Birthday Week continues

Today was a nice surprise.  I got a "happy birthday and every other occasion box" from baby sister in Chicago.  Bev loves to go to Trader Joe's so it was an abundant box of goodies. I am all set with Apple Cider soap (who knew?) Pumpkin Spice tea, and pumpkin body butter (am I sensing a theme here?) 

She also bought 2 boxes of my very favorite cookie (oatmeal, cranberry, white chocolate) which is sure to add more girth to my already corpulent hips!  (Maybe that wasn't such a good gift for a girl with no self-control.)  There were peppermint covered pretzels (also a red flag item for this sweet and salty girl!), and cinnamon cream caramels.

She also included some lemon-scented room deodorizer and fruit-scented candle.  Included was orange-flavored dark chocolate orange.  There are ginger mints (good for tummy trouble after eating all the goodies above) and ginger hand cream, as well as a lemon strawberry hand cream.  If they can't see me coming, they can smell me.  

I am overwhelmed by her generosity.  Now I'm starting to feel bad about her 2 boxes of grits and apple butter I sent her for her birthday.

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Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Imagine a day where you were the center of attention. (That's every day with Emma! ) The Divine Miss Em has a way of smiling with her whole face! I got smiles, squeals and grins all days.

Her bib says "Grandma Spoils Me" and I've certainly done my best to fulfill the prophecy! We were on the go all day yesterday.....all of us were tired at the end of the day.



Emma and I read books, and walked all over Harrisonburg








(well at least Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, and Chick-fil-a, and finally off to Red Lobster for a Birthday Dinner.)



Suzy and Tim will be coming to today so that will add to the mix of people to distract Emma. Poor Becky is not getting much sleep at night. Emma is so afraid that she will miss something if she goes to sleep that she is not sleeping at very long intervals which is wearing out her mom.


We may have to take Uncle Tim and Auntie Jewgy (Suzy) shopping with Emma and put her mom down for a nap. We forgot to take the stroller yesterday so Emma's nap were very short.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes and posts. It was a special day and will be a special week. I'm trying to post as many pictures as possible as I know the week will fly by all to quickly.

Happy Birthday Bev

Happy Birthday to my baby sister Bev!

Here's my top ten list of wishes for your day!







10. You have the day off and can sleep late if you want to.

9. You are surrounded by all your favorite people.

8. That no one honors you with anything chocolate.

7. That my birthday gift arrives on your birthday.

6. That you get taken out to your favorite place to eat.

5. May your ipod never give you any more trouble.

4. Know that although you were a surprise, you were always loved.

3. That I've always been here for you and still am.

2. That I'll NEVER EVER post a picture of you again.

1. I'm glad you are my forever sister and I love you.

Happy Big 5-0 Melli

Today is Melli's 50th Birthday And you are all invited to
Melli's Birthday Bash!

Today instead of a virtual party a few of her friends have decided to have a progressive birthday party.

Come join the fun and wish our Melli a fun filled day.



Since we want you in a party mood let's start with streamers and confetti! We've already started hanging the streamers to get you in a party mood.

We have a confetti cannon too! I'm not sure how it works but we will figure it out before she arrives!

Here's a game: Why is Melli like streamers and confetti? Feel free to leave your answers...

While we are hanging the streamers we would invited YOU to also visit:

Beckie.....for cake
Jen.....for party hats and you know how Melli loves Hats!!
Floozie...for balloons and "Happy Birthday Song"
Cozy...for ice cream and punch
Mar...for international birthday flare!
Lady Bug.....Party Game
Barbara.......Presents!


Melli is like Streamers and confetti because......
(OK, this is a hard one....)

She's a colorful character?
She commands attention?
She's in your face?
She knows how to party?
She leaves her mark everywhere?
She covers every aspect of an event?
You have to clean her up after the party?
A little of Melli goes a long way?
She's festive?
She gets in your hair?

Bang, Pow , Pop!

