MarytheKaytheBlog

The Illusion of Being Fancy--It's all Smoke and Mirrors, Anyway

(If you're looking to read more about Kids Across America's Great Bike Challenge, I am taking a few days' break.  I have a couple of more things to say next week!  Please check back then!)

 

Oh, how many days have I written about being fancy, or tidy, or well-fed?  Can you people tell by now that sometimes, I just want things to be nice around here?

I want things around me to be pretty.

 

And I want the people around me to get along.

 

So, just when I fancy things up a bit, and start to admire all the pretty...

 
 

I look closer, and am brought back down to earth. 

 

Where, like it or not, men sometimes need to pick their teeth.

 

*gag reflux*

 

And, evidently, they need to store their toothpicks in the middle of my pretties.

 

 

(Hey--I'm just speaking hypothetically here...)

 

Well...the illusion was nice while it lasted...

 

Goodbye forever, fancy life...
 

 

*****

Happy Weekend, all!!!  Sure hope to see ya back here next week!  Enjoy yourself some bon bons in celebration of all of this beautiful Fall weather...Or candy corn--'tis the season for candy corn, ya know!

Day 3: Rockland to Camden...and lots of Cool Stuff!

Before I post a bunch of gorgeous Maine pictures (not that I'm bragging on my pitiful ability to snap pictures...Maine is just gorgeous to photograph--flunkie picture taker or not!!) I would like to give a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE to the guys and gals who have planned this Great Bike Challenge for Kids Across America Kamps.

 

Seriously, these people have planned every minute of this trip so perfectly--and always with the attitude to serve others.  These guys are the last ones to bed at night, and the first ones awake (not that I'd know personally!) to make sure everyone's breakfast is just perfect.

 

Here he is, folks--O Captain, our Captain! 

 

Oh, but WHERE would the Captain be without his First Mate?

 

 

And, to ALL their Crew Members--Eric, Ray, Mark, and Chris...and all the Sag Wagon drivers--THANK YOU for helping to make this trip so special for our family--and for everyone on the trip.  It takes a special talent to plan a trip of this magnitude, and have it execute in such a way that it feels relaxed and just plain ole FUN!

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah...all those big words and adulations...just THANKS, okay?

 

And, now without further adieu--Here are some of the reasons WHY these guys worked their patooties off:

 

I sure do love these people!!!

 

 
 

 

  

I know the Crew's heart is to serve these bikers (my family, too!) like crazy.  But, I also happen to know the NUMBER ONE reason they are helping all of the many details of the Great Bike Challenge to happen...

 

Is to raise money to help bring more inner-city campers to Kids Across America Kamps--so that they can be introduced to Jesus.
 
 
 

All this other stuff--the gorgeous scenery, the amazing meals, the cool side trips, even the schooner ride--all of that is just extra stuff.  All of that is really great...but when it all boils down...it's all nothing

 

Compared to the life of one kid.  One kid who might not otherwise have a chance in this world to make something of his life.

 

Who might get the chance to ride a bus to a summer sports camp in the middle of the Ozark Mountains, where hundreds of crazy college students get to love on him, and encourage him for 8 days.

 

And just maybe that kid will see something different in the eyes of his counselors.  And will want that same sparkle for himself.

 

The sparkle--the look of pure peace and joy.

 

That's what all of these pictures boil down to.

 

That one thing.

 

The very best thing. 

  
 
 So, thanks Great Bike Challenge crew...Thanks for helping that ONE BEST THING to happen!

 

If you'd like to learn more about Kids Across America Kamps, please check out the website!    Or maybe you'd like to join the Great Bike Challenge next Fall!  Please do--it would be a blast! 

Day 2 of the ride: Freeport to Rockland, Maine

If you're wondering what ride I am talking about, click here to catch up!

 

Day 2 of the Great Bike Challenge was the long ride day--91.2 miles!  We knew it would be an adventure-filled day when we woke up to some chilly temperatures, with the threat of rain.  That didn't seem to deter any of the bicyclers one bit!  As the temperatures continued to drop during the day, the bikers continued to add layers, and kept on pedaling to keep warm!

