A Partridge in a Pear Tree

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We got so busy cooking, baking cookies with the girls, going here and yonder that I completely forgot to blog on Thanksgiving. In which is no excuse because with blogger you can set it to post when you want it to. Then we had to go out of town for a funeral, so Makayla was gone for the weekend.

So we went to see The Blind Side, when we got back in town.  If you haven't seen it yet.  It's worth going to. There's not many that I want to watch more than once.  But when we left I told my husband that's one that I want on DVD when it comes out. I laughed, I cried, and laughed so hard I cried. I love sandra Bullock as an actress but in this one her true southern style comes out.


Now on to the next business.                                                  

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the big day.  I hope ya'll are ready for Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways.  There will be at least one giveaway a day for the next 12 days.   All giveaways are from various Etsy stores.  If you haven't already would you please add my 12 Days of Christmas button to your blog.  For all of those that do, let me know, and leave it there until December 13th.  And/or blog about these giveaways and you will be entered for a seperate giveaway, that  I myself will be doing on Sunday December 13th.  It will be  a giveaway of some of my favorite things for Christmas. 
 This is my first year blogging, so I guess I can't say my annual giveaway.  But I hope that is what it will become, growing bigger and better every year.  Most of the giveaways are Christmas related, but there are a few that can be used year around.
So check back everyday, your not going to want to miss my Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways.

Thanksgiving Random Dozen

Linda is at it again with her Random Dozen.  Only this time she's making it a Thanksgiving theme.  Plus she's bumping it up a day to Tuesday this week.  Most of us will probably be so busy cooking tomorrow, and Thursday we won't think about blogging.  LOL


1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?
  Traditional foods.  My family would probably faint if I suggested anything any different, especially my husband.


2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
 My healthy family. 

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for. 
My future home in heaven one day.
4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.  Honestly I can't remember that many Thanksgiving growing up, my Dad worked shift work so it probably depended on when he was working when and what we ate.  I remember one Thanksgiving at my Grandmother's that everyone was there.  All her children and their families , my parents and family.  That was early 90's and probably the last time we were all there for Thanksgiving. 


5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?  I will be in the kitchen cooking while another family member(not mentioning any names) sits in the recliner and fails to offer to help.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?  No pets in this house.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
 We pray at every meal.  The night before at my Mother-in-laws, my step-father in law will pray.  Thanksgiving day at my brother's my Mom will pray.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?  NO.  It may be on but I won't be watching it. 


9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?  Hate oysters, and have definetly never have, and never will have them in my dressing.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?  Somewhat.  What I read in school and we won't mention how many years ago that was.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?  Pecan. 

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)  Same as feel for the fish.  LOL  Nope don't feel sorry for it at all.  If I had my preference I would have ham or chicken.  Just not a big turkey fan.  But as stated in question #1 some would have a stroke if we didn't have a turkey.  As if something drastic might happen if we didn't. 

Where did this week go?

I feel like I have been totally out of it this week.  Makayla went back to school today.  She hasn't had any fever since Wednesday evening.  So last night we went to Megan's for a birthday dinner.  She cooked a wonderful dinner and a pound cake.  She told me that she ordered my present.  Asked if I wanted to know what it was.  I told her that was a silly question.  So guess what I'm getting .  Yep, Pioneer Woman's cookbook.  I can't wait.   Scott, Michael, and Makayla gave me a gift card to go shopping at my favorite clothes store. 
Then tomorrow for Brianna's (my step-daughter)  birthday, she Makayla and Megan is going to see New Moon.  In which that is fine with me to not go with them.  Because that means I get to keep Emily. 
My Mother-in-law Linda is still pretty loopy and in a lot of pain.  She will hopefully be getting out of the hospital tomorrow.  I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner and taking it to them Wednesday evening so she will have a lot of time with the kids. 
I think that pretty much sums up my week.  I hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend.

Winner! The Power Of Respect, fever, birthday, this n that

Congratulations to Latrice  She's the winner of my book giveaway, The Power of Respect.    I had almost forgotten that I haven't posted who had won.

Makayla started running fever late Tuesday night so I haven't had much sleep.  It went as high as 103 with chills, and body aches.  But so far she's been  fever free since last night so hopefully it was just a 24-hour bug.  Or either for some reason, when my girls get exhausted and just need some extra sleep they get a high fever. 

Yesterday when I talked to Megan and told her that Makayla had a fever.  She said well we won't be coming over tomorrow then.  I asked her why they were coming over.  She said your birthday silly.  I explained to her that when you get my age it's just another day.  But honestly I am thankful for another year of being healthy.   God has been so good to my family. 

