OOPS...

...I forgot to tell you earlier that I read this entire book yesterday, in one sitting. I'd been wanting to get my little hands on this baby for a while; and once I did I just couldn't stop. I watch the show Jon & Kate: Plus Eight on TLC all the time, I love it. I'm amazed by this woman. Her strength and faith during an unimaginably difficult time in her life is incredible to me. I can't wrap my mind around having one set of multiples much less TWO, one of which is sextuplets.. 8 babies in all. I'd be paralyzed in stress.

On the other hand we both share the love of organized things and labelmaking. {Her bottle system made me laugh out loud.}

I think anyone who is planning on ever having a child, or who has a child should read this book. It gave me an entirely new perspective on how I might handle certain situations and made me think of things that had never crossed my mind.

I can only hope that whenever Chance and I are blessed with a miracle of our own that I will be half the mom, wife, and woman of faith that she is. Kate Gosselin- You are officially my hero. You deserve a medal, or a street named after you, or maybe a national holiday. If you need a spokeswoman to sing your praises, give me a call!

Our Christmas

We had a pretty good Christmas, with lots of goodies, of both the food and present type. I think I gained 654789234 lbs. I've sworn off anything but lean cuisine's until further notice. Luckily the busy time of year for us at the shop starts today, so that means not standing around snacking and talking; and lots more walking and lifting 30-50 lb. dresses. The weight usually doesn't last long after that.

Me opening my black pearls.

Chance and I had a great 2nd Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. Chance Bendel. I got some great presents. And he got a GPS system for his truck. He wasn't as excited as I thought he would be, but I think he still enjoyed himself.

Us on Christmas Eve 2008

I hope everyone had a wonderful and joyous Christmas.

Merry Christmas

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

No way, no how.

No point in hoping anymore. No white Christmas for western Kentucky. No "Dreaming of a white Christmas" for the Bendel clan. Debbi and I are however working like little elves cooking and preparing for the next two days. Like we always do.

I'm really looking forward to our candlelight church service tomorrow night! It's always soo pretty. Outfits are planned and laid out. And then, one of our favorite parts of Christmas... junk food on Christmas Eve. Here's the spread: spinach dip, roasted red pepper dip, white cheese dip, peanut-butter rice krispies, snickerdoodles, peppermint bark, cream cheese roll-ups, cheese ball and sausage balls. Yummy!!! Immediately followed by PRESENTS.

As for Christmas Day, we're going easy on that. Ham, greenbeans, corn & my favorite- hashbrown casserole. I think Aunt Bea will be joining us so that always makes for an interesting time.

Kitty-cats, slippers, and veggie stew..

What a combination, I know!!

This morning as I was sitting in bed with my trusty laptop & english toffee cappuchino catching up on my google reader and out of now where my lovely kitty Baylei came and snuggled up on top of me and I realized how lucky I am to have such wonderful furry babies. Remind me to put that on my list of things to be thankful for.

Another thing I'm thankful for right now is my hubby!! Last night after I got home from an exhaustingly slow day at the shop, my sweetie let me know that I had a new present under the tree. A present that was from him. A present that was way better than the birthday gift I got this year. I begged and pleaded, bribed and begged some more. The bribery worked and I got to open it 9 days early. Woo Hoo! I know you're dying to know what I got.. A "Good Night Aromatherapy" gift set from Bath & Body Works. It even had a sleep mask and cozy slippers to go along with the pillow mist, lotion, and wait for it... bubble bath. I was amazed. And in great need of all of them.

Onto much more pressing matters. Apparently, I have some how learned to cook. I don't know where this skill came from. I was never taught and the food network just makes me hungry. That being said, everything I make turns out great! I will not question this gift, as I am worried that the good Lord will take it away, and my unborn children will be forced into a life of spagetti and hamburger helper. {the good news is that they have now come out with a line of side dishes to go along with the hamburger helper, so at least the would have a balanced meal.}

One of my latest concoctions is my version of Vegetable Beef Soup. It's really quite yummy, even better it only takes around 30 min. form start to finish. Your dying I know. Lucky for you my Momma taught me to share, so here you are:

Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of stew meat

2lbs. of frozen mixed vegetables

2 medium potatoes - cubed

2 stalks of celery - chopped

2 cans of beef broth

2 lg. cans of tomato sauce

1 can diced of roasted tomatoes - do not drain

Salt and Pepper - to taste

Directions:

In a large pot combine broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables and celery. Start on Med-High heat until it comes to a slow bowl. Turn down to Med. heat. In a separate pot, bowl cubed potatoes for exactly 7 minutes. No more, no less. {Thank you Paula Deen} In the time being cook stew meat. When the potatoes are done add them to the other vegetables, likewise with the meat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it comes to a boil reduce heat to Med-Low and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste and serve with the carb of your choice.

Winter Goodies..

One of my Mother-in-law Debbi and my favorite things to do around the holidays is to bake. Preferably with each other, the tv on and adult beverages in hand. A few nights ago we/she made Peppermint Bark. It was super yummy, so I thought I'd share the recipe.

Photo borrowed from: www.smilepolitely.com Thank You!

Ingredients:
Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
2 pounds white chocolate
Peppermint flavorings, optional

Directions:
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

Baby it's cold outside..

It started yesterday, and I knew it was going to be bad when our local schools were dismissed early due to the weather. What started out as rain, turned to freezing rain, turned to sleet, turned to snow. And it's supposed to continue throughout the day and into the evening.

So go to the store and get your milk and bread. Curl up with some hot cocoa and a black and white movie. Sure wish I could, but I get to go to work. Joy.

Stalled...

We have a concrete slab. With pipes coming out of it. That's it. For 2 weeks.

Aggravating? Yes.

Here's why: Our contractor is vacationing in New Mexico. Two of his workers were in a car accident, one of which is in a coma (we are praying for his recovery.) Weather, lovely December weather. The holidays.

The good news: They will be starting work again Jan. 5, 2009. Two crews will be working on our home, instead of just one. The work should be done in half the time.

The reality: Chance isn't at all happy, and says that he refuses to pay the full amout that we agreed on since it's taking longer than promised. That'll save some money. Maybe I can get a better bathtub, maybe one with a whirlpool. I know I'm dreaming.

In happier news, I've chosen colors, cabinets, flooring and countertops - and I LOVE them!

On this day in 1963..

December 13, 1963

Beverly A. Nichols & Bobby G. Yancey were wed.

(For any of you who don't know- that's my Grandparents)

It was an intimate wedding, without all the muss and fuss that usually go along with weddings (what mine was filled to the brim with) but it was a beautiful one, or so I'm told. Just a few family, friends and a preacher in the church that my Grandmother grew up in, in Tupelo MS.

The bride wore a simple ivory dress, no veil. There was no reception, no photographer; actually there is only one photo from that day it's of the two of them, and I've never seen a picture capture so much love. They so loved each other. That's not to say that my Grandparents marriage was perfect, they had their hard times just like everyone else (maybe more than anyone else) but through it all they never stopped loving each other. They were the role model that taught me to love, that taught me how marriage should be. I often told them when I was younger that I hoped one day to have as full of a marriage as they did. The same still remains true today.

My Grandfather was many things to me. He was, of course my Grandfather; but he was also my Daddy, my friend. He held my hand as a little girl learning to walk. He held the handle bars of my bicycle and taught me to ride a bike. He held my hand and congratulated me on the day of graduation. And he gave my hand to Chance on our wedding day.

In the last few years of my Grandfather's life he was not well, several years ago he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on his right lung. Thanks to the marvels of modern science, the doctor's removed the cancer. He went into remission. He never completely recovered though, he had several other health issue that we contributed this to. And then the phone call came that changed all of our lives forever. In early January 2007 on a Friday night at around 9 pm Pawpaw's physician called the house. He had a tumor on his brain, near the cerebellum. The surgeons did their best but admittedly were not able to get it all. In the ten months that followed he got better, got worse, got better, and then got worse again. I believe that God led my Grandmother to nursing so many years ago so that she could take care of him in his final days. She nursed him through it all, staying up all hours of the day and night, neglecting herself so that he might not feel the pain. She was so selfless. In his final days we were all by his side. Eventually we all, in our own time told him it was ok to go. We all said our goodbyes, we were as prepared as you could be for that kind of situation. But he kept holding on, then on Oct. 31, my Grandmother (& sisters) birthday she told him it was time. A few hours later we went peacefully. He waited until he knew that she'd be ok, until she was ready. I had never seen that measure of love, he was dying and he was still taking care of her. (It's what he did best)

