The Adventures of Scarlet O'Kara

It's Four Days Til Halloween...

2010-10-27T09:24:00.002-04:00

And all this little one is singing is "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth".

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Starting The Countdown For Halloween

2010-09-23T21:28:00.003-04:00

The girls have plans for spending Sunday afternoon getting out all the Halloween decorations...as long as they can pry their father away from the football games. Shouldn't be too hard since the Bucs game is being blacked out.

And speaking of decorating...what do you think of the girls' costumes? We're calling them the Candy Corn Coven.

I need to find orange & white striped knee socks and some cute black shoes. Might even get creative and paint their fingernails like candy corns.

Hope you all are getting excited for the start of the Holiday season. :o)

It Wasn't Pretty...

2010-09-05T13:21:00.004-04:00

but a win is a win.

(AP Photo / John Raoux)

Now start preparing for next week's game against the USF Bulls.

I also got to watch my nephew play in his 3rd football game.

(Here he is at kick-off, third from the right. My hubby was excited about helping out on the sidelines)

(Here he is, far left)

(This one is my favorite...)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Football Saturday.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2010-09-01T14:55:00.003-04:00

Because I sure am! Gator Football starts this Saturday!!!!

Cannot wait!

"Go Gators!"

My Baby Is A Second Grader!

2010-08-24T09:32:00.003-04:00

Right about now Kyla is learned all about what it takes to be successful in her new class...and I am listening to the heavenly sound of silence in my house...well at least it will be silent until Bryleigh come come. :0)

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

How Do Your Kids Nap?

2010-08-10T21:59:00.003-04:00

On the rare occasion that I actually get to nap, my position starts with me stretched out on the couch. I only end up like this when someone is trying to wake me up...against my will.

Now, I'm almost positive that I have never napped like this.

Not even when I was a wild college student!

How can this possibly be comfortable? My back is starting to spasm just looking at this.

The Beautiful Couple - Phil & Lesley

2010-07-03T23:07:00.006-04:00

I was just going thru some old photos and memories of my grandparents came flooding back to me.

These two people are my Grandma & Grandpa S. They met in grade school and only had eyes for each other for as long as my grandmother was alive.

My grandfather worked hard all day and happily came home to his childhood sweetheart and their five children. He built their house by hand while she cooked and cleaned their home as well as the home next door where both of their mothers lived.

My grandmother never enjoyed driving, so my grandpa always delighted in squiring his fair maiden to where ever her heart desired, be it the grocery store, farmer's market, or her favorite dress boutique.

They played golf together, danced together, cooked together, and loved together. When you saw one, you most certainly saw the other.

So it was heartbreaking when dementia rapidly took her memories away shortly after their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

He took care of her for as long as he could by himself and then spent all of his days taking care of her in the nursing home until she passed away 15 years ago this summer.

He was devastated but carried on with the love and support of their 5 children, their respective spouses, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

Then early on Valentine's Day almost 10 years later, they were reunited....finally.

I'm pretty sure that they are still enjoying their endless love in heaven, and I'm still missing them...

My Girls Are Growing Up...

2010-06-27T17:59:00.003-04:00

and I have mixed emotions. I'm so happy and proud of the little ladies that they have become, but I'm also missing my little baby girls too...

A Bit Ironic...

2010-06-06T18:31:00.002-04:00

but maybe they'll take their own advice. As a Floridian who loves her Coastline, I can only hope and pray.

I Must Be A Queen...

2010-05-18T18:14:00.004-04:00

because my daughters are little princesses.

These two can walk better in heels than some women I know!

To All Of The Wonderful Moms That I Have Been Blessed To Have In My Life...

2010-05-08T23:02:00.003-04:00

You make a difference in the lives of your children.

Not Sure Why...

2010-05-03T20:49:00.005-04:00

but I'm kinda excited about this movie.

This isn't the type of movie that I would normally chose to see either.

Also concerned that I think Robert Downey, Jr. is really hot...

Normally I really dislike guys with goatees.

Am I the only mom who is really excited about Iron Man 2?

This is just so weird for me to be this way about a movie.

Just and FYI for you...My husband has already purchased advanced tickets for our Friday Night Date. :0)

Little Green Visitors Snuck Into My Yard

2010-04-27T00:54:00.004-04:00

and look what they left behind!

I feel so loved!

Have I mentioned how much I love being a Girl Scout Leader?

I'm On A Roll Now...

2010-04-22T21:49:00.003-04:00

it's been how many weeks since my last post and I do two in one day! Let's see if I can keep this up...

Had to share this photo with you all...

Bryleigh picked out her outfit all by herself today....is she a future fashionista or what!

Love this kid!

Remember Me?

2010-04-22T18:46:00.003-04:00

I'm the one who use to post to this blog...that slacker blogger known as Scarlet O'Kara.

Cannot believe that it is been so long. Not sure if anyone is even reading any more.

If you are, hope you are doing well. I've been pretty busy with every day life, but hopeful that things will be slowing down soon.

Then I can get back to my blog.

The girls are doing well...

...and a nice, relaxing summer is in my sights.

Chat soon...

The True Sign Of A Sickly 2 Year Old

2010-02-02T13:14:00.003-05:00

When they are sitting quiet enough for the cat to cuddle with them.

Hope you are having a great day.

Future Blogger In Training

2010-01-19T15:12:00.003-05:00

hopefully she'll update more frequently than me!

I'm Back From The Holidays...

2010-01-10T10:31:00.004-05:00

and will be uploading some photos later...but had to share this one.

Kyla lost her first tooth!

She is so excited.

Days 2 Of The Elf Invasion

2009-12-04T00:16:00.006-05:00

So, our second day of having Tinsel and Sparkle went pretty well. The girls woke up early and ran into the livingroom to see the elves. They were surprised to find them gone from their window perches...and then searched the house looking for them.

They found the report from Sarge...

as well as Tinsel hanging from the kitchen table chandalier and Sparkle dangling from the microwave handle. Tinsel was mischevious and messed up some of the crayons that Kyla had left out, while Sparkle helped herself to some banana chocolate chip muffins. Would have shown some pictures, but they didn't turn out.

Tomorrow morning, the girls will hopefully enjoy the morning search again...

Midnight Visitors From The North Pole

2009-12-02T01:17:00.004-05:00

About an hour and a half ago, I was getting ready for bed when I heard a commotion in the living room. When I went out to investigate, look what I found...

The elves that the girls requested have arrived.

This is Sparkle.

And this is Tinsel.

They even have a letter of introduction from their boss at the North Pole.