Another Dozen

It's Wednesday so it's time again for random dozen .  Linda   does so well coming up with twelve new and interesting questions every week.  More and more bloggers are joining in on the fun.  Why don't you join us also?  It's a great way to learn more about each other.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
tennis, 

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision? Unfortunately most times I go with my gut instinct.  In some cases probably would have made a better decision if I had researched it and slept on it more.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
  So funny.  Suzanne Pleasant

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
That's a hard one.  Give up chocolate, might just be detrimental to somebody.
5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
Well , I don't eat bananas.  But I buy them a little green so they will finish ripening once I get home and for them to last until there all gone.

6. Your favorite tree is?  I've never thought about it.  Anything that blooms, don't care for something plain.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?  I would say 7, have learned quite a bit since I started blogging.


8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
no, fortunately it hasn't.
9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?  I'm told that I analyze alot.  But I think I take things sometimes without questioning them enough.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
cat

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
There is a few that I have found on facebook.  But we still don't chat much.  Caught up on everything and then they are there if we need to email one another.
12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?  Express, hoping because they have fewer items it will go faster.

Three Winners!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Katie she is our winner of the 16x20 rolled canvas.
Congratulations to Reyna she is the winner of the 18 x 24 Poster.  And last but not least, congratulations to Diana the winner of the 50 thank you cards. 
Thank you so much for those who entered.  Please don't forget my next giveaway ends on Tuesday.  Be on the watch for more upcoming giveaways.   You don't want to miss them.  Especially the 12 Days of Christmas.  There will be at least one giveaway a day, maybe more.

Chewy Bread

Don't forget 3 giveaways are ending today.  I will be drawing the winners later this evening.

Some calls it cake but to me it's more like bread.  Awesome with hot chocolate, or I guess coffee.  I don't drink coffee but it reminds me of a sweet bread.  Unfortunately no pictures, they ate it so fast.  Our pecans are beginning to fall so had to bake something with some of them.  This is another one of those recipes that is easy.  My favorite kind, other than if it has chocolate in it. 

Chewy Bread

1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
1 stick butter, melted
1box light brown sugar
3 eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat together brown sugar, and butter.  Add eggs; beat well.   Slowly add flour and vanila.  Mix well.  Stir in pecans.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes in a 9x13 inch pan.

Another Random Dozen

Linda is hosting Random dozen again like she does every Wednesday.  If you don't have anything better to blog about it, then join in.  Then drop in and check out her blog, you won't regret it.  Leave the link to your questions on her Mr. Linky. 

1. What was the last song you listened to?

Revelation Song

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?

yes, the house we are now in.  Wish we had thought about it longer.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

Divorce from my first husband.   Unfortunately some people just never change.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?

Haven't seen it in several years, since I'm now in the kitchen cooking.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

There's a song don't know all of it or who sings it.  But reminds us that God was yesterday, He is today, and He will be tomorrow.

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?

Buying chocolate candy bars and hide them, just for me.  Or now that it's getting close to Christmas will be hiding chocolate covered cherries in the freezer.  YUM!!!

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

Pecan Pie

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)  Angels, but I haven't got any new ones lately.  But this is one of my favorites.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?    

Gift Bags, so much easier. 

                 
11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?  WOW!!!  That was -----  years ago.  lol  Probably the best I can remember would be to do my homework first.  The go outside and play with friends.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??  
Not sure about this one. 

The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville Review/Giveaway

I was given the chance by Thomas Nelson Books to review The Power of Respect by Deborah Norville.  Now that I've read it I've decided to pass it on in a giveaway to one lucky winner.   Because it is an awesome book. 
I remember admiring Deborah Norville years ago when she was on NBC News at Sunrise, and then on The Today Show.  She comes across as what you see is what you get.  She speaks from the heart and a true love for what she speaks and writes about. 
This book is respect in the home, with your children and spouse.  Respect in the job world,  respect in our schools, and respect on a personal level with ourselves and our friendships.  I would definetly recommend this book.  She gives great advice for parents to help their children with respect.  How to earn and give respect in our relationships.  She writes about well-known business owners and executives that have gone the extra mile to show respect to their employees.  Last but not least is respect in our schools.  Our children should be able to go to school and learn.  Not have to go in fear of what might happen to them while they are there.  If they respected one another they wouldn't have to worry about being hurt, bullied, or having their personal items stolen or distroyed.
As I read it I began to wonder when did people lose respect for each other.  There was a time when men respected women and children and wouldn't cuss in front of them.  A time when children respected their parents and wouldn't dare talk back or raise their voice to their parents.
Respect in the workplace when an employer wouldn't ask an employee to do anything he wouldn't do himself.  We see the lost of respect in marriages by seeing more and more abuse.  Whether it's verbal, emotional, or physical.  Where have we went wrong as a society?  Was it when we started living above our means and both parents have to work, and leave children to raise themselves?  Was it when women decided they wanted to be treated equally as men and started cussing like men.  Does employers expect less from their employees, so there's less respect?
Deborah writes at the end of each chapter Respect reminders.  I love the ones she gives for parents to teach and role-model to their children.
1.  Practice the Golden Rule.  (I wonder how many people even knows what that means anymore).
2.  Be polite----shake hands correctly, stand for adults, let ladies go first.
3.  Be prompt.  My husband would say I have a problem with that one.  But I do try my best at it.
4.  Keep unkind comments to yourself.  (My Mom always told us if we can't say something nice to somebody, don't say anything at all).
5.  Let others go first in lines and in conversation.  (Makayla has a bad habit of interrupting when adults are talking and we are working hard on that one).
6.  Be true to your word--show up when you said you would and keep your promises.  ( I can remember older adults saying that their word and a handshake was all it took for a business transaction).