 

 
  

 

Dave and Rebecca rode their tandem bike about 10 miles this morning before it started drizzling rain.  We decided to take a quick break in the darling town of Wiscassett.  We fell in love with a couple of stores here!!

 
 Here's one of my favorite stores here--Paper Rock Scissors.  Isn't that the cutest name for a paper goods / gift shop?
 

 
 Just looking around this colorful shop, I could tell the owner has an eye for stylish design and thoughtful miniatures.  This store was just like candy for my eyes!  I could have spent hours looking at every little thing!

 

What is a cold bike ride without a cup of steaming hot cocoa?  Well, let's just take care of that at this AMAZING local coffee shop!  Walking in, I instantly felt at home in the warm and friendly environment.  Plus...I somehow always feel at home around pastries and desserts!  *sigh*

Isn't this just the cutest candy display?  "Yes, m'am, I'll have a pound of each..."

OH, but THIS, this is where we spent some money.  Which one do you think we selected???

Well, the ginger coffee cake, of course!  Nothing seems more fallish than warm gingerbread.  Mmmm!  It did not disappoint, either! 
 

Isn't this the coolest, coziest-looking coffee shop you've ever seen?  I could have spent all day here...Cause, lucky for me--they serve lunch!  However, lunch was still ahead at the base of a lighthouse.  Must keep moving!

Just had to snap sweet Sarah's picture under her namesake cafe! 

The Pemaquid Lighthouse did not disappoint!  Isn't it just beautiful?!  Also, the scenery around it was breathtaking.  The temperatures were dropping, so we kept bundling up.  A little rain did not keep our girls from playing on the rocks, though! 
 

 

 

Wouldn't you want to play on these rocks?  There were hundreds of feet of these rocks down at the shoreline.  The girls were careful not to get too close--or else some of the waves would spray them as they crashed down upon the rocks!

 

 Well, the bikers all made the 91.2 mile ride--in the cold and in the rain!  Dave and Becca opted to ride a much shorter time...Dave wants to keep biking FUN and ENJOYABLE for Rebecca.  She chose to ride in the warm van most of the day.  Smart girl, I say!

 

After a yummy seafood dinner at The Boathouse, everyone headed back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.   Day 3 is to be a shorter ride--34 miles through more beautiful country, and following the coastline towards Camden, Maine.

 

And they're OFF! Old Orchard Beach to Freeport, Maine!

Welcome to Day 1 of KAA's the Great Bike Challenge (GBC)!  The bikers donned their shiny black spandex, climbed on their bicycles, and began their 47.9 mile ride from Old Orchard Beach to Freeport. 

What a great group of people to hang out with this week!  Oh yeah, there are some real movers and shakers riding together this week...but in this group, we're all here for a purpose--to raise money and awareness for Kids Across America Kamp.  We're all here to help inner-city kids have a chance at a better life.  All of us believe that there is only 1 thing that will give those kids a better life...or anyone, for that matter.  And that 1 thing is to have a relationship with Jesus. 

 

All the money we're raising this week is all to help our campers, our inner-city kids, have a chance to meet Jesus at Kids Across America Kamp. 

 

Now...that's not to say these movers and shakers are singing Kumbaya all week and taping Bible verses to their bicycles.  Oh no--there is some hard riding, some sweating, some gearing down to get up tough hills. 

 

Mostly, though, what I am noticing this week are relationships.  I see groups of bikers sticking together, chatting while riding, stopping together--either to enjoy a beautiful view, or grab a cup of coffee.  Nearly all of these bikers already knew each other, and most of them have been on GBC rides before.  They are here to raise money, but they are also here to enjoy each other while riding.

 

The relationships are what make this ride. 

 

Okay, I'll be honest--the scenery ain't to shabby, either!

