Terrible Two's

Why I do this to myself I do not know!

Trying again to get a good picture

of both the girls together is impossible.

Rea just does not like her picture taken.

Now look at Rea's face in these next pictures.

But thank you Shelby for such a sweet smile.

Still not looking at me no matter what I bribe

her with, she is just hard headed.

She told me NO!

And again, thank you Shelby.

Finally at least she looks up.

I think it was when Harry was calling her.

Okay, I'll except this one if that's the best I can get.

Happy Easter, Grandmother and Papa.

Sorry this isn't mailed and in a frame.

Just never enough hours in the day.

Love yall.

Easter Blessings to all of the rest of you too!

And the winner is???

Thank you to every one who played along with my contest! I appreciate the support!

I did this the old fashioned way and used a hat!

My beach hat!

The princess niece did the pulling and so blame her if you don't like the outcome, not me!

For a closer look.

Congratulations Wendy!!!

"Friday Shoot Out" My Town

I'm very excited about joining a Photography Group! Those of you that have been around my blog awhile know that I have a new camera (Nikon D80) that I don't know very much about. I've been waiting on a class at the college to start up again but there aren't enough students interested yet. So I've joined "Friday Shoot Outs, My Town"

Each week we will get an assignment for

pictures we will take from around our town. It's free and they are looking for members so at the end of this post I'll add some more info!

I live in Brunswick Georgia.

Going south on Hyw. 17, I turn right onto 4th Ave.

I took this photo late in the afternoon

and so I was facing the sun, sorry.

I took just a few pictures of some

of the homes that I liked.

This is on the corner of Union and 4th Ave.

Directly kitty corner across the street was this home.

This place caught my eye because my friend

works here and I had never been there before.

She is going to groom "Mo" my 25 pound

Maine Coon cat and this is where

I will bring him for his spa treatment.

This is the front of the Vet's office.

No need to paint! Just water the plants.

Marine Port Terminals is at the end of 4th Ave and you

have to turn either left or right on Newcastle St. or Hyw. 341.

As I turned left this boat is across

the street from the terminal.

Looking east back up 4th Ave.

Okay, so I didn't understand the assignment. I thought it had to do with 4th, 5th or 6th streets. NO, it was suppose to be 4, 5, or 6 main intersections of your town????? DUH! I didn't want to just chunk these pictures and start next week and since there "ARE NO RULES" this was the way I was playing the game this week :)
Next weeks assignment: "My Home Towns Native Food and Resturant's"

Go see Reggie Girl and Patty for more about the Friday Shoot Outs!

But go see Gordon's blog and sign up so they know how to find you and your pictures.

Please come out and play with us!

Cousin Fun

Noah and Bethany Kirkland, Reagan and Shelby Griffis,

Emma Mae, Jonathan, Madigan and Jackson Kirkland

(Look at the two non-smiling typical 2 year olds)

8 children!

8 years old and under!

8 hours at the Jacksonville Zoo!

2 Adults?

???Priceless????

Watching the snakes get fed!

???Priceless???

Feeding the GA GA!! (giraffe)

!!!Now that's PRICELESS!!!

Really wasn't a bad day at all

for a Wednesday middle of

Spring Break week.

Fun Good Times!

Note: If you starve the children, when you finally do feed them they will eat everything on their plates.

Giveaway

I few weeks ago, I won a William~Sonoma gift card from Kate and Sara's blog "Our Best Bites"! It was so sweet of them to have a surprize giveaway by just picking one of their followers and that was ME!

This is what I got with my card.

"Nielsen-Massey Vanilla"

from the island of Madagascar.

But I also got a little 1 oz. bottle

for one of you my

Bloggin Buddies!

So if you want this little 1 oz bottle of your very own just leave a comment and tell me what you would use this vanilla for?? Easy enough. I really don't like long and drawn out contests so it will be over on Thursday night midnight PST. I'll announce a winner on Friday morning. Okay, Play Ball!

