A Recap Of Our Independence Day Hoilday Weekend

We had a wonderful holiday weekend. Part of it was really busy and part of it was really lazy. It was spent with family and involved plenty of food. 

Friday morning, DD and I went to do a little shopping at our favorite stores ~ Barnes & Nobel (favorite of both of us), Hobby Lobby & Michael's (my favorites.) We also ran a few errands and went to the video store to rent season 1 volume 1 of Outlander for our weekend viewing. Back home, I worked on laundry. DH had to work but got off from work at 2:30 pm. He ran a few errands and then came home. After supper, we settled down to watch tv. 

DH was up early on Saturday morning to head to his parent's house to work on replacing some deck post for them. I walked Snowflake, did a few things in the house, then headed outside to work in my flower beds, but a thunder storm ran me in before I could finish. While working, I killed no less than 3 Black Widow Spiders. That seems to be a running theme around here. 

When DH got home, he went ahead and mowed grass. By the time he was finished, he was wiped. After he got cleaned up, we didn't do much of anything, but enjoy our nice cool house. We ate supper, then settled down in the bed with Miss Oakley to start watching Outlander. 

This is how Miss Oakley wanted us to spend the weekend.

Sunday morning, we slept in, then fixed a big breakfast. We opted out of going to church and decided to spend most of the day being lazy. We did a few little things, then settled back in the bed with Miss Oakley for more Outlander watching. Around 3:00 pm, we headed to one of my aunt's house for a graduation celebration/going away to college party for her oldest grandson, my first cousin once removed. He is headed to Western Carolina to play football. When he and his mom went to orientation the weekend before, they learned he had to move on July the 4th and his class would start the next day. Needless to say, they had a very busy week.

When we left there, we headed to town to get supper a Five Guys. I can't say enough good things about this burger joint. I absolutely love their cheeseburgers and their fries aren't too bad either. We stopped by DH's parent's house for a visit, then headed home to watch Big Brother.   

Monday morning, DH was up early and got straight to work. Although, he did run to Bojangles for a couple of biscuits for breakfast. I had a few "honey do" items for DH to help me with. He moved our mattress off of our bed, so I could wash our bed skirt and vacuum underneath the bed. He headed back outside when he had finished. I got busy giving our master bedroom its annual deep cleaning. It took me most of the day to finish the job. DH finally came in around 3 pm. He got cleaned up and ran a few errands in the middle of a pouring rain storm. I finished around 4 pm, got cleaned up, then started on supper. The rest of the evening was spent watching Outlander. 

DH decided Tuesday would be his lazy day, since he had to head back to work the next day. He worked on a few little things, then came in to help me give Miss Oakley a bath. She was NOT happy. To add insult to injury, we also clipped her nails and put back on her toe grips. (I am going to have to blog about her toe grips. They are a wonderful little product that helps her walk more securely on our hard wood floor.) After lunch, we settled down in the bed with our poor mad puppy to watch more Outlander. 

Around 5:30 pm, we headed up to my parent's house for their annual Independence Day cookout. My momma had the porch and patio area all decked out in red, white, and blue. However, the flowers in her pots and flower beds were the real stars of the show. 

  

We feasted on hamburgers w/ all the fixin's, hot dogs w/ all the fixin's, chili beans, a variety of melons, veggies w/ dip, chips w/ dip & salsa. My momma fixed a pound cake for dessert to go along with homemade vanilla ice cream. Needless to say, we all left with full tummies.

My daddy!

After we ate, we sat outside enjoy the cooler temps that blew in and talking. Some of the younger ones played a few rounds of cornhole, then went in to cool off and to play a few games of spoons and speed.

As dusk began to fall, my momma bought out the sparklers and we all grab a spot to sit for fireworks viewing. My parents live on a hill, which gives us a great view of all the fireworks going off in our area. A little after 9 pm, we headed home, so DH could get to bed and be fresh and ready to go for work in the morning. 

Not a very good pic of fireworks, but it gives you a sense of the view we had.

We had a busy, but lazy weekend filled with work, food, and family and we simply wouldn't have it any other way!

Happy Independence Day

On this date, the 4th of July, we celebrate the day our country declared its independence from Great Britain. On that date the 4th of July became more than the fourth day of July, it became our Independence Day. 

