TGIF!!

Happy Friday everyone!  I'm so glad today is the last day of school and we'll be out for the next three weeks for intercession.  I've been so busy in the past few days that I've not even had time to get on the computer.  Don't get me wrong....I've still not accomplished anything...no shopping, no decorating, no Christmas cards addressed, no candy making or baking....

I've got to get myself together and get BUSY....maybe tomorrow...

Anyway...

MJ, Josh, and I had a good time yesterday.  We made several stops here and there and finally made it to Charlotte for Happy's graduation from nursing school at Queens University. 

 I was so happy to see everyone, especially Chandler.  I've not seen her since March 1998.  She and Gary flew in and are spending the Christmas holidays in NC and SC. If I haven't mentioned before, I'm hosting a Davis family get-together for all of my brothers and my sister and their families on Dec. 26.  I'm sincerely hoping that everyone will make a special effort to be there.  It has been so long since we've all been together as a family.  

After her pinning, we walked over to a very nice reception for the graduates.  When we left there, we rode over to Southpark Mall and looked around for about an hour and then met everyone at the Providence Cafe, a very nice Italian restaurant, for dinner.  The food and the atmosphere were wonderful and I had such a good time visiting and talking with my sister.  I've really missed her and am so happy to reconnect with her!

Got this nursing t-shirt for Happy at
Pee Dee Outfitters in Cheraw...

Oh, and good, good news!  I'm going to have a new great-niece!  Happy and Robert are expecting a daughter on March 2, 2011.  I'm so happy for them, and for Chandler....her first grandchild!

Well, again, TGIF and happy last day of school for this year!  We all need this much deserved break!

<3

Jo

Top 2 Tuesday: Games

I'm linking up with Taylor over at The Undomestic Momma for one of my weekly favorites, Top 2 Tuesday!

Top 2 Favorite Games

[one]

Chuck and I played Scrabble on our first date.  We met each other (officially) at Frank and Aileen's house, had supper, and then played the game while talking and getting to know each other better....so this game has a special significance to me.....

[two]

Phase 10 is a current favorite around our kitchen table these days.  All of the kids (whoever happens to be at the house) and I gather and we play and keep score....no matter who wins or loses, it's FUN!!

Miscellany Monday

I am linking up again this week with Carissa at lowercase letters

for this week's edition of

Miscellany Monday.

It is sooooo cold....
When we went out this morning, the thermometer said 21 degrees!  It really feels like winter even though the actual season doesn't start for another week!

Instead of going to school today, the girls and I went to the Samaritan's Purse in Charlotte with their youth group from Christ UMC.  We took approximately 60 boxes stuffed full of goodies and gifts for needy kids in the Ukraine. 

 Our shift was supposed to be from 2 - 6 PM, but by 2:30, every box had been handled!  The center processed over 2 million boxes this season!  We had a wonderful day spending time with each other and in service to others.

Charles got his MCHS class ring!  Vivian and he picked it out and ordered it a few months ago and they had a ring ceremony in the media center to present the rings to the students.  I sure wish that I could have been there too, but I couldn't be in two places at once.....

Chuck and his Aunt Vivian

I'm working hard but still have not completed any holiday decorating.  I've not done any shopping worth mentioning either!  Hopefully I'll have the time, energy, and spirit to get all of this taken care of within the next few days!!

Happy MONDAY everybody!

Saturday 9: Reason to Believe

Saturday 9: Reason to Believe

1. Has anyone asked you to believe in something that called for a huge leap of faith on your part?  Gosh, this is the hardest question ever....I hate to say that I've never really stepped out and taken a huge leap of faith, but I actually cannot think of one right now....

2. When is the last time you moved? Why did you move?  The last time I moved was in June of 93 when Chuck and I moved from the apartment building down the street to our house.

3. Malls? ..or one Internet? Are you doing more online shopping this year? The polls say we are, but I'm curious about what the real people are doing.  I may do some shopping on the internet and in a few individual stores, but I definitely won't be shopping at the mall! 

4. Do you remember the first meme you participated in and if so, what was it?  I don't remember.....maybe I'll check later and get back to you....

5. If you could invent something, what would it be?  Disposable socks....they will come on a roll like paper towels.  You'll just pull them off the roll, wear them, and then throw them away!

6. Are you finished with your shopping? Do you still a few things to go? What? Not even a game plan? ...or is there just one person you're having trouble finding something for?  I've done very little shopping.  I have got to get busy! 

7. What's left to do at your place (or where you are going)? Is the tree up? ...or maybe you're just happy you found the Christmas coffee mug and are calling that good?  I just put the tree up last night....lights on but no ornaments.......

8. Is your life turning out the way you thought it would when you were a kid? If not, is it better or worse?  My life is exactly like I hoped it would be....happily married, three wonderful children, a great career....

9. Tell us about something you'll miss about 2010.  Ummm....I don't really know what, if anything, I'll miss about 2010....I'd  like to go back to the middle school end of my school, but if not, I'll make the best of my current situation.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend....stay warm!!!

Fill in the Blank Friday

 Head over to Lauren's to join us for Fill in the Blank Friday!!   :)

1.   I wish       that all of the little children in the world could wake up and be happy on Christmas morning .

2.  Yesterday I   had a busy day.  After school, I worked for Natalie, went to L's bb game, cooked supper, baked a cinnamon strusel cake, and took Josh home before finally settling down to read for a while..

3.  Today I will       finish out my day here at MEMS, pick up L and MJ from MCHS, take them to their youth group pancake supper, and then hang out at home until the evening is over  .

4.  Tomorrow I will    I will sleep as late as possible, decorate the Christmas tree, and go to Lawren's basketball game at 4:00.....who knows after that...

5.  Maybe     the kids will be in the mood to help me decorate the tree....I'll keep my fingers crossed!

6.  Someday        I want to retire from teaching and get another job at Voc Rehab or the rec dept......

7.  I love       my children, husband, and family; my job, students, and co-workers; my church and Jesus, my Lord and Redeemer...    .

TGIF....and have a great weekend everyone!!

Holly Jolly Blog Hop

Here's the deal: Kristin, Amber, and Natalie are all co-hosting this awesome virtual open house.  If you're here reading this then you can link up at the bottom of one of their pages....and they are all sharing awesome party recipes.

Here's one of my favorite party recipes...

Graham Cracker Pralines

1 cup of butter - not margarine (2 sticks)

2 cups of light brown sugar (1 box)

Mix the above in a saucepan over medium heat.  Allow to boil for 3 minutes, stirring continuously. 

Place graham crackers on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Pour and spread the brown sugar mixture over the crackers and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes.

Allow to cool and enjoy!  They are FANTASTIC!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm linking up with Jamie today for another edition of

What I'm Loving Wednesday....

[1] 

I'm loving that I've sent a total of thirteen postcards via postcrossing.com and have received three in return.  Remember that this is one of my goals that I'm working on for my Day Zero Project....go check out the website!!

[2]

I'm loving that I got a good news call from the coach of the Palmetto Force.  They want both Lawren and MJ for next year!  MJ will play 16U and Lawren will play on an 18U showcase team!  I'm so proud of both of them!

[3]
I'm loving the B&BW Christmas smells that are permeating my office and home. 

Winter Candy Apple



Twisted Peppermint



Vanilla Bean Noel

[4]

 I'm loving that tonight is a Survivor night.  I can hardly wait to get home after the middle school basketball game and cover up under a warm afghan and watch my favorite TV show!

[5]
I'm loving Maxine!!

[6]

And, as usual, I'm loving my cheerful children and my hard-working husband...