Sunday, January 31, 2010

I Think I Can, I Think I Can!!

Engineer Ken is here to say "I've boarded the Little Train
that Could and I am on the rail to recovery!"
He is doing much better each day--the knee is still a
little stiff and he still wears a brace at night. But he is able
to get in and out of a car better and the stairs are not as
difficult.
Thanks to everyone for your well wishes--Ken says:
"THANK YOU!"
~Keep on Dreaming~

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Thank You!!!!

Today's thoughts are all about THANK YOU'S!
Catherine-le-monde-de-Catherine gave
me these two awards! She is a wonderful lady
and I have enjoyed getting to know her. It's
pretty cool to be able to say that I have a
friend in France! Thanks Catherine!!!!
Part of receiving these awards- I must tell you
7 things about me that you don't know. So
here goes:
1--I love to read.
2--I am an only child but have 1 sister and 3
brother-in-laws.
3--I am NOT a morning person.
4--The colors I'm liking right now are RED
and lime green.
5--When this horrid school year is over I
will be celebrating 10 years in the district.
6--My least favorite housekeeping chore
is DUSTING. It makes me sneeze.
7--I have flown in a hot air balloon in
New Mexico and we took a helicopter
tour in Tennessee. Both were AMAZING!
Look what came in the mail the
other day!
These delightful goodies came from Mimi-
Dandelion Wishes. I won a giveaway
on her blog! Thank You Mimi!!!!!
She sent me:
1--A garland that spells "LOVE."
2--A yummy looking candy bar that was
made in her area. It is one of her favorites.
3--A handmade Valentine card that I
can send to someone special.
4--A Valentine tag to use on a nice
little gift.
I can't wait to hang my garland and try the
candy bar!
Thanks again Catherine and Mimi--both of
you are WONDERFUL!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Our Morning Trip

For the last couple of days Mr. Ken has had a very sore knee, to the point of needing assistance to walk and get in and out of the car. He hasn't been able to drive either. I stayed home with him Tuesday. This morning the knee wasn't any better sooo I made the executive decision that a trip to the ER was needed. So I called school to let them know what was going on and then we were off to the hospital. Yes folks that is a beautiful hospital issued bracelet on Mr. Ken's arm.
And here he is--- Mr. Ken modeling his new leg brace. It keeps his knee straight and adds support to the whole leg. We came home with crutches, medication and a recommend- ation for a visit to an Orthopedist. Diagnosis- sprained knee--cause unknown?? One of those mysteries of life. Currently being well taken care of by his lovely nurse/wife. Spoiled with a capital S! :) He should make a full recovery. ~Keep on Dreaming~

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Bubble Wrap turns 50 this month!
My favorite thing to do with bubble wrap
is to pop it! I love it when it comes with
something I ordered. I find it relaxing
and fun to pop, pop, pop.
There are many websites on bubble
wrap and some have virtual bubble
wrap to pop. Which is fun too.
Next time you need to relax pick
some up and pop away!
I've also used it for art projects at
school:
****Rubbings
****Paint the wrap and place on a sheet
of paper. Turn it into wrapping paper
for Valentine's Day gifts.
What do you use this fun stuff for?
~Keep on Dreaming~

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday Snipet

We are back to having a cold spell this week, which
as you know stirs my "comfort food" juices. Soooo
when planning our dinner menu for the week I
chose some of my favs for us to enjoy.
Sunday--Spaghetti
Salad
Garlic Toast
Monday--Tuna Casserole w/ peas
Pears
Tuesday--Chicken--M
Italian Sausage--Mr. Ken
(No chicken for him!!!)
Roasted Potatoes
Salad
Wednesday--Tator Tot Casserole
Green Beans
Sliced Fruit
Thursday--Swiss Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Corn
Friday--My time away from the kitchen!!
****Menu subject to change if needed.
Enjoy your favs this week with those you love!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Thursday, January 21, 2010

My Friends

" The only way to have a friend
is to be one."
---Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the best things about blogging
is the new friendships we are able to
make. You are the best!!!!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

National Popcorn Day !!!

