A LITTLE FUNKY TREE

For some reason, I've always loved these "funky" type trees. I've seen them in lots of colors. I've never bought one though because they really don't go with my style of decorating. But...you know what? You really shouldn't worry about that....just surround yourself with things (and people) that make you feel good. And this little tree makes me smile. So I bought it. And now it's on the bedside desk in Bree's room.

I like it!

It makes me smile.

I hope you have LOTS of reasons to smile today!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hugs,

Kat

MY HEAD IS SPINNING

Between getting ready for Christmas and planning a wedding, my head is spinning....



....like Linda Blair's in "The Exorcist."

(Gosh, that photo creeps me out. I posted it small on purpose. You can thank me later.)

Seriously, I have post-it notes and lists and clippings and e-mail files and books and magazines every where you look. I can't sleep because I can't turn my mind off.

Bree arrived on Thursday and we were BUSY BEES all weekend! We accomplished so much. Amazing actually. It always amazes me how God works. Not surprise. Just amazement. We had several "God moments" when things fell into place so easily that you just knew that God was giving us a special gift.

Here's just some highlights from the weekend:

1-We went to two (more) cake tastings and decided on who we want to use, which cake we want, the flavors and which cake stand.

2-We have a pretty good idea for the groom's cake too.

3-We found the ring pillow.

4-Bree tried on her dress for the first time since it was delivered. I think we both were holding our breaths that we would love it as much as we did the day we found it. And...we did! I helped her into it and walked across the room to get a large full length mirror and when I turned to walk back towards her, I gasped at the sight. There she stood...just beautiful! And it fits her to a "T". It will just need to be hemed.

5-The shoes we found and loved (even before we found THE dress) are perfect!

6-I found a pair of my earrings for her to try on with the dress just to get an idea of the style we might need...and we both thought they were actually perfect. We might keep looking, but it was weird to just reach into my jewelry and find what might be "the ones".

7-We ordered the cocktail beverage napkins.

8-We looked at book after book of invitations and have an idea of what we might want, but haven't found "the one" yet.

9-We met with the florist and her assistant for 3 hours. Sketching, planning, discussing every thing from the flowers to the lighting, etc. We feel really good about everything.

10-We had dinner with our minister and his family.

11-We stumbled upon a great idea for the attendants gifts (just one of those God moments I mentioned).

12-We stopped and had a drink at the quaint restaurant where the rehearsal dinner will be held. Bree is so pleased with the location.

13-We watched Father of the Bride with George. I had forgotten what a sweet movie it is. I hope he remembers how Steve Martin felt at the end...that all the expense is worth it to see our daughter happy.

14-We decided on the wedding planner we want to use....just hope she will be available. She's out of town this week, but we left a message.

15-We had lunch with friends after church before Bree had to leave.

I'm sure there is more....but I can't think of them right now.

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Here's something funny that happend.

Have you ever had a cake tasting in a Hobby Lobby parking lot? You haven't? Well we did!
Yep, that my lap filled with cake as we sat in our car.

We met with a wedding cake baker in her home and she was very very nice. We talked about styles, flavors, etc. but she didn't offer us samples until we were ready to leave. She had large samples of several flavors all wrapped up for us. (btw...this is not the cake person we have decided to use. LOL) We drove away and stopped in a Hobby Lobby parking lot and decided we should try it right away since we knew we would not be home for hours. All of the cake samples were delicious, but it was a first for us....cake tasting in a parking lot! Who would have believe it?! LOL We didn't even have a fork or a spoon, but I did find a plastic knife in my car.

It's stories like this that will make for good memories later, right?

Hugs!

Kat

WE'LL HAVE OUR CAKE...AND EAT IT TOO!

I'm so excited!

Bree is coming home for a long weekend. Time for us to work some more on wedding plans. I'm actually meeting her in Pensacola tomorrow to do some cake tasting with a lady who we've heard great things about. We also have another cake tasting on Friday morning in Seagrove. The photo above is one I found on line and love the look. It's simple, yet elegant and I love the fresh flowers. We shall see what Bree likes. We will be busy little bees all weekend.... meeting with the florist again....looking for invitations....going over our "to do" list...having dinner with our minister and his family, etc. So much to do. So little time.
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I did a bit more decorating tonight.