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla
Only the best vanilla from the island of Madagascar is intense enough for Nielsen-Massey, whose extract has long been the choice of bakers and ice cream makers. (This vanilla is known as “bourbon vanilla.” The term dates from the time when Madagascar and several other vanilla-growing islands were under French rule and were called the Bourbon Islands.) Made from selected vanilla pods in an exclusive cold-process method, the extract has a rich, intense flavor. The vanilla beans are whole 7” pods, each equivalent to approximately 1 tablespoon of extract. Convenient to use, the pure vanilla paste contains flecks of vanilla bean seeds. Use this superior-quality vanilla to enhance baked goods as well as custards, cheesecake and ice cream.

Welcome To The World Baby Girl!

Amy's mom, Ailene holding Kylie

Kylie Kathleen Griffis
6 lbs. 9 oz.
born: April 3, 2009

11:22 P.M.

Proud Parents are:
Tyler and Amy Griffis

Grandparents: Brad Griffis
and Gloria Griffis

Great Grand Parents:
Clemon and Kathleen Griffis

Great Uncle Harry and Great Aunt Gigi

Welcome to our family Kylie!

Rolo Pretzel Turtles

Went to a little party at Jordan's

house last week and our friend

Kathy brought this little treat!!

Am I the last to know?

Did you know about these??

Have you had these before???

Where have they been all my life?!?

Well, my friends,

just in case I'm not the

last to know about these

and you've never seen or

eaten these sinful little devils,

let me just share them with you.

Pre-heat your oven to 350*

If you are making enough for a party then start un-wrapping your Rolo's. If you are smart and just want a quick treat then just open a small roll of Rolo's. There are 8 in a package and you don't have to unwrap them. Toast your pecans. (I toast mine in the microwave.)

Place pretzels on baking sheet.

Top with a Rolo and a pecan.

Bake in pre-heated oven for 3-4 minutes, until the

chocolate just begins to melt. (3 mins was plenty of time

in my oven) Do Not Over Cook!!

Pull them out of the oven and

push the pecan down gently.

Now stand in front of the oven

and shove as many as you can

in your mouth

pop one in your mouth while

they are still warm!

Or just eat two because there

is no way you can eat just one!

Hurry and share the rest

before you eat them all!

Sneaky Little Girl

Happy Birthday Harrison!

Going in for that

pretend birthday kiss...

opps! one candle out...

both blown out!

!Mission accomplished!

That child can't stand it if she doesn't get to blow out

every ones candles. She loves a party and cake!

Croc Outlet

These were $15.00 off the regular price.

It's like walking on a cloud!

Now if I could just find a cute sassy dress to wear with these I'd be soooo happy!

I Love me some Croc's!!!!!!!!

These normally sell for $24.99 each.

These are for Shelby.

Rea only got the turquoise.

That's the thing about the outlet, they don't always have every size and color you may want, but the price is to good to pass up sometimes.

Beautiful Blessings

Staying Young

I heart Lucy and Ethel so much!!

1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Reggie Girl posted this list on Wednesday and I loved it and borrowed it from her. Check her out sometimes.

Last Nights Dinner?

Sixty Uses For Baking Soda

Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda has many different uses in the household. Although much more expensive products have been developed over the years to do the same jobs, baking soda can work for you just as well, if not better. Use it in the following ways:

1. Be sure to keep an extra box of baking soda by your stove in case of grease or electrical fire. Scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.




