There was a giveaway coming...

I announced a giveaway not too long ago (okay, it feels like forever ago..) for followers only.
I have loved getting to know so many people, both friends, family, and perfect strangers better through blogging.  Reading up on your lives, and what you think, is the highlight of my day.
I am so thankful for the many examples, thoughts, opinions, and listening ears (or would that be reading eyes?) that I can truly call friends..  sisters (and some brothers too..  I know you are out there..).
I know that sometimes, me, voicing my opinion doesn't fall on the most understanding of ears (or eyes) and feelings may be hurt, but I want all to know that I do not do this intentionally.
Sorry if you have injured feelings due to me and my mouth (or is that fingers?)..
Thanks for being friends, followers.
So, without further yip-yapping...
The winner is.....
Courtney!
And I can say, 100% this girl has stuck with me, thick through thin, up and down..  EVERYWHERE!!  Love ya girl!
And love to you.. ALL my followers .;)

November 10th..

November 9th..

November 8th..

Sunday was Kaitlyn's birthday..
Her 18th to be exact.
I have know this girls since she was exiting her diapers..
18?!  Really?
Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!!

November 7th..

Eclair Cake..

 I am a lover of all that is sweet.
I am also a lover of Eclairs.  My mom has been making them for as long as I can remember.  There are people in my old neighborhood, who would do ANYTHING if my mom's eclairs were promised.
Now, I don't know how authentic they are..  but I do know how authentically delicious they are.
The only problem with an Eclair is that it has the tendency to explode on you.
That is where this recipe is awesome.
No unexpected explosions.

Cream puff:

1 cup water
1/2 cup margarine or butter (I have used both)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup flour
4 eggs

Bring water, butter, and salt to a boil.  Add flour all at once, while stirring vigorously over heat.  Continue stirring until mixture forms a ball.  Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.  If you do not let it cool long enough, in the next step you'll end up with scrambled eggs in your crust, instead of the nice air pockets..  just be patient.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Spread into a greased 9x13 pan, and bake at 425 for 15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 and bake for an additional 15 minutes.  It is done when the tops are golden, and it makes a hollow sound when it is tapped on with fingertips.
Let this part cool well.

Filling:

1 large box of INSTANT vanilla pudding
2 cups of milk
1 8 oz. bar of cream cheese

Prepare pudding using two cups of milk, and set aside.
In another, larger bowl, beat the cream cheese until well softened.  Add the pudding to the cream cheese, 1/4 -1/3 at a time, mixing well between each addition of pudding so the mixture is smooth, not lumpy.  Spread this over the top of the cooled cream puff crust.  Top it with your favorite whipped topping and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Cut, serve, and enjoy some Eclair yumminess without explosions!

I figured it out!!

It has been slightly emotional..
I love my new house..
Not just "love" it, but LOVE it!
There are so many blessings that come with it.. more than just the house..
But I still feel a little sad..  homesick, for the old house.
Whenever I get the chance, I drive past it.
It holds so many memories..  I believe I covered those previously.
But when we got the call the other night, that it had actually recorded (i.e. it was a done deal), I felt my heart do something weird.
It wasn't an excited beat.
It wasn't an anxious beat.
It wasn't a sad beat..
It was weird.
I drove past Saturday morning on my way out to run some errands.
The "For Rent" sign was down.  No one was there, but I knew someone would be soon..
Later that night, as I ran out to get some things for our dinner, I drove past.
There they were.  Them and their big UHaul.  Carrying boxes in just as I had carried them in almost 9 years ago..  then out.
I saw inside the open front door..
Saw the paint.
Saw the floor we put in..
The carpet going down the stairs..
The new door and windows..
The black garage door..
I teared-up..  that was my house.
So many memories.
I came home and told Merrill.
His reaction: "Good Riddance!"
Then it hit me..
That house is like an ex-boyfriend.
I certainly don't want to be with it.
I have many good memories with it.
But I don't want to see anyone else making more good memories with it.
Yup..  I am the jealous type I guess..