Even Santa has to do laundry it seems!
I don't usually decorate my laundry room for Christmas, but when I saw these little clothes lines last year at Bet's (aka "Other Mother") I loved them so much that she sent me some after Christmas. Cute little mittens, Santa suits, hats, a sweater, scarf, etc. Just adorable! (photos are clickable to see details)

I love it! It makes me smile when I enter the laundry room. Thanks "Other Mother"!

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And thank YOU so much for your sweet comments on my post about Jenni's death. I still find it so hard to believe. I know it must be a comfort to her family and many many friends, including me, in knowing she is no longer in pain
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yikes, I didn't realize it was so late. I better get to bed....

Hugs!

Kat

GOODBYE SWEET JENNI

My heart is heavy this morning. I learned last night that a sweet blog friend has died. It's so hard to fathom. I can't wrap my mind around it. (Her ex-husband stepped in recently and kept up her blog when she no longer could. I hope he will continue, so that all of us who followed along her journey from this life to the next will know that her sons are thriving. That was Jenni's biggest concern.) I found her blog The Comfy Place in March 2008 through someone else. You know how that goes...you visit one blog which leads to another and then another. I do remember that the blog I visited mentioned Jenni and her question "What would you do if you knew you had one year to live."

Wow, what a question! It's one we all should ask....and then live our life accordingly.

Jenni wrote this on her blog:

"My friend wrote me after she had done this exercise for me, that we should all ask ourselves this question from time to time as none of us know how long we are here for and it can give us perspective as to whether we are living the authentic lives we would hope we had lived if we were on our death bed so to speak. I totally agree with her, it is something we should all do, any of us could leave the planet tomorrow or next week or next month, we just don't know when."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenni was a young 40 year old single mom who had two sons (7 and 18 I believe). She had stage four bowel cancer that had metastasized to her liver and lymph nodes. She was funny and wise, honest and real...beautiful in every way. She loved her boys and fought hard.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenni I will always remember your bravery and I will miss you sweet friend.

Hugs!

Kat

I QUIT....

....at least for a day.
No more shopping. Please. Enough is enough.

My shopping trip to Pensacola didn't happen today. We woke up early this morning to no power...until almost 9:30! That means no coffee until 9:30. (Scary!) No lights. No computer. It's impossible to put on makeup and dry hair with no power, so I just sat by a window and read a magazine. Linda and I finally made the decision to wait for another day when we could get an early start. Instead, we decided to meet for lunch and do some shopping around town. And shop we did. For HOURS.

And I'm shopped out.

So tomorrow (weather permitting) I'm playing tennis and then I'm spending the rest of the day at home. Home. Awwww...that sounds so nice to me. Maybe, just maybe, I'll address some Christmas cards. And get to do some blog reading. And a nap...that definitely sounds like something I need to add to my "to do" list.

I have only 3 gifts left to buy. Just 3 little gifts. But not tomorrow.
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Speaking of Christmas cards...I love getting cards. It amazes me how many different cards there are...so many looks...so many messages...some funny, some serious. I love them all. I keep them all together and enjoy looking at them often. Last year after Christmas I looked over all my cards one last time and before tossing them, I took my pinking shears and made some gift tags out of the cards. Voila'! cute little tags at no cost!

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How is your Christmas decorating, shopping, wrapping, etc. going? Good, I hope.

Hugs!

Kat

DEFINITELY POOPED!

The good news: I've finished 90% of my shopping. And everything I have bought so far is wrapped and under the tree. I have also stuffed my Christmas stockings and I only need a few more items to finish those. I'm feeling pretty good about things.

BUT...

My feet hurt. My head hurts. My wallet hurts.

And guess what I'm doing tomorrow? A friend and I are driving to Pensacola to do more shopping.

So off to bed I go. Night night!

Hugs!

Kat

THE QUESTION

I was standing in Wally World laughing out loud when I ran across this card the other day as I was shopping for a birthday card for a friend. I snapped this quickly with my cell phone, so it's a bit blurry.