Pic via Kidz World

On this very important date for our country, I would like to share two very important parts of our constitution ~ the preamble and the 1st amendment. The first words of the preamble is easy mistaken for the beginning of the Declaration of Independence. The first amendment is believed by a lot of people to have the words "separation of church and state" in it, which it doesn't. Very few people really know what the 1st amendment says. 

The Preamble of the Constitution

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

The 1st Amendment to the Constitution

"Prohibits Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances." 

The term "separation of church and state" came from a letter Thomas Jefferson pinned to the "Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. He was reassuring them that they had the right to follow their tenants of faith and that the state of Connecticut could not infringe upon their right because the 1st amendment thus building a wall of separation of church and state. His letter does not deny that religion had no part to play in the running of our country. It also doesn't say that religion should not play a role in a politician's life. He says it isn't up the the government to determine what or how a person chooses to believe and live out that belief in their lives. 

An excerpt from the letter: 

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect and esteem."

For our country to continue having our liberty and for our republic form of government to survive, it is important for us to know and learn our history, especially the history of our founding documents. I feel is is our duty, our obligation as citizens to do so. Do you feel the same?

Happy Independence Day, my fellow citizens! Long may freedom and liberty reign! 

A Father's Day Weekend

I had all these big plans for a Father's Day Weekend post. I was going to take pictures of the food we ate and the restaurant by daddy was taking us to. I was going wrap up DH's gift nicely and decorate our kitchen table for breakfast. However, all my plans went out the window when I was involved in my little accident. 

Our Father's Day weekend started last Friday night. After our trip to the ER, we headed to my in-laws' house for dinner to celebrate Father's Day and my youngest BIL's birthday. We had Papa John's pizza and a salad, with cheesecake bites for dessert. It was our first time having Papa John's pizza. It was okay, but Pizza Hut is still my favorite. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying our time together and talking. 

On Saturday afternoon, we went up to my parent's house for Father's Day. We do it a little differently than most people. My daddy told he has all he needs and wants, so he takes us all out for a meal. We have been to a lot of interesting places over the year and ate a lot of good food. This year we ended up at a little hole in the wall restaurant called "The Cornbread Shack." They serve good old-fashioned Southern cooking, as well as sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Everyone, except for me, ordered home-cooked food. I ordered a double cheeseburger and a side of pub chips. Oh, my word, it was so good! The burger came close to a Five Guys burger and that is saying a lot. Afterwards, we went back to my parent's house. We sat on the front porch enjoying the evening air and talking. 

Sunday morning, we gave DH his unwrapped gift ~ the 8th season of JAG DVD's and a Hacksaw Ridge DVD. I fixed him his requested breakfast ~ livermush sandwiches, potato pancakes, and fresh fruit. DD and he headed to church afterwards. I stayed at home because I just didn't think I could handle sitting that long. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching tv snuggled in the bed with Miss Oakley. For supper, I fixed DH his requested taco salad with beans. 

Although things didn't go according to my plans, we still had a pretty good weekend. The thought that was full force in my mind was that I was happy that I wasn't hurt too bad and was able to enjoy the weekend. That is simply a good thing! 

Memorial Day Weekend 2017 Recap

Our Memorial Day Weekend was a laid back kinda of an affair. While most everyone else was out and about fighting the crowds and sitting in traffic, we spent our weekend at home ~ eating good food, going to a family gathering, going to a movie, out to eat, and lots of work accomplished outside. The perfect weekend for us. 

DH worked till 11:00 am on Friday, then spent the afternoon running errands. DD had to work til 1:30 pm, then spent the afternoon catching up on some chores. I took DD to work and DH picked her up. When I got home from dropping her off at work, I straightened up the house, then headed outside to work in my flower beds. I worked outside til 4:00, then came and got cleaned up. I spent the rest of the afternoon working on supper and on table decorations. I told DH I wanted to eat outside since it was so nice and I went all out. I am trying to put one of the words I choose at the beginning of the year in to practice by doing special things for my family. 

The table decoration turned out great. Most everything I used I had on hand or made. I did spend $1.00 to buy red paper napkins. We didn't get to eat on the deck where we originally decided to set up the table. When it came time to eat, it had too much sun shining on it, so we moved everything to the fire pit patio. We had a nice supper, enjoyed being outside, and spending time together. After supper and cleaning up, we settled in the bed with Miss Oakley to watch "Logan."

The centerpiece is made up a cake stand I got from my maternal grandmother. I added 3 painted pots from DD's college graduation that held utensils. I put in some napkins and then added table toppers I got from Party City. The ruffle underneath the cake stand was made by me out of paper napkins. It wasn't perfect but it did its job for the night.