2. To make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and one part cornstarch.
3. Keep a container of baking soda in your garage as well as in your car to put out a fire. It won't damage anything it touches.
4. Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.
5. Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.
6. Wash garbage cans with baking soda.
7. Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.
8. Oil and grease - stained clothing washes out better with soda added to the washing water.
9. Clean your fridge and freezer with dry soda sprinkled on a damp cloth. rinse with clear water.
10. Deodorize your fridge and freezer by putting in an open container of baking soda to absorb odors. Stir and turn over the soda from time to time. Replace every 2 months.
11. Soda absorbs kitty litter odors. Cover the bottom of the kitty box with 1 part soda; then add a layer of 3 parts kitty litter on top.
12. Always add 1/2 cup soda to your washing machine load.
13. Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.
14. Wash food and drink containers with soda and water.
15. Wash marble-topped furniture with a solution of 3 tablespoons of soda in 1 quart of warm water. Let stand awhile, then rinse.
16. Clean formica counter tops with baking soda on a damp sponge.
17. Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.
18. To remove stubborn stains from marble, formica or plastic surfaces, scour with a paste of soda and water.
19. Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots (but not aluminum) in a soda solution ( 3 tbsp. soda to 1 quart water).
20. Run you coffee maker through its cycle with a soda solution. Rinse.
21. Give baby bottles a good cleaning with soda and hot water.
22. Sprinkle soda on barbecue grills, let soak, then rinse off.
23. Sprinkle soda on greasy garage floor. Let stand, scrub and rinse.
24. Polish silverware with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry.
25. For silver pieces without raised patterns or cemented-on handles: place the silver on aluminum foil in an enamel pot. Add boiling water and 4 tbsp. baking soda. Let stand, rinse and dry.
26. Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some soda on the bottom.
27. Run your dishwasher through its cycle with soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.
28. To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.
29. For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight, then scrub it clean next day.
30. Rub stainless steel and chrome with a moist cloth and dry baking soda to shine it up. Rinse and dry. On stainless steel, scrub in the direction of the grain.
31. Clean plastic, porcelain and glass with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rinse and dry.
32. Remove that bad smell from ashtrays with soda and water.
33. Sprinkle a bit of dry soda in your ashtrays to prevent smoldering and reduce odor.
34. Clean your bathroom with dry soda on a moist sponge - sink, tub, tiles, shower stall, etc.
35. Keep your drains clean and free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.
36. Soak your shower curtains in water and soda to clean them.
37. To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse.
38. Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.
39. Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.
40. Add 1/2 cups or more of baking soda to your bath water to soften your skin.
41. Putting 2 tbsp. of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.
42. Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.
43. Take a soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.
44. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.
45. Gargle with 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.
46. Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.
47. To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.
48. Bug bites: use a poultice of baking soda and vinegar.
49. Bee sting: use a poultice of baking soda and water.
50. Windburns: moisten some baking soda and apply directly.
51. Making Play Clay with baking soda: combine 1 1/4 cups water, 2 cups soda, 1 cup cornstarch.
52. Use soda as an underarm deodorant.
53. If your baby spits up on his shirt after feeding, moisten a cloth, dip it in baking soda and dab at the dribbled shirt. The odor will go away.
54. When scalding a chicken, add 1 tsp. of soda to the boiling water. The feathers will come off easier and flesh will be clean and white.
55. Repel rain from windshield. Put gobs of baking soda on a dampened cloth and wipe windows inside and out.
56. Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.
57. Add to water to remove the "gamey" taste from wild game.
58. Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.
59. Use dry with a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.
60. Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster. Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda.

Bon Voyage

We waved good bye to our oldest and his lovely bride today.

We laughed all the way to the beach with the GRAND girls!

They were celebrating that 30th birthday, you know from last week?

Hope they have a loverly time!

I know we will!

I'm with Maxine, I really don't like sleeping in a closet!

Wordless Wednesday

This is one Pop Pop lovin youngin!

He stopped by the house to drop something off the other day and she got up in that truck with him and pushed and pulled every knob and button in there. It took me 10 minutes to get her out of his truck. Him sitting there loving every minute of it.

Harrison asked her the other afternoon did she want to go to the store with him and she said, "unhu, Pop Pop~Gigi." That wasn't one of her options but now that she can talk she can sure tell him where she wants to go.

I just love that she wanted to come to our house!