No, this isn't the one I picked, but I sure enjoyed the laugh! I've asked this question myself a hundred times (or more). LOL

Wishing you all a day with reasons to laugh.

Hugs!

Kat

LESSONS FROM A TREE

I looked out my window yesterday afternoon and thought there was a beautiful red bird in one of our crepe myrtle trees. I looked closer and saw that instead of a bird it was a limb with 7 bright red leaves hanging on for dear life when all the others had fallen.

I stood there at the window in awe and then grabbed my camera and when out for a closer look.

I stook at the base of the tree and looked up.

Yes, I noticed my bird feeder was empty. We've had some hungry birds lately!

Seeing those lonely but strong leaves clinging to an otherwise barren tree made me think.

I KNOW God uses things and people and circumstances to teach us. Even trees.

No matter how bleak and lonely and scary our surrounding might be at times...

...we should be strong and hold on

...it's okay to be different

...anything is possible

Happy Sunday!

Hugs!

Kat

BLOG FRIENDSHIPS

My sweet friend Edna e-mailed me and told me about a blog post that Edie at Life In Grace wrote which ties in wonderfully with the blog post I wrote on Thursday about facebook vs blogging. It's too good not to share so I asked Edie if I could and she graciously said yes. BTW, go visit Edie...you'll be glad you did. She's amazing!

So...thanks to Edna and Edie, my blog post today is easy for me, but full of "good stuff" for you.

STATES OF BLOG FRIENDSHIP

1. Infatuated
Day 1: You click on a link to a new blog. Hmmmm. You make the following mental notes.

"Nice header."

"No opening music---that's good."
"Awww, she looks sweet. Cute kids. Cool project."

You click to a link within her post and get lost for a period of time on Martha Stewart's craft site trying to figure out how to make those origami ornaments. But you make a mental note to visit again.

Day 5: You remember that there was a new blog that you might potentially add to your reader so you rack your brain to try to remember how you got there. Was is from Melissa's link list? Or maybe BooMama's blogroll? Or Nester's lamp party? While trying to find the link, you get sidetracked 40 times and wander around in the blog wilderness confused as to how you ended up on a page that says 'The four stages of falling in love"---but you make mental note of how similiar the stages seem to blog crushes---and you determine to write a post someday about the stages of blog friendship.

Now back to our search. You click around to blogs that you know have good blogrolls and pray you'll recognize the name when you see it. Finally, 237 clicks later, you find it! Aw, the relief. You thought you'd 'lost' her forever. Her newest post is a tutorial on how to recycle old sheets into a gorgeous table runner for Thanksgiving.

"And she's industrious. I think I like this girl."

You bookmark her site and vow to visit again in a day or two when you have more time.

Day 10: You remember the bookmark you saved and sit down with a cup of coffee to get to know your new friend a little. You learn that she's a reformed Baptist, has five kids, bakes a lot, has a brother serving in Iraq, wants to adopt a baby, loves to make her home beautiful, and takes incredible pictures. Yep, we're definitely gonna be friends.

2. Smitten
Day 20: You have periodically visited her site and searched a few different categories. You love what you see and decide that sometime in the next few weeks you're gonna read some of her archives. You carve out some time between 11-1a and devote it completely to your new friend. You skim most of her blog posts and are enamoured with her photography, her fresh view of the world, her creative life and make a decision---despite the fact that she seems to be quite outspoken on certain issues----that you will most certainly add her to your reader.

Day 40: You are smitten. In the last 3 weeks, she's posted about making Texas sheet cake, the struggles she has with her strong willed toddler, the amazing Super Bowl party she threw last year, her 10 year love affair with her husband, and the reasons why she loves reformed theology. You forgive her for being in the wrong political party and decide that the blog posts you 'skimmed' late one night are gonna have to be read word for word. You usually read her blog outside the reader because when you're on her actual site, you feel like you're at home--and it allows you to comment when you want and read the comments of others.