***POST WARNING*** Some of this may be a
repeat for those of you that were around for
October Trivia. October is National Popcorn
MONTH. If this a repeat hang in there. :)
The origins of this national "holiday" are
unknown but--what better reason to
CELEBRATE!
Do you like popcorn?
YES/NO
How do you pop yours?
Air popped--Anyone still own an Air Popper?
Stove popped--Remember Jiffy Pop?
Microwave popped--First occurrence in
the 1940's.
What is your topping preference?
Salt/Butter
Cheese
Carmel
Cinnamon
Garlic powder
Season Salt
Where do you eat popcorn the most?
Home
Work
Movie theatre
Sports event
In the depression popcorn sold for 0.5-.10 and
was one of the few luxuries for those families with
a little less in their pockets.
As stated in October--Americans consume 17
BILLION quarts of popcorn a year and an
average American consumes about 54 QUARTS.
Microwave popcorn sales has accounted for
$240 MILLION in the 1990's.
Popcorn is an ideal snack between meals
because it satisfies and doesn't spoil an
appetite.
3C = 1 serving from the grain group.
Use it to top soups or salads.
Combine with dried fruit and nuts to create
a snack.
Make popcorn balls.
HAPPY POPPING!!!!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Monday, January 18, 2010

Helpful Handies

Today's post is featuring items that I find helpful. I hope you find them helpful too. One of the items I made all by myself! This little tray used to sit on my dresser and it held my pins for scarves or lapels. But no more it has a new job in my bathroom.
This is what is on my dresser now. In the midst of dusting
I decided to make this little cutie. Yes, I said I made it! :)
This is a bit farther back so you could see the whole
thing. I'm very pleased in the outcome of this little
cutie. I'll tell you how I made it at the end of this
post.
See these little plastic hangers? They usually come with
long scarves. I don't throw them away and the next
picture shows you why.
This is the back of our bedroom door. Instead of trying
to fold and find space for these scarves, I keep them
on the hanger. Since some are divided in half I can
put two together. Usually like colors. Very helpful
huh?
See this little notebook? It might look like a regular ol'
notebook to you BUT to me it is another hand. I keep
it close by my laptop and when I'm blog reading, I
am able to jot ideas down right then and I don't
have to go back to look for a particular blog. How's
that for an idea? :)
Teacup Tutorial---
1 teacup and saucer of your choice
1 vase
E6000 glue
Run the glue tip around the top of the vase, turn the
saucer over and place the top of the vase in the
middle of the saucer back.
Carefully turn the vase over so the saucer is face up
and the vase is standing on your table.
Run glue around the bottom of the cup and
place in the middle of the saucer plate.You should end
up with the cup glued to the saucer and the saucer glued
to the vase. Let stand so the glue can dry and then use as
you would like.
I used a teacup and saucer that I had and a vase that I had
picked up when thrifting awhile ago. Basically a no cost
project. Now your talking HELPFUL! :)
~Keep on Dreaming~

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Smile--Show your Happiness!

And......Thursday Thoughts are BACK!!!!
With everything in chaos around the world I
thought we could take a moment to think about:
What makes YOU Smile? Below is a list of people and things that make me :) 1---Ken 2---Family 3---Friends 4---Holidays 5---Blogging 6---Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies 7---Fluffy towels right from the dryer 8---Fresh flowers 9---Falling Snowflakes 10---Puppies 11---Weekends 12---Me time 13---Time for crafting, sewing etc. 14---Chocolate--duh :) 15---A BIG warm quilt Turmoil is one of the best times to reflect and be thankful for what we have. Times are rough ALL over and each of us have our burdens to bear but the most important thing is that we are truly blessed. Sometime we have a tendency to look at that glass half empty instead of half full. I'm as guilty as the next person. But I think we all know how are glasses are filled. ~Keep on Dreaming~