Hopefully the girls will be on their best behavior around these two.

Today Is My Baby's 2nd Birthday!

2009-11-11T15:37:00.002-05:00

Here are just scenes from the great day that we are having today...

(Snoozing on the floor while breakfast is being made)

(Feeding the cats)

(Breakfast with daddy)

(Frosting cupcakes with the boyfriend)

(Bubble bath playdate!)

Cannot believe that it has been two years since this beautiful girl came into our lives...

Signs That My 6 Year Old Is Growing Up

2009-11-04T13:51:00.002-05:00

(1) She is now waking up on her own and getting dressed without my help. I'm proud of her, but a part of me is also crying inside. She doesn't need me as much anymore...

(2) In front of the Special Assembly at her school today, she told everyone that she was going to be a ROCK STAR when she grows up.

(3) Just look at this photo...

Where did my little girl go?

Having Fun In Sonoma

2009-10-18T01:14:00.003-04:00

Wasn't sure that we were going to make it here because we kept getting lost trying to make our way out of San Francisco.

Went to 4 wineries today. Kunde Family Estate Winery was really nice. We enjoyed the Cave tour as well as a couple of tastings. Had a wonderful pourer (John) who gave us a great tip on a smaller winery...so off we went to find Loxton Winery. Loved this place! Every wine that we tried at Loxton was fabulous...and our pourer (Jeff) gave us the name of another small winery to try...so off to Wellington Vineyards. Had a great time talking with the couple that was pouring...and followed their recommendation to try Little Vineyards. Loved their wines too.

So, it looks like we are going to be coming back with alot of wines. Party at my house... :0)

(Try not to judge me on this photo. I'm jet-lagged and fighting hay fever. Gotta love Harvest Time.)

The Cruel Things That Siblings Do To Each Other

2009-10-13T20:28:00.003-04:00

Growing up, my older sister and I loved to torment our baby sister. It seems to be a favorite pass time for the two of us to dream up new ways to torture (but not hurt) the baby of the family. Why did we want to make her life miserable? Because we "always" had to babysit or take her with us when going out with friends.

Well, all these awful things have now become favorite stories for our kids to request to be told over and over again. Many a family gathering will end with us sitting around sharing the many terrible things that she was put thru. And being a good-hearted and forgiving person, she just sits and smiles...as well as adding details that we left out.

The all time favorite story took place on Halloween when an enlisted friend dressed me up in his military camo, complete with face paint...and he did such a great job that no one knew who I was. As I was getting ready for bed that night, I heard baby sis getting ready for bed too. She had just arrived home and was not around earlier to see me all dressed up.

Well the "evil older sister" in me decided to wait until she when into the bathroom and then see if I could scare her. The military issue knife that my friend let me borrow would come in handy as a great prop too.

Now little sister had grown wise to the horrid ways of her older sisters. She locked the bathroom door...but that didn't stop me. I put the knife between my teeth...quietly picked the lock...threw the door open...jumped into the middle of the room...and screamed like a mad person.

Poor little girl was so surprised and scared that she screamed, tried to jump up off the potty, got her feet tangled up in her pants, fell back down on the potty, then slide between the toilet and tub where she became stuck. And that is when I started laughing...

Well in honor of my baby sister who still loves me after all of the evil things that I did to her, why don't you tell me something evil that you did to one of your siblings?

Potty Training Mishap

2009-10-08T12:32:00.003-04:00

See what happens when an almost 2 year old decides that she can "do it herself"?

Was it wrong to take a photo before helping her out?

Afterwards, she thought it was pretty funny showing everyone her wet bum...

(DISCLAIMER - no child was hurt in the production of this post. She was just frustrated that she had to get mommy to help.)

I'm A Bad Mother...

2009-09-22T22:18:00.003-04:00

because I have been spending too much time trying to get all the PTA membership sorted and not enough time making sure that Bryleigh doesn't run a-muck.

Looks like I've failed. She is already taking romantic bubble baths with her boyfriend.

Good Bye Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T00:08:00.005-04:00

You were one of my first crushes...

I loved you as the caring older brother in The Outsiders.

Was afraid for you in Red Dawn.

Loved your man in uniform look in The North & The South.

Wanted to take dancing lessons from you in Dirty Dancing.

And Pottery Lessons after watching Ghost.

Considered surfing because of Point Break.

And just adored looking at you in Road House.

I even enjoyed your performance in To Wong Fu Thanks For Every Thing Julie Newmar, but had a hard time looking at you as a woman...

I will continue to watch your movies every chance that I get.

(August 18, 1952 - September 14, 2009)

You will be missed...

My condolences to your lovely wife, Lisa Niemi.

Busy Life = Lack Of Posts

2009-09-12T21:58:00.004-04:00

Sorry to be such a bad blogger, but the craziness of "back to school" is still taking over my life. So, I'll offer this photo as a peace offering...

Isn't she the cutest? Now you see why I have to nibble on her face every chance that I get...

Only 4 More Days

2009-09-01T16:30:00.005-04:00

until College Football Season 2009 begins. Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? I mean besides Haute Mama (Tennessee), Laura (Alabama), & WPMomOf2 (LSU). Even though I'm a Gator, I'll still cheer for your teams because they're SEC...but look out when we meet on the gridiron.

In all of my giddy excitement, I learned some really interesting facts that many of you may not know about my incredible boys in Blue & Orange.

Did you know that...

(1) UF has allowed the fewest punt returns (56) and fewest return yards (231) in the nation since 2005. That's an average of only 4.1 yards per return.

(2) The Gators have blocked 26 kicks (16 punts, 7 field goals, and 3 extra points) since 2005, the most of any team in the Country.

(3) The Gators were the only team in the SEC to pass for more than 30 touchdowns and rush for more than 40 in 2008.

(4) Florida has scored 411 points off turnovers created by the defense since 2005.

(5) Florida returned a school-record 5 interceptions for touchdowns last year. They tied for the most in the nation with Boston College and Missouri.

(Credit for these facts goes to Mike DiFerdinando, Tampa Tribune, 09 01 09)

View From The Flu

2009-08-30T11:47:00.004-04:00

The Flu bug has bitten my house and doesn't want to leave.

We are now going on Day 4 of our self-imposed quarantine. I am so over this...

Summer Is Over And School Has Begun!

2009-08-25T16:05:00.004-04:00

Here was Ky's expression this morning as I tried to take her picture before school.

She told me that she is too grown up for Mommy to walk her into class...but Daddy was allowed. So, I trailed behind and shot a couple photos when she wasn't paying attention.

You can see the rest of them over here.