The centerpiece.

I took a blue and a white paper napkin and tucked them inside the red napkins, then folded them into a diamond shape fold. You can find the instructions here.

We moved the table into the shade and enjoyed our view.

This was our supper; grilled New York Strips, twice-baked potatoes, and oven roasted asparagus. I nailed the asparagus this time. I just need to remember what I did.

Saturday morning, we were all up early and got busy on chores. DH had a few things to do at his parents. DD started on her Saturday chores. I did my morning routine and headed outside as soon as I could. DH was home by lunch and afterwards he started mowing. I went back out and worked until my grass allergy ran me in. Later that evening, we headed over to DH's parent's house for our nephew-in-law's birthday dinner. We had good food, great conversations, and kept entertained by our youngest nephew and great- nephews. The most exciting part of the night was when the boys found a turtle. 

Sunday morning was a lazy morning. We fixed BTL sandwiches for breakfast and fresh strawberries. Afterwards, we got ready to go movies. We went to see "Guardians Of The Galaxy, VOL. 2" and it did NOT disappoint. We LOVED it. I want a baby Groot for my very own.  We headed back home for a while to put Oakley out and fix her something to eat, then we went back out to eat supper. We decided to go to one of our favorite grilles instead of driving back across town to eat a restaurant we had gift cards for. back home we settled down in the bed with Miss Oakley to watch The Cocoa Cola 600. 

The BLTs were as good as the ingredients look.

Of course, you can't make a sandwich without Duke's mayo on it.

Monday morning, DH headed back over to his parents to finish something. DD didn't have to work and kept herself occupied. I got busy cleaning my kitchen, which needed it desperately. DH was home before lunch. He worked on a few odds and ends. After lunch, he stayed in and relaxed the rest of the day. When I finished up the kitchen, I joined him. We closed out the day watching tv with Miss Oakley. 

It was the perfect type of holiday weekend for us, filled with food, family, and fun with a little work thrown in! It was simply perfect!

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The only thing that we didn't get to do this weekend that we wanted to was taking a ride up in the mountains, but there is always this weekend! 

Memorial Day: All Gave Some & Some Gave All

On this day when we remember those that gave their lives serving and fighting for our country's freedom, I would like to pay special recognition to those that died during the Vietnam War. My daddy served in the Vietnam War and has been to visit the Wall. It impacted him by to see this country finally honoring the men and women who served and died during that War, because it was long overdue. NO, veteran asked to serve and defend our country should EVER receive the treatment our Vietnam veterans did, especially those that gave all. 

Pic via The Southwest Desert Lover.

The Wall

by Catherine Anne McNeill

I walked along that long black wall, with names as far as I could see.
Friends I knew in childhood now etched in memories.
I've touched their names so many times, remembered them with love.
I walk along, the rain pours down, tears from heaven above.

I watch a Vet, deep in thought, pain across his face.
He walks a mother to the wall; he's taken his friend's place.
She reaches out to touch a name, the one that was her son.
They pause together in the rain, their memories a bond.

The men who fought, the men who died, their names for all to see
Their lives so brief, fallen short, a page in history.
We can't forget what they had done, so many years ago.
Sacrifices they have made the bravery they showed.

I walked along that long black wall, crying in the rain.
For all those men who've touched our lives, we'll never see again.

28 May 2000

To all of those that served and died fighting for and defending our country, you have my family's sincerest gratitude! Your sacrifice will NOT be forgotten and your bravery will live on in our memories and our hearts. To those veterans that have passed on from this world to the next, thank you for the time you took out of your lives to serve and defend our country! The Sills' family honors and remembers you all!!!!

A Recap Of Our Mother's Day Weekend

We had the perfect weather for the Mother's Day Weekend. It was a little warm, but the sky was crystal blue and the sun was golden. Both of the gatherings to celebrate the special mothers in our lives were fun and relaxing. 

The celebrations started on Saturday night our DH's parent's house. Usually all of us fix a dish and serve my MIL a home cooked meal, with me organizing everything. This year I asked DH to talk to his father and see if he would get some sort of food for us and boy, did he. He also requested that I make some cookies which he thought would go well with finger foods. I made White Chocolate Walnut Cookies.

