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Things You’re Thankful For

Earlier this month The Blended Blog offered a Linkup to post the following

I missed the linkup that day, but thought it would be appropriate to share my “Things You’re Thankful For” answers today.

Here they are:

1. A New Friend

One particular person that I am thankful to have befriended this year comes to mind…

WendyI’ve got your back… Buddy!

2. Something Shiny

While I am thankful to own a car for all the practical reasons, this particular car has been exceptionally fun to own. Because he has not been the one to enjoy driving the new family car in the past, I encouraged LB to buy it for himself last year. He has thoroughly loved cruising in this beautiful vehicle, and I have enjoyed it too.

3. Someone Unexpected

Three years ago, at the Thanksgiving dinner table, it was announced that we would have a new family member join us the following July. This little girl tugs at my heart strings in a way that I didn’t know possible.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to love her.

4. Something Ordinary

Well.

Driving to work, I see these little guys everyday. They’re about as ordinary as it gets.  I’m thankful when I see them make it safely across the street.

5. A Person you’ve known for a long time

GinaThis picture was taken a long time ago, but I’ve known Gina even longer.  She is my younger sister and the first friend I ever had.  Every girl needs a sister who is a friend.  I’m thankful for mine.

6. Somewhere you go every day

Work

Despite the fact that I do not relish the commute to work, it is the one place that I go every weekday.  My motivation is the paycheck I receive and I can truthfully say that I am thankful for that!

7. Someone who has taught you something

MamaShe has taught me more than anyone else.  I am thankful to have been raised by such a sweet, generous, loving, godly example.

8. A faraway place

VermontMy Daddy loved Vermont in the winter.  He taught me to ski on the Toll Road in Vermont.  I hope to get back there someday.

9. Something that is saving your life right now

The WeekendBecause  beginning Friday night until Monday morning…

I DON’T HAVE TO TALK ON THE PHONE!

10. Someone you see every day

 LB

And I am extremely thankful for him!

He is especially handsome in the fall!

11. Something you enjoy doing

shopping

Daytona Beach Tanger Outlets Gallery 1And I do it every chance it get!

12. A Special Lady

LaurieShe is a precious lady with a kind heart.  I’m thankful that I can call her my friend.

13. A Special Place

Home

This is where I like to be!  SO Thankful for home!

14. A Special Gentleman

My nephew ClayWhile I am thankful for each member of my family, Clay (center) told my Mama that he promised my Daddy that he would take care of her.  He does a wonderful job, and I’m thankful for him.

15. Something warm

ElvisMy lap cat keeps me warm while we sit in the living room every night.  He is very patient with me when I want to snuggle and he welcomes me home when he greets me at the door.   I am thankful to have such a sweet little kitty.

I am Thankful to have SO MUCH to be Thankful for!

Pecan Pie Bars

The time has come to prepare for America’s favorite holiday…

Thanksgiving!

When I was a growing up, I remember spending Thanksgiving day with either my Daddy’s side of the family or my Mama’s side of the family.  Christmas would be spent with the other side of the family.  This would flip flop on the following year.  It continued this way for years… until my grandparents were no longer able to play host on holidays.  Now that I’m the Mama/Mom/Ma (depending on who is calling on me), I have created my own tradition.

I call it

The Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner.

I’ll be sharing more about that later.

It goes without saying that desserts are a significantly important part of this event.  Today I began preparing for my Sunday before Thanksgiving Dinner by making

Pecan Pie Bars

The instructions say to line the pan with foil.  I line the pan with foil AND spray with non-stick cooking spray.  One can’t be too careful.

The Pecan Pie Bars begin with a delicious crust.  Beginning with brown sugar and butter, how could it be anything but delicious?

Once the crust has baked, the pecan topping is added.  And baked again. These are DANG good!

No one will even miss the pecan pie!

This is how they are made…

Pecan Pie Bars

  • Servings: 16-24
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving enough for a 2-inch overhang on all sides.

  2. First make the crust by creaming together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add in the flour and salt and mix until crumbly.