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

After a Break

It's BACK!!!! Tuesday Trivia!!!
January---named after Janus--God of the door-
way. January is the door to the new year.
This is the first year in the Julian and Greg-
orian calendar.
One of the seven months with 31 days.
It is the coldest month in the Northern
Hemisphere.
The birthstone--Garnet. It comes from
the Latin word "granatus," meaning
"grain" or "seed." It also could resemble
the seeds of a pomegranate.
Flower--Carnation. Can mean love,
fascination and distinction.
Zodiac sign--Capricorn. Stable, trust-
worthy, persistent, ambitious and patient.
January is National Hobby and Soup Month.
Holidays this month:
1st--New Year's Day
6th--Epiphany
18th--Dr. Martin Luther King's
birthday celebrated (this year).
Fun days:
Festival of Sleep Day
Peculiar People Day
National Dress up your
Pet Day
Winnie the Pooh Day
National Popcorn Day
National Hugging Day
January Birthdays:
1-Betsy Ross
2-Boo Boo Bear (Yogi's friend)
Taye Diggs
3-Eli Manning
4-Dyan Cannon
5-Diane Keeton
6-Joan of Arc
7-Katie Couric
8-Elvis Presley
9-Dave Matthews
10-Rod Stewart
11-Naomi Judd
12-Kirstie Alley
13-Rubbie Duckie (Ernie's friend)
14-LLCool
15-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
16-Sade
17-Shari Lewis
18-A. A. Milne
19-Paula Deen
20-Bill Maher
21-Placido Domingo
22-Guy Fier
23-Princess Caroline of Monaco
24-Neil Diamond
25-Alicia Keys
26-Wayne Gretzky
27-Mozart
28-Sarah McLachlan
29-Tom Selleck
30-Phil Collins
31-Nolan Ryan
Were you born in January??
~Keep on Dreaming~

Monday, January 11, 2010

Ooooo La La A French Surprise!

These little delights came in the mail
today! They are from Catherine--Le Monde
de Catherine blogspot.
Catherine sent a towel with the Eiffel Tower
on it, chocolates in the cone, two rubber ducks,
two cans of chestnut spread, crackers, a book-
mark, a darling little basket with the word
"Coton" on it and it had a washcloth cupcake
and a packet of French Sachet.
I love it all!! Thanks Catherine! It was nice of
you to think of me!
~Keep on Dreaming~
with a strawberry magnet

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Twelfth Day of the Twelve Days of Christmas...

On this twelfth day of Christmas I didn't
have to go to work!!!! We had a SNOW DAY!
Our snow started around noon today and it's
STILL snowing as I type this. It IS beautiful
but the news people have cautioned us in
regard to very low temperatures and the
blowing snow.
As you may have guessed school is closed
tomorrow too. Yea, another day to do what
I want when I want!!! Can anyone say hello
crafts AND cookie making!!! YUM:)
I will be taking a bit of a blogging break for
a couple of days--I'll check in on you though.
Please stay warm and cozy. I'll see you soon.
~Keep on Dreaming~

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Day Eleven of the Twelve Day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas I got my crafty groove on! As you can see by the time stamp that I've had these little pretties for several days. This project was supposed to start AND finish on the same day but ... what can I say? I picked up these wreaths at Target after Christmas in the "dollar area" for half price! (1.25) I went back to get another one because one wasn't fluffy enough. The ornaments were in the after Christmas sale! I chose all the pink, greens and purples. Some were shiny and others were less shiny. The wreaths were tied together back to back and then fluffed.
I made clusters with the ornaments. One pink--two green, one green--two pink. The two lone purple ones were paired with a pink and green one. These were then
glued into the wreath.
Here is the delightful finished product
complete with a pretty green bow!
Currently it is hanging on the back
of our front door. It is so "Happy
New Year" festive that I like seeing it.
I'm thinking it may be too full to hang
on the front of the door. Once it doesn't
feel like the "tundra" here and I can
stand at the front door comfortably, I
may try to fit it there.
I'm very pleased with the outcome! :)
~Keep on Dreaming~

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Tenth Day of the Twelve Days...