Guess What The Girls & I Did Yesterday?

2009-08-09T13:37:00.003-04:00

It has to do with these...

Go here to learn more.

Please Tell Me That I'm Not The Only One "Weirded Out" By This Doll.

2009-08-05T22:49:00.005-04:00

Your daughter can breastfeed her baby "just like mommy does"!

Don't get me wrong. I am pro-breastfeeding...but honestly I do not want to buy a doll that makes sucking sounds when my daughter puts it to her chest...after she has put on the special halter top with the strategically placed daises that she can lift up and acts just like the nursing bra that mommy wears.

Is this beyond creepy or what?

I Am The Coolest Mom Ever!

2009-08-02T13:26:00.003-04:00

At least that's what my girls told me at the Demi Lavado concert. Not sure if any of you have ever seen her perform live, but she is one talented little girl. She sings, dances, plays the piano, and the guitar...not to mention she is also an actress. If you have children who enjoy The Disney Channel, then I would highly recommend going to see her.

The girls danced...

and sang...

and we had a blast!

Head over here to see some more photos from the show.

There Was A Boom Boom....

2009-07-31T10:59:00.003-04:00

and then they landed safely.

Welcome Back to earth. Glad you all landed safely.

Just another perk about living in Sunny, FL. You get to see and hear the shuttles.

Next launch is scheduled for the very early morning hours of August 25th. Night launches are so beautiful.

If you are ever near Cape Canaveral, I highly recommend a visit.

Wonder if the crew had the forethought to pack cheesecake for yesterday's celebration?

Do You Know Why Today Is Such A Wonderful Day?

2009-07-30T10:09:00.003-04:00

Today is National Cheesecake Day! Isn't that some of the best news that you could expect to hear today?

What kind of cheesecake should I have today? I love plain cheesecake, but fresh fruit on cheesecake tastes great too. And I simply cannot resist any type of cheese that has hot fudge or caramel on it either. Lots to think about today. So many choices...

Go out and celebrate. Have a slice for me, OK?

Just To Make You Smile...

2009-07-28T13:31:00.002-04:00

because she has that same effect on me. Don't you just love watching kids eat noodles?

I posted the rest over here...

So Sorry...

2009-07-28T10:02:00.002-04:00

about the lack of posts lately. Just been really busy with the girls and preparing for heading back to school. Besides, has anyone else fallen into that dreaded blogging slump?

See Honey...

2009-07-20T18:10:00.002-04:00

Tabby does love you...and misses you when you're gone...

so much so that she is laying on your stinky flip flops because they smell like you.

Now that is what I call "True Love".

Help Wanted - Vacation Planning

2009-07-14T15:52:00.004-04:00

This October, my husband and I will be celebrating 11 years as husband and wife.

As a way to mark this event, we decided to take our first "Just Us" vacation in almost 7 years. Originally, we had talked about going to some tropical place in the Caribbean...and then remembered that hurricanes really like to visit that area in October. Our wedding was almost postponed because of a hurricane and our first and second anniversaries had "run ins" with the mighty wind & rain machines as well.

So, now we are planning on our first visit to California Wine Country.

The first place that comes to mind is Napa, but I'm worried that it has become "too commercialized" with one tourist trap after another. Then we talked about Sonoma Valley. Our brief online research leads us to believe that Sonoma is quaint and not going to be "wall-to-wall" with buses full of tourists.

With that being said, could I get some ideas from any of you who have been to either place? Which location has a better "non-touristy' feel? What is a "must do"? What should we not even waste our time and money on? Any and all advice is going to be greatly appreciated.

Just Have To Give A Shout Out To Cool Gal and her Rib Recipe.

2009-07-07T13:35:00.004-04:00

We had it last night and had to tell you about it. They were super easy to make and tasted heavenly. And for me to rave about a Rib recipe is something. (I'm the type of person that cannot eat any meat on the bone...just one of the many quirks that make me who I am...)

Here is the recipe -

Cool Gal’s Easy Baby Back Ribs & BBQ Sauce

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

1 rack of baby back ribs, membrane removed (butcher can do this); cut into individual pieces (A little over 2 lbs.).

Place ribs in a baking dish. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.

Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile put together BBQ sauce.

1 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup vinegar (white, distilled)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar

Cook on stove until combined. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Pour sauce over ribs. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours (Don't forget to drop oven temperature to 350 degrees.)

The ribs will be so tender they will fall off the bone. There will be extra sauce in the bottom of the pan which you can stir and drizzle over the top of the ribs

I also had to "borrow" her photo

because this is all that was left of 3 racks of ribs once my family got a hold of them!

Wish I could share her blog because she is just as wonderful as her rib recipe, but unfortunately she had to make it private. I'm just thankful that she decided to continue to write. Why some people feel the need to leave nasty comments about other peoples' personal thoughts is something I will never understand. Didn't every ones' mother teach them that "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, then don't say anything at all". I know mine did.

College Football Season Is Almost Here!

2009-07-03T10:26:00.002-04:00

Let the rivalry begin!

Scarlet O'Kara is so excited that my former Tennessee Volunteer-lovin niece Kadence is now my Gator Girl!

Take that Uncle Kebin!

What Do You Do On A Rainy Day With Seven Little Girls?

2009-07-02T18:26:00.003-04:00

Have a cupcake decorating party!

Head over to my photo blog to see the rest of the fun!

Want To Enter A Give-Away?

2009-07-01T16:56:00.003-04:00

If so, head over to Madras And Pearls. She is hosting her first giveaway.

Leave a comment and you get one entry. Follow her blog and you get two entries. Post about her giveaway and you get three.

Can you guess which one I did?

This Man Should Have Been Fixed A Long Time Ago!

2009-06-30T17:29:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the story about the single father of 9 who abandoned his children? Well guess what...he's going to be a father again! And according to some news agencies, the girlfriend is expecting twins! When asked why he'll be able to handle the parenting better this time, he said it's because he won't have to do it alone. Give me a break! What a self-centered jerk!

This news is being announced just days after he gives up all of his parental rights to the abandoned children...saying that he could not handle the stress and didn't have the desire to be a parent after his wife and the mother of the children died shortly after giving birth to the youngest. He had said that he never wanted to be a parent again.

Guess he lied about that too...

Those poor children. Why can deadbeats have so many children but good, decent people are left childless?

Are We Working On The Next 3?

2009-06-29T11:20:00.003-04:00

Billy Mays was found dead yesterday morning by his wife. He was the same age as Micheal Jackson. Fifty is too young.

