It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Well, I have begun decorating for Christmas. I always have such fun doing this! Kenny and I got the lights up last night but I had been decorating all day yesterday. Blake and Brandon and some of their friends, all headed to Nashville on Black Friday. Uggghh, not me. I just didn't want to be out in all of that. They went shopping at Guitar Center and other music stores. I did some shopping online yesterday though. I still have more to do, but here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.....These are of my dining room table. I want this to look extra special as we will be having guests for different Christmas events here.

~Click the following pictures to enlarge.~

The next pictures are of our family room. I just love my fireplace. I have never had one until we moved here, so I am just thrilled! I still have much more that I want to do with it, but this is what I have done thus far. I can't find our Christmas stockings since the move. Not sure why they aren't with the other Christmas decorations. I just love the boys' stockings and hope they did not get lost in the move! I will keep searching, because I really don't want to have to replace them. But I will if it comes to that, I guess. Here are the Santa boots I showed you before. I just love these. I think they're a riot!! hee hee

Also, my Carolers are on the hearth. I just love carolers!

My Baby Boy Turns 20!

Yesterday, Nov. 23, my "baby" turned 20. I just can't believe it. It's like yesterday that he was just born. Now he's 20 years old!

I am so proud of him. What a wonderful young Christian man, who wants to spread the word of Jesus, he is.....encouraging and lovingly reminding everyone to be sure to have their "quiet time" each day. He is such an amazing young man.

Actually, we have two amazing young Christian men! I am most thankful for them each and every day. Having Brandon back from the Air Force for good, has been such a blessing this year. I just had to show off our awesome young men that love to

spread the word of Jesus through their music ministry!
Thanks for taking a look.
Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca

Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup pumpkin
1 tsp lemon juice
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
chopped pecans

Filling:

1 cup powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons soft butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat eggs on high for 5 minutes.
Gradually beat in sugar, pumpkin, and lemon juice.
Mix the rest of the regular ingredients.
Spread on greased 15 X 9 inch cookie sheet and top with nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn out on towel that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Start at narrow end and roll cake and towel together.
Let cool for 1 hour.

FILLING:

Mix all of the ingredients together.
Unroll cake part and spread filling evenly over.
Roll back up without towel.

I got this recipe on Recipezaar. Enjoy!

*In Everything Give Thanks*

I think this little pillow says it all. We have so much to be thankful for! God has really poured his blessings down upon us. We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. In everything, give thanks!

God Bless!

Thanksgiving Break has officially started for me. After spending the day making all kinds of Thanksgiving crafts, activities, and such with my third graders, I am now ready to give much thought as to my dishes for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, we are having Thanksgiving at our house. This is a first, as we have always had it at my parents' home. God has blessed us this year with a home that will accommodate our family for dinner. I had originally planned on us having Christmas for everyone at our new home, and we would still have Thanksgiving at my parents' as usual. However, my Mom got news last week that she has to have knee replacement surgery. Since she is in such a great deal of pain, we have talked her into having it done sooner than she had planned. So, we will have both Thanksgiving and Christmas at our home this year for everyone. My Mom will have surgery next week. I am so happy to get to do this for everyone, as we have not been able to accommodate that many people until this year. I truly feel blessed that we can offer our home for this, as it really lifts a burden from my Mom. She always cooks a HUGE amount of food, and enjoys doing it so much, but we have talked her out of it this year. She just can't hold out to do all that she has done in the past. She would never have it any other way, but I think she has come to realize that she just doesn't need to do all of that! I am thankful that she will let us all help her more this year!

I am also thankful for having Brandon home for good! We do have so much to be thankful for!! God has been so good to us!

I have posted a picture of some of my dishes that await being filled with all kinds of Thanksgiving food. The egg dish is old. It belonged to my mother-in-law, who is no longer with us. I will proudly display my deviled eggs in her dish!

*Simple Pleasures*
Here is a pic of some leaves I gathered up today. Maggie and I were playing outside as usual, and I couldn't resist picking up some of the beautiful autumn leaves that covered the backyard. As I reached down to pick up one, I would spot another one, and another, and another! LOL Soon, I had two handfuls of leaves. They are just so pretty! I love this time of year. Funny how something so simple can bring you such pleasure! God's beauty is everywhere. We just have to reach out for it!

