All By My Lonesome

Well, I did something on Saturday that I don't think I've ever done before.....

I went to the movies ...... ALONE. Some plans with friends didn't pan out, so I decided to be a big girl and go it alone.

My heart was set on seeing "Australia", but since it was sold out I settled for "Twilight". I wish I could say that God closed the door to Australia and ushered me towards the vampire flick, but even Ozzie Osborne would say that's a stretch.

Venturing in, I was surprised to see the Twilight theatre empty. So I boldly decided to do another thing that was completely out of character for me -- I went & bought a popcorn and drink! And proceeded to notify my mortgage company that our house payment may be a little short as a result ....

Goodies in hand, I headed back to the now almost empty theatre, and tried to blend in and not feel like a loser who was there by herself. A feat in and of itself. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb, even though in my head I knew that was an irrational thought.

It seemed like time stood still waiting for the lights to go down. I nervously crammed popcorn into my mouth and looked around as if I were expecting someone. The phrase "where are they?!" may have been uttered under my breath for good measure.

The bottom line is that Edward Cullen & I shared some quality one-on-one time -- but I don't think I'll be hitting a matinee solo again for quite some time.

So the question is: Do you go to the movies comfortably alone? And why is it a big deal for the rest of us to do that?!

Tales from the Dental Chair

I'm so flattered to be featured today on 5 Minutes for Mom! Take a look: http://www.5minutesformom.com/5022/the-sampler-dental/

In the words of Barry Manilow, LOOKS LIKE WE MADE IT! Yah!!

Thankful

HOW DO YOU COOK A TURKEY? By Natalie (while in preschool)
"You find 'em on the first aisle at Wal-Mart. Then we drive it to our house .... put it in a pan with salt & pepper, and put it on the stove for 50 minutes ..... When it looks like a chicken then we eat it! My mom & dad get big pieces."

(Natalie, preschool): I AM THANKFUL FOR ...... my cat. I love our class gerbils and how they eat food. I'm thankful for cheese. I'm thankful for my sisters and brother.

For our wedding back in 1994, I rewrote the words of Cindy Morgan's song, "How Could I Ask for More?". Today, my heart is full of thanks, and again I ponder, how could I ask for more?

With Jesus in my heart, family & friends by my side -- I'm truly grateful and blessed beyond what I ever deserved.


"Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ Ephesians 5:20

Fun!

Allow me to introduce you to my newest addiction, Line Rider: http://www.sober-productions.co.uk/line-rider/

It's a simple game that's big fun for the whole family! The girls and I will undoubtedly be playing many rounds during ALL the football games tomorrow.

Give 'er a try!

From the Mouth of Babes

This is my 1st grader's latest spelling test ..... number 14 was "Thanksgiving", which she spelled "tax given". I think she's been watching too much C-Span and political ads!

Up to NO Good

I was just at the dollar store grabbing a couple quick items when I saw a large group of middle school boys milling about.

They ended up being right in front of me a few minutes later at the check-out line ..... and I had to grin when I took stock of their purchases:

ALL the toilet paper they could possibly hold, a 2-liter of Diet Coke and a pack of Mentos.

Those boys are most definitely up to some mischief, and thankfully, that's as close to gang-related activity as we get in our wholesome little suburb!

I'm a Frugal One, Yes I Am

RECYCLED HOLIDAY OVERALLS

To get extra mileage out of and give new life to used overalls, just add a few ruffles and patches in festive prints! Pick up some overalls at your local thrift store and then add the personality! These are one-of-a-kind and get lots of compliments.

My girls are too grown up for this style now (sniffle, sniffle), but we have plenty of pictures where they're wearing similar outfits -- to visit Santa, for school programs, Christmas dinner, etc.

If you want to see more great ideas, visit Antique Mommy's blog where she's holding a "Handmade Holiday Carnival!