(July 20, 1958 - June 28, 2009)

Not sure about the rest of you, but I loved watching his commercials. He had such a great voice. I bought Oxi Clean, Orange Glo, or Kaboom because of him.

Rest in peace Billy.

How Cute Is This Shirt?!?!

2009-06-26T15:21:00.001-04:00

I think that this might be showing up in my closet...just in time for Gator Football Season 2009!

Everyone Says That Things Happen In 3s...

2009-06-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

and this time it is true.

First Ed McMahon...

Second Farrah Fawcett...

Third Michael Jackson...

Was not expecting this one.

(August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009)

Good Bye King Of Pop.

Very sad day...

Good-Bye Farrah.

2009-06-25T13:06:00.002-04:00

(February 2, 1947 - June 25, 2009)

You will be missed.

I Must Be Insane.

2009-06-23T17:26:00.003-04:00

That can be the only explaination. Why else would I decided to start a photo blog.

Now if I could just figure out how to quickly post more than 5 photos as a time...

Another Legend Is Gone...

2009-06-23T08:45:00.003-04:00

Ed McMahon has passed away.

So very sad at this news. I loved hearing his voice and watching him with Johnny Carson.

The two of them were magical together. Late night TV has never been the same since they retired from The Tonight Show.

Rest In Peace Ed. Johnny's been waiting.

Can you imagine the laughs in heaven now that the two of them are together again?

(March 6, 1923 - June 23, 2009)

My prayers to your family and loved ones.

This Is For My Husband, My Father, My Father-In-Law...

2009-06-21T00:32:00.002-04:00

and all the other men in my life that are Fathers...

Hope you have a wonderful day.

Today Is Flag Day, But

2009-06-14T10:35:00.002-04:00

it is also my Mother-in-Law's Birthday (She did not have the same "issues" that I have). I was blessed to have known her for just under 4 years.

To put it briefly...

She was wonderful.

It has been almost 11 years since she passed away. Eleven years that were filled with so many wonderful things, but also eleven long years that she was missed every day.

Happy Birthday Ruby. You are still loved so very much by everyone that was lucky enough to have the pleasure of knowing you, as well as all 5 of your granddaughters that remind me so very much of you in each of their own wonderful ways.

I Love You.

WARNING - I Am About To Get Conceited.

2009-06-12T17:13:00.005-04:00

Why might you ask?

Well, today is the day that not only my parents, but also the entire world was blessed with ME. It truly is a wonderful day!

I don't like to say that today is my birthday because the word birthday has a tendency to be a naughty word when it is used against me. Birthday always means that I are getting older. I do not like getting older...especially when my family and dear friends delight in tormenting me about being old and decrepit. So, I stopped getting older...the same time that I stopped celebrating my "birthday". Now I just celebrate the day that you all were graced with my presence. I know this day is a great honor to you all.

So with that in mind, I hope that everyone of you goes out today and makes it a wonderful day! Enjoy yourself and the fact that you are blessed to have me in your life.

(P.S. I hope that everyone takes this post with the "tongue and cheek" manner that I wrote it with. My wonderful family and friends have been calling and harassing me since midnight about today. I just had to "get back" at them.)

Just Need To Vent

2009-06-10T14:16:00.004-04:00

before I explode!

This has been a yucky week already. My high speed cable

home phone

and cell phone

have been acting up...probably due to all the rain we have been having. Plus I just had to take my beloved Jeep

back to the shop for more repairs! I guess that I should look at the "peace & quiet" as a blessing...but I'm starting to get a little "twitchy" from the isolation!

And do you want to hear something funny. I sent a repair request via e-mail (as this is my only current form of communication and I get an automated response telling me to call them! They are so lucky that I cannot jump into my Jeep and drive down there to give them a piece of my mind!

What Movie Is This From?

2009-06-09T20:12:00.003-04:00

I am such a nerd when it comes to funny lines from movies...and with that being said, tell me what movie this is from...

"I'm Buck Melanoma...Moley Russell's wart."

New Profile Photo

2009-06-06T23:16:00.004-04:00

What do you think?

Figured that it was about time to change the old photo...

...especially since the baby that was in my belly is now 19 months old!

Hopefully now people will stop asking when my next baby is due!

Leave me some comments to let me know if you all like this one.

Today Is National Donut Day.

2009-06-05T12:21:00.005-04:00

So we got up first thing this morning to celebrate.

Kyla had a chocolate donut with coconut and a chocolate milk.

(Don't you like the lovely ensemble that she picked out? I am not allowed to pick out her clothes any longer because she is going to be a First Grader. We'll see how long I will be able to handle this...)

Mikey had a Double Chocolate Cake Donut and an Orange Juice.

(He was a little grumpy because the Mountain Dew that he really wanted was nixed.)

Bryleigh had a Chocolate Glazed Old Fashion and a Chocolate Milk. Her favorites!

Kadence had a Double Chocolate Cake Donut and a Chocolate Milk.

And Kaleigh had a Glazed Yeast Donut with Chocolate Frosting and Red, White, & Blue Sprinkles and a Chocolate Milk.

(Did you notice that Chocolate Milk was the beverage of choice for all the girls? They are all chocolate fiends like me...)

Did you celebrate this momentous event today?

What Are You Doing Tomorrow?

2009-06-04T21:47:00.004-04:00

We are going to celebrate National Donut Day and enjoy some pure yummy-ness at our local

(Dunkin Donuts)

and

(Krispy Kreme)

At Dunkin Donuts, you can get a free donut with the purchase of any size beverage, while at Krispy Kreme, you can get a free donut with no additional purchase necessary.

You should check out National Donut Day and see if any of your local Donut sports are participating. What a great way to start the summer!

Someone Help Me Please...

2009-05-28T00:08:00.002-04:00

I am addicted to

and

Does anyone know of a 10-step program that I can join?

Note To Self -

2009-05-13T22:30:00.003-04:00

Remember to always check to make sure that every button is buttoned and zipper is zipped before going out in public after holding Bryleigh on your lap. It will save you from more embarrassing moments...

How Was Your Mother's Day?

2009-05-10T23:31:00.002-04:00

Mine was everything that I could have hoped for. I woke up to the wonderful smells of breakfast cooking. Brad & Kyla made some of my favorites...Corned Beef Hash, Eggs, Bacon, and Pancakes. (I am such a lucky lady because not only does Brad know how to cook, but he also enjoys it.)

After church, we had the whole family over for Brunch. There was Sushi, Boiled Shrimp, Greek Salads, Lemonade, Sweet Tea, and Margaritas. Then all the men cleaned up and watched the kids play while the moms chatted, read books, or napped. It was heavenly.