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I'll share some of my dishes and recipes soon.
Until next time.....
Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca

In My Own Little Corner--In My Own Little Chair

Do you remember that song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella? The one with Stuart Damon (from General Hospital) and Lesley Anne Warren. It came out in 1965, the year I was born. I loved this as a little girl, and still love those songs!! I remember the words to most of the songs! Do you have an area that you call your "own". I do. Let me tell you about my own little corner!

I love this area of our bedroom. It is a very small sitting area, but it is just so cozy! I have a chair, with lots of comfy pillows, small throw blanket, fun magazines, and my daily devotionals. I love to sit here and read my decorating mags or read in my devotional. It's just a quite place to go when I just want to have a little "me" time. The other night, I wasn't feeling really well when I came home from work. There's been a lot of stuff going around already. Anyway, I retreated to my little area, and it was the perfect setting for me to relax! A thunderstorm began, and those that know me, know how much I love, love, love a good thunderstorm! Anyway, it was the most relaxing, peaceful nap that I have had in a while! I just love this little area!! LOL

Here's this week's Saturday Special

1. While visiting in Europe and driving along the countryside you spot a famous castle that has long been empty. Excited you decide to check it out. Your curiosity getting the best of you, you drive through the large iron gates to the castle and get out of your car and walk past the large fountain in the court yard to the main enormous door and __________?: I carefully open it.

2. Entering the castle you are in a large completely furnished hall and a room with two large sliding doors closed on your right, a beautiful spiral staircase ahead and another room on your left also with closed doors. You decide to take the __________?: stairs

3. Much to your surprise you find __________?: a large completely-furnished bedroom. I carefully pick up a few items on the dresser, but the open closet door catches my eye. As I make my way toward it, I wonder what I will find. I carefully open the closet door wide enough to peek inside. It is full of beautiful ball gowns, tiaras, shoes, and purses. A beautifully baby pink gown catches my eye. I have to try it on. It is a perfect fit, and I feel like a princess! You know I have to try on the shoe with it. To complete the look, I must try on a tiara too. As I turn round and round admire the gorgeous fabric, I spot a full length mirror. I must take a look at myself. Beautiful if I do say so myself. But it is getting late, and I must leave. I put everything back just as I found it, and head down the stairs, my head still reeling.


4. Upon leaving and driving off, you know you will never forget this adventure and think to yourself __________?: I am so glad I had the courage to go into the castle by myself, but more proud of myself for taking the chance to try on the beautiful clothing.

Laughter is the Best Medicine!

I met my best friend, Lisa, for dinner. We had such a good time! Dinner was great: I had Asian Dumplings, Salad, and Blackberry Lemonade. Yum-O!
But visiting was the best part. We sat there for three hours catching up from the last couple of weeks, reminicing about our trip to London, and making tentative plans to go back. We laughed until I thought they might throw us out. LOL
But they were very kind to let us take up space for that long! It was a great night. Nothing like having dinner with your best girl friend!

Ok, on to Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
What was your first “real” job? clerk in an import store
Soup
Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity? to my psp
Salad
Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when… I arrive late (which I do a lot)
Main Course
What values did your parents instill in you? honesty, compassion, hard working
Dessert
Name 3 fads from your teenage years. feathered bangs, interchangeable logo'd handbag, silver add-a-bead necklaces, Candy spikes

There are still a few WINNERS that have not contacted me. I look forward to getting your email, so I can send you your sigtags! ATTN PAT: I have your sigtags ready to send, I just need your email addy.

Hello everyone!

Hope you are having a great week thus far. Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and while many businesses were closed, school remained open. Last night we had our Veteran's Day program at school. There was a really nice slide presentation to honor our "home-grown" heroes! Ofcourse, I added Brandon's picture to the presentation. When it was over, the lady that presented the program said, next time you see a Vet, hug them, shake their hand, or something to show your appreciation to them. This was SOOOO easy for me, because our Vet is home for good--oh yeah, you already know that, but it feels so good to have him here and see him every day again!! The movers finally got his stuff here. We have boxes everywhere--it's just like when we first moved in, but I don't care because I have my "baby" back home!!