3. Head Over Heels
Day 60: You start from her first blog post ever and read nearly every word she's written. You see how she's developed as a writer/blogger/woman. You respect her for the boundaries she hasn't violated. You know that if you met her in real life you'd be the best of friends. You don't agree with her on everything. She can be sarcastic and self-deprecating at times. But you are sure that you have never known anyone quite like her. She's a remarkable woman. She inspires you on so many levels. She has shown you that being a woman, a mother, a wife is honorable and noble and good. She makes you a better person. She has been gracious to open her life to you. And you are forever thankful.

You finally decide to introduce yourself to her. You become pen pals. Friends.

You start to read her comments and feel the need to defend her if someone---who doesn't 'know' her---seems to misunderstand her. You learn what her 'community' is like and decide to become part of it yourself.

4. Just Old Friends
Day 432: After months or years of 'following' her, you feel like you know her. You probably do know her better than some of her friends who don't read her blog. Her posting has been a little 'off' lately. Is she okay? Is she struggling with something? You pray for her and hope all is well. You send her an email encouraging her. And you say a prayer of thanksgiving. For this connection---for this fellowship. That has changed your life forever. You ponder C.S. Lewis' quote, "Eros will have naked bodies, friendship naked personalities."

No wonder this medium fosters friendship.

We bare our souls, expose our fears, confess our frailties and pray that those who receive our words do so with compassion and understanding----just like old friends. She is not perfect. But she is your friend and you are blessed indeed.

Sound familiar? Please tell me I'm not the only one.


Hugs!

Kat

I'M KINDA MAD AT FACEBOOK

Don't get me wrong...I like facebook. I really do. I enjoy it. I love the fact that you can hop on quickly and see "what's happening". You can jot down a fast thought and move on. Quick, easy, painless.

But, I'm sorry, I personally love blogging more. Why? Because to me it's more personal. In depth. Know what I mean? Like the photo above, in blogging I almost feel like we're face to face sometimes. On facebook I think it's only "surface chatter". And that's okay too. But, for me, blogging is best.

I have met the nicest sweetest friends through blogging. Yes, YOU! I love hearing about your day, your family, your problems, your faith, your recipes and your feelings about life. And so much more. I love sharing my feelings with you and "hearing" yours.

So why am I mad at facebook? Because facebook has "captured" some of my blog friends and isn't letting go. It seems quite a few of my blog friends are doing both, but (here's the part I don't like) they are using facebook more and blogging less. A lot less. I try to do both. Neither one probably great, but I try. I have to admit though that blogging is my first love. And I'm missing my blogging buddies who have "jumped ship".

What's your opinion on this?

If you're one of those that has moved over to facebook...I just want you to know that I miss you....Bad.

Hugs!
Kat

(Thanks for your comments about my video yesterday. Like everyone, I hate hearing my own voice. I guess I was trying to make sure I sounded "festive" and I ended up sounding high pitch and "screechy". LOL)

CHRISTMAS IN MY KITCHEN

I think I'm gonna need more batteries! I love this little guy! My Mom gave him to me last Christmas.



(hate my high pitched voice on this, but don't have time to redo)

I thought I'd show you my little 3 foot kitchen Christmas tree while Santa puts us in the spirit. It's one of our favorites trees in the house and it sits on the center island countertop. It makes me smile every time I walk in the kitchen.

It's a rainy yucky day here, but that's okay....I've got a pot of chili simmering on the stove for lunch and I'm decorating the big den tree.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"



Hugs!
Kat

READY OR NOT

Can you believe it? It's December lst?

You better watch out!
Better not cry!
Better not pout!
I'm telling you why,

Santa Claus is comin' to town.


And soon. Yikes! Is it just me or did the Holidays sneak up on you too? Between the wedding plans, George's surgery and mine, I didn't see it coming. LOL

I feel so much better. Still sore, but no need for pain meds. Which is very good, because I need to M-O-V-E. Lots to do! Decorating, shopping, wrapping, parties....

Let's get started! On your mark...get set. GO!



Hugs!
Kat

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

I'm sure by now you have seen this on the news. But girls, I just can't get enough of it! What a great uplifting way to spread the word!

Thanks to everyone who took part in making this happen.

I want some pink gloves 'cause I'm dancing!

Don't forget your mammograms. They save lives! I'm here today because of mine.





Hugs!
Kat

MONDAY LAUGH

Speaking of pigs.....a positive thought about my dental surgery: I don't feel like a pig after Thanksgiving.