Model the behavior you want to see.  Children learn from what we do that's why were considered their role models.  I hate do as I say, don't do as I do.  If we don't teach them to be respectful, who will?

Now my goal is to read her other books, she even has one about knitting. 

Now about the giveaway, I enjoyed the book so much I'm passing it on to one lucky winner.    You will have from now until next Tuesday, November 17th to enter.  Leave me a comment telling me one way you think we can show respect to others.

We have a winner!!!!!!!!! New giveaways: Coming Soon!

We have a winner for the custom-made journal jar.  It's Tanya (tmc480).   Congratulations!!!!!  I will be sending it out to you by the end of the week.
Don't forget there is three other giveaways that end Friday.  I have another one I hope to get posted later today.
Also, this is a great time to mention.  There's a new button on my right sidebar.  Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways!!!!!!!  I am so excited about this one.  The first twelve days of December I will be having at least one giveaway everyday.   So tell your friends, grab my button, spread the news.  Ya'll are not going to want to miss even one day of these giveaways.   There may even be some chocolate, because we all know after we get through shopping.  We're going to need some chocolate.

Uprinting 50 Thank You Cards Giveaway

There's always a reason to tell someone thank you.  Whether it's for a Birthday, or Christmas gift, teacher appreciation, or just a thoughtful neighbor.  But in these busy times we don't always have time to go buy a thank you card when we need it.   Uprinting is giving one lucky winner a set of  7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom thank you cards with plain envelopes. 

Shipping: Free UPS Ground within United States
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.

As stated with the poster, and rolled canvas giveaway this one will also end on Friday, November 13th.

 1st Mandatory Entry:  Go to Uprinting and come back and leave a comment telling your plan for the cards if you win.

 2nd entry: Follow @uprinting and tweet about the giveaway. One entry a day for each comment telling me you tweeted about the giveaway.



3rd entry: Follow me on twitter or tell me if you already do.


4th entry: follow my blog or leave comment if your already a follower.


5th entry: Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with link to your post.




I want to be able to offer as many entries as possible since this is such a great giveaway.
Enter today this giveaway will end next Friday November 13th. So maybe the 13th will bring luck to one lucky winner.
Remember due to shipping costs it's only open to those in the United States, but you don't have to have a blog to enter just make sure you leave me an e-mail address to reach you if you win.






Disclosure: I will be receiving one (1) poster from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway.

Uprinting.com 16x20 Rolled Canvas Giveaway

As promised this is the second of three giveaways this weekend.  Uprinting is offering one lucky winner a 16x20 rolled canvas.  I know exactly what I'm going to use mine for.  A picture of Emily (my granddaughter) with her parents only minutes after she was born.  It will look wonderful on her nursery wall.  There is so many options for this giveaway it's endless.  A picture from a child's wedding, high school graduation, a special birthday.  A family picture for that parent that's hard to buy for.  You know the one that has everything and wants nothing.

So to make it simple you have from now until next Friday November 13th to enter.  All three giveaways from this weekend will end next Friday so enter today. 

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.

1st Entry:  Tell me what picture you would have put on canvas if you won.

2nd Entry:  Follow @uprinting on twitter and tweet about this giveaway.

3rd Entry:  Follow me on twitter @nanathena or tell me if you already do.

4th Entry:  Follow my blog or tell me if you already do.

5th Entry:   Blog about any of the three giveaways and leave me a comment with the link to your post.

Just like the giveaway for the poster.  I'm trying to offer as many entries as possible for such wonderful giveaways.
Don't forget this and the other two giveaways will all end next Friday November 13th.

