of it.

Then I got the brilliant idea that it would be ok to send him outside without a leash, as long as he had his costume on. I figured he would just hang around trying to get it off.

WRONG.

As soon as I opened the door he took off!! First across the parking lot as usual, then down to the end of the parking lot. That is usually as far as he goes.

Not this time.

Scout decided he would just take off on a little adventure. There is a paved trail that borders the complex and there is tall grass alongside it. Scout thought it would be fun to just trot alongside the grass with me following him. Everytime I got close he would sprint ahead.

He still had his costume on, but the hood had slipped off his head so instead of a devil he looked like a little bandit on the run!!

I finally was able to grab him and carried him all the way back home. He was not very happy with this.

But I think his mission of showing me just how much he hates his costume was accomplished!!