On the tenth day of Christmas it was "Back to
School" for me.
Twas the first day back from break and our
class was missing one student. The staff
returned rested (?) and ready to go (?)
We spent some time talking about what
each of us did on our break, the most exciting
news was that one of the boy's Mom had her
baby--a girl--LuLu.
We moved on to snack and then listened to some snow themed stories. After story time
we were ready for indoor recess and computer
time. NO academics today. Everyone was quiet
and that was nice for the first day back.
At last it was time for lunch, off to the
cafeteria we went, two students bring their
lunch and the rest buy theirs. Today's entree
choices were Pizza or Meatball sandwich.
Oh, which one to pick? Pizza was the entree
of choce for those buying.
After lunch we have a little quiet time with
activities at our desks--puzzles, games, books
drawing etc. Our favorite Speech Pathologist---
Mr. Nick comes today to work one on one and
in a group with the students.
Afternoon snack is on tap next and then we have
more recess. Before we know it, it's time for
the buses. Backpacks are packed and we bundle
up in our coats gloves and hats, out the door in the
cold we go to the buses. I hear them exclaim
as they get on the buses "Bye, see you tomorrow"
"Yes, see you tomorrow" as I turn to go back in
I see the buses ride out of sight!!!!!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Day Nine of the Twelve Days...

On this ninth day of Christmas--- I felt like June Cleaver. Trying to do as many things possible before I go back to school tomorrow! Today was spent getting things organized, going to the store, finishing the laundry and all the others things that needed to be done. Now I did do stuff over the break BUT some stuff got put off. Time has a way of getting away from you. I soooo could use ONE more day but then I'd want another and then another. One of the things I want to accomplish this year is getting back to being the organized person I used to be. Somewhere last year I lost those organizational skills. Time management is another important thing I want to regain. I WILL prevail and accomplish these AND many other things this year because IT IS SO IMPORTANT to ME. Thank you for your patience with this post and thanks for listening! Edited---This is NOT how I typed this post! Blogger DID IT!!!!! ~Keep on Dreaming~

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Day Eight of the Twelve Days...

Here it is the second day of a new year
and I've had some time to reflect back.
2009 was not our best year but we
prevailed. We continue to learn that
there are some things that we have NO
CONRTOL over! So let's take a look at
the BRIGHT REFLECTIONS of 2009.
December--
We celebrated a blessed Christmas.
We got to see a lot of our friends and
some of the family.
Celebrated Ken's Dad's birthday!
Christmas break from school!
Winter arrived in a BIG way!
Ken and I celebrated our 10th
wedding anniversary!!!!!!!
November--
Celebrated a good friend's
birthday.
Thanksgiving with the WHOLE
family!
Celebrated my birthday!
October--
Lots of fun craft shows to check out.
September--
Visited the Lenexa Spinach Fest with
Nancy---Acorn Cottage.
August--
Back to work (school) for me. Summer
break is toooo short!
Celebrated Ken's 45th birthday!!!
July--
On the 17th, I wrote my FIRST blog
post!! Yea!!
Celebrated Independence day with
a "small town" parade, lunch with
friends and fireworks later in the
evening--Let FREEDOM ring!
June--
Celebrated Father's day with Ken's
DAD.
Friend's have birthdays.
Sister-in-law and family come up
from Oklahoma for a visit.
Enjoying summer break. :)
May--
SCHOOL'S out for the summer.
I survived! :)
Memorial Day cookout with family.
Remembering our Mom's.
April--
Remembering the Resurrection.
Easter dinner with Dad and Tom
(brother of Ken)
March--
Spring Break--WooooHoooo.
A special weekend trip to
Circle S Ranch and Inn. Great
time.
Released from Dr. after surgery.
February--
GALL BLADDER SURGERY
FOR MELINDA--overnight in
the hospital.
On the 15th-we celebrated 11yrs.
since our FIRST date. :)
VALENTINE'S Day fun. Dinner out.
Super Bowl mini party with Nancy
and Dan.
January--
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
That's a small recap of the past year.
I chose to not focus tooo much on the
negative so some things were left out.
Ken and I are blessed with a great family,
a wonderful circle of friends who we
consider part of our family, I have a
wonderful group of new blogs friends
and Ken has reconnected with old friends
on Facebook.
We are looking forward to this bright new
year and all that it holds for us. We will enjoy
the ups and survive the downs cause that's
how we roll. :)
I'm looking forward to getting to know each of
you more andsee where blogging takes me.
Love to ALL!
~Keep on Dreaming~

Friday, January 1, 2010

Blog QR Tag

Blog QR Tag