Publix has recently opened in our area and my FIL is very impressed with the place. He went to their deli and ordered a bunch of finger foods. There was so much to eat and the best thing about it was that Publix delivered it to the house. They also bought a huge cupcake cake that someone ordered but never picked up. We stuffed ourselves and then took plenty of leftovers home for lunch during the week. 

 

There was a pizza roll platter, a veggie tray with dip, croissants with different kinds of sandwich salads in them, a platter of chicken tenders, a tray of sub sandwiches, and potato salad.

All of it was delicious and all of us had our favorites.

My MIL insisted on a picture taking section and it was Mother's Day so we obeyed.

If you have a husband that has all brothers, then you will understand that DH was showboating for the benefit of those brothers in this pic. He pulled his shirt up and I was trying to pull it back down.

On Sunday morning, DH fixed the breakfast I requested for me ~ Country Ham Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, and fresh Strawberries. I found my mother's day present at my place at the table along with my card. They got me the box set of the Twilight series that I had been wanting for a long time. I love the movies but the books are so much better.

My thoughtful gift and card from my loved ones.

Sunday night, we had my parents down for supper. We didn't have a big family gathering because one of my nephews was doing his month tour with the Army Reserves, not to mention the rest of my brother's family was on the way to the beach. Even with all of that, I still wanted to do something special for my momma. 

I fixed pork tender lions, potato salad, baked beans, and watermelon. I was going to fix a coconut cream pie, but we had plenty of cookies and cupcakes from Saturday night. I knew the cupcakes would be a hit, because my momma loves grocery store icing. 

We sat our outdoor table up on our deck. I picked some flowers from my MIL's garden the night before to make a center piece for the table. The deck was nice and shady. The view was awesome and we had a really good time enjoying the beautiful weather, good food, and conservation. 

The flower arrangement

The table setting and the view.

The drink station. We served water and homemade lemonade.

The food and the desserts.

We was a wonderful weekend shared with most of our loved ones. I love days where we can simply celebrate the special people in our lives!

Happy Resurrection Sunday

He is risen! 

He is risen, indeed! 

Easter Sunday is a very important day for me as a follower of Christ. It is the day my Lord and Saviour arose from the dead after give His life as a sacrifice so that my sins and the sins of all people could be forgiven. 

His resurrection is also a promise of the eternal life all mankind will have when we confess our sins, ask for forgiveness for them, pledge to live life differently according to His Holy Word, and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. 

If you feel like something is missing in your life and you need unburden yourself, will you please consider accepting the promise of eternal life by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. All it requires is a little humbleness, confession, belief, and acceptance. Will you accept Him today? 

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior,
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!  

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! 

Up from the grave he arose;
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes;
he arose a victor from the dark domain,
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!  

Have a Happy Easter and a blessed Resurrection Sunday!  

Dyeing Easter Eggs By Marbleizing Them

Marbleizing eggs was an idea I got from an article in Martha Stewart's Living Magazine a few years ago. Dyeing eggs this way creates an unique look to each egg. Not to mention, it is a lot of fun and messy. 

Here is what you need:

• food coloring (I use McCormick's)
• vinegar
• water
• cups to put the dye in
• shallow pie plates or pans to put the dye in
• empty egg cartons
• olive oil
• big spoon
• hard boiled eggs

First thing to do is to prepare the dye by following the directions on the food coloring box. I prepare the dye in cups and in the shallow dishes. The marbleizing will work best if you put lighter colors in the cups to dye the eggs in first, then use darker colors in the shallow dishes in which to do the marbleizing with. If you want to create all kinds of different shade this chart from McCormick is a good tool to have on hand. To the prepared dye in the shallow dishes, add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and swirl.

Now that you have everything prepared, start dropping the eggs in the lighter dyes in the cups first. If you are working with little kids, a whisk is a great tool to use to help them dye the eggs. Place the egg in the middle of the whisk and dip into the dye. Older kids can work with big spoons. (When we were dyeing these eggs, we also were using the rubber band method.)

When the egg is the shade you want it to be, remove it from the dye and place in an empty egg carton to dry a little before moving on to the marbleizing step. 

Once the egg has a chance to dry a little, it is time to roll it in the oily dye. Use a fork to swirl the oil around, then roll the egg in the oily dye. Place it once again in an empty egg carton to dry. 

Before placing the eggs in a basket or a bowl, use an old rag to wipe them down. Another thing about dyeing eggs this way is that the colors get richer with time. 

 
This is a simply fun interesting way to dye eggs! Give it a try and let me know what you think!