Disclosure: I will be receiving one (1) 16x20 rolled canvas from Uprinting  for hosting this giveaway.

18x24 poster Giveaway

Uprinting never ceases to amaze me at their giveaways.  This is the first of three that I will be doing this weekend.  Yep, that's right three giveaways this weekend.  So you will want to come back each day and enter each of these. 

The first one is for a 18x24 poster for one lucky winner. 

Size: 18x24 Poster: Paper: High Gloss; Semi Gloss

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs

We all know teenagers are hard to buy for.  Clothes are definetly out because we wouldn't buy what they are actually wearing these days.  There's a couple of stores that I cringe at even the thought of going in them with my teenage son.  Makayla heard me mentioning it this morning.  I told her we could take one of her favorite pictures, or go out and take some pictures, and have it made into a poster.  Tweens and teen-agers have posters plastered all over their walls.  Or I know mine do.  Makayla has posters of cats and dogs everywhere.  So I'm thinking of a picture of her and her bff (bestfriend). 
So what better idea, a poster. 
 1st entry: leave comment telling me what you would have printed on your  custom made poster.


2nd entry:  Follow @uprinting and tweet about the giveaway.  One entry a day for each comment telling me you tweeted about the giveaway.

3rd entry:  Follow me on twitter or tell me if you already do.

4th entry: follow my blog or leave comment if your already a follower.

5th entry:  Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with link to your post.

I want to be able to offer as many entries as possible since this is such a great giveaway.


Enter today this giveaway will end next Friday November 13th.  So maybe the 13th will bring luck to one lucky winner.

Remember due to shipping costs it's only open to those in the United States, but you don't have to have a blog to enter just make sure you leave me an e-mail address to reach you if you win.



Disclosure:  I will be receiving one (1) poster from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway.

Another Random dozen

Once again I'm joining  Linda and some of her friends for Random Dozen

1. Its early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?

I run the light.  Because if I'm out at 2:00 AM it must be some kind of emergency.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
Not that I can think of.  Other than maybe clean house more.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
Either comment on their blog, or a follow-up email.  If they leave an email address.  But that's a pet peeve for another day.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
hmmm   Nemo,  or 101 Dalmations


5. Do you recycle?
Somewhat.  We reuse plastic bags from the grocery store.  We save cans and copper and cash them in.


6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Mostly games of chance.   My favorite games are board games. 


7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
Not really.  Most of the time I dream about whatever I was thinking about when I go to sleep.

8. What did you learn from your first real job?
That would have been waitressing at Shoney's.  What it's like to make money just to pay bills.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
I love to read.   Most of which I borrow from the library.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?
Can't think of any.  I'm not a big fashion trend type.  I wear what's comfortable and affordable.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
The day after Thanksgiving.  I always say every year I'm going to start sooner.  But never do.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion? 
Not that I can think of.  But  I'm sure if I ever win the lottery there will be some jumping up and down.  lol

Progresso Soup Winner

Acccording to Random.org  Kelly has won the Progresso Soup giveaway.  Thanks to all who entered.  Please check out my other giveaway.  Also keep watch for review/giveaway later this week.

First Things First....Another giveaway

I'm not sure if it was because of such a busy weekend, or the cool, dreary weather it's hard for me to get motivated this morning.  There's several things swirling in my head.                                                                                        A giveaway, a review/giveaway, and some new buttons I want to get put on my sidebar.
So speaking of buttons, on my sidebar on the right side.  Who has noticed my new button of the journal jars I make?  I have Kat to thank for that.  She is just one of many that has been so helpful to me lately.  Another one is  Lynn she suggested I give one of my journal jars as a giveaway.
In case some of ya'll don't remember I blogged about it earlier, that I had given my Mom one last Christmas.  Just click  for full details of the journal jar.   It will make a wonderful gift for a Mom, or Grandmother that is difficult to buy for.  I will admit when I gave my Mom hers I thought it was silly.  But I am so grateful I did.  She has wrote the answers in a book for me and I have sinced convinced her to do the same for my siblings.  Therefore, that's todays giveaway.   I will be giving one lucky winner a custom made journal jar.  This giveaway is open to anyone regardless if you have a blog or not.  If you don't have a blog, just make sure I have an email to reach you by.  In which I will work with you on the colors that you would like on it, and the appropriate questions. 
So very simple to enter.  Leave me a comment stating if you won what color or type of material you would like me to use.  So far I have used calico, plaid, gingham, and a print with bright red apples.  But I'm sure there are so many more options.

So enter now giveaway will end on  Monday November 9th.