Around 5pm, it was time for cards and gift. My girls were listening to me because they gave me a reusable insulated water bottle...and my husband is sending me to my favorite Salon and Spa for some pampering...Manicure, Pedicure, Hair Color & Cut. I tell you, I was spoiled.

Because of all the food that we ate for Brunch, no one was really in the mood for a big dinner, so it was off to the local ice cream place for everyone. Bryleigh had a blast eating her first ice cream cone all by herself. As soon as my father-in-law sends me the photos, I'll post them. Looks like she is a mint chocolate chip girl...

We finished off the evening watching the finales for The Amazing Race and Celebrity Apprentice. I really wanted Luke and his mom to win, but Victor and his sister were my second choices. As for Celebrity Apprentice, all I can say is that although Joan can be a diva, I was glad she won. Something about Annie just rubbed me the wrong way. Did not like her at all.

Now I am listing to the silence in my totally trashed house. Looks like I have my day cut out for me tomorrow.

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Let me know how your families spoiled and pampered you...and if you get the chance, go over to Lazy Moms and try to win the slotRadio MP3 player that they are giving away. If I win it, guess what Brad is getting for Father's Day...

To Every Mom That I Know,

2009-05-10T00:17:00.001-04:00

You have been a blessing to me. Hope your day is wonderful.

Hannah Needs Your Support And Prayers

2009-04-26T22:29:00.002-04:00

On April 15th, this beautiful 10 year old girl was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage IIA (Breast Cancer). Not sure about the rest of you, but just reading that took my breath away. Never before have I heard of someone so young being diagnosed...and I cannot stop thinking about this precious little girl.

Breast Cancer first touched my life when shortly before I became engaged to my husband, his mother's breast cancer came back after several years of remission. My mother-in-law fought this disease with every ounce of her being and she left her mark on every life that she touched. Because of her, I started doing monthly self-exams.

Shortly after she died, a dear friend of my husband was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when she was in her 20s. With her diagnosis, I demanded that my doctor send me for a mammogram.

Now after hearing about Hannah, I am wondering if I also need to start worrying about my girls...

When you have a moment, please stop by an leave some encouragement for Hannah and her family.

I also want to thank Jacki for bringing this story to my attention. You continue to be an inspiration to me.

I'm Back From My Spring Break Blogging Break

2009-04-20T12:03:00.003-04:00

and a bit upset about something. Normally I try to keep politics off of this blog because I feel that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, but I cannot believe that Miss California is being bashed because she answered a controversial questions honestly

while there is practically no mention our President shaking hands with a known dictator and professed enemy of our country.

Am I the only one that is upset by this?

Short Blogging Break - Spring Break 2009

2009-04-02T23:32:00.003-04:00

We are headed to the beach for a few days...

See you later Alligator!

I Am My Husband's Hero.

2009-04-01T21:46:00.003-04:00

I just "saved" him from a black racer snake that were on our back patio.

Picture this is your mind...me with a full oven mitt and extra long cooking tongs...chasing a snake around the patio. Not a pretty sight...but I was successful. The snake is gone.

I could have sworn that we lived in the suburbs, not the backwoods. In less than a months time, we have had visits from a freaky frog, a rambunctious raccoon, and now a sneaky snake. I am almost afraid to ask what stopping by next!

I Have Regained My Composure...