I love black and white photos. Old ones, new ones, I just love them! I am sharing a picture that I took of our family room. It is by accident that it was black and white though. I didn't realize that my youngest son had changed the settings when using my camera last. I liked the way it came out though, so here it is. Just thought I'd share.

Until next time, hugs and blessings to all!

Saturday Special and WINNERS of Give-Away!!!!!

Saturday Special

1. Uneventful...you answer?: many days
2. Very Useful...you answer?: My keys
3. It's Beautiful...you answer?: Autumn Days
4. Something Awful...you answer?: brussel sprouts

Now, on to the Winners!!

1. Regina
2. Jules
3. Utah Grammy
4. Pat

I know I said 3, but all 4 are winners!
Let me know the three tags you want, and the name you want on them.
Hugs,
Rebecca
Visit here to choose.

Just stopping by to do Friday's Feast.
Don't forget to add your name (and secret phrase in the post below.)
Give-Away will be soon!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies? popcorn, milk duds

Soup
What year did you start using the internet?1993 (we didn't have computers when I was in school. lol)

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? (Here’s how to speak it if you don’t already know!)
ebecca ray

Main Course
Name something you are picky about. the way my linens/towels are folded!

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I ____thanked God for my son being home for good from the Air Force____ yesterday and I ____thanked Him for all the things he has given me____ today.

NOW, DON'T FORGET TO SIGN BELOW FOR THE GIVE-AWAY!

Time For A Give-Away!! Read about the drawing.....

Well, it's that time of year....."time" is right. I don't do well with this time change. It's great getting that extra hour of sleep, but not enough to give up some daylight. With this being one of my very favorite times of the year, the time changed is equally disliked! I don't like the fact that it gets dark soooo early! I love my daylight!! hee hee
I have been working on some new lines for my site, Whimsical Beginnings. I'm very proud of my new bear, Fa-La-La Bear. He comes complete with Thanksgiving and Christmas props and clothes. If you want to take a peek, you can see him here (click on the "What's New" link when you get there).
Also, I have been making a lot of Thanksgiving and Christmas signature tags. So, I decided to have a little drawing. Just place a comment on this entry, and say, "Sigtags Are Sweet" and your name goes in the drawing for 3 sigtags, your choice. There will be 3 winners! You can see the choices here. I will announce the winners on Saturday, November 10!! Be watching here on Our Back Porch for the winners to be posted then!
Until next time, Sigtags are Sweet! *wink

siggy by me at Love Lines

Please do not take graphics. Thank You!

I thought I would share a few treasures I got on my shopping trip with Lisa a couple of weeks ago. All of the Halloween decorations are down, and the Thanksgiving are up. I will not start decorating for Christmas until Thanksgiving is over. I usually decorate the day after Christmas while I am off for break. We go right up until Christmas this year, so I have the week of Christmas and the week after Christmas for Christmas vacation.

My sweet friend, Judy, mentioned a good idea that just might work for me this year. I usually do my shopping a little a long, but then I am usually out shopping right up to the last minute. Well, seeing how school isn't out until the 21st (Yikes!) I need a better plan. She mentioned about doing online shopping. I think that's a great idea. Of course there will be some items that I can't do that with but I might can do a lot of my other shopping. Hey, it's worth a look into it! It just won't feel right if I don't go out Christmas shopping, so I know I will some, but I think this online thing might at least help out!

If you have any online shops you like, leave a post for us all to enjoy! Thanks!

Ok, now on to the goodies.....

Aren't these Santa boots awesome! I am going to put them in my fireplace (not to worry-there won't be a real fire going) along with a Santa hat. I think that will be soooo cute!

These are sooo me! I just fell in love with these little Carolers! They'll have a good home for sure. There little mouths are too sweet!

I love this!! This is very similar to my Heartland Creek pieces by Jim Shore. I just had to have this! You can see my snowman candlestick too. I thought he was a cutie. He'll be great in my kitchen!
There were several different ones of these, but this was my favorite one. The garland and berries will go on my mantle.