I'm feeling so much better today.

Happy Monday everyone!



Hugs!
Kat

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY

Thanks for your comments and e-mails. I feel better today. Baby steps. Hopefully, tomorrow will be even better.

I keep thinking of all the things that I need to do though. You know...little things like laundry, dishes, banking, Christmas shopping, decorating the house, wedding plans, etc. I'm just not up to any of it yet. Just thinking about it makes me tired.

But soon.....




Hugs!
Kat

HOPING

I felt like a whimp, but I finally broke down and called the oral surgeon this afternoon. Enough is enough. The pain meds worked for a few days but then I began to itch. And Tylen*l just wasn't working. He said the 3rd or 4th day is usually the worst...more pain and swelling. No kidding!!! He has called in a stronger pain med and wants me to take it with some Motr*n.

Hopefully, relief is on the way.




Hugs!
Kat

HE HAS A SPECIAL KNACK

I don't know about your husbands, but mine has a knack for deciding to stop at gas stations with the worst restrooms! I usually have my head down reading a book or magazine, asleep or maybe playing a game on my phone when he whips into a station for gas. I look up to see where we are and have been known to say "no way, keep going". LOL

It's good to be home...just wish I felt better. Dental surgery is NOT FUN! I don't think it's the two implants that are still so painful. I think it's the bone graft/sinus lift. I know it's only been a few days, but MAN!

I'm frustrated too because usually by this time I am far into my Christmas decorating. I sure don't feel like lifting boxes, climbing on a ladder, etc. I need help. Any volunteers? Sure wish Teresa could come. Now she knows how to decorate! And how! If you haven't visited her blogs, you're missing out my friends!

Until I feel better, I'm just moving from the bed to the couch and sometimes to the computer to see what's happening. sigh!

Hugs,
Kat

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THE ART OF "THANKSLIVING"

It is gratitude in action.

It is applying Albert Schweitzer's philosophy....

"The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything..

He who has learned this, knows what it means to live"

It is thanking God for the gift of life...

by living it triumphantly.

It is thanking God for all that men and women have done for you...

by doing things for others.

It is thanking God for opportunities...

by accepting them as a challenge to achievement.

It is by thanking God for happiness....

by striving to make others happy.

It is thanking God for beauty....

by helping to make the world more beautiful.

It is thanking God for inspiration....

by trying to be an inspiration to others.

It is thanking God for health and strength....,

by the care and reverence you show your body.

It is thanking God for each new day....

by living it to the fullest.

It is thanking God by giving hands, arms, legs and voice....

to your thankful hearts.

It is adding to your prayers of thanksgiving....

acts of "THANKS-LIVING"!

(This was sent to me in an e-mail. A wonderful message for us all.)

I wish for you all a blessed, safe and happy Thanksgiving surrounded by your loved ones. I am blessed to be with my family. Thank you God.

Hugs!

Kat

BUTT OF COURSE

Do I wish for you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING...."butt" of course!

Hugs!

Kat


Thanks for your prayers. I'm actually feeling pretty darn good this morning. Thank goodness, unlike George I CAN take pain meds. We're packing up this morning and driving to my home town to be with family. I'm on a soft food diet for weeks, but I'm hoping to enjoy my Momma's cornbread dressing with gravy, Sherry's sweet potato casserole, and some cranberry sauce. At least I can have some tastes of Thanksgiving. Hmmmm....pumpkin pie is soft (minus the crust - darn it's my favorite part). Lots of possibilities, so I'll be just fine.

NERVOUS THIS MORNING

***update 11:00pm***Still doing okay. Tonight I am very thankful for the wonderfulness of pain meds. Praying for a good night. If so, tomorrow we will travel to my home town for Thanksgiving with family. Thanks for your prayers!

***update 5:00pm***I survived. Still numb so I feel okay right now. Just laying around, taking my pains meds, antibiotics and steroids and keeping an ice pack on my face to hopefully avoid bruises and swelling. Thanks for the prayers.


Today. Two dental implants and one sinus lift. 10:30 am

Please pray for me.

Hugs!

Kat