 

(I do believe this Inn is in the dictionary under "Absolutely perfectly beautiful Inns in Maine.") 
 

After a ride through beautiful downtown Portland, everyone pulled into Loring Memorial Park for a picnic lunch. 

 Everyone huddled into the gazebo, overlooking the beautiful bay.  This was the beginning of some chilly weather.  Brr, where are those fleeces I packed?

 

 
 Everyone has been so kind to our girls.  As the token kids on the trip, they are a little spoiled with attention.  But, I guess I am a little prejudiced...they are cute, aren't they??

 

But, since they are the only kids, I keep reminding them to be sweet, be polite, shh, quiet down a little, settle down now, come here--hold my hand now, shh wait just a minute...

 

Or else--you know--

 Well, that's NOT even FUNNY, is it???  Okay, okay, you know I'm only kidding!!!  Everybody knows this canon doesn't work anymore...  Silly me.

 

After lunch was the beginning of...Well, actually I shouldn't say what it was the beginning of for me.  This being a family-friendly blog and all.

 

Let's just say...I got lost...a few times...and I wasn't very happy about it.  My family laughs (at me) that I am directionally challenged.  That is kind of an understatement, actually.  But, to my credit this time--there were a LOT of turns--many times every 2 miles.  Finally, I gave up trying to stay on the bike path.  I just plugged my end destination into my BELOVED GPS, and just turned where the sweet lady told me.

 

How did I feel about being lost numous times?  Well, since I shouldn't exactly SAY IT right here...I'll show you:

 
 
Check out the little stinker in the back seat!  I guess she didn't like being lost, either!

 

So, dear brother, sister, and mother--all of whom called me, and I didn't answer--THIS is what I was busy doing!  I promise to call soon!!!

 

How does a girl unwind in Freeport, Maine, after being stressed all afternoon long?

 

Um, HELLO?  You all know what Freeport is the home to, right???

L. Bean.  That's right--L. Bean!  Or...just maybe the silly girl who edited the picture so perfectly chop chopped one of the L's.  Poor L.

 

Found 2 darling denim skirts for 2 darling girls.   

 

Then, it was back to the Hampton Inn

 

For a  little joy-riding

And then, some seriously yummy dinner at Gritty's!  Sorry...no pictures of everyone gathered at the tables overflowing with food.  I only took a couple of quick ones--and during dinner when people were chewing! (novice photographer!)  I have a strict policy not to post unflattering pictures of anyone...(unless they are either of my brothers...or my sisters, if they are mean to me! )  I promise to post lots of pictures of our fun group tomorrow! 

 
And I ordered my first-ever lobster roll.  YUM!  (Okay, I am a dork.  I actually googled "lobster roll" on my phone at the restaurant before ordering--just to make sure the pictures of lobster rolls looked good.  I like to be an informed order-er!  And, also, I am a dork.  I know.)

 
And, that, is the end of Day 1.  Whew!  What a day.  I know Dave and Rebecca were tired after riding 47.9 miles.  Time to hit the sack and rest up for the big 91.2 mile day! 

 

Okay, also...something terribly embarrassing happened to me at Gritty's...I mean something MONUMENTALLY blush-inducing, how do you explain to your children, embarrassing...  I'm not sure I am ready to tell about it here.  I am SURE it would be inappropriate to tell...but, I'm always game for a laugh or two.  And, even though it was embarrassing to me, I'm sure it's funny.  And I'll be able to laugh about it in a year...or ten...   Just have to decide whether or not I want to tell this story in mixed company.  My dad does read this blog, you know!  (Hi, Dad!  Miss you!!!)

 

Enough chattering from me!  Check back--and I'll tell you all about Day 2--with lots of biker pictures, too!

The Day Before the Start! Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Well, we're FINALLY here!!!  After 3 long, adventure-filled days in the car, we have arrived in Old Orchard Beach, Maine! 