Well, that's my Christmas goodies from that trip. I can't wait to start decorating for Christmas, but I will hold off until after Thanksgiving as I always do. It's just so more tempting this year, since we are in a new home!

Until next time,

Hugs and Blessings,

Rebecca

You may have a different opinion about dogs than I do, but I really think dogs can understand words, not just the sound. When we were in "puppy preschool", the instructor tried to tell us this, but I am just not convinced! Maggie is so smart, and she knows so many words. We can teach her a new word, and with just a few times, she remembers (for good) what that word is. We have tried saying it different ways, and she still knows. I thought I would share the words in my little smarty's vocabulary.

sit
down
night night
kitty cat (this is the cat next door-she goes to the window to see it)
squirrel (same as above)
dolly
Sponge Bob
ball
stick
bone
toy
breckus (don't laugh--this is for "breakfast" which is all meals--lol)
no
up
bubba (she goes to look for him)
Brandon
Blake
Daddy
Momma
treat
window
outside

I am sure I have missed some but it just amazes me!
Won't you share your smarty's vocabulary with us??

Here's the Saturday Special.....
1. While driving through an old abandoned town you take a turn down a side road and spot a railroad yard with an old train station, thinking it might be fun to explore it, you park the car and run toward the station.
2. Walking through the old train station you get a funny feeling you are not alone, you turn to see something moving.
3. Rushing back to your car and just about to cross the old tracks you hear the sound of a train whistle pass you but you don't stop to look.
4. Once in your car driving away you think to yourself that was a close one!!

The Saturday Special

Have a good rest of the weekend!
Until next time,
Hug your furbabies!
Rebecca

The Black Cat

Ok, here are the Halloween pics from school that I promised you. I wish you could see the ears a little better but they blend in with the plant behind me. They are really floofy (Is that a word? lol) I have a tail to match, but you can't see that.....duh?! We had a good time, and the kids enjoyed dressing up and parading around the gym for everyone. The other picture is just a few of my decorations. We don't have actual doors, so this is the entrance to my classroom. The jack-o-lantern on the right is lit up but you just can't see that here. If you are wondering what books about camping, a fishing creel, frog, bird, and red checkered tablecloth have to do with Halloween.....well, NOTHING! LOL Our classroom theme this year is a camping one. Our room is called "Camp-Learn-A-Lot". So I have many boards and displays around the room that depict this theme. Since this is the entrance to our room, I always decorate with the seasons/holidays around our camping theme.
Hope you are having a great start to the weekend! I know I was surely ready for Friday to come! Have a beautiful fall weekend y'all!
Hugs and Blessings,
Rebecca

Well, all is well! Brandon made it home Monday night around 11 pm. We were up until about 2 a.m. chatting, and then it took me another hour to wind down. 3 hours of sleep is tough, when you have 19 third graders waiting on you the next morning and ready for the Halloween Parade. The parade was a huge success, as usual. I dressed as a black cat. Then we had some treats that I made for the kiddos. (I took pictures that I will share with you soon, as I left my camera at school.) After that, we worked on our Bat study and watched "Stellaluna". I just LOVE that book. So we read the book and watched the movie. Then we compared birds and bats, and compared the book to the movie. They loved this! Then after school, we had a schoolwide "Booo-k Fest". We had lots of games, activities, goodies and such. We gave away a lot of boooooks, which was the focus of our event. The kids had a great time, but I was worn out by then but I made it until I got home, then I crashed for a bit!

Halloween night, I wasn't feeling too well. I think that I was just sleep deprived and my stomach hurt. I handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters because Kenny had praise band practice at church, but I managed to get in bed rather early. Raimah had a show but I wasn't even feeling up to going to hear them play. Now, I have to be sick to miss that!! I didn't go into work today, as I was still feeling under the weather. I will try to make it tomorrow, as it is already Friday again!

Here's a fun pic that I call, "Trick or Treat Smell My Feet!" Hee Hee!

This is such an awesome picture. It is Kenny's and Maggie's feet sticking out from under the covers. LOL I just had to grab my camera and snap! *snicker, snicker*

Well, until next time, keep smiling and Happy Fall Y'all! Hugs~

siggy by me at Buttercup Junction

Please do not take graphics. Thank You!