  3. Press the crust into the foil-lined pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by combining the butter, brown sugar, honey and heavy cream in a saucepan and stirring it over medium heat. Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, then stir in the chopped pecans.

  5. Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust spreading it to cover the entire surface.

  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes.

  7. Remove the pan and allow the bars to fully cool in the pan.

  8. Use the foil overhang to lift out the bars and transfer them to a cutting board. Peel off the foil, slice into bars and serve.

    prettyis.me

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Friday Favorites

Last week was out of the ordinary.

For one thing, LB went out of town on business.  I had to stay home so I could go to work (no Vacation time left).

Secondly, I didn’t publish a single post until November 9th when I blogged about a special birthday boy.

That said…

Favorite # ONE

Richard

Then…and Now.He is a Handsome Fella!

LB and I enjoyed a date night last Saturday that I meant to comment on, but never got around to it,which brings me to…

Favorite # TWO

Pink Shoes

Actually the color is “Blush”.

These shoes are so cute and comfortable!  Love them!

Favorite # THREE

Enchanted

“A young maiden in a land called Andalasia, who is prepared to be wed, is sent away to New York City by an evil queen, where she falls in love with a lawyer” (source).

I watched this while LB was away.  Amy Adams is so cute and perky.  She had me laughing out loud while watching this movie!  This show comes highly recommended!

Favorite # FOUR

Cello Whisps  If you practice a KETO diet, this is a perfect snack food!

Whisps are made from just one ingredient: CHEESE!  It is baked into an, airy, crispy, whispy bite!  I ate a whole package by myself in one day.  So Ashamed.

Favorite # FIVE

I am unable to keep up with social media during the day while I’m at work.  When I came home last Tuesday evening and caught up with the daily events, I found that my Mama had endured quite a traumatic day.  She was working in the yard and felt my Daddy’s wedding ring fly off of her finger.  I think God was giving her the opportunity to be thankful for His goodness… now and in times past.

He was also giving her the opportunity realize how many others love and support her with their prayers, no matter what the circumstance.  Between her post at 11:11am and the follow up post at 4:55pm, so many “friends” responded with actions and with words of encouragement and prayer.

Here is My Mama’s FB post:

November 7 at 11:11am

Everybody start praying. Richard‘s wedding ring just flew off my hand while I was blowing leaves and throwing limbs.

November 7 at 4:55pm

 I have been outside since 10 this morning working around the fire pit and slung a limb in the fire and felt the ring come off at the same time.  And I have been praying all this time.  It is now 5 pm.  God is going to perform a miracle. I promised Him I would give Him all the glory for it.  It has been lost twice before while Richard was wearing it; once in five feet of water and was found two weeks later with a metal detector.  Richard cried when he lost it. 

The second time was years later when we were on a hayride. It was found under a pile of hay on one of the slats of the horse drawn cart, and that was at night! Both were miracles. The ring is precious to me.

Just came in to take a shower and prayed again, asking God to let it be with my jewelry that I took off last night. I was so sure it was there that I waited to look until I got dressed.

There It Was

PRAISE GOD! To God be the glory! He keeps up with the hairs on our heads! I have NEVER EVER taken it off at night with my other rings. When he died they handed me his watch and ring at the hospital. I can’t tell you all what it means to me. And I know that everyone who prayed is a part of His answer; thank you all. Thank you Clay Rigdon and Dillon Rigdon for dropping everything and helping with the search. And thank you Dianah Moore Walden for coming over with her metal detector and helping.

 

You are LOVED Mama!

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

 

 

Disney Bound

About a year ago I read a blog post about:

What to Wear to Disney World

The post began with a lesson on proper amusement park footwear.  Next was provided advice on what type of  bag/backpack to carry.  The same post went on to include various summertime outfits that were very cute.  It was very informative and well written.

This week we experienced Magic Kingdom Monday in my family; I couldn’t help but remember the “What to Wear to Disney World” post.  However, when it comes to planning what to wear when visiting the Amusement Park, no one has it figured out like my sister and her family.Gina recently introduced me the the concept of

Disneybounding

For anyone who isn’t familiar with that concept, Disneybounding is a subdued, yet fashion-forward way for Disney fans to express their enthusiasm.