 

(In case you have no idea what I am talking about, my husband and daughter are about to join a great group of bikers, who will ride 280 miles across Maine in The Great Bike Challenge to help raise support and awareness for Kids Across America Kamps)

 

All the bikers have arrived, and they're all getting ready to begin The Great Bike Challenge!  The weather is absolutely gorgeous today--sunny, but not too hot.  Walking around this evening was just perfect. 

 

Since we arrived in Old Orchard Beach late last night, we had the whole day to explore and play on the beach! 

  
You can't tell here...but the water is COLD!!  A little cold water wasn't going to stop our girls from a whole lot of digging, moat and castle building, shell collecting, and running around on the beach today!

 

 

This place was a GREAT FIND!!!  If you ever come to Old Orchard Beach, please stop at Dolce Crema Caffe' for a yummy lunch, a dish of heavenly gelato, or some coffee and a pastry.  We were blown away by the excellent service.  We later found out the great guy that helpeld us was actually the owner, Mike.  Mike made us feel like VIPs as he chatted with our girls about what they wanted for lunch, and served us like we were his favorite customers!!  (Who knows?  Maybe we were!  We are a friendly, smiley sort.)

Mike suggested I try the BBQ chicken panini with carmelized onions  and sharp cheddar.  He had me at carmelized onions!   The sandwich was perfect.  Dave ordered the chef salad, and kept bugging me until I would take a bite of cucumber and cherry tomato.  WOW.  I don't mean to go on and on about our lunch--but the vegetables tasted garden fresh, crisp, and full of summertime flavor!

 Oh, but can we talk about the gelato?  Because you KNOW I had some gelato for dessert!  I chose large (yes, yes, I did!) because with the large size, you could have 3 different flavors.  I had a trio of tart fruityness--red orange (my favorite!) mandarincello, and pink grapefruit (whoo, tart!)
 

 Well, you KNEW there would be pictures of lobsters on a trip to Maine!  I do not want to disappoint!  Look at this friendly fella--he gave his life so that we could have yummy lobster on our first evening here.  Thank ya, Larry Lobster.  Your generosity will never be forgotten.

 

  Okay, hurry and take the picture--Larry is HOT!  But, look--Larry is giving a little goodbye wave to his friends and family back home.  However...come to think of it...I'm not sure any lobsters actually read this blog...  Gotta work on that lobster marketing.  (Poor Larry...his wave was in vain...)

Note Sara Beth's face here...She said something SMELLED FUNNY.  She had a dinner of delicious french fries--which she requested to please eat away from the funny smelling lobster food!

 

 Ah!  Were you wondering if there were any of the bike crew in this post?  Well, lookie here--a whole table full of bike crew friends!  All enjoying the lobster, potato, and corn dinner at the local Lobster Festival.  I believe Mark and Chris there are enjoying their very first lobster.  They gave the experience a thumbs up!  Thanks to Mindy for instructing all us lobster novices on the proper way to crack open Larry's little claws and tail.  And, Sarah--who is always looking to serve and help!!  Love her!
 

Old Orchard Beach has a really great evening vibe.  Of course, the perfect temperature made the night seem even more perfect! 

UPDATE ON THE EVENING VIBE:  Let me insert here that I am not appreciating that evening vibe now that I am in our condo, and ready to go to sleep.  The vibe sounds like it is still going strong.  I just wish the vibe would go on home, and put itself to bed!  Enough vibe, okay?

We had a great time walking around, taking in all of the sights.  Even stopping to enjoy a little dessert! 
 

Nothing like  a little lemon Italian ice to finish off a really great day! 

 

Tomorrow the bikers will pull on their spandex and line up at the start!  (Time to get good eye contact with the bikers...if ya know what I mean!)

 

Check back later--I'll try to upload some pics of our lovely Old Victorian condo room. 

Linky Dinks: New Discoveries

 I found a new blog today...Or, rather, I should say:  Just today I found a blog that is new to me.  And, actually, I have read it before.  I just newly discovered it today--and I am so happy I did!  Have you read AnnieBlogs?  That Annie--she is funny, and insightful, and just FUN to read.  Basically, AnnieBlogs is just good people. 