(Well, I see the confetti cannon is working....maybe a little too well. Oh dear I was hoping to fire it when ever Melli got here! )

Please drop your gifts and warm wishes off at Melli's

Melli likes words of encouragement and birthday greetings..(old people are like that you know! ) If you would like to post your own birthday tribute and be a part of Melli's Birthday Bash leave me a comment and I'll link you up. Thanks for coming and don't forget to visit the other sites for your ice cream, cake and party paraphernalia.


Got to get the stage set for the Big Birthday Bash.

Floozie, move the band over to the left a little more. Old old Lady take your place on center stage for the "Happy Birthday Song" Wendy Wings you're the director....Get these people moving Melli should make her appearance any time now.

Please sign the guest book so Melli will know you stopped by.

Speaking of the Birthday Girl....some one must have tipped her off about the surprise party cause Melli is definitely a teeshirt and shorts kind of girl!

You look Marvelous Darling, Let the party begin, check out all the other sites and don't forget to wish the party girl Happy Birthday.

Oh No! It looks like Melli has gotten into the wrong punch bowl!
Or was it the cake? I've heard rumors (here) that the cake packs a punch too!

Check out the latest gossip at Barbara's and pick up the Melli Magazine now on sale!

Check out Flip Flop Floozie site for balloon and the Happy Birthday Song!




Don't forget to go by Jen's for party hats!


I see Melli is already trying on a few!

Our dear Mar, has some international flavor in store for us too.




Party on!




See any difference?




Is that the same Hat?

The Mellinator!

In my job as an investigative reporter I have come up with the scoop of the century....Melli is actually The Mellinator. That's right folks you read it here! Let me give you a description of The Mellinator and her remarkable abilities.

She is able to leap to conclusions in a single bound, able to climb all statuary for a closer look and a better picture, faster than a melting Popsicle in the sun, stronger than sheet metal, more powerful than laughter, and who disguised as a mild manner Curves Ladies fights a never ending battle for exercise, fitness, and fun.

She has the special ability of flight (she can be all over the blogsphere in a manner of minutes). She is able to dissolve despair, bust up pity parties, and yes, KICK BUTT if the situation calls for quick action. Her birthday is tomorrow so I'm posting these today so I can join the witness protection program. Here are 50 reasons you can sleep better at night knowing the Mellinator is on patrol.



1. She has a wonderful sense of adventure.

2. She's a redhead. (that's like a blond but with less impulse control!)

3. She is bigger than life.

4. She loves her family and her husband.

5. She loves animals (one dog and 3 cats).

6. Her best friend is Jesus!

7. She makes even the ordinary fun.

8. She loves hats.

9. She likes to dress up (note costume).

10. She is pure marshmallow inside

11. She knows no stranger.

12 She's lost 60 pounds.

13. She leaves encouraging comments on everyone's blog.

14. Her friends feel blessed by her friendship.

15. She feels just as "at home" in your house as she does in her own.

16. She cares deeply.

17. You never know when she will pop up!

18. She loves to climb on every thing.

19. She loves to take pictures.

20. She is truly an original.

21. Her laughter is contagious.

22. She is computer wise and will gladly share her knowledge.

23. She is a great cheerleader.

24. She enjoys Bible Study.

25. You never have to invite her....she'll literally follow you home!

26. She loves her church and Pastor Paul.

27. She can ride a exercise bike for 8 hours and not get fanny fatigue!

28. She has great energy.

29. She won't take "NO" for an answer.

30. She is a reluctant "Water Walker".

31 She is a giver by nature.

32. She loves to sing in the car really loud with the windows rolled up.

33. She is fearless.

34. She is quick to defend a friend.

35. She sees the best in people and brings it out of them.

36. She loves seafood.

37. She is a beach lover.

38. She runs on anticipation and delight.

39. She loves to shop.

40. She always finds fun places to stop on road trips.

41. She loves crafts and loves giving presents.

42. Melli is the roller coaster queen.

43. Melli puts the spark in sparkle.

44. To be with Melli is like being caught up in tornado and landing in Oz.

45. Melli's middle name is excitement.

46. Melli recently fulfilled a secret desire to ride on top of the car through a car wash!

47. Savannah will never be the same after Melli's visit.

48. Melli is good "bait" to attract Blogger Babes and Lovely Laughing Ladies.

49. She's the knot at "the end of your rope" that pulls you back.

50. Like a fine wine.....She only improves with age! Happy Birthday Mellinator!

Happy Birthday Bobbie

25 Things Daisy Adores About her Sister Bobbie!

1. She's my oldest sister so she has always been there for me all my life!
2. She shared my secrets when we were growing up.
3. She has always been my encourager.
4. She makes me laugh hysterically.
   
5. She's a grandmother of four....two boys, two girls!
   
6. She helped my kids with their college tuition.
7. She's a cancer survivor.
8. She's always experience things first and made it easier for me to follow.
9. Mom always liked her best.
10. She sends me "her fat clothes" she's grown out of (and she has a fabulous wardrobe!)
    
11. I can talk to her about anything.
12. She has a great sense of style and design.
13. She is a woman of faith.
14. She has lost over 90 pounds ( so I can call her my half sister now!)
15. She has two terrific sons (Steve and Phil).
16. She married a great guy. (Joe)
    
17. She loves her dogs (the girls) .
    
18. She is very loving and kind.
19. She has always been brilliant.
20. She has a sparkling personality.
21. I've always admired her and always will.
22. She is a wonderful hostess and makes everyone feel welcomed.
23. She totally spoils my mom and I love it.
24. I know she prays for me.
    
25. She has a birthday today and she'll always be older than I am! (tee hee!)

Happy Birthday Boy Wonder!

From the time he was just a little boy he dreamed of super heroes. He always loved Superman, Batman, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He loved walking around with towel around his neck as a cape and flew all around the house as the Cape Crusader.

He rescued me from imagined beasts and bad men. He will tell you to this day that his dad is his hero.

He was always a charmer with his big brown trusting eyes and chubby cheeks. His smile would melt any mother's heart and it was always hard to discipline him because he would make you laugh at his naughtiness , because he was always so sincerely sorry.

He adored his sisters and put up with a lot of abuse just so they would play with him. Many days I watched him play "Sweet Valley High" board game or Barbie's just so they would pay attention to him.

He played his best sports after someone on the other team knocked him down. His determination intensified and so did his skill level. I've seen him play soccer in the snow, in intense heat and with a raging case of poison ivy.

I saw the coach pitch" Star" become hitless in Little League but it never dampened his enthusiasm. I still laugh when I remember one game where he played to the crowds, tipping his hat and bowing out in right field (where the dandy lions grow and no action occurred!) I remember that his prayer life grew in Little League. He would come to the plate and pray that they would walk him!

Now as a man, I still see the little boy in you but I am impressed by the maturity that is there also. Happy Birthday Bud. I was thrilled and totally captivated by you the moment I held you in my arms and know you are never far from my thoughts and my heart.

Happy Birthday Suzy

Auntie Suzy with little Emma

My Baby Girl has a birthday today so here are my top 10 reasons why I'm crazy about this girl!



1. Suzy is the female version of her dad (who I happen to adore!). Aren't they cute together?

2. She is absolutely adorable.... look at this face!

3. She is brilliant and creative. (Not that I'm the least bit biased!)

4. She spoils her Momma and I love it!

5. She spoils our Emma and her sister Becky, I love it!

6. I know that she will watch out for her "Baby Brother"and include him in their plans.

7. She is very sensitive and caring.

8. She makes me laugh.

9. She always know the best places to see and experience.

10. She knows exactly what she wants out of life and does not compromise.

Wordless Wednesday...My Birthday babies!

My two youngest children have birthdays this month. Aren't they adorable!

Happy 60th Beckie!

Today was not only Mother's Day but also my friend/neighbor/prayer partner/accountability partner/butt kicker/and partner in crime.....60th Birthday!

Of course it called for a celebration! Feel free to drop by her blog and wish her happy birthday.

Beckie ( A Child of God) began blogging about a year ago. She also takes breath taking photos on her photo blog.

She feeds our animals when we are out of town, prayer walks with me and lets me bend her ear on regular intervals. She's great for calling me up and going one photo adventures. She knows everyone and knows all the coolest places to photograph.

I am blessed to call her my friend and sister in the Lord.

Tuesday Tidbit......All about MEME

I saw this meme at Melli's first.....she got it from Lady Bug who got it from....well let's just say it been around. Here are the rules:

The rules are:

1) Go to Wikipedia
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3) List three events that happened on your birthday
4) List two important birthdays and one death
5) One holiday or observance (if any)

Events:
1954- Sammy Davis, Jr., loses his left eye in an automobile accident in San Bernardino, California. (I knew he lost his left eye but had no idea how it happened....much less on my birthday!)

1959- Ford Motor Company announces the discontinuation of the unpopular Edsel. ( See Melli, we will always be able to share the Edsel!)

1978- Jim Jones leads members of his Peoples Temple cult in mass murder-suicide. The bodies of 914 people, including 276 children, were found in Jonestown,Guyana in South America.
( such a horrible tragedy!)

1990- Pop group Milli Vanilli are stripped of their Grammy Award because the duo did not sing at all on the Girl You Know It’s True album. Session musicians had provided all the vocals.
( Is this another connection to Melli? or is it really Milli ?)

1998 - Lewinsky scandal: The United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee begins impeachment hearings against US President Bill Clinton. ( Wow, now that's something I really want to remember! ......Is anybody else seeing a pattern here? Diasters, accidents and scandals!)

Births:

1938- Ted Turner, American businessman
1959-Allison Janney, American actress
1961-- Meg Ryan, American actress
1962 -Jodie Foster, American actress

Death:
1988- Christina Onassis, daughter of billionaire Aristotle Onassis (b. 1950)

Holiday or Observance:

• Brazil - Flag Day
• Mali - Liberation Day
• World Toilet Day, see World Toilet Organization.

World Toilet Day.....Woo Hoo! I'm soooooo proud! So what happened on your birthday?

Happy Brithday Floozie!

Today is my friend's Birthday.
I know her as Sandy.

You know her as Flip Flop Floozie!

I have known her personally for over 5 years yet she never ceases to surprise me. Sandy loves to learn new things, loves blogging, scrap booking, going to Curves, Bible Studies, and helping anyone who needs help. I honestly don't think the work "No" is in her vocabulary.

Mr. Wonderful and I stay with Floozie and Mr. Floozie every year when we are in Savannah. She puts up with our impossible schedule and sneaks in fun things to do in between our activities. When we are together we laugh a lot and go out to lunch, and try to cram as much into the day as possible.

When she is at my house the giggling never ceases and discussions go on late into the night. Here are some secrets you might not know about Floozie!

People are instantly attracted to her!



Melli found her to be charming and disarming....(Er, Maybe it was Melli was the one who was disarming and maybe not too trusting of Georgia Peaches!)



Floozie can "strike a pose" any time, any place. Here she is pretending to be a mannequin at a Local Cracker Barrel. Note the discipline of standing still for seconds at a time. She perfected this skill during her rigorous training as a crash car dummy.


Floozie is a master at blending in with the scenery.
Here she is at a gathering of road side turkeys. Can you guess which one is Floozie?


Floozie will support your crazy ideas and will keep you from falling (off statues, out of grocery carts, or any where else for that matter!)





She's always in the middle of a fun time. Whether it's playing "dress up with Melli" or being a "Dream Girl" with me. Not much will "Stop, in the name of love" for our Floozie!


Drop by and wish Flip Flop Floozie a happy birthday. Leave her a virtual birthday gift and your greetings, it will only cost you a little bit of your time and besides....you know how excited "old people" get on their birthday!

Happy Birthday to a timeless Classic! I wish you years of health and vitality and "enough" of everything that brings you joy!

Thursday Thirteen...The Valentine One

(Shamelessly stolen from Carman...Gone to Plaid)

1. Valentine's Day has come and gone. Mr. Wonderful went out into the cold and ice and put wood into the wood stove to keep the house warm and toasty. When he came in he kissed me on the neck with his ice cold lips and said, " It's nice to know my kisses still make you shiver!"
   
2. Have you seen the anti-valentines that you can send on line. I was tempted to send one to Carman but you can view them here.
3. The one I like has a picture of Cupid and says, "Fat, Naked, Dangerous!"
4. I actually did send a valentine this year ..... It was a "first Valentine" so you know it had to be special. Any guesses who it was for? If you said " Emma" give yourself 5 points.
   
5. I went by the drug store and super market today and marveled at all the half priced Valentine's Day items. It made me chuckle as my mom used to tell me that a card or gift can be early but it "doesn't count if it's late!
6. My Mr. Wonderful has a bad cold and his voice is really low and husky......He sounds like Barry White and I think it sounds sexy!
7. Men are so practical when it comes to buying Valentine gifts.....last year I got kitchen knives, this year I got "card reader" for the digital camera.
8. If I had gotten a true life valentine's day card from Mr. Wonderful it would have said, " I have a bad cold, I feel lousy, I have no energy and you smashed up the car......But you know I love you right?"
9. 
   
10. Today is Mr. Wonderful's Birthday! I made him stay home from work, took him to the library where he could check out a new book and read to his heart's content. He calls it "Cave Time" .
    

10. I bought him a Book called "Dadisms" .....What Dads say and what it really means? I'm hoping it will encourage him to blog more. Maybe he will share some of his own unique "Dadisms".
11. Mr. Wonderful's sister sent him a "Shoefly Pie" for his birthday. He rations it out so it will last longer. He looks forward to having a birthday every year just so he can get his pie.
12. Shouldn't we show love to those that are special all year long instead of just one isolated day in February?
13. If you ask Mr. Wonderful what he got for Valentine's day/birthday he'll tell you he is getting a new "to us car."....then he'll tell you it because his wife smashed up our old one! So much for romance!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Thursday Thirteen..About Becky

Thirteen Things about Becky that I hope her daughter inherits.
 1. Today is our daughter Becky's birthday. This is her first birthday as a new mom. As a first-time Diva and lover of Fairy Tales, these are the gifts I hope your daughter inherits from you.

2. The first thing I see, and it is still true about you is that your smile lights up your face and electrifies the whole room. I am reminded of this comment while I was sitting in a cafe this afternoon, a random cute bearded old man walked by and said: "I hope the baby has your smile." I hope so too!

 3. I hope Emma inherits your love of books and a hunger and thirst for knowledge. I laugh knowing full well her nursery theme is golden books, and she already has wonderful posters of great children's books on her walls. I wouldn't be surprised to see her cutting her first teeth on a cardboard book. 

4. I pray that Emma will always feel loved, cherished, and protected. I love the picture of you kissing your sweet Emma's head while she is sleeping peacefully. I pray that she will always feel safe and secure in your loving arms.

 5. I pray that Emma inherits your sense of adventure. I never hear the Dixie Chicks' song "Wide Open Spaces" that I don't think of you. I hope she is as fearless as you my darling "Warrior Princess

  6. I hope she inherits your beautiful head of hair; it took you a long time to grow hair and you were pretty much a cue ball as a baby. She already has a pretty good start in that department. (Yes, that's you at 18 months!

 7. I hope she has your sense of humor (that you inherited from your dad). I hope she can look at a "Far Side" Cartoon and laugh hilariously.

 8. I pray that she will react as strongly as you do to injustice and cruelty and will be an agent for change in her generation.

 9. I hope she has an active imagination and always has some creative outlet for it, whether it's making up stories, drawing, or building with Legos.

 10. I pray she will be a leader and independent thinker like you.

 11. I pray that she will be physically active and enjoy participating in sports. Can you see Emma as a young soccer referee?

12. I pray that she will always keep the lines of communication open with you even if you don't agree with what she is doing. I always loved that you didn't shut us out of your life. I love this picture because I was on the other end of the phone and can hear her "little noises".

 13. I pray that you can give her Wings and Roots. Happy Birthday Becky.

Happy 80th Birthday Mom!

The Daisy has returned to the Daisy Patch and all is right with the world.

If only it was that simple!

This is the official family portrait. Mom and her three girls. If baby sister (middle of portrait) doesn't look very happy it's because she wasn't and she made every one of us aware of the fact!)

We had a card shower for Mom.....and she received about 80 birthday cards from friends and family. Oldest sister Barbara (right of picture) compiled all the cards , pictures and greetings and made an album for her which she is continuing to enjoy. Baby sister and I compiled a list of 80 memories and qualities we admire about our mom and printed them out on individual pieces of paper that she can pull out of a decorated jar on a daily basis for the next 80 days. (Talk about a birthday hang-over!)

Mr. Wonderful was the only male at the all girl weekend and was promptly put to work. Mom is an independent woman and rarely asks for any assistance with any household project. Since the sisters had arrived several days before we got there they had discovered some projects that needed doing and made sure that Mr. Wonderful brought his tools with him.

One major project was converting an old TV cabinet into a bookcase. My mom is a very frugal woman and really liked the cabinet which has doors that closed over the TV. My dad was an avid sports fan and loved watching all sports on that TV. When he died and the old tube television no longer worked Mom just couldn't bring herself to get rid of the set. Consequently it has set in her living room (doors closed) for over 20 years.

Mr. Wonderful and his beautiful assistant (yep, I'm talking me) moved the set to the garage and disassembled the parts. Mr. Wonderful kept several of the old vacuum tubes and transformer. The picture tube alone weighed about 30 pounds. Disposing of the parts also called for some creative distribution (which is another story for another day!).

He built a shelf into the cabinet, put a bottom over the base, and added the back to the cabinet. He stained the wood to match the dark walnut of the cabinet and we set it in place (back in the living room) moments before we left for Savannah.

He also dug out the clay and stepping stones by my mom's back door that accumulate water and filled it in with 200 pounds of sand, and more stones that will now absorb more overflow from the drainage off the roof.

We were both tired when we left but glad to be able to help. I rarely get to see my sisters so it was fun just to be able to be together if only for a few days. Mom really wanted the pictures of all of us so it would have been nice if Baby sister had been at least attempted a "happy face".

We played several games of Parcheesi. Parcheesi was always a family favorite of ours - its easy to get the hang of but offers some challenge and strategy. Kids and adults can play together, which was always a plus for our family. We learned to play as kids and our grandmother was the all time reigning champion. Our mom now holds the title and won every game no matter who was partnered with her.

The great thing about family games is the memories they evoke. We laughed at many "grandmother" stories and as always found some new rules (not written in the instructions so don't look!) Mom can whip around the board and what ever number you roll she has her finger on the space long before you can count it out.

In our house you roll to see who goes first and who gets Mom for their partner. Whoever has Mom wins so really the game is decided on the first roll!

Did you have any family games that your family still plays whenever you get together?

Happy Birthday Baby Sister

Today is my sister Bev's birthday.

Bev was a surprise. My older sister and I were in our teens when Beverly came along.

It was like having a real life baby doll to play with. I'm 14 years older and my sister was 17 years older.

When I was 16 and flirting with a cute boy.....this rascal would get angry at me for not paying attention to her and run to me with her arms outstretched saying, "Mommy, mommy, mommy." So not funny Bev!

Her sense of humor has never changed but I love her anyway.

Happy Birthday Tim

Yesterday was our boy Tim's birthday. He married our daughter 7 years ago, but fits so perfectly in our family that he truly is our boy. Did I say boy.....Tim is a man.

He adores our daughter and they truly compliment and bring out the best in one another.

He is a hard worker, a good provider, friend, and tireless traveling companion.

We are truly blessed to have him in our family and we adore him!