Although you likely had not considered this, there are rules and regulations that must be followed in order to obtain admission to the park.  Besides having a ticket, you must not disregard Disney’s prohibited activities.  One of these prohibited activities is dressing in costume; i.e. “engaging with other guests or impeding the operation while posing as or portraying any character in costume” (source) unless you’re under the age of 14.  Because fans aren’t permitted to dress up as these much loved characters, a sub-culture of fashion has arisen.  Instead of wearing costumes, Disneybounders dress in everyday outfits that are inspired by any particular Disney character within the Disney universe.

Here are some fun examples:

Stuart inspired by Aladdin posing with Minnie Mouse.

Here Levi strikes a fierce pose as little Mickey Mouse.

Sydney and Dillon are Minnie and Mickey inspired.

Sydney channeling a gloomy Eeyore.

And on another occasion a lovely Disney Princess.

Here Stuart is inspired by a character I couldn’t place.  When I asked Gina, she told me to “guess”.

I think Stuart’s inspiration may have come from GOOFY, but my apologies if I’m wrong!

Stuart has always been creative, but I believe my favorite creative character re-creation came from Hei Hei.

Good job Stu!

The baby girls in the family are little princesses and both Lydia and Thea dressed as Belle on our recent trip to the Magic Kingdom.It appears that Levi is impressed.

In addition to Disneybounding, there is another Disney fashion trend that is timeless.

The donning of the

Mouse Ears

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This season produced a particular favorite: the coveted rose gold sequined Minnie Mouse ears.

I considered several possibilities for a part in the Disneybounding experience on our recent trip, but I’m not as flamboyant as I would like to be, and opted for a simple tee shirt.

That’s Me!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

 

Magic Kingdom Monday

Earlier this year, it was decided that the whole extended, seventeen-member family, should take a trip to

Disney World

Where Dreams Come True.

I have to say that it was a wonderful idea and Stephanie did a great job organizing everything for the whole group.

It isn’t easy running the show.

Disney Pixar GIF by Disney

But it went off without a hitch, as everyone made it to the Orlando Fairfield Inn safe and sound on Sunday and later in the evening met at Disney Springs for dinner at Planet Hollywood.

After dinner we explored the shops at Disney Springs.  Zara was my favorite.

Then the Real Fun Began

On Monday, part of our crew woke up extremely early in an effort to beat the crowd to the Magic Kingdom. The rest of us slept awhile longer and made our way to the park later that morning.

We were met by the welcoming committee at the entrance to the park.(Kyle is okay)

Stephanie and Amanda introduced us to the Disney App.

They used it to assemble our family into a Disney group and to choose/amend the group’s FastPass options for various attractions.

We FastPassed our way to the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear, the PhilharMagic Show, and Space Mountain.

We were also able to use the app to order lunch ahead of time and avoid standing in line at Pinocchio House.  It was pretty handy.

Then there was the carousel ride with Lydia. 

I enjoyed our time chatting on the Carousel. That was my favorite.

I can’t say enough good things about the members of my family. They love to have a good time!

My Mama doesn’t typically spend several hours per day on her feet.  However, she seemed to enjoy herself.  My nephew Clay is a take-charge young man who made the day easier for Mama.

Clay’s wife Chynna and my daughter-in-law Emily, handled their small children with grace, right through the inevitable afternoon cranky time.

LB was able to navigate a Dayquil-dazed Kim through the park, and offer a tissue when necessary. And as I mentioned, Stephanie put the plan into action and kept the group together…making it a memorable day for us all…

Mary, Gina, Stuart, Stephanie, Amanda, Richard, Emily, Lydia, Kyle, Clay, Chynna, Dillon, Sydney, Levi, Thea

and My Favorite Cameraman…

LB

#MemaDoesDisney2017

Happy Birthday GIF by Disney

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

There’s this little boy

…who calls me Ma

His little hands stole my heart, and his little feet ran away with it.