 

Of course, I am a big sucker for people's reading/watching lists. I have been hearing a lot of buzz about The Hunger Games, which AnnieBlogs mentions.  (And it's a trilogy--triple squeal!!!)  For the first time I actually read what the book is about.  And, I have to tell you...I may or may not be running to Target later this morning to make a purchase for our upcoming roadtrip.  (Dear husband, just read on past that part!)

 

Want to be inspired today?  How about inspired to action?  What a wonderful new blog this is!  What a wonderful resource, too.

 

Ah, and here is a song for your heart today.  Sara Groves certainly isn't a new discovery to me...but this song is!  Love it!

 

 

 In closing, I'd like to give a little SHOUT OUT to some friends, as we have been giggling about this famous MOVIE QUOTE:

 

SUSHI!

 

(Name that movie!)

 

Now, go bust open a brand new pack of bon bons, flop onto your couch, and begin enjoying your weekend!!!  See ya next week as we start The Great Bike Challenge!!  (Might even post a few bike pictures this weekend...)  If you just can't stand it, and want to hear my minute-by-minute rants thoughtful thoughts as we drive thousands of miles (literally, ugh) across the US towards Maine, follow me on Twitter:  @MarytheKay

 

Special note to house robbers:  Just in case you think you are all tricky noticing that we will not be at our house...  Yeah, I am one-half step ahead of ya!  We always have a house sitter.  A big, ugly, scary guy.  Who is not afraid of hunting rifles.  I'm just saying.  And two dogs in the back yard who bark and howl as a hobby.  And really nosy neighbors, who frankly, do not like barking dogs.

Things that Make a Mama's Heart Happy...

 Sunday afternoons are laid back around our house.  If you've read my blog for long, you probably already know that I take a Sunday afternoon nap Every. Single. Sunday.  Sunday afternoons are my one day during the week to relax, and take a completely guilt-free nap.

 

Since neither of our girls are nappers anymore (*sigh*), they usually play together, watch a movie, or whatever sounds fun to them at the time... 

 

Our family really tries to guard Sundays, and keep them laid-back family days (and church days, of course!)  Sometimes, though, I feel stressed--that we're not allowing our girls enough time to have friends over, or that somehow we're stifling their friendships because of our family Sundays.

 

However, just this past Sunday, my mama heart felt a surge of joy when I saw this:

There is nothing sweeter than seeing our daughters playing together!! 

 

It doesn't bother me ONE BIT that there are craft projects spread all across the carpet, or that the pillows are on the floor, or that I'll probably vacuum up many of the tiny beads they are working with...

 

Give me sweet sisters playing together over a tidy bedroom ANY DAY!!!

 

They might not have had friends over that day...but they are working on FRIENDSHIP. 

 

Friendship with EACH OTHER.

 

Easy and Inspiring Artwork

One of my favorite ways  to add artwork to the walls is--

 

You guessed it:  Quick and easy!

 

(I'll keep all the jokes to myself today...Click above if you want to know a few of them!)

 

I love hanging scripture verses on our walls.  I have simple framed verses all over our house now--our living room, kitchen, both of my girls' rooms, their bathroom, and our Master bath.  I try to match the themes of the verses to the purpose of the room.  Family verses for our common areas.  Verses about beauty, confidence, and kindness in our girls' bathroom.  Verses to remind me about inward beauty and the state of my heart in our Master bath.

 

I find that as I am getting ready in the mornings, my eyes will catch a glimpse of one of the verses--and I am reminded that all the hair brushing and shimmery make-up in the world cannot touch the state of my heart.  That is a good reminder for my rushing-around morning routine!  I hope that as my girls grow, and are primping in their bathroom mirror, the verses on their walls will  help them navigate the murky waters of the teenage years and into womanhood.

 

 Girls' Bathroom Verses

  
 

 Master Bathroom Verses What??  You can't read these verses? 

