Happy 51st Birthday

My girlfriend Julie on her 51st birthday.
She is so thin!
How I would love to be small too.

Of course she has the super beauty pose.
This is after she has brought along her party food.
Are you ready?
And remember I am on a DIET!

Wonderful goodies from my favorite bakery.
That dark chocolate thingy on the left?
A chocolate dipped brownie.
A wonderful brownie topped with whipped chocolate mousse covered in chocolate ganache.
Sin and Heaven combined.

More baked goods!

And here is sushi, shrimp, cheeses, jellies, salads, fried green tomatoes, grape salad and more and more and more.

GOSH! I am full just looking at all of this.

Mini-Cation in Photos

Raychel likes to make faces.
So we are working on how to do it again.

The Family Rutherford.
What a beautiful family.

Raychel studies our cutting technique.

Raychel and Gouda (aka Grandmother Tommie).
Tommie was my mom mentor.

My radiant friend, Donna.
I missed her so much and am thrilled beyond words that she is part of my life again.

Just My Opinon on Nessa

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife I would like to say that this blog is a lot like the TV theme song from Beverly Hillbillies. You know where it goes something like this: Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed, Then one day he was shootin at some food, And up through the ground came a bubblin' crude. But it is not the same all the way. Instead this is a blog that goes more like this: Come and visit in a life about a lady named Nessa, A poor Texas Housewife who kept her family fed, Through scrimping and saving to get some food, And up through the ranks she became a coupon guru. Nessa uses her knowledge of coupons, balancing a budget, innovative ways to earn a wage and great family activities to help others navigate these tough times we are in. When visiting Ramblings of a Texas Housewife and the sister blog of Texas Housewife's Homemakin' Blog you will encounter a remarkable woman. Do not be surprised to see great recipes, frugal tips, fun music videos, tall Texas tales (and they are true) and fantastic book reviews. Nessa seems to be a Jill of all Trades when it comes to homemaking. Using her skills to make fantastic crock pot meals one moment and then tackling the thrills of Ebay the next. You will meet her adorable kids and devoted hubby as they show up in surprise post of everyday life turned impossible and even improbable at times. I know that by tuning in to this blog I am entertained and learn something new on a regular basis. Just check out Ramblings of a Texas Housewife and see for yourself.

Time to Make a Move

Back in December I had a lady friend and her children staying with us. Since then my friend was able to rent a home. Unfortunately her mail is still coming to my address. I need to have it forwarded to her. And of course to have her change her address.

When I check my mail box and see a stack of bills my heart swoons. I do say I am glad that it is not all mine. I think I am going to purchase my friend a mailbox as a house warming present. Do you think it will be tacky to have a change of address form inside it?

Our mailboxes are in clusters here. Mine is next to our across the street neighbor Nessa. I know that we meet there checking what goodies have shown up. At one time Nessa was looking at beautiful brass mail boxes. I know they would really class up the look here. Maybe some day we can get them.

Man Toys

Dan, Dan !!!

I have found the place that calls your name. With all the work you have to do around your house remodeling then your going to love this.

You can find all of your workshop and home improvement needs all right here. And no it is not where you work! You can pop over here and search for just the right tool. Then, automatically, it will start searching all the places you can find it. Think of the budget savings you can find. Where what is on sale at when you really need it! What a life saver there. Heck you could even find those "man toys" that you really really wanted.

I swear my DH gets near a home improvement place and his pulse quickens. I hope I still have that same effect on him myself. So Dan, go check this out and see if you are able to click fast enough?????

Thankful Thursday Revisited

I have to post a copy of a blog from my across the street neighbor. She has been so positive and then to say this about my family has made me feel so wonderful. It is amazing to find out that someone thinks so highly of me. I tend to be the "negative nancy" when I think of myself. I forget that people see me from the outside looking in and I see the inside trying to get out. Amazingly different perspectives. And after having a week of being bashed by a "friend" I needed to know that I am making a difference in someone's life. So here is to you Nessa. I have raised my cup of coffee to you and am willing to share my chocolate any time. Thanks for not only paying it forward but to do so with such a cheerful heart.

From: http://nessatxmom.blogspot.com/2008/09/thankful-thursday.html
I am thankful for my amazing neighbors, John, Lenore, Denea, and Grandma Marge. These are some crazy, awesome, fantastic, loving folks! They are a blast to hang out with, will share their wisdom with you, let you cry on their shoulder, make you laugh, are always there for you, and always seem to know when you really need a cup of coffee. The four of us are blessed to have them in our life. I am so thankful that we made a home near such great folks. It was like finding family living across the street.