2009-03-26T00:28:00.002-04:00

and you will be pleased to know that I did not strangle Ky. We talked, hugged, and cried for a long time.

~~~

Now I have a giveaway to tell you all about. If you haven't visited Petunia's...you need to. She is hosting a giveaway and I really need to win it. Momma Mia is Ky's favorite movie...and I seriously think that I am the last person on earth who has never read a Twilight book or seen the movie. Maybe if I win this...I might be popular again?

I Just Experienced Every Mother's Nightmare.

2009-03-24T18:30:00.003-04:00

Just moments ago, I was washing clothes and holding a conversation with my 5 year old. My 16 month old was napping in her room. I went into my bedroom to put away some clothes and upon returning to the family room, saw that Ky was not sitting at the table like she had been when I left.

I called her name...no answer.

I checked her room...no answer.

I checked every room in the house and still could not find her.

Then sheer terror hit me...the pool!

I rushed out to the screened enclosure and searched the water. Thankfully she was not there...but where was she?

I ran into the backyard calling her name...no answer.

I ran out into the front yard screaming her name...no answer.

On the verge of tears, I ran to my next door neighbor's house and beat on the door. After what seemed like an eternity, someone answered the door...and that is when I found her. She had decided to see if her friend could play.

Relief flooded my body and my knees when weak. I told her to tell her friend good-bye...and then sent her to her room. I didn't know if I should hug her or scold her for leaving without telling me.

After regaining my composure, I went in and sat on her bed...and let her know that she must never do that again...

I just experienced every mother's nightmare...even if it was only for a short couple of minutes...but it was enough to last me a lifetime! Never again...

Hug your babies...and say a prayer for the mothers who cannot. Their pain has got to be unbearable.

A Late Night Visit

2009-03-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

Guess it isn't the cats that are making the mess on my patio...

I Will Never Be Able To Eat Bananas Again.

2009-03-19T17:09:00.006-04:00

I just read this story and will not be able to look at them without getting that sick to my stomach feeling.

I would have passed out cold if I had been shopping at

and found one of these

while picking up some yummy

I'm gonna have nightmares tonight!

Rest In Peace

2009-03-19T00:28:00.003-04:00

It seems so surreal that just this past weekend, I was watching the remake of The Parent Trap and thinking how beautiful she was...

My prayers are with Liam,

her boys,

and the rest of her family and friends.

Wordless Wednesday - Scenes From Our Weekend With "Uncle" Rico

2009-03-17T23:38:00.009-04:00

Visit here for more Wordless Wednesday posts.

A Little Green Friend

2009-03-17T10:42:00.005-04:00

drops by for a St. Patty's Day visit. He seems content to float around in my pool enjoying the gorgeous weather...

seemingly unaware that his very life is in danger.

Avenging Abby is watching from under the picnic table...

while Tabby The Terrible stealthily follows his every move from the cover of the dining room tablecloth.

Suddenly Abby makes her move. Is she dreaming about her contribution to the St. Patrick's Day dinner this evening...frog legs!

Swim frog swim!

Foiled again!

How To Catch A Leprechaun...According To Kyla

2009-03-17T08:02:00.004-04:00

Put a big black pot filled with gold coins and other green & gold "bait" in the middle of a piece of paper covered with "lots of sticky stuff" and make sure that the rainbows lead the way. Soon enough, a Leprechaun will come along to take the goodies...but he won't be able to leave!

Hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day! May the Luck Of The Irish be with you...and don't forget to wear your green.

I have to get dinner started. We're having Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, & Carrots as well as a yummy Reuben Loaf. Can hardly wait to eat!

I Have Called My Mother So Many Different Names During My Life.

2009-03-12T12:41:00.009-04:00

She has been Mommy, Mom, Ma, Mother, and various other forms of the name. My dad calls her Kitty-Jo which really drives her crazy...and according to an old yearbook, a past admirer called her Kitten. She also has a grand niece that had a speech impediment when she was younger that caused her name to sound like "Aunt Titty".

Now she has a new name...and this one is going to stick with her forever. It's the name my 3 year old niece started calling her. From here on out, she will forever be known as "DamMa".

Bryleigh Has A Boyfriend...

2009-03-09T12:59:00.003-04:00

His name is Little Link...

Aren't they the cutest?

Mr. O'Kara is doing alot better.

2009-03-08T17:42:00.002-04:00

His most recent diagnosis was that nothing cardiac related was wrong. It appears that when he was sick with the flu a couple weeks ago and coughing all the time...he either pulled a muscle and / or strained some of the connective tissues in his chest and rib cage area. All of his EKGs, blood tests, Cat Scans, and such came back negative for any Cardiac trouble and he is in "perfect" health for his age. The only thing that he needs to work on is the same that most people are suppose to do...watch his diet, get more exercise, and reduce the amount of stress that he has.

So...now I get to spend more time trying to convince him to get into shape and stay healthy. Maybe our new Weight-Loss Challenge will do the trick. If he loses enough weight to get to his goal, then he gets a new flat screen TV. If I reach my weight goal, then I get that same amount of money to spend on new landscaping for the house.

Wish me luck...I am heading out for another 5 mile walk. I have some weight to lose...Beach Season is almost here!

Hope you all are having a great Sunday...and remembered to move your clocks ahead before you went to bed last night!

Right now, I am

2009-03-04T18:48:00.002-05:00

making dinner and listening to Brad conduct business from our couch. Somethings never change with a work-a-holic for a husband, but atleast we are at home. He has a follow-up appointment with his regular doctor and according to the Cardiologist, he is in great Cardiac health. Now we just need to figure out why he is having these pains...

Thank you all again for everything. I love you all bunches and bunches...

Yeah! He Should Be Heading Home Soon!!!

2009-03-04T17:02:00.002-05:00

The nurse just popped her head into our little curtained off space and said that the test results came back and everything looks good. She just needs to do the necessary paperwork and then he is free to go home!

Not sure what the next step is, but as of right now he has a previously scheduled appointment with our primary doctor. And I am also going to make an appointment for him to visit the Cardiologist...because we still do not know why he had the problem to begin with.

Thank you all for the wonderful comments, e-mails, phone calls, and most especially the prayers.

Morning Update On Mr. O'Kara

2009-03-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

Well, we just saw the Nurse Practitioner for the Cardiology Group and she is scheduling a Cardiac Cat-Scan for my husband. The test is suppose to let them know if he has any blockages. If all goes well, then hopefully he will be out of here around 5 or 6 pm.

His EKG results came back showing that his heart is doing well and the blood tests are also indicating that he has not / is not having a heart attack. This is great news.

Not sure if he will still have to take a Cardiac Stress test at this time, but if that does happen, then he will be admitted and that procedure will take about 2-days.

As of right now, the official status is that he is being monitored for 24 hours and has not been admitted.

And just between all of us in Blogworld...he is none too happy that he is still being "kept" at the hospital!

Thank you all so much for the comments and prayers. They really mean alot...

Please Pray For My Husband

2009-03-04T00:43:00.003-05:00

I am typing this from the Cardiac Observation Unit at our local hospital where my husband is being monitored for chest pains. He has been having some (as he says) "heavy" feelings in his chest for a couple days and was finally convinced to have it checked out today. We will know more in the morning after he is seen by a Cardiologist.

Until then could you say some prayers for him? He is the Keeper of My Heart and I don't know what I would do if something where to happen to him...

Only Happy Thoughts...

2009-02-11T22:52:00.000-05:00

because I really need to see the sunshine all around me...

Baby Cora Is Now In The Loving Arms Of Jesus...

2009-02-08T14:25:00.003-05:00

and her parents need our prayers more than ever. If you could spare the time, please say a prayer of comfort for them during this very dark and sorrowful time. It is so hard to believe that less than a month ago, their life was so very normal. They had a beautiful baby girl and now, she is gone. Taken too soon...

Please Remember Baby Cora And Her Parents In Your Prayers

2009-02-02T23:03:00.003-05:00

While I was reading one of my favorite blogs, I came across this prayer request. After visiting their blog, I had to write about this beautiful baby.

Sweet Cora is not even a year old and she was recently diagnosed with Neroblastoma.

She just finished up her first round of Chemo.

Please add this little baby and her parents to your prayers...and leave them an encouraging comment if you have the time.

Getting Over My Rant...

2009-01-29T22:01:00.004-05:00

Sorry to subject you all to that...worked out my frustration and anger by cooking and baking. (Maybe I should change my name to Betty O'Crocker?) Thought everything turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Nothing fancy, just playing around with some of my Tastefully Simple goodies. This stuff is so incredibly easy to work with and really makes me feel so creative in the kitchen!

Let's see what did I make...

Savory Wheat Beer Bread

This was so easy. There were 3 ingredients...the Savory Wheat Beer Bread mix, a 12 oz. bottle of beer, and 3 tbsp. of melted butter. Just whipped the mix and the beer quickly together, poured it in a loaf pan, poured the melted butter on top, and plopped it in the oven for 55 minutes. The house smelled fantastic!

***

Cheery Cherry Crisp Mix

I made things a bit more complicated with this item. Tried out the Chocolate Cherry Crisp recipe that was also printed on the box. Just this mix, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal, 6 tbsp. butter that was melted, and 2 tbsp. water.

I just opened the cherry filling mix and spread it in a greased baking dish. Covered that with the chocolate chips and followed that with the oatmeal and the dry crisp topping mix. Then I combined the melted butter and the water and drizzled that over the top of the oatmeal mixture.

Popped that delicious looking concoction into the oven and ended up eating almost all of that by myself! Wicked goodness, I tell you!

***

Cheesy Nacho Beef Hash Brown Casserole

I really went a bit crazy with this one. Just needed some comfort food. So, I used some ground beef and crumbled that on the bottom of a baking dish. Covered that with some Onion Onion Seasoning Blend,

some Garlic Garlic Seasoning Blend,

and some Seasoned Salt.

Then I covered that with some diced fresh onion, a can of Nacho Cheese Soup, some shredded Colby jack cheese, and frozen hash brown potatoes. Put that into the oven and baked it for an hour.

Can I just say that Bry ate two helpings! That girl loves her meat and potatoes!

***

I also made another dessert

Sliced Almond Bundt Cake With English Toffee Mocha Cream

Another really easy goodie. Just mixed the Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix

with 1 1/2 sticks of butter that was melted, a cup of water, and 1/2 of sliced almonds. Poured that into a bundt pan and baked it for 55 minutes.

While that was cooling, I mixed some whipped cream with some English Toffee Mocha mix.

Put a nice "plop" of that on top of a slice of the warm cake...

Maybe this isn't such a good idea for me to sell this stuff. I am going to gain too much weigh! Maybe I need to find a personal trainer for a client, then I can trade product for service?

fa1c9f9beb.png" border="0" />

This Makes My Blood Boil And My Heart Weep...

2009-01-29T11:35:00.004-05:00

From the day the story of Baby Grace broke the news in late 2007, I have been drawn to this case. The idea of someone doing such a hanis act of putting a child's body in a storage tub and tossing it in the water is just unfathomable to me. Where were her loved ones? Were they tirelessly searching for her? Wondering where she was? If she was safe...warm?

When I read later on that she had finally been identified, I wept for joy that she could finally be lain to rest...a beautiful cherubic angel.

How awful it was, the morning that I read that her mother was charged (along with her step-father) with her very violent beating death. Again I wondered how a mother could beat her baby to death...I drew my daughters close to me in a tearful hug.

Now her murderers are on trial. They blame each other for her death. Both of them are guilty! Both of them are responsible for extinguishing the life of this precious child of God.

Do you know why they did it? Why she was beaten for who knows how many hours until she was so weak and in pain that she couldn't stand or try to block the painful blows...because the 2 year old forgot to say "Please" and "Yes, sir".

These two worthless examples of human beings gave her a day long "disciplinary" session where they beat her until she was black and blue, her legs were too weak to support her! They held her head under water, pulled her from room to room by her hair or with a belt looped around her neck. She was threw to the ground so many times that she suffered multiple skull fractures...factures that ultimately caused her excruciating death. Her step-father even verified that he took the day off of work to make sure that she learned her lesson about being disrespectful to her parents!

As a mother, I cannot understand how her horrible example of a mother could sit back and watch her baby being murdered...especially when I read that at least one time during the prolonged violence, Riley reached out to hear saying "I Love You"...(I weep gut-wrenching sobs every time I picture this...a tiny precious baby terrified and in pain, just wanting her mother to comfort her and make it stop and that mother does nothing, but let in continue and even join in the beating!)

After she mercifully died, they put her in the tub while they purchased a storage container at Walmart. Her tiny body was placed inside and forgotten in a back storage shed until several months later when they drove to the water and tossing her away with the hope that their awful crime would never be discovered...

Thankfully they are on trial...this worthless piece of crap mother (who by the way is pregnant!) and this awful, brutal pig of a step-father. And I just have to wonder...how can this woman smile?

I just want to reach into the tv screen and strangle her with my bare hands...

Dear Lord please forgive me for my thoughts...but I cannot help the hatred that I feel for these two.

Why didn't they just let Riley go back to her father and grandmother who loved her and miss her terribly?

Sorry...I just have to get this off my chest...I cannot think of anything else...

Back From The Face Of The Earth...

2009-01-28T00:37:00.003-05:00

and boy do my arms hurt from pulling myself back on! I know...bad joke...but what can I say, it's 1:00 am and guess who is still wide awake...

So sorry that is has been 20 days since my last post. Just had alot of things going on...the biggest one being my new venture...check out my sidebar...

Anyone want to buy any Tastefully Simple products, host a party (on-line if you are not lucky enough to live in Sunny, FL), or learn more about the business?

I'm having my "Kick Off" Party this weekend...so wish me luck!

Maybe if I get enough "Comment Love" for all of you, I can be convinced to put together my first Give Away and share some of the wonderful goodies that Tastefully Simple has to offer...

[And I have not forgotten about my promise to post photos from our Disney / Sea World trip or Christmas. To be perfectly honest, I have over 300 photos to review and determine which ones are Blog-worthy. Not sure about the rest of you, but just the thought of that makes my mind go numb... Would you all really hate me if I just did a Wordless Wednesday Post and just listed my favorites? You could leave comment requests with explanations?]

The Trophy Is Ours...

2009-01-08T23:47:00.004-05:00

And the Gator Nation celebrates...

What a great way to end the College Football Season...

Thank you Tim Tebow

for being a man of your word.

It's going to be a long 7 months until the season starts again...