Sorry...that didn't help much, did it?

If you want to look them up, they are Proverbs 31: 25, 26, and 30

and Philippians 4:6-7
 

 

Want to know how EASY these framed verses are to make?  All you need are 3 things:

1.  Vellum paper (the semi-transparent paper you purchase at a craft store)

2.  Pretty scrapbook paper - or fabric to put under the vellum paper, which serves as the background

3.  A frame - all of the frames pictured above were very inexpensive frames

 

Now what?

Find your favorite Bible verses (or those that you want to inspire you), type them out, and HAVE FUN playing with all those fonts you never seem to use!  You can even insert some simple clipart, if you want.  If you notice on the girls' bathroom verses, I inserted some simple butterflies.  They just seemed to match the whimsical font I used.  When you're satisfied with the look, just print on the vellum paper as you would on regular copy paper.  Place the vellum over the scrapbook paper (or fabric), and frame it!  Easy breezy!

 

To see what the vellum and scrapbook paper look like, I'll show you a picture of the 5-year faded paper I just replaced in our Master bath.  I replaced the faded blue with the cheerful yellow and white polka dot fabric.  It was just some fabric I had leftover from an earlier project. 

 

You'll notice the vellum I used last time was patterned.  You might think I searched high and low to find it...but actually, that was the only kind of vellum I found at our craft store that day.  That is the way all of my projects end up around here--IMPROVISED, because I am too impatient to wait one more day to finish!!!

Notice the grey paper on the right?  That paper used to be the bright blue like on the left...I just flipped that page over--the other side is the horrible grey, too!  I doubt scrapbook paper would have faded that much.  Once again, I improvised...and just used regular construction paper!  Why?  Because that is what I had on hand at the time!

 

I hope this easy breezy project inspires you to hang some meaningful Bible verses around your house.   

 

Or, if you already do this, I would LOVE to hear what verses you use!  Another GREAT thing about this project is that you can change out/update the verses easily!
 

Linked up with:

 

"How's Yer Whatachicken?" Recipe

I don't want to confuse you...because I am not going to give you a recipe for the actual Whatachicken sandwich...But, I'm sorry.  I just LOVE that quote...and from what movie, may I ask? 

 

Anyone?

 

Anyone?

 

C'mon!!!  You HAVE to know this quote!!!  It is from a CLASSIC movie of the 1990s.  In fact, I was just giggling and grinning from ear to ear when I found that it (all of it?) is posted on YouTube in 10-minute segments.

 

So, just bear with me, and watch the clip...or at the very least, please watch the first 1:53 of it so you can see the Classic Quote that just makes me GIGGLE every stinking time!

 

And, if you have never seen this movie, then by golly, you need to go purchase it.  It is based on the life of a good man and a good woman and their cowboy-cowgirl, rodeo-loving life.  What could be better than a good bull riding movie?  Sorry, the city girl side of me secretly always wanted to be a cowgirl.

 

So, humor me and watch the clip...THEN I promise to show you my EASY BREEZY How's Yer Whatachicken Crockpot Chicken Noodle Dish.  Don't worry about the long name. 

 

Just call it the "How's Yer Whatachicken Dish."

 

(Oh, and the movie name?  8 Seconds  This scene begins with cowboy Lane and cowgirl Kelly's first date...at Whataburger, of course.  Just watch--Lane is already smitten with an uninterested Kelly...until about 49 seconds in, that is.  You'll see the gleam twinkle in her eye as Lane begins to steal her heart....)

   

 Well, if I hadn't already promised you the How's Yer Whatachicken Crockpot Dish, I would just close for now and say goodnight.  But, since a cowgirl is always true to her word, I'd better git on with it, little doggies.

 

Oh, and before I go on, I MUST give proper credit for this recipe.  I tore it out of a Gooseberry Patch catalog.  Now, the commentary is all mine (in case you are wondering).  But the recipe is all theirs!

 

First of all, let me present the cast of characters to get things going.  In rodeo talk, Cowboy Lane would have started things by saying, "Okay, boys, okay!"