My Grandparents enjoyed to daughters together, sometimes more than others. And revelled in the glory of being Grandparents. I may be partial but I think the excelled at the latter. Their marriage was a rock that their two daughters and 5 grand-daughters will be able to look to as guidance for the rest of our lives. It was a blessing to us all. Their's is my favorite love story.

My wishlist...

Today Chance and I were watching "Home Improvement", one of the earlier episodes- in the show it's Jill's birthday and Tim spends the entire week stressing over what to give her and ends up making a tribute video for her. This got us talking about all the gifts we've gotten each other in the past and the "great" gift he got me for my birthday this year. So to eliminate this problem in the future, I'm going to post my wishlist here- on the internet, where it can never die. I'll add to it as I see more goodies. Here's what I've got so far:

Burberry Perfume

Mariposa "String of Pearls" Cake Plate

Lucy Ann thin cuff- "Sarah & Chance"

Ruffle Halter Dress from Limited

Sterling Personalized Digital Photo Frame from Pottery Barn

White Ceramic Ribbon Cake Plate

White Ceramic Pitcher

Hydrangeas- always a great choice.

Dreaming:

Sapphire Ring

Red Hermes

Christian Louboutin Heels

Maybe??

Chance and I were sitting in the kitchen today and out of no where he says.. "Next summer, let's take the train to New Orleans." I had never heard of a better idea, and it will be a welcomed relief after a winter of construction. So in a matter of about 15 minutes we planned our entire trip, tours and all. We are hoping that two of our friends will be able to go with us. We're planning to stay at the Hotel Monteleone, and go during the Jazz Fest. I'm excited. Hope it comes together.

Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and Prayin'

I want them.

Sweets for my sweetie.

One if Chance's favorite things to do recently is to come to me at 8:30 at night and beg, grovel, and plead for cookies. But not just any cookies, he wants snickerdoodles. So I thought I'd share the recipe.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Lace, Petit fours & Pretty things.

My good friend Ashley is getting MARRIED!!

I was so lucky to have been able to attend her lingerie shower on Sunday.

I drove down after work on Saturday, had an uneventful drive, and arrived at around 9:30 that night. We went out for dinner and drinks, had a fabulous time. Then we went home, laid in bed and laughed until we nearly cried- or peed our panties. We woke up on Sunday and got all dolled up (seemingly our favorite thing to do together) and went to her shower. The ever lovely Meemee hosted. The food was wonderful. The punch was amazing. The conversation was great and the laughter was non-stop. After all the presents were opened and about 4 hours had passed we called it a day. Then I got to meet her wonderful fiance' Corey. He's great and he's everything I could have ever asked for, for my best friend. We watched "Bridezillas"- and Corey watched with us the whole time; watched more tv and then went to sleep. Ashley is a teacher so she has to be awake way too early so I slept in and took my time getting on the road, had another uneventful drive, and got home around 3:30.

Congrats Ashley!!! I'm so glad you loved all your gorgeous gifts.

See you in 3 WEEKS!!!!

Words of wisdom.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we ex pect G od to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events.. terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr.. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have n o conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

Breaking news....

As I type this right now, I can hear the sound of progess outside.

The footer is done, the plumber has laid his pipes, the termite guy has sprayed and pretreated and then sprayed again. And now ladies and gentleman... I give to you CONCRETE.
They are pouring the concrete slab and the driveway. Hopefully they will get done before the rain starts (there's a 70% chance of rain today) because it's supposed to rain all week.

Pictures to follow later, God Bless.

Happy Birthday to...

...you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Chance,

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

It's Chance's birthday, he's 25 now.

No we're not doing anything fun.

I'm working all night. Maybe this weekend.

Chance is an incredible husband. So sweet, caring, loving...

So if you're reading this hunnie (which you're not)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!