~~~

Keep Chris Rainey is your thoughts and prayers.

That was one nasty looking injury and he was obviously in a lot of pain.

Now one more time before I head off to bed...

"IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!"

I Was Trying To Put Together...

2009-01-08T17:52:00.003-05:00

my Disney / Christmas post...but my mind is on the game!!!

GO GATORS!

(Can you believe that I have to go to a Girl Scout Leaders Meeting tonight!!! Don't they realize that I am going to be missing Pre-Game?!?!? They have me until 8...and then I'm out of there...)

I Am So Very Sorry.

2009-01-06T22:25:00.003-05:00

It has just been brought to my attention that some people are receiving a somewhat annoying message box that pops up whenever they access my blog. I too have received this pop-up, but thought that it was isolated to my computer only. As soon as I learned that it was also happening to others, I took the time to find out where the problem was originating from and performed the necessary steps to eliminate this distraction from happening again.

Again, please accept my apologies...and I will be posting a huge update e-mail with tons of photos from our Disney visit as well as our Christmas celebration.

My 13 Month Old Daughter Just Gave Me The Greatest New Years Eve Gift Ever!

2008-12-31T11:13:00.002-05:00

She slept from 9:30 pm until 9:30 am! First time ever!!!

Yeah for me!!!

Still Celebrating

2008-12-30T20:57:00.002-05:00

with my family and friends...but I will be back with some great photos and stories about our time at Disney.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are safe during tomorrow's New Year's Eve celebrations. We are planning a kid-friendly Fondue and Wii Party, so that should provide more opportunity for more photos and stories.

Many blessing for a wonderful 2009 from the Scarlet O'Kara Family.