 What is not pictured here are the 3 lovely frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts.  I had already put them in the crockpot with all the pictured ingredients when I took the picture.  Here are the very scientific measurements: 

3 frozen chicken breasts

2 cans of cream of chicken soup

a shake or two of garlic powder

a shake or two of salt (not too much, the soup is already salty)

4-5 good shakes of pepper.  Don't be afraid to spice things up with the pepper.  This dish is bland without it.

Put 'er all in the crockpot (and a 1991 peach and baby blue crockpot really works best) on low for 6 hours.  Run to the grocery, go to lunch, get a pedicure, pick up a few things at the Gap, try on some cowboy boots at the shoe store, pick up carpool, drive thru during Sonic Happy Hour, and come home to check the chicken.  It should be falling apart tender by now! 

 

Next, pull out the chicken breasts and shred chicken.  You will nearly fall over when you see how tender the chicken is.  It will practically shred itself.  You think I'm lying?  You just wait and see!  Put the precious little chicken shreds back into the soupy deliciousness.

 

 
This next part you will want to execute 30 minutes before serving.  I just let everything sit in the crockpot until I know everyone will sit down to eat in 30 minutes 

Boil a bag of extra wide egg noodles (I actually only used 2/3 bag--and it was plenty)

Pour cooked egg noodles and a can of chicken broth into crockpot mixture.

Taste the deliciousness.  And I can promise you, you'll want to add more pepper!  Don't be stingy with the pepper and start cooking up bland stuff on me.  Go on--shake that wrist a few more times with the pepper!

Cook on low in covered crockpot for 30 more minutes.

Serve it up in a bowl, and just feel that warm and cozy, comfort-food feeling!!

  
This dish reminds me a lot of chicken and dumplings.  Especially my sister Gina's.  Except no offense to Gina--her dumplings are WAAAAAY better.  Like, off the chart better.  But, I don't mean to make you feel bad about your crockpot creation...or the fact that you don't have a Gina in your life.  

 

Cheer up.  I'm sure you have a Sheila or a Sue in your life...or even a Brenda (shout out to Brenda!!!)  And from what I hear, they are good God-fearin' women who know their way around the kitchen.

 

All right, I've chattered on enough now.  You go on and put yer chickens in the crockpot now.

 

And, PROMISE ME, when you sit down at dinner tonight...PROMISE ME you will look at your husband after he's had a few bites, and ask him:

 
"How's Yer Whatachicken?"

 

Thank you, and good-bye.

 Linked up with:

Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

The Saturday Evening Blog Post at Elizabeth Esther

 

 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!

 

Well, I am pleased as punch to announce our Celebrate Fall Giveaway!  Thank you all so much for joining in the fun!  I hope you know that if I were a Mrs. Walton, I would purchase the cute black wire basket for EACH of you!  Really, I would!

 

Thank you so much for stopping by to read.  And thank you for commenting.  It makes writing so much more fun when it is two-way!  So, thank you.  *smile*

 

OH! But, you want to know the WINNER, right?

 

Drum rolllllll....

 

Here 'tis!

 

 (I used Random.Org to generate the winner...and I'm sorry--for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to get the widget to show the winning number here.  So, I'm just going to TELL you the winning number.  But, I promise, the winning number is...)

 

#14 Karrie Alexander, come on down!!!  Karrie, please e-mail me your mailing address, I will get this little Celebrate Fall goodie headed your way!  I sure hope this little basket brings a smile to your face and a little Fall warmth to your home.  And I appologize right now for the Payday Mix...it can be very addicting! 

 

Karrie, if you want to take a picture of the little basket in your home--I sure would love to post it here! 

 

Oh, and in case you're wondering about the whole "Winner Winner CHICKEN DINNER" title...Well, I have a yummy and very easy crockpot chicken dinner recipe I hope to post tomorrow!  So, get your frozen chicken breasts and crockpots ready!