My sweet baby boy.

And although he is no longer a little boy, he is still the baby of the family.

Richard

came into the world 27 years ago today.  At the time we had been blessed with little girls, so to have a baby boy join the circle was an exciting event.

Those little girls weren’t completely excited about that event

Although they changed their tune when they discovered it was fun to dress him up like a princess with a purseAnd soon learned that they love him dearlyToday they are inseparable.

Richard had no interest in playing the part of the princess, but instead preferred to play the part of BatmanAnd still likes to play the part of Batman.
He had a handful of special friends as a little boy

Who continued to be friends through the years.

And even remain good friends to this day.
After he became part of the High School Ministry at First Baptist Jacksonville, Rich had the opportunity to participate in a few mission trips, including a trip Nicaragua to help minister to a small community and church there.  As the years have passed his focus continues to be spiritual.

 After high school he studied at Liberty University and has a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Today he works as a Collegiate Missionary at Campus Church UNF

He is married to a beautiful young lady; His own Mama, couldn’t have chosen a more perfect mate for him. And now he has a baby of his own.

Happy Birthday to my Baby!

I’ll Love You Forever.

I’ll Like You For Always.

As Long As I’m Living…

My Baby You’ll Be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s Friday, I’m in Love!

It is time for my Friday Favorites!  I love Fridays and I love to share my favorites on Friday!

Favorite # ONE

Vacation Day #3

which happened on Friday, October 27th!

This wonderful day began with a waterfall.

I Love Waterfalls!

*Waterfalls in this publication and other waterfalls in this blog can be reviewed at RomanticAshville.com (an Insider’s Guide to the NC Mountains).

If you missed my Waterfalls and Walking Trails post, this post may seem uneventful.  Go back and read it, as you have missed a monumental moment in my life and great information should you plan a trip to the Mountains.

We left our Hampton in Franklin, NC and set our GPS for Highlands, NC.

Along the way we found a location that has been named “Bust Your Butt Falls“.  LB pulled over so we could investigate.

I had to change into my boots to be able to make the climb down.  We have enjoyed a lot of physical activity on this vacation. Luckily I didn’t bust anything.  After we had taken multiple photos at this location, we continued our drive to Highlands.  But along the way, there was another… WATERFALL to experience.

We almost passed it by, but at the last minute decided to stop.This waterfall is named Dry Falls

…likely because you can walk behind/under without getting soaked.(A view from under the falls)

Vacation Day #3 was a great day!

What an exciting find for us, as we had never heard of Dry Falls.  Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina (source).  After enjoying the beauty of nature, LB and I headed on toward Highlands. Highlands is a town within the Nantahala National Forest.  LB pointed out an interesting fact, Highlands is 4,118 feet above sea level.  This brings me to

Favorite # TWO

Colonial Mustard’s.It is a gourmet grocery store located at 341 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741.  This is a small shop with A WHOLE LOT of jellies, jams, spreads, dips, etc. that have been set out to sample on pretzels, animal crackers, and wheat thins.  Because there is a sign at the door stating children under 13 are not permitted, the result has been some negative reviews online.  If you spend some time in the shop, this request will make sense. 

The back door provides a place to announce your visit.Check out the bottom of the door. 

At Colonial Mustard’s, LB and I sample almost everything, and pay for it with our purchases.  We have a great time wandering through Colonial Mustard’s.  Even with all the boutiques to peruse, this shop is by far our favorite. 

Favorite # THREE

Frayed hem jeans…

I’ve seen them on Instagram, but found them in Highlands.

First at McCully’s…then at Lulu Bleu

and later online at BooHoo.com.

LOVE Favorite # FOUR

which is having my own personal CameraMan!LB follows me around with that cell phone camera and never fails to impress me with the most interesting photos from each one of our adventures!

Don’t be jealous!

Favorite # FIVE

Our stay at Hampton Inn and Suites, Greenville, South CarolinaA Beautiful Brand New Hotel!

I loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

 

 

 

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