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night. I Hate To Go, But...

2008-12-18T16:08:00.004-05:00

we're heading to the Park that the Mouse Built!

We are so outta here! Catch y'all in a few days!

Kiss, Kiss...

Wordless Wednesday - Here Comes Santa Claus

2008-12-17T00:11:00.001-05:00

Head over to 5 Minutes For Mom to see more Wordless Wednesday entries.

Yet Another Example Of Why Things Happen For A Reason...

2008-12-16T22:23:00.004-05:00

Remember this post and this post about the birthday party that Ky was not invited to...

Well I just learned that all of the children who attended the party have Strep Throat! (My niece KK has a mild case...)

And now we have discovered the silver lining behind all the heartache and pain...

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - The Best Mashed Potatoes EVER!

2008-12-16T00:02:00.003-05:00

My dear friend and neighbor shared her favorite family recipe with me before Thanksgiving and it was such a hit that I have to share it will all of your for this latest installment of Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Best Mashed Potatoes EVER!!

5 lbs. potatoes

1 stick butter

1 tub (pint) sour cream

1 brick cream cheese

1/4 tsp onion salt

1/2 tsp garlic salt

seasoning salt to taste

Boil the snot out of the potatoes (skins on or off), drain and mash.

Combine with all ingredients. Place in casserole and broil for 5 mins to brown the top.

Yummy! Also great leftovers…they reheat wonderfully!

She warned me that these potatoes were so good that there would be no need for gravy. Did I heed her advice? No. So after Thanksgiving Dinner, I threw out almost all of the Turkey and Pork Gravy...because no one wanted to "ruin" the taste of these heavenly spuds!

Hope you all take my advice and try these taters...but learn from my lesson and let them stand alone...no extras needed!

For my great Tempt My Tummy Tuesday entries, visit here and here. There is even a giveaway that you can enter!

How Can You Tell When Your Mind Is Distracted By The Pressures Of Creating A Perfect Christmas For Your Family?

2008-12-15T15:43:00.004-05:00

When you peel a banana for your hungry 13 month old to eat

and hand her the peel while you throw the fruit away!

Not good...Not good at all.

Family Moment Monday - Christmas Traditions

2008-12-14T22:24:00.009-05:00

So, I was just cruising around Bloggy Land reading some of my favorite blogs and I came across this one from Motherhood For Dummies. My family loves traditions, especially Christmas traditions...so you know I had to join in the fun!

~~~

Some of my favorite Christmas traditions date back to when I was a little girl. We would enjoy a Christmas Eve party at a dear friend's house. They lived in a neighborhood that was known for their decorations. People would wait for hours, just so that they could drive thru the development on Christmas Eve. Santa Claus was a special guest at the party and my sisters, brother, and I loved being his helpers as he greeted all the children in the cars that slowly drove by. After the party was over, we hurried home to set out milk, cookies, and carrots for Santa and the Reindeers...then we had to go to bed in our matching Christmas PJs.

When we woke up early Christmas morning, our overflowing stockings where laid across the foot of our beds. Excited, we would grab the stockings and all four of us would sneak into one of our bedrooms to open the gifts together. We were not allowed to wake up the grown ups until 6am...so we had to be really quiet...even though Mom & Dad knew that we were up. As soon as the clock struck 6am...we all shouted "MERRY CHRISTMAS" at the top of our lungs...and kept shouting it over and over again until a groggy Mom & Dad joined us. They would invite us into their room so that we could sit on their bed and help them open the fun gifts that Santa left in their stockings. We would all giggle about the "gross" things that Daddy received from Santa...Smoked Oysters, Escargo, Pickled Herring, etc.

After all the stocking goodies were opened, we had to take turns in the bathroom washing our faces and brushing our teeth & hair. During that time, Mom would head down stairs to put the Caramel Sweetrolls in the oven to cook while Dad made sure that everything around the Christmas Tree was just perfect for our first glimpse. It seemed to take forever before they told us that we could come out...and one of them would always take a photo of our excited faces as we got the first look at all the Christmas goodies.

All of us enjoyed these traditions so much that they continue today with the next generation. This year will be the 20th anniversary of our attendance at the Christmas Eve Party...and our children cannot contain their excitement because they get to help Santa before he leaves on his whirlwind trip around the world...

Here are a couple pictures of the four "big" kids at last year's party...

We have also continued with the other Christmas Eve tradition of hurrying home to await the morning excitement, only now we all gather in the same house. All the children have a slumber party in Bryleigh's bedroom while Mom Mom & Papa sleep in Kyla's bedroom. The other grown-ups get to sleep where ever they can find a comfortable spot to catch a few precious moments of shut-eye...

before the 6am "MERRY CHRISTMAS" wake up call...and the stocking gift opening frenzy that follows.

We also have to take a few photos of the Christmas Morning Gift Splendor before the Children see it...

As well as the "First Glimpse" shots...

Hope you all enjoyed this little glimpse into my favorite Christmas Traditions...and please share some of yours with me, as well as Motherhood For Dummies.

Thank You All...

2008-12-13T17:27:00.002-05:00

for the wonderful responses. She has been so busy today that there has not been time to be upset.

Our day started out with picking up Great Grandma. She came with us and enjoyed Kyla's Saturday morning dance class. Afterwards, we went to eat donuts before helping Great Grandma finish all of her Christmas Shopping. Later in the afternoon, we took a very tired Great Grandma home and made a surprise visit to Santa and Mrs Claus. Nothing like a Ho Ho Ho to perk a little girl up.

Now we have been enjoying a couple hours of "down time" at home before heading out after the sunsets to enjoy a "Walk Thru Bethlehem"...followed by driving around town to enjoy the Christmas lights. She will be in absolute heaven...'cause PaPa Ron will be with us!

It still boggles my mind that another parent would knowingly exclude a child from a birthday party. It would be one thing if the class was huge, but there is only 16 other children in the class...and with the attendee rule...about 8 - 10 children will not attend the party. I have always told Kyla that if she is inviting one classmate...then she invited them all. The same way with special gifts and notes to her class. No one is excluded.

And for those that were wondering about her invitation being undelivered...I did check with the teacher to see if her invitation was misplaced because she wasn't at school on Monday. The teacher said that the invitations were all mailed to the kids home except for the two new kids in class! My sister and mother asked the little boy's mom about it when they RSVPd. They were told that she could come, but only because she was KK's cousin. Needless to say, she did not go...although, I was tempted (by the little devil sitting on my shoulder) to send along a birthday gift. Good thing the little angel talked me out of it!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend. We are headed out to walk in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary.