Looking Back...

The welcoming of a New Year always seems to be a time for
recollection -&- resolutions!?!
We seem to reflect back on what all the previous year has had happen in it
-&-
what that year meant to us!?!

If you reviewed this past year of your life, what would appear on the list?!?
Has an unexpected event caused you to question God or to more deeply experience His goodness?!?

As you think back over this past year, why not write down the significant events in your life!?!
Don't be afraid to include your difficulties -&- disappoints, but remember to consider all the good things as well -&- also include all the different ways God has been with you!?!

And, as we focus on the upcoming New Year what plans are you making as an effort to reaffirm your relationship with God!?!
What ideas do you have to make this year the best the one ever?!?

Are you planning on make a New Years resolutions...if so what will this resolution entail?!?

Please have a Safe -&- Happy New Years Eve!?!

Until we meet again next year...

Extended Stay Hotels...

Since my husband is a truck driver -&- I travel all over the country with him - we never know where we are going to end up spending the holidays!?!

So, this year we talked to our dispatcher -&- decided to do some advanced planning...hoping things would go our way!?!
We decided we wanted to try out one of the "Extended Stay" hotels that we have been hearing so much about!?!
So, I searched out the area we were interested in...found something with suitable accommodations in a price range we were willing to pay...and, from the 23rd to 26th of December that is where we stayed, cooked our own meals (which is something we miss out on the road) -&- just plain relaxed!?!

We stayed at the Homestead Studio Suites on Dunlap in Phoenix, AZ

Here is a list of what they offer:
Homestead Studio Suites offer more than just a great rate. When you stay with us, you get everything you need to make your stay one worth repeating, including:

* Fully equipped kitchens
All kitchens include a full sized refrigerator, microwave oven, stove top, toaster, coffee maker, cooking utensils, dishes, and cutlery.
* In-room wireless Internet access $4.99 per stay!?!
* On-premise laundry facilities
* Unlimited local phone use and personalized voice mail
* Cable television with movie channels
* Fitness centers, pools, hot tubs*
* Iron and full-sized ironing board
* Weekly housekeeping and optional Daily Refresh service
* Pet-friendly rooms

Here is a small video I made of the room:



And, here is an picture of the actual room we were in...



Not to shabby if I say so myself -&- in case you were curious as to cost...we ended up paying $113.12 including tax
-&-
internet charge...
that was the cost after a $20 promo code that I seeked out online (yeah me)!?!

This was a "lower end" extended stay -
there are a lot of nicer ones out there
-but-
of course the nicer they are the more they cost
-but-
I guess it is all up to you -&- what you want!?!

New Years Hordervers!?!

Are you having a New Years Eve Party
-&-
you are looking for some ideas for some
delicious horderves to serve...
Look no further - just follow this link:
NEW YEARS HORDERVERS

Hope it helps...enjoy!?!

Our Christmas Dinner!?!

Since it was just my husband -&- I for Christmas -&- we were dealing with limit amount of space for cooking...I decided to something easier -&- a bit nontraditional!?!
We had a delicious Corned Beef Brisket with all the trimmings -&- all though the picture does not it justice...it was absolutely mouthwatering delicious!?!


Here is what I did:

2 Lb Corned Beef Brisket
1 Tbs Peppercorns
1 Tbs Kansas City Steak Seasoning
2 Cloves Garlic
2 Medium Onions - Quartered
1 Head of Cabbage - Cut into 6ths
8 Small Red Potatoes

* Rinse the beef brisket under cold water, trim extra fat and place in a large pot -&- add all the spices!?!
* Add enough water to cover the roast by 6 inches!?!
* Peel the onions, and place them in the pot with the roast!?!
* Bring to a boil, and cook for about 30 minutes at a rolling boil!?! Reduce heat to medium-low so that the water is at a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 3 1/2 hours!?!

* Remove the lid from the brisket!?!
* Remove onions, and cut into wedges!?!
* Return them to the pot!?!
* Add carrots to the pot, then place the cabbage over the roast!?!
* Place the potatoes on top of the cabbage!?!
* Place the lid back on the pot, and cook for another 30 minutes, until potatoes are tender!?!
* The potatoes should be immersed in the water by now, but if not, keep the lid on so they can steam!?!
* Remove the vegetables from the pot, and place in a separate serving bowl!?!
* Keep the corned beef in the pot until ready to slice -&- serve because it dries out quickly!?!

Miss Me?!?

I decided over Christmas to take a few days off...
not just off my blog
-but-
offline in general!?!
I guess I needed a break from cyber space!?!
But as you can see I am back now
-&-
will be returning to my blog in full force tomorrow!?!
But until I return why don't you tell me about your Christmas!?!
And, don't leave out any of the details!?!

Jesus Is The Reason

Greatest man in history named Jesus,
had no servants, yet they called him Master!?!
Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher!?!
Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer!?!
He had no army, yet kings feared Him!?!
He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world!?!
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him!?!
He was ...buried in a tomb, yet He lives today!?!

Jesus IS the REASON for the Season...
it was intended to celebrate the Greatest Gift EVER given to man!?!
The Savior who came to Earth to walk among men...
so that one day He may give His life to save us -&- offer us eternal salvation!?!

Here is a really great song that says all of that...




Here are the lyrics:

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
and all our gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
because of love, because of love because of love

We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

everytime I see the Cross I'm reminded
that He gave His life for you and me

We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

We are the reason
But He is the reason we lived

Thank you my Jesus(Thank you my Jesus)
We thank you Lord my Jesus
We thank your for dying for my sins
Oh Lord, we thank you my Jesus
Thank you, thank you
Your worthy to be praised, Your worthy to be praised
Glorify, glorify your name,
We glorify your name

Learned From A Snowman

All I Need to Know about Life I Learned From a Snowman...

* It's okay if you're a little bottom heavy!?!

* Hold your ground, even when the heat is on!?!

* Wearing white is always appropriate!?!

* Winter is the best of the four seasons!?!

* It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection!?!

* There's nothing better than a foul weather friend!?!

* The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul!?!

* It's not the size of the carrot, but the placement that counts!?!

* We're all made up of mostly water!?!

* You know you've made it when they write a song about you!?!

* Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize!?!

* Avoid yellow snow!?!

*Don't get too much sun!?!

* It's embarrassing when you can't look down and see your feet!?!

* It's fun to hang out in your front yard!?!

* Always put your best foot forward!?!

* There's no stopping you once you're on a roll!?!

How I Feel...

All this political correct stuff is crazy...
Happy Holiday instead of MERRY CHRISTMAS
holiday tree instead of CHRISTMAS TREE!?!
Don't say this -&- don't do that, you might hurt someones feelings!?!

Well I'm speaking out!?!

Don't offend me, I celebrate CHRISTMAS on December 25 every year because I was raised that we celebrate the birth of Christ!?!
Would it even be a holiday if we were not celebrating his birth?!?

And, furthermore it is CHRISTmas instead of Xmas
-&-
if you choose to use Xmas in my opinion you must either be an Atheist or just a
VERY lazy person...
because how hard is it to add an extra 5 letters to a word
-&-
those 5 letters you may thinking you are saving time with by not adding are 5 spell one of the most important things in my life CHRIST!?!
And, if he is important enough to spell his name out...
then maybe you really need to re-prioritize your relationship with him!?!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!?!

Christmas Texas Style

'Twas the night before Christmas, in Texas, you know.
Way out on the prairie, without any snow.
Asleep in their cabin, were Buddy and Sue,
A dreamin' of Christmas, like me and you.

Not stockings, but boots, at the foot of their bed,
For this was Texas, what more need be said,
When all of a sudden, from out of the still night,
There came such a ruckus, it gave me a fright.

And I saw 'cross the prairie, like a shot from a gun,
A loaded up buckboard, come on at a run,
The driver was "Geein" and "Hawin", with a will,
The horses (not reindeer) he drove with such skill.

"Come on there Buck, Poncho, & Prince, to the right,
There'll be plenty of travelin' for you all tonight."
The driver in Levi's and a shirt that was red,
Had a ten-gallon Stetson on top of his head.

As he stepped from the buckboard, he was really a sight,
With his beard and moustache, so curly and white.
As he burst in the cabin, the children awoke,
And were so astonished, that neither one spoke.

And he filled up their boots with such presents galore,
That neither could think of a single thing more.
When Buddy recovered the use of his jaws,
He asked in a whisper, "Are you really Santa Claus?"

"Am I the real Santa? Well, what do you think?"
And he smiled as he gave a mysterious wink.
Then he leaped in his buckboard, and called back in his drawl,
"To all the children in Texas, Merry Christmas You-all" 

Holiday Eating Tips

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately...
Go next door, where they're serving rum balls!?!

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly... It's rare!?!
You cannot find it any other time of year but now!?!
So drink up!?!
Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip!?!
It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something!?!
It's a treat... Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think It's Christmas!?!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it!?!
That's the whole point of gravy!?!
Gravy does not stand alone!?!
Pour it on Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes!?!
Fill it with gravy...Eat the volcano... Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk?!?
If it's skim, pass!?! Why bother?
It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission!?!

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating!?!
The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free!?!
Lots of it!?!
Hello?!?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's!?!
You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do!?!
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food -&- that vat of eggnog!?!

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge!?!
Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention!?!
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes!?!
If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again!?!

8. Same for pies!?!
Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat!?!
Have a slice of each... Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin!?!
Always have three!?!
When else do you get to have more than one dessert?!? Labor Day?!? Not!?!

9. Did someone mention fruitcake?!?
Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost!?!
I mean, have some standards!?!

10. One final tip:
If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention!?!
Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner!?!
Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive -&-
well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate -&- wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming
"WOO HOO what a ride!?!"

Have a very Merry Christmas!?!

The Truth About Reindeer!?!

Remember this at Christmas Time:
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both
male -&- female reindeer
grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December!?!
Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring!?!

Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition

depicting Santa's reindeer,
EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen,
had to be a FEMALE!?!
We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat-old man
in a red velvet suit all around the world in one night -&- not get lost!?!

Kids 10 Favorite Christmas Songs

Kids LOVE Christmas time
-&-
watching them with ALL the juvenile excitement this time of the year
- really makes the holiday even more special for everyone!?!

Since I did my 10 Favorite Christmas Hymns for yesterdays blog -
I figured today I'd do the 10 Kids Favorite Christmas Songs...
I am sure that most of these will not be a surprise to any of you
-&-
most of you may even remember them from your childhood as well -
I know I do!?!

And, once again - if you click on the title of the song below it will lead you to a location that will play a version of that particular song for your enjoyment!?!

So, what are you waiting for...grab the kids - get reading, clicking, listening -&- enjoying!?!


Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

Frosty The Snowman

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Your A Mean One Mr. Grinch

Jingle Bells

Deck The Halls

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Alvin Song - Christmas Don't Be Late

12 Days Of Christmas

So what did you think?!?
Where any of these songs your favorites as a kid?!?
Did I miss anything?!?

10 Favorite Christmas Songs

The other day I blogged about my 10 Favorite Christmas Hymns...
Today I want to tell you about my 10 Favorite Christmas songs!?!
First let me tell you...it is hard to pick just 10 -but- if I didn't want to go forever
-&-
ever
-&-
10 seemed as good of a number as any to limit myself with!?!

So, go ahead a peruse the songs I have listed for you below
-&-
if you want to take a listen to any of those songs - just click on their title
-&-
it will take you to a place where you can hear them!?!

And, when you are finished - let me know what you think about my choices
-&-
then please tell me what songs you may think are missing
-&-
maybe even enlighten me to some songs I may not even know about!?!

Go ahead, start listening...enjoy!?!


I'll Be Home For Christmas

White Christmas

Christmas In Dixie

Chirstmas Carole

Hard Candy Christmas

Let It Snow

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Silver Bells

Blue Christmas

Leroy The Redneck Reindeer

10 Favorite Christmas Hymns / Carols

In my opinion music makes the world go round...
I seriously think I'd go insane without music!?!

I have had jobs before where music was the only other "human" voices I'd hear for almost 8 hours...so I must admit I love music!?!

And, when Christmas comes we get to listen to a whole lot of wonderful music ...I have fond memories of Church on the Sundays leading up to "Christmas Sunday" -&-
being able to sing Christmas Hymns for those very few special weeks!?!

I am also quite sure most of us know the words to most every Christmas Hymn we have ever heard as well - so we often find ourselves singing along!?!

So, today I compiled for you a list of MY Top 10 Christmas Hymns
-&-
if you click on the song title it will take you to a great video of the chosen song!?!

I really hope you enjoy this!?!

And, tell me what are your favorite Christmas Hymns?!?

Joy To The World

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

O Holy Night

The First Noel

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Silent Night

O Come All Ye Faithful

Away In A Manger

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Musical Differences

I figured I better post this so you'd understand how -&- why I chose -&- separated the Music the way I did in the next 3 blogs I will be posting!?!
All 4 will be dealing with Christmas Music
-but-
different types of Christmas Music if you will...there will be Hymns/Carols (when I was a kid we say the hymns as our carols) Songs -&- Kids Songs which are in a way all the same
-but-
also VERY different in many ways!?!
Who knows some songs may even make more than one list!?!

When figuring out the differences in these types of music here is what I learned:

Hymns: A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification. The word hymn derives from Greek (hymnos), which means "a song of praise."



Carol: A carol is a festive song, generally religious but not necessarily connected with church worship, and often with a dance-like or popular character. Today the carol is represented almost exclusively by the Christmas carol, the Advent carol, and to a much lesser extent by the Easter carol, however despite their present association with religion, this has not always been the case.


Song: A song is a piece of music for accompanied or unaccompanied voice or voices or, "the act or art of singing," but the term is generally not used for large vocal forms including opera and oratorio. The word "song" has the same etymological root as the verb "to sing" and the OED defines the word to mean "that which is sung"



Kids Song: The definition of nursery rhyme or children's song is very broad. If it's sung or recited to or by kids and their families it is a kids song in my opinion! It is also song that is easy & fun for the kids to sing!

12 Days of Christmas

Since it is 12 days before Christmas...
I thought this post was only suitable!?! '
I hope you enjoy it!?!

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

Love Thy Enemies

While I was reading my devotion yesterday morning in...
"Our Daily Bread" by RBC Ministries
it reminded me how much easier it is to hate or dislike someone than it is to pray for them!?!

The Bible says in Matthew 5:44 (KJV)...But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you;

I know we all have people like that in our lives - people who have cursed us, used us -&- even persecuted us...but...what good it is doing us...having a heart full of hate only causes us disregard -&- unneeded stress in a world that is already full of it!?!


So, my suggestion to myself -&- to you is...if you have someone or something in your past or in your life now that you despise or even hate...let it go -&- just PRAY for them!?! It will make you feel a whole lot better -&- I am sure they could use the prayers as well!?!

Church Windows Candies

This next recipe has to be MY all time favorite holiday treat...
I have never really been a big sweets eater -but- when it comes to these I can't put them down...I have to pull myself away from them before I make myself sick!?!

You are probably also wondering why the are called Church Windows...
it is because if you take a good look at them...

-&-
at a Church Window you will see a similar resemblance!?!

I, myself think it is because they taste just heavenly - lol :)

CHURCH WINDOWS CANDIES

1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 stick butter
1 pkg. Kraft colored marshmallows

Melt chocolate chips and butter (in the microwave) or in top of double boiler.
When completely melted, remove from heat and beat until cool.
Add marshmallows in a folding motion.
Drop on sheets of waxed paper or aluminum foil and form into logs (should make 2-3 logs).
Refrigerate until chilled.
Slice before serving.

Options:
Sprinkle 1 cup coconut of crushed nuts on waxed paper before forming logs - this will make a delicious outside coating!?!

Naughty or Nice?!?

So what have YOU been this year?!?

NAUGHTY 0r NICE?!?

Tell your friend here at "The Weeping Willow" all about it!?!

Don't leave anything out?!?

Side Note: (I have been NICE all year - REALLY NICE)

Cherry Banana Nut Bread

I'd have to say this is a holiday favorite that I don't
ever remember going a holiday
without having!?!
Every year I can always remember my Mom making her delicious
Cherry Banana Nut Bread!?!
And, when she made it you could taste the love that she baked
it to each -&- every loaf!?!
So, try out some for yourself this year...
-but-
...remember the secret ingredient
is L♥VE!?!
Ingredients:

2 cups butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 (10 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well.
Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk just until blended (batter will be thick).
In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Fold into batter.
Fold in cherries and pecans.
Transfer to four greased and floured 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and loaves are golden brown.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Mirror Test

I am a big believer in the mirror test!?!
All that matters is if you can look in the mirror and honestly tell the person you see there, that you've done your best!?!
We all must learn to love the fool in ourselves, the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts
-&-
gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs -&- cries!?!

As long as you are satisfied with what
YOU
see in the mirror - that is all that should matter!?!

Pearl Harbor

On this date 69 years ago was one of the most horrendous attacks on this country to that date. The attack on Pearl Harbor (called the Hawaii Operation or Operation Z by the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters, and the Battle of Pearl Harbor by some Americans)was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941.
The next day the United States declared war on Japan resulting in their entry into World War II. The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war that the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia, against Britain and the Netherlands, as well as the U.S. in the Philippines. The base was attacked by Japanese aircraft (a total of 353, in two waves) launched from six aircraft carriers.

Four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and all of the four other battleships present were damaged. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,402 personnel were killed and 1,282 were wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not attacked. Japanese losses were light, with 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.

The attack was a major engagement of World War II and came as a profound shock to the American people. Domestic support for isolationism, which had been strong, disappeared. Germany's ill-considered declaration of war on the U.S., which was not required by any treaty commitment, moved the U.S. from clandestine support of Britain (for example the Neutrality Patrol) into active alliance and full participation in the European Theater. Despite numerous historical precedents for unannounced military action, the lack of any formal warning by Japan, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led to President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaiming December 7, 1941 "a date which will live in infamy".

Here you can see President Roosevelt's - Pearl Harbor Address!?!

For more history about this please check here!?!

For more pictures please visit here!?!

And, like most history making events Hollywood eventully went on to make movies about it -&- near the 60th Anniversary of the attack a movie came out about Pearl Harbor!?! The movie entitled Pearl Harbor stared Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, Josh Hartnett - you can learn more about that movie here!?!

And, along with a great movie is a great song...Faith Hill sang the title song for Pearl Harbor with a song entitled There You'll Be...if you have never heard it...you are really missing out...so please go here -&- give it a listen!?!

Letters to Santa

With Christmas just around the corner many kids are writing have already written their letter to good Ole Saint Nicholas!?!
It has been going on ever since I can remember
-&-
I am most utterly certain that even I wrote a few of those myself when I was a kid!?!
It is memories like those that really make me think back about being a kid at Christmas
-&-
how wonderful this time of the year really is!?!
Did you ever write a letter to Santa?!?
What did you ask for?!?
Did you get it?!?

From the American Truck Driver

Since my husband has been a truck driver for the past 23 years

-&-
since I have been traveling OTR (Over The Road) with him for the past 5...
we can both really relate with a letter that we found posted on Facebook
by a another one of our trucking comrades!?!
Please read it -&- let me know what you think...if you agree
-&-
what your opinions are!?!
Whether you are a driver or not...I am curious as to what you have to say!?!


From the American Truck Driver:

I’m required to work 70 hours a week and if I’m lucky I get one day off…away from home. Many others complain about working 40 and only having 2 days off. If I text and drive it can cost me my career, yet you can do it and it just costs you .........a fine.

While I am doing my best trying to find a safe place to park for the night so I can get my legally required 10 hour break, you are kicked back relaxing and watching TV while you have your RV parked at the truck stop.

When I stop to put fuel in my truck, I have to wait in line while you hold up the line playing lottery scratch offs, I’m on the clock, you are just having fun. When you are snuggled up in your warm bed in the winter, I’m freezing my butt off because my truck is considered a nuisance to people like you, so I cannot idle it to stay warm or to keep it cool in the stifling summer heat.

I help to provide this country with everything it needs to keep functioning on a daily basis, while you seem to want to interfere with every aspect of my job, however you would be the first to complain if me and my coworkers decided to stop doing our job.

So please answer me this question America, how is it that the American truck driver is considered a second class citizen, one that should be banished from public view?

You regard us with no sense of importance; animals in fact have more rights than we do. You continue to take away more of what little rights we have left and then claim a moral victory under the guise of safety for the American motoring public.

We make sacrifices to keep food on your table, gas in your car, clothes on your kids, and a roof on your house. All the while making it harder for us to provide our own families with any of those things, I guess somewhere in your sense of humanity you find it fair, you somehow feel you are entitled to label us, mock us, and degrade us.

Then you wonder why many of us want nothing to do with you when you come up and ask us for help when you are stranded on a highway in the middle of nowhere………so ask yourselves, are America’s truck drivers really a problem, or are we an asset?

J.Haggard
11-11-10

Nothing to see here...

Peppermint Bark...

Another great holiday recipe for you today this one may sound a little hard
-but-
it is actually quite easy - just take your time - be patient
-&-
you will have a delicious treat everyone will love!?!

12 oz chocolate chips (ghiradelli is really good)
1 lb white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 c peppermint candy, crushed

Directions:
1
Preheat over to 250 degrees.
Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil, let it hang over the sides.
Spray foil with cooking spray.
2
Pour chocolate chips in an even layer on foil.
Place in over 5 minutes.
Remove and smooth with spatula.
Place in refrigerator until firm (about 20 min.).
3
Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler.
Stir in extract.
Let cool a bit.
Pour over chocolate layer.
Work quickly to spread.
Sprinkle with crushed candy.
Gently press candy into chocolate.
Chill until firm.
4
Lift foil, shake off excess candy.
Cut into 2 inch wide strips.
Chill in covered container.

Few hints when making this:
-Don't make layers too thin
-Take out of refrigerator a few minutes prior to adding white layer to insure bonding.
-Works best with good quality chocolate.
-Look for a white chocolate that contain cocoa butter.

Sharks...

Just remember:

Sharks ONLY attack IN water!?!

Reindeer Cupcakes

Since Christmas is drawing near

-&-

a lot of the school are having holiday parties before Winter Break begins...

I thought I'd share a great cupcake recipe with you!?!

And, since Rudolph

was on TV last night what a

better time to show you how to make reindeer cupcakes!?!

These easy -&- adorable cupcakes would make any child the hit of their holiday class party!?! So, here we go...enjoy!?!

Reindeer Cupcakes

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist cake mix (any non-swirl flavor)

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called fo

r on cake mix box

1 container Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

Chocolate shot

24 large pretzel twists

24 miniature marshmallows

24 red cinnamon candies

24 small red gumdrops

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans).

Make and cool cake as directed on box for 24 cupcakes.

2. Frost cupcakes with frosting.

Sprinkle chocolate shot over tops of cupcakes.

3. For each cupcake, cut pretzel twist in half; arrange on cupcake for reindeer antlers.

Cut miniature marshmallow in half; arrange on cupcake for eyes.

Center gumdrop below marshmallow halves for nose.

Place red cinnamon candy below gumdrop